Stories?

{this blog has nothing to do with the radience)

[amba-the-hidden]

Hello. Do you have a story for me? I promise, I won't bite if you don't deserve it.

{This is Amba the nosk! She seems like a scary character, but really is just curious and quiet, sticking to the shadows, making her seem mysterious. She will defend herself or fight though, so troublemakers be warned. Also, no, she is not infected, she simply, like most of her species, has inner bioluminescence, much like an anglerfish.

No: Imposter asks, NSFW (though flirting is allowed, she'll just reply in character, so be warned), being rude, or any of that kind of stuff!

Amba is she/her, though she's used to/doesn't mind being called they/them/it/the creature

darkness listening: Char to char rp

sorrow from prejudice: in character posts

do not make me do this!: fighting

hiding to hear your stories: reblogs

sha-naya-nanigans: fun with her sister Naya! @dwelling-in-darkness

Have fun!}

Note: Her shifted form is shown, but she has yet to figure out how to consistently use it, so she stays primarily as a nosk.}

[adrenalynne]

Naya likes…

With the angst going down over on her blog, I just miss drawing her being fine and silly. So have a little comic (which I totally didn’t sacrifice some study time for…I couldn’t get the idea out of my head lmao)

Slight blood/hemolymph warning below!

Mei (left side of 1st panel) and Tein (third panel) belong to @echothevessel !

Amba (right side of 1st panel) belongs to @loch-nes-dragon !

And uhhh…no watermark because I lost it and so I’m making a new one :3

Original image (Ponyo likes)

[amba-the-hidden]

ooc: SOBBING WHYYYYYYYYY

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei gathered their things, which really wasnt that much, mostly just the prey that them and Amba had collected. Once they were finished, they made their way up to the Blasted Steps, hauling the bag of food over their shoulder.*

*They sat down once they arrived at the entrance, or in this case, exit of Pharloom and waited for their friends and family to join them.*

@amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department @li-of-hidden-caves

[styxs-nest]

Styx hurries through the Blasted Steps, and slows down for a moment when he sees the exit from Pharloom in the distance.

Here he is. For the first time, he’s really leaving home. He looks at his bag and and then back at the exit. He takes a deep breath and keeps walking towards the meetup spot until he sees Mei. Styx smiles and waves to them as he runs to say hello.

Hello, Mei! How are you doing?

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*They turn around when they heard him, waving back happily.* "Hi Uncle Styx!!! I doing okay!" *They took the bag oof their back, plopping it onto the ground.* "How is Nugget doing?"

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li follows the commotion, a bag of food and medical stuff on their back. They notice the conversation and decide to stay quiet, letting Mei and Styx talk*

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

They’re doing well as usual! Sssstill wawooing to their heart’ssss content!

Styx’s brow then furrows as he glares at no particular direction in mind.

Even when ssseveral bugsss-sss have been building thessse nonsss-sssensical sss-sssigns forbidding them from doing ssso…

Styx then scoffs in anger.

The sss-sssigns threaten to FINE bugssss for sssaying “WAWOO”- Can you believe thisss drivel?!

He then calms down and sighs.

In other newsss, I alsss-ssso adopted their sssibling, Tec, recently, and they and Nugget are currently ssstaying with Tein!

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li just watched the debate go down about the wawoo, not knowing what it is but not knowing if now’s the time to ask*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I'm glad that they're having fun! Even if the bugs are being meanies, and im glad that you adopted their sibling! When we get back i'd love to meet them!" *They then noticed Li, and waved to them even though they couldnt see them.* "Hi Li!!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh wow, I wasn't that far behind, right? How have Li and Styx already made it!?" *She smiles, joking, trotting up (humanoid form) and stopping beside Mei.*

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"AMBA!!" *They exclaim happily, seeing Amba and give her a big ol bear hug.* "Hehe! You're not too late, we still gotta wait for Phillip!"

[amba-the-hidden]

"Okay!" *She returns the hug happily, and waves at Styx and Li.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip walks over to the rest of the group, leaning on his new cane. His face is red with the anxiety of meeting everyone.*

Hi everyone! Yeah, uh, I'm here! Hi!

*The markings (or perhaps more accurately grooves) on his mask have become less of a light orange and more properly white, it just looks like someone carved his mask and made a mistake.*

[styxs-nest]

Styx hears the unfamiliar voice and turns around to where he heard it.

Sssspeaking of, if my guesss-sss of who thissss bug may be is correct, I think he has arrived.

He approaches who he assumes is Phillip and bows in greeting.

Hello! I do not believe we have met yet. My name is Sssstyx.

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li turns to Phillip, a small smile on their face*

Ah, it’s you. We remember you near our home. How are you?

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Hello, Styx, Mei has told me good things about you!

And uhh, you, to be honest I am not doing so great, but thanks anyways...

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh, that's no good... Well, we can hope this trip goes well, right? A big group, ready for anything... And we get to be the first Pharloom bugs to visit!" *She smiles sympitheticly.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yeah! And speaking of that, are you guys ready to go?" *Mei asked, looking at everyone excidedly.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! I'm hoping to represent Hallownest on this trip, if that's okay with everyone else?

I- I sorta worked for the government so I thought it would be fitting.

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Well, then. Looks like it’s time. Truth be told, Styx is still sceptical, unsure of what dangers may await the journey ahead. But he’s also travelling with some of his friends and family, so he won’t be alone either.

And despite his reservations about leaving Pharloom for a bit, who knows what amazing sights are out there?

Just like Tein said: Have fun. At the very least, Styx must try to make the most of it.

He takes one more deep breath and then nods with a small smile.

I am ready whenever everyone is-ssss ready.

@li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"I'm definitely ready. This is kind of scary... but if we stick together, we'll be okay. I wanna record our journey!" *She shifts on her feet, tense with excitement and nervousness.*

@li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark

[li-of-hidden-caves]

We are ready as well. We are excited to go somewhere new with our… friends.

*They hesitate on the word “friends”, not fully knowing if it’s the right term*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei smiles happily, picking up their bag of food, hoisting it over their shoulder then beginning their journey with one big happy step.* "Then lets go! Hehe!"

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Sssss... What is-ssss it bugs-ssss sss-sssay again at the sss-ssstart of a big adventure...?

Styx closes his eyes deep in thought, trying to remember the word he forgot. He immediately opens them again when he remembers and then follows Mei.

OH! Right! Onward!

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! Onward!

*Phillip takes his cane and starts following the rest of the group.*

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves

[amba-the-hidden]

"Wooooo, let's go! Neyst, here we come, a band of adventurers! Onward indeed!" *She skips forward.*

@li-of-hidden-caves

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei led the group for a bit, really just going in the direction that felt right. ... Lucent never really gave them directions-*

*They stopped after a bit, noticing that Li seemed sluggish. They gently picked up Li, setting them on their shoulders so they could sleep and keep going on.*

*They continued onward, they walked, and walked, and walked and.. walked. They sighed after a good long while and stopped again.*

"buh... I need to sit.." *They said, then promptly sat down.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx looks around the path every now and then as he continues walking. He occasionally wants to ask where everyone is right now, in hopes maybe any bug in the party knows more about outside of Pharloom than himself— More so out of curiosity than concern.

As they all continued to traverse, Styx’s legs were starting to get tired from walking. He doesn’t think he’s ever walked for as long as he has before.

Sssss… I agree. Thisss-sss may be a good time to take a bit of a break.

He then sits down on the ground.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah I agree with you two, also my legs aren't great anyway on account of the nerve damage.

*He sits down on a rock, sighing as he allows his muscles a rest. He puts his cane to the side, gently placing it on the stone ground.*

Okay, that's better... It sure has been a bit since I travelled for this long.

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba stretches, squeaking slightly as she does a variety of poses.*

"I mean, I've never travelled this long, so you've got that on me. Mei, you still good with the bag? I can carry it, maybe shift and redistribute the soreness, or something?"

*She sits next to them.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yesplease- Carrying Li and the bag is really hard..." *They handed the bag over to Amba.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*She takes it with a "oof! Heavy!" and promptly puts it down, shifts, and places it on her back, adjusting a little bit until it's safe between her wings. She then sits next to Mei, tail curling around them a little, and looks at the two conscious members of the party.*

"Hope you guys are okay with... This."

*She gestures to herself.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Sssss! It is-sss perfectly alright, Amba!

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He smiles softly.*

As long as both of you are happy, it's fine with me! If that's what you're asking, that is.

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I think its okay too! Though, i dunno how the bugs of Neyst are gonna react...." *They said with a bit of a worried expression.* "Maybe when we get close you could shift back? Then you could still carry the bag there and not scare any bugs!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh yeah! Good idea. Thanks squish!"

*She bumps her head against them and purrs quietly.*

"We gonna be ready to get going again soon? Maybe a snack or something first..."

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department or Mei

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei giggles, purring a bit as well and returning the bonk.* "I'm about ready now whenever you guys are!"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx stands up, feeling re-energized once more and picks his bag back up.

Sssso am I.

@the-hallownest-bio-department, @amba-the-hidden

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah... Okay. I'll get up.

*Phillip picks up his cane and carefully gets up.*

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Don't hurt yourself, sir."

*Amba rises to her own feet.*

"Let's get back on the road again! Let's hope we reach Neyst soon, adventurers!"

@meifen-within-the-dark @styxs-nest

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei stands up and begins leading the group again.* "Onward! Hehe!"

*They walk, occasionally stopping and thinking about which way to go before continuing again. They really hoped that they were going the right way and werent dooming everyone to getting lost in the wastes-*

*They stopped again after a good while, stopping at the edge of a large sinkhole that seemed to lead somewhere at the bottom due to faint lights.* "uh... I.. think this is it? ... I'm not really sure Lucent never told me what it looked like-"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He stares down at the sinkhole, his grip tightening around his cane and his expression turning grim.*

Do we need to go down there..?

@styxs-nest @meifen-within-the-dark

[styxs-nest]

Styx begins to get dizzy staring down at the sinkhole for too long. He takes a few shaky steps away from it with a quiet, nervous hiss.

Do pardon my hesss-sssitance, Mei, but I mussst pose the sss-sssame quesssstion. Do we know for sure thisss-sss is the way?

Thissss drop looksss-sss rather sssteep, and unless-ssss there is a sss-sssafer way to traverssse downwardsss, it could be risss-sssky.

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

”uuuhhhhhhh….” *They peered into the sink hole, it seemed to have a gradual decline into the center which seemed more of a entrance due to the metal poles with a flag hung on it nearby it.* “I think we can just slide down, Theres some thingies down there that kinda look like the ones outside of Hallownest.”

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"If nothing else, I can try to fly some down there... Maybe. Or, I can scout ahead. I don't think it'll be that bad, hopefully..."

*She peers into the hole, contemplating.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Styx hesitantly stares at the sinkhole again.

If it sss-ssseems sss-ssafe enough to fly down there, then perhapssss, but I don’t know…

He looks back at Mei and Phillip.

What do either of you think?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

If I did get down there, I doubt I'd survive he landing...

Styx, could you fit your head in there while holding onto the sides of the sinkhole so that you can check how far the drop is?

[styxs-nest]

Styx hesitates for a moment, the mere thought of looking down for even one more second scaring him.

Sssss… I… can certainly try…

He approaches the sinkhole and grips onto the sides of it as tightly as possible to ensure he does not fall. He then tries to figure out how deep the drop may be.

Oh dear higher beingssss above…

If he was dizzy before, he felt much worse now. In his dizziness, one of his claws was suddenly starting to slip.

GAH-

He yelped and immediately backed away from the sinkhole once more. He sat down to recover his balance once he felt he was far enough away from it. His heart was racing from that close call.

It’ssss f-f-far enough to m-make a bug dizzy, that’ssss for sure-

@amba-the-hidden, @meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei continued to peer over the sinkhole, then took a step forward to try and see how deep it really was, but unfortunately the ground gave away and they were sent sliding down the side.* "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-"

*They scrambled to try and get back up but they just kept slowly sliding down until they reached the bottom with a loud "THUMP!"* "ouf- I'm okay!" *They shouted from the bottom of the hole, looking up. They were surprised that Li was able to sleep through it all, but was glad that they were okay.*

*They looked around from where they now were, empty huts built with what looked like compacted dirt and sand, some sand from the wastes trickling down from above, dust-covered paths and what looked like some kind of market to the right. It seemed like this place had long been abandoned.* "We made It!!!!" *They shouted up, grinning happily.*

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

"Really!!? I'm coming!"

*She decides to fly instead of slide, and lands neatly at the bottom before shifting and looking around.*

"Whoa... looks like a normal place! Not surprising, but still..."

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip takes a deep breath before carefully sitting down and sliding down the sinkhole, but he accidentally tucks his knees in and lands on them with an audible crack.*

AH, FUCK!

*He grits his nonexistent teeth and gets up, wobbling a bit but still being able to walk with his cane.*

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Well, then, that just leaves Styx. He’s starting to shake, far from ready to slide down the sinkhole. Everyone else is at the bottom and alive though, so he’ll probably be okay…

…

He hopes…

Well… H-Here goessss nothing, I sss-sssuppose…

He sighs and cautiously approaches the sinkhole with dread. With that, he slides down, shrieking at the top of his voice the entire way.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

OOF!

He ungracefully lands on ground, shaken, but ultimately relieved to have made it to the bottom in one piece. Styx looks up and takes in his surroundings.

Whoa… Where are we?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"We're in Nesyt! ... At least i think we are!" *Mei replied happily, beginning to look around. Each hut and empty vendor booth was caked in many layers of dust and sand, some stringy dull-yellow plants strewn about the entire dimly-lit cave.*

*They walked up to one of the plants, it seemed so out of place here for some reason. They poked it, though nothing happened so they moved on, wandering until they heard a noise. It sounded like shuffling, followed by a clank and some annoyed mutters. They stopped in their tracks, looking back at the group with a look that seemed to be like they were asking if they heard it too.*

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba nods, eyes wide and shoulders bunched as though fluffing her currently non-existent wings.*

"I don't like this all of the sudden..."

*She looks around, sniffing the air.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Styx’s brow furrows nervously as he continuously stares at where the noise came from.

Neither do I- What was-ssss that?

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Ough my legs...

*He hears the noise, but just shakingly sighs and hobbles closer to Styx for some protection.*

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[architect-of-neyst]

*Mei gives Phillip a worried look, silently hoping that he’s okay. They would say something but they didn’t want to scare off whatever was making that noise.*

*They carefully creeped forward, towards the sound to investigate. The noise was a lot deeper in the cave than they had thought. They heard the clanking sound again and flinched as a piece of metal hit the ground in front of them.*

*They inched closer, seeing a light shine from atop a rock which seemed like a lantern as they got close.*

*There was a large wall of rubble, likely caused due to some kind of cave-in, and under than rubble was a large head propped up by various branches, it being a dark-green color, broken horns atop its head, it’s eyes a dull grey like an automation that was powered off.*

*Just below the large head was a bug ripping pieces of its metal plating off. They were dark-grey, four horns that curved inwards across its head, four white eyes, a deep blue cloak adorned with grey-fluff on it’s collar, and a large tail with what looked like a hand on the end. The bug threw another piece of metal to the ground, grumbling something about it being a bad piece. They hadn’t yet noticed Mei, or the group in general.*

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba looks at the bug, then at the group, then at the bug again, half a little trepidatious and half super excited. She points at them, mouthing,* "what do we do?"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx shrugs an “I don’t know” before squinting back at the mysterious bug, beyond confused.

What are they doing…?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip turns to the everyone else.*

I think we should knock them out and bring them in in for questioning.

...

I- if that's something you guys would be okay with.

[architect-of-neyst]

*Mei deadpans and gives him a look.* “We’re not doing that- They seem harmless anyway..” *They gesture to the bug, taking a small step closer.* “im gonna go say hi!”

*They wave at the bug with a smile, trying to appear friendly.* “Hello!”

*The bug flinched heavily, accidentally ripping out some wires on the robotic head and looked over at Mei, mumbling something for a moment and taking a step back.* “What are you doing here?”

“oh- uhm-“ *Mei hesitated, unsure of how to explain.*

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Styx approaches the new bug shortly after and bows in greeting.

Sssss-

Our apologiesss if we sss-ssstartled you. We all jussst arrived here.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip carefully steps out from behind Styx, his legs still wobbly from the fall but he is a little bit better than before. He nods in respect toward the architect.*

Hello, uhm, my name is Phillip, from Hallownest.

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"And I am Amba! We're explorers, not here to harm anyone."

*She waves at the bug.*

@meifen-within-the-dark @styxs-nest

[architect-of-neyst]

*Arc tilted their head listening to the group's words. They were a bit surprised that there were bugs that knew of Neyst, and even more so that they wanted to come here. They thought that Neyst had been long abandoned, and forgotten.* "Oh. ... I Arc, though there not much here besides scraps."

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

It is-ssss nice to meet you, Arc. I am Ssstyx.

Thissss place, for sure, is-sss rather quiet.

He tilts his head curiously.

You sssay there is not a lot aside from ssscraps? Is that what you came here to sssearch for?

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[architect-of-neyst]

*They nodded.* "Ye, though i not expecting so much to change after so long... Used to be lot of bug, and cave used to be bigger but something happen so it like dis now... And now my bestest creation is like dis." *They gestured to the automation's head briefly before crossing their arms, pouting and kicked a small rock.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba frowns, concerned.*

"Something happened? What could have possibly happened to wipe out almost an entire area.... I was expecting at least a little civilization... is there anyone else you know of around here, or even in the entirety of... what seems to be left of Neyst?"

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[architect-of-neyst]

"uuhh..." *Arc hesitated, taken a bit aback by the sudden flood of questions, though they were willing to answer.*

"There this stuff that the Scaravs call the "Fray", it releases evil spores that get into your lungs and then take over your body, uhhh.." *They looked around for a moment, then pointed at a rather wilted patch of tall standing stringy plants, a dull yellow color, the same as the plant that Mei had poked earlier that was peeking out from in between the cracks of rubble.* "That stuff, though since mostly every bug has fled, or died from it, it dont have anything to feed on so is kinda dead now. Completely safe."

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx’s heart jumped when Arc pointed to the plant that Mei had touched earlier. He didn’t want them to have to fight mandible and nail with themself again, let alone die doing so. Them struggling once was already more than enough. It did not need to happen again.

And though Arc reassures that the Fray is dead, it still does not quell the intense worry running rampant in Styx’s brain. What if some of it is still alive? What if the one everyone saw earlier is just barely alive? And it ended up releasing the spores—

At that point, Styx had been standing completely silent for about a minute, fear apparent in his eyes. He blinks and looks at everyone, hoping they didn’t notice him worrying much.

O-Oh- My apologiesss I w-wassss jusss-ssst thinking to myssself for a moment… Uhm…

He then tries to think of a question to ask Arc about Neyst.

Arc, Do you know h-how long had thisss-sss “Fray” been around for, perchance?

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*They shrugged.* "I dunno. It been around for awhile, i left before it got too bad."

*Mei had stayed silent as the group asked Arc questions, they were going to ask one themself but couldnt think of one. When they had mentioned the Fray, they also got a bit worried since they had touched a bit of it, though hearing that it was dead made them calm down a bit. Hearing them mention the Scaravs did peak their interest though.* "How much do you know about the Scaravs?" *They asked,*

"uhhh.." *Arc thought for a few moments,* "Not too much. I never really talked to any besides the Queens before they left."

"Woahh, you talked to the Queens??" *Mei replied in awe.*

"Yeh, they wanted me to make the waterways which is how bugs get around, and also the water wheel to have water to drink n stuff, and also gates for the Palace, and how housing is made, they werent too happy about Yua doe.."

"you what now-" *Mei said, listening to Arc's words. They were too astonished to ask who Yua was.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @amba-the-hidden

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip stands there, listening to the conversation, but not really focusing on any of it.*

Okay, but where are they, you say the Queens left, but where to?

@architect-of-neyst @amba-the-hidden

[architect-of-neyst]

*They shrugged.* "I dunno, they were here when i left and when i came back they were gone. They prolly left because of the Fray, as far as i know we the only bugs here that alive."

@amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba turns to the group.*

"Should we try and find these Queens? I feel like they could give us answers that Arc here can't..."

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"If you're gonna try to find em is prolly a loss cause." *Arc said, overhearing her.* "But if you really wanna the place they're most likely at is da Palace."

*Mei tilted their head,* "But.. Where is the palace?"

"Oh- Holds on-" *Arc began to look around their little area, pulling out some scrolls and ripping a section out of one before handing it to Mei.* "Is a map."

"Oh! Thank you!" *Mei took the map, looking at it.* "uhm... I cant read it..."

"Ou-" *Arc took the map back and looked around for something to write with and once they did they scribbled on the map, handing it back to Mei.* "There!"

"Thanks!" *Mei looked at the map, the original text being scribbled out and new text written above it with the names of areas written in Pharloomian rather than what they assumed was Neystian.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

(ooc: version without scribbles below and with white background)

[styxs-nest]

Looksss like there will be quite a bit to explore.

Perhapsss-sss, we’ll eventually find more anssswers along the way too.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

"Huh, yeah..."

*She peers at the map from beside Mei, very curious about the new language. She traces a claw over the outlined areas as though commiting them to memory. She looks around and orients her sense of direction and nods.*

"Seems straightforward enough. Thank you for the help, Arc!"

@the-hallownest-bio-department @meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei gathered their things, which really wasnt that much, mostly just the prey that them and Amba had collected. Once they were finished, they made their way up to the Blasted Steps, hauling the bag of food over their shoulder.*

*They sat down once they arrived at the entrance, or in this case, exit of Pharloom and waited for their friends and family to join them.*

@amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department @li-of-hidden-caves

[styxs-nest]

Styx hurries through the Blasted Steps, and slows down for a moment when he sees the exit from Pharloom in the distance.

Here he is. For the first time, he’s really leaving home. He looks at his bag and and then back at the exit. He takes a deep breath and keeps walking towards the meetup spot until he sees Mei. Styx smiles and waves to them as he runs to say hello.

Hello, Mei! How are you doing?

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*They turn around when they heard him, waving back happily.* "Hi Uncle Styx!!! I doing okay!" *They took the bag oof their back, plopping it onto the ground.* "How is Nugget doing?"

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li follows the commotion, a bag of food and medical stuff on their back. They notice the conversation and decide to stay quiet, letting Mei and Styx talk*

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

They’re doing well as usual! Sssstill wawooing to their heart’ssss content!

Styx’s brow then furrows as he glares at no particular direction in mind.

Even when ssseveral bugsss-sss have been building thessse nonsss-sssensical sss-sssigns forbidding them from doing ssso…

Styx then scoffs in anger.

The sss-sssigns threaten to FINE bugssss for sssaying “WAWOO”- Can you believe thisss drivel?!

He then calms down and sighs.

In other newsss, I alsss-ssso adopted their sssibling, Tec, recently, and they and Nugget are currently ssstaying with Tein!

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li just watched the debate go down about the wawoo, not knowing what it is but not knowing if now’s the time to ask*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I'm glad that they're having fun! Even if the bugs are being meanies, and im glad that you adopted their sibling! When we get back i'd love to meet them!" *They then noticed Li, and waved to them even though they couldnt see them.* "Hi Li!!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh wow, I wasn't that far behind, right? How have Li and Styx already made it!?" *She smiles, joking, trotting up (humanoid form) and stopping beside Mei.*

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"AMBA!!" *They exclaim happily, seeing Amba and give her a big ol bear hug.* "Hehe! You're not too late, we still gotta wait for Phillip!"

[amba-the-hidden]

"Okay!" *She returns the hug happily, and waves at Styx and Li.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip walks over to the rest of the group, leaning on his new cane. His face is red with the anxiety of meeting everyone.*

Hi everyone! Yeah, uh, I'm here! Hi!

*The markings (or perhaps more accurately grooves) on his mask have become less of a light orange and more properly white, it just looks like someone carved his mask and made a mistake.*

[styxs-nest]

Styx hears the unfamiliar voice and turns around to where he heard it.

Sssspeaking of, if my guesss-sss of who thissss bug may be is correct, I think he has arrived.

He approaches who he assumes is Phillip and bows in greeting.

Hello! I do not believe we have met yet. My name is Sssstyx.

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li turns to Phillip, a small smile on their face*

Ah, it’s you. We remember you near our home. How are you?

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Hello, Styx, Mei has told me good things about you!

And uhh, you, to be honest I am not doing so great, but thanks anyways...

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh, that's no good... Well, we can hope this trip goes well, right? A big group, ready for anything... And we get to be the first Pharloom bugs to visit!" *She smiles sympitheticly.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yeah! And speaking of that, are you guys ready to go?" *Mei asked, looking at everyone excidedly.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! I'm hoping to represent Hallownest on this trip, if that's okay with everyone else?

I- I sorta worked for the government so I thought it would be fitting.

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Well, then. Looks like it’s time. Truth be told, Styx is still sceptical, unsure of what dangers may await the journey ahead. But he’s also travelling with some of his friends and family, so he won’t be alone either.

And despite his reservations about leaving Pharloom for a bit, who knows what amazing sights are out there?

Just like Tein said: Have fun. At the very least, Styx must try to make the most of it.

He takes one more deep breath and then nods with a small smile.

I am ready whenever everyone is-ssss ready.

@li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"I'm definitely ready. This is kind of scary... but if we stick together, we'll be okay. I wanna record our journey!" *She shifts on her feet, tense with excitement and nervousness.*

@li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark

[li-of-hidden-caves]

We are ready as well. We are excited to go somewhere new with our… friends.

*They hesitate on the word “friends”, not fully knowing if it’s the right term*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei smiles happily, picking up their bag of food, hoisting it over their shoulder then beginning their journey with one big happy step.* "Then lets go! Hehe!"

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Sssss... What is-ssss it bugs-ssss sss-sssay again at the sss-ssstart of a big adventure...?

Styx closes his eyes deep in thought, trying to remember the word he forgot. He immediately opens them again when he remembers and then follows Mei.

OH! Right! Onward!

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! Onward!

*Phillip takes his cane and starts following the rest of the group.*

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves

[amba-the-hidden]

"Wooooo, let's go! Neyst, here we come, a band of adventurers! Onward indeed!" *She skips forward.*

@li-of-hidden-caves

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei led the group for a bit, really just going in the direction that felt right. ... Lucent never really gave them directions-*

*They stopped after a bit, noticing that Li seemed sluggish. They gently picked up Li, setting them on their shoulders so they could sleep and keep going on.*

*They continued onward, they walked, and walked, and walked and.. walked. They sighed after a good long while and stopped again.*

"buh... I need to sit.." *They said, then promptly sat down.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx looks around the path every now and then as he continues walking. He occasionally wants to ask where everyone is right now, in hopes maybe any bug in the party knows more about outside of Pharloom than himself— More so out of curiosity than concern.

As they all continued to traverse, Styx’s legs were starting to get tired from walking. He doesn’t think he’s ever walked for as long as he has before.

Sssss… I agree. Thisss-sss may be a good time to take a bit of a break.

He then sits down on the ground.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah I agree with you two, also my legs aren't great anyway on account of the nerve damage.

*He sits down on a rock, sighing as he allows his muscles a rest. He puts his cane to the side, gently placing it on the stone ground.*

Okay, that's better... It sure has been a bit since I travelled for this long.

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba stretches, squeaking slightly as she does a variety of poses.*

"I mean, I've never travelled this long, so you've got that on me. Mei, you still good with the bag? I can carry it, maybe shift and redistribute the soreness, or something?"

*She sits next to them.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yesplease- Carrying Li and the bag is really hard..." *They handed the bag over to Amba.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*She takes it with a "oof! Heavy!" and promptly puts it down, shifts, and places it on her back, adjusting a little bit until it's safe between her wings. She then sits next to Mei, tail curling around them a little, and looks at the two conscious members of the party.*

"Hope you guys are okay with... This."

*She gestures to herself.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Sssss! It is-sss perfectly alright, Amba!

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He smiles softly.*

As long as both of you are happy, it's fine with me! If that's what you're asking, that is.

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I think its okay too! Though, i dunno how the bugs of Neyst are gonna react...." *They said with a bit of a worried expression.* "Maybe when we get close you could shift back? Then you could still carry the bag there and not scare any bugs!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh yeah! Good idea. Thanks squish!"

*She bumps her head against them and purrs quietly.*

"We gonna be ready to get going again soon? Maybe a snack or something first..."

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department or Mei

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei giggles, purring a bit as well and returning the bonk.* "I'm about ready now whenever you guys are!"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx stands up, feeling re-energized once more and picks his bag back up.

Sssso am I.

@the-hallownest-bio-department, @amba-the-hidden

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah... Okay. I'll get up.

*Phillip picks up his cane and carefully gets up.*

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Don't hurt yourself, sir."

*Amba rises to her own feet.*

"Let's get back on the road again! Let's hope we reach Neyst soon, adventurers!"

@meifen-within-the-dark @styxs-nest

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei stands up and begins leading the group again.* "Onward! Hehe!"

*They walk, occasionally stopping and thinking about which way to go before continuing again. They really hoped that they were going the right way and werent dooming everyone to getting lost in the wastes-*

*They stopped again after a good while, stopping at the edge of a large sinkhole that seemed to lead somewhere at the bottom due to faint lights.* "uh... I.. think this is it? ... I'm not really sure Lucent never told me what it looked like-"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He stares down at the sinkhole, his grip tightening around his cane and his expression turning grim.*

Do we need to go down there..?

@styxs-nest @meifen-within-the-dark

[styxs-nest]

Styx begins to get dizzy staring down at the sinkhole for too long. He takes a few shaky steps away from it with a quiet, nervous hiss.

Do pardon my hesss-sssitance, Mei, but I mussst pose the sss-sssame quesssstion. Do we know for sure thisss-sss is the way?

Thissss drop looksss-sss rather sssteep, and unless-ssss there is a sss-sssafer way to traverssse downwardsss, it could be risss-sssky.

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

”uuuhhhhhhh….” *They peered into the sink hole, it seemed to have a gradual decline into the center which seemed more of a entrance due to the metal poles with a flag hung on it nearby it.* “I think we can just slide down, Theres some thingies down there that kinda look like the ones outside of Hallownest.”

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"If nothing else, I can try to fly some down there... Maybe. Or, I can scout ahead. I don't think it'll be that bad, hopefully..."

*She peers into the hole, contemplating.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Styx hesitantly stares at the sinkhole again.

If it sss-ssseems sss-ssafe enough to fly down there, then perhapssss, but I don’t know…

He looks back at Mei and Phillip.

What do either of you think?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

If I did get down there, I doubt I'd survive he landing...

Styx, could you fit your head in there while holding onto the sides of the sinkhole so that you can check how far the drop is?

[styxs-nest]

Styx hesitates for a moment, the mere thought of looking down for even one more second scaring him.

Sssss… I… can certainly try…

He approaches the sinkhole and grips onto the sides of it as tightly as possible to ensure he does not fall. He then tries to figure out how deep the drop may be.

Oh dear higher beingssss above…

If he was dizzy before, he felt much worse now. In his dizziness, one of his claws was suddenly starting to slip.

GAH-

He yelped and immediately backed away from the sinkhole once more. He sat down to recover his balance once he felt he was far enough away from it. His heart was racing from that close call.

It’ssss f-f-far enough to m-make a bug dizzy, that’ssss for sure-

@amba-the-hidden, @meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei continued to peer over the sinkhole, then took a step forward to try and see how deep it really was, but unfortunately the ground gave away and they were sent sliding down the side.* "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-"

*They scrambled to try and get back up but they just kept slowly sliding down until they reached the bottom with a loud "THUMP!"* "ouf- I'm okay!" *They shouted from the bottom of the hole, looking up. They were surprised that Li was able to sleep through it all, but was glad that they were okay.*

*They looked around from where they now were, empty huts built with what looked like compacted dirt and sand, some sand from the wastes trickling down from above, dust-covered paths and what looked like some kind of market to the right. It seemed like this place had long been abandoned.* "We made It!!!!" *They shouted up, grinning happily.*

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

"Really!!? I'm coming!"

*She decides to fly instead of slide, and lands neatly at the bottom before shifting and looking around.*

"Whoa... looks like a normal place! Not surprising, but still..."

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip takes a deep breath before carefully sitting down and sliding down the sinkhole, but he accidentally tucks his knees in and lands on them with an audible crack.*

AH, FUCK!

*He grits his nonexistent teeth and gets up, wobbling a bit but still being able to walk with his cane.*

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Well, then, that just leaves Styx. He’s starting to shake, far from ready to slide down the sinkhole. Everyone else is at the bottom and alive though, so he’ll probably be okay…

…

He hopes…

Well… H-Here goessss nothing, I sss-sssuppose…

He sighs and cautiously approaches the sinkhole with dread. With that, he slides down, shrieking at the top of his voice the entire way.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

OOF!

He ungracefully lands on ground, shaken, but ultimately relieved to have made it to the bottom in one piece. Styx looks up and takes in his surroundings.

Whoa… Where are we?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"We're in Nesyt! ... At least i think we are!" *Mei replied happily, beginning to look around. Each hut and empty vendor booth was caked in many layers of dust and sand, some stringy dull-yellow plants strewn about the entire dimly-lit cave.*

*They walked up to one of the plants, it seemed so out of place here for some reason. They poked it, though nothing happened so they moved on, wandering until they heard a noise. It sounded like shuffling, followed by a clank and some annoyed mutters. They stopped in their tracks, looking back at the group with a look that seemed to be like they were asking if they heard it too.*

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba nods, eyes wide and shoulders bunched as though fluffing her currently non-existent wings.*

"I don't like this all of the sudden..."

*She looks around, sniffing the air.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Styx’s brow furrows nervously as he continuously stares at where the noise came from.

Neither do I- What was-ssss that?

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Ough my legs...

*He hears the noise, but just shakingly sighs and hobbles closer to Styx for some protection.*

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[architect-of-neyst]

*Mei gives Phillip a worried look, silently hoping that he’s okay. They would say something but they didn’t want to scare off whatever was making that noise.*

*They carefully creeped forward, towards the sound to investigate. The noise was a lot deeper in the cave than they had thought. They heard the clanking sound again and flinched as a piece of metal hit the ground in front of them.*

*They inched closer, seeing a light shine from atop a rock which seemed like a lantern as they got close.*

*There was a large wall of rubble, likely caused due to some kind of cave-in, and under than rubble was a large head propped up by various branches, it being a dark-green color, broken horns atop its head, it’s eyes a dull grey like an automation that was powered off.*

*Just below the large head was a bug ripping pieces of its metal plating off. They were dark-grey, four horns that curved inwards across its head, four white eyes, a deep blue cloak adorned with grey-fluff on it’s collar, and a large tail with what looked like a hand on the end. The bug threw another piece of metal to the ground, grumbling something about it being a bad piece. They hadn’t yet noticed Mei, or the group in general.*

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba looks at the bug, then at the group, then at the bug again, half a little trepidatious and half super excited. She points at them, mouthing,* "what do we do?"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx shrugs an “I don’t know” before squinting back at the mysterious bug, beyond confused.

What are they doing…?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip turns to the everyone else.*

I think we should knock them out and bring them in in for questioning.

...

I- if that's something you guys would be okay with.

[architect-of-neyst]

*Mei deadpans and gives him a look.* “We’re not doing that- They seem harmless anyway..” *They gesture to the bug, taking a small step closer.* “im gonna go say hi!”

*They wave at the bug with a smile, trying to appear friendly.* “Hello!”

*The bug flinched heavily, accidentally ripping out some wires on the robotic head and looked over at Mei, mumbling something for a moment and taking a step back.* “What are you doing here?”

“oh- uhm-“ *Mei hesitated, unsure of how to explain.*

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Styx approaches the new bug shortly after and bows in greeting.

Sssss-

Our apologiesss if we sss-ssstartled you. We all jussst arrived here.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip carefully steps out from behind Styx, his legs still wobbly from the fall but he is a little bit better than before. He nods in respect toward the architect.*

Hello, uhm, my name is Phillip, from Hallownest.

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"And I am Amba! We're explorers, not here to harm anyone."

*She waves at the bug.*

@meifen-within-the-dark @styxs-nest

[architect-of-neyst]

*Arc tilted their head listening to the group's words. They were a bit surprised that there were bugs that knew of Neyst, and even more so that they wanted to come here. They thought that Neyst had been long abandoned, and forgotten.* "Oh. ... I Arc, though there not much here besides scraps."

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

It is-ssss nice to meet you, Arc. I am Ssstyx.

Thissss place, for sure, is-sss rather quiet.

He tilts his head curiously.

You sssay there is not a lot aside from ssscraps? Is that what you came here to sssearch for?

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[architect-of-neyst]

*They nodded.* "Ye, though i not expecting so much to change after so long... Used to be lot of bug, and cave used to be bigger but something happen so it like dis now... And now my bestest creation is like dis." *They gestured to the automation's head briefly before crossing their arms, pouting and kicked a small rock.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba frowns, concerned.*

"Something happened? What could have possibly happened to wipe out almost an entire area.... I was expecting at least a little civilization... is there anyone else you know of around here, or even in the entirety of... what seems to be left of Neyst?"

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[architect-of-neyst]

"uuhh..." *Arc hesitated, taken a bit aback by the sudden flood of questions, though they were willing to answer.*

"There this stuff that the Scaravs call the "Fray", it releases evil spores that get into your lungs and then take over your body, uhhh.." *They looked around for a moment, then pointed at a rather wilted patch of tall standing stringy plants, a dull yellow color, the same as the plant that Mei had poked earlier that was peeking out from in between the cracks of rubble.* "That stuff, though since mostly every bug has fled, or died from it, it dont have anything to feed on so is kinda dead now. Completely safe."

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx’s heart jumped when Arc pointed to the plant that Mei had touched earlier. He didn’t want them to have to fight mandible and nail with themself again, let alone die doing so. Them struggling once was already more than enough. It did not need to happen again.

And though Arc reassures that the Fray is dead, it still does not quell the intense worry running rampant in Styx’s brain. What if some of it is still alive? What if the one everyone saw earlier is just barely alive? And it ended up releasing the spores—

At that point, Styx had been standing completely silent for about a minute, fear apparent in his eyes. He blinks and looks at everyone, hoping they didn’t notice him worrying much.

O-Oh- My apologiesss I w-wassss jusss-ssst thinking to myssself for a moment… Uhm…

He then tries to think of a question to ask Arc about Neyst.

Arc, Do you know h-how long had thisss-sss “Fray” been around for, perchance?

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*They shrugged.* "I dunno. It been around for awhile, i left before it got too bad."

*Mei had stayed silent as the group asked Arc questions, they were going to ask one themself but couldnt think of one. When they had mentioned the Fray, they also got a bit worried since they had touched a bit of it, though hearing that it was dead made them calm down a bit. Hearing them mention the Scaravs did peak their interest though.* "How much do you know about the Scaravs?" *They asked,*

"uhhh.." *Arc thought for a few moments,* "Not too much. I never really talked to any besides the Queens before they left."

"Woahh, you talked to the Queens??" *Mei replied in awe.*

"Yeh, they wanted me to make the waterways which is how bugs get around, and also the water wheel to have water to drink n stuff, and also gates for the Palace, and how housing is made, they werent too happy about Yua doe.."

"you what now-" *Mei said, listening to Arc's words. They were too astonished to ask who Yua was.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @amba-the-hidden

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip stands there, listening to the conversation, but not really focusing on any of it.*

Okay, but where are they, you say the Queens left, but where to?

@architect-of-neyst @amba-the-hidden

[architect-of-neyst]

*They shrugged.* "I dunno, they were here when i left and when i came back they were gone. They prolly left because of the Fray, as far as i know we the only bugs here that alive."

@amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba turns to the group.*

"Should we try and find these Queens? I feel like they could give us answers that Arc here can't..."

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei gathered their things, which really wasnt that much, mostly just the prey that them and Amba had collected. Once they were finished, they made their way up to the Blasted Steps, hauling the bag of food over their shoulder.*

*They sat down once they arrived at the entrance, or in this case, exit of Pharloom and waited for their friends and family to join them.*

@amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department @li-of-hidden-caves

[styxs-nest]

Styx hurries through the Blasted Steps, and slows down for a moment when he sees the exit from Pharloom in the distance.

Here he is. For the first time, he’s really leaving home. He looks at his bag and and then back at the exit. He takes a deep breath and keeps walking towards the meetup spot until he sees Mei. Styx smiles and waves to them as he runs to say hello.

Hello, Mei! How are you doing?

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*They turn around when they heard him, waving back happily.* "Hi Uncle Styx!!! I doing okay!" *They took the bag oof their back, plopping it onto the ground.* "How is Nugget doing?"

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li follows the commotion, a bag of food and medical stuff on their back. They notice the conversation and decide to stay quiet, letting Mei and Styx talk*

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

They’re doing well as usual! Sssstill wawooing to their heart’ssss content!

Styx’s brow then furrows as he glares at no particular direction in mind.

Even when ssseveral bugsss-sss have been building thessse nonsss-sssensical sss-sssigns forbidding them from doing ssso…

Styx then scoffs in anger.

The sss-sssigns threaten to FINE bugssss for sssaying “WAWOO”- Can you believe thisss drivel?!

He then calms down and sighs.

In other newsss, I alsss-ssso adopted their sssibling, Tec, recently, and they and Nugget are currently ssstaying with Tein!

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li just watched the debate go down about the wawoo, not knowing what it is but not knowing if now’s the time to ask*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I'm glad that they're having fun! Even if the bugs are being meanies, and im glad that you adopted their sibling! When we get back i'd love to meet them!" *They then noticed Li, and waved to them even though they couldnt see them.* "Hi Li!!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh wow, I wasn't that far behind, right? How have Li and Styx already made it!?" *She smiles, joking, trotting up (humanoid form) and stopping beside Mei.*

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"AMBA!!" *They exclaim happily, seeing Amba and give her a big ol bear hug.* "Hehe! You're not too late, we still gotta wait for Phillip!"

[amba-the-hidden]

"Okay!" *She returns the hug happily, and waves at Styx and Li.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip walks over to the rest of the group, leaning on his new cane. His face is red with the anxiety of meeting everyone.*

Hi everyone! Yeah, uh, I'm here! Hi!

*The markings (or perhaps more accurately grooves) on his mask have become less of a light orange and more properly white, it just looks like someone carved his mask and made a mistake.*

[styxs-nest]

Styx hears the unfamiliar voice and turns around to where he heard it.

Sssspeaking of, if my guesss-sss of who thissss bug may be is correct, I think he has arrived.

He approaches who he assumes is Phillip and bows in greeting.

Hello! I do not believe we have met yet. My name is Sssstyx.

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li turns to Phillip, a small smile on their face*

Ah, it’s you. We remember you near our home. How are you?

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Hello, Styx, Mei has told me good things about you!

And uhh, you, to be honest I am not doing so great, but thanks anyways...

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh, that's no good... Well, we can hope this trip goes well, right? A big group, ready for anything... And we get to be the first Pharloom bugs to visit!" *She smiles sympitheticly.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yeah! And speaking of that, are you guys ready to go?" *Mei asked, looking at everyone excidedly.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! I'm hoping to represent Hallownest on this trip, if that's okay with everyone else?

I- I sorta worked for the government so I thought it would be fitting.

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Well, then. Looks like it’s time. Truth be told, Styx is still sceptical, unsure of what dangers may await the journey ahead. But he’s also travelling with some of his friends and family, so he won’t be alone either.

And despite his reservations about leaving Pharloom for a bit, who knows what amazing sights are out there?

Just like Tein said: Have fun. At the very least, Styx must try to make the most of it.

He takes one more deep breath and then nods with a small smile.

I am ready whenever everyone is-ssss ready.

@li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"I'm definitely ready. This is kind of scary... but if we stick together, we'll be okay. I wanna record our journey!" *She shifts on her feet, tense with excitement and nervousness.*

@li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark

[li-of-hidden-caves]

We are ready as well. We are excited to go somewhere new with our… friends.

*They hesitate on the word “friends”, not fully knowing if it’s the right term*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei smiles happily, picking up their bag of food, hoisting it over their shoulder then beginning their journey with one big happy step.* "Then lets go! Hehe!"

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Sssss... What is-ssss it bugs-ssss sss-sssay again at the sss-ssstart of a big adventure...?

Styx closes his eyes deep in thought, trying to remember the word he forgot. He immediately opens them again when he remembers and then follows Mei.

OH! Right! Onward!

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! Onward!

*Phillip takes his cane and starts following the rest of the group.*

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves

[amba-the-hidden]

"Wooooo, let's go! Neyst, here we come, a band of adventurers! Onward indeed!" *She skips forward.*

@li-of-hidden-caves

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei led the group for a bit, really just going in the direction that felt right. ... Lucent never really gave them directions-*

*They stopped after a bit, noticing that Li seemed sluggish. They gently picked up Li, setting them on their shoulders so they could sleep and keep going on.*

*They continued onward, they walked, and walked, and walked and.. walked. They sighed after a good long while and stopped again.*

"buh... I need to sit.." *They said, then promptly sat down.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx looks around the path every now and then as he continues walking. He occasionally wants to ask where everyone is right now, in hopes maybe any bug in the party knows more about outside of Pharloom than himself— More so out of curiosity than concern.

As they all continued to traverse, Styx’s legs were starting to get tired from walking. He doesn’t think he’s ever walked for as long as he has before.

Sssss… I agree. Thisss-sss may be a good time to take a bit of a break.

He then sits down on the ground.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah I agree with you two, also my legs aren't great anyway on account of the nerve damage.

*He sits down on a rock, sighing as he allows his muscles a rest. He puts his cane to the side, gently placing it on the stone ground.*

Okay, that's better... It sure has been a bit since I travelled for this long.

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba stretches, squeaking slightly as she does a variety of poses.*

"I mean, I've never travelled this long, so you've got that on me. Mei, you still good with the bag? I can carry it, maybe shift and redistribute the soreness, or something?"

*She sits next to them.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yesplease- Carrying Li and the bag is really hard..." *They handed the bag over to Amba.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*She takes it with a "oof! Heavy!" and promptly puts it down, shifts, and places it on her back, adjusting a little bit until it's safe between her wings. She then sits next to Mei, tail curling around them a little, and looks at the two conscious members of the party.*

"Hope you guys are okay with... This."

*She gestures to herself.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Sssss! It is-sss perfectly alright, Amba!

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He smiles softly.*

As long as both of you are happy, it's fine with me! If that's what you're asking, that is.

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I think its okay too! Though, i dunno how the bugs of Neyst are gonna react...." *They said with a bit of a worried expression.* "Maybe when we get close you could shift back? Then you could still carry the bag there and not scare any bugs!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh yeah! Good idea. Thanks squish!"

*She bumps her head against them and purrs quietly.*

"We gonna be ready to get going again soon? Maybe a snack or something first..."

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department or Mei

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei giggles, purring a bit as well and returning the bonk.* "I'm about ready now whenever you guys are!"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx stands up, feeling re-energized once more and picks his bag back up.

Sssso am I.

@the-hallownest-bio-department, @amba-the-hidden

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah... Okay. I'll get up.

*Phillip picks up his cane and carefully gets up.*

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Don't hurt yourself, sir."

*Amba rises to her own feet.*

"Let's get back on the road again! Let's hope we reach Neyst soon, adventurers!"

@meifen-within-the-dark @styxs-nest

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei stands up and begins leading the group again.* "Onward! Hehe!"

*They walk, occasionally stopping and thinking about which way to go before continuing again. They really hoped that they were going the right way and werent dooming everyone to getting lost in the wastes-*

*They stopped again after a good while, stopping at the edge of a large sinkhole that seemed to lead somewhere at the bottom due to faint lights.* "uh... I.. think this is it? ... I'm not really sure Lucent never told me what it looked like-"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He stares down at the sinkhole, his grip tightening around his cane and his expression turning grim.*

Do we need to go down there..?

@styxs-nest @meifen-within-the-dark

[styxs-nest]

Styx begins to get dizzy staring down at the sinkhole for too long. He takes a few shaky steps away from it with a quiet, nervous hiss.

Do pardon my hesss-sssitance, Mei, but I mussst pose the sss-sssame quesssstion. Do we know for sure thisss-sss is the way?

Thissss drop looksss-sss rather sssteep, and unless-ssss there is a sss-sssafer way to traverssse downwardsss, it could be risss-sssky.

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

”uuuhhhhhhh….” *They peered into the sink hole, it seemed to have a gradual decline into the center which seemed more of a entrance due to the metal poles with a flag hung on it nearby it.* “I think we can just slide down, Theres some thingies down there that kinda look like the ones outside of Hallownest.”

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"If nothing else, I can try to fly some down there... Maybe. Or, I can scout ahead. I don't think it'll be that bad, hopefully..."

*She peers into the hole, contemplating.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Styx hesitantly stares at the sinkhole again.

If it sss-ssseems sss-ssafe enough to fly down there, then perhapssss, but I don’t know…

He looks back at Mei and Phillip.

What do either of you think?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

If I did get down there, I doubt I'd survive he landing...

Styx, could you fit your head in there while holding onto the sides of the sinkhole so that you can check how far the drop is?

[styxs-nest]

Styx hesitates for a moment, the mere thought of looking down for even one more second scaring him.

Sssss… I… can certainly try…

He approaches the sinkhole and grips onto the sides of it as tightly as possible to ensure he does not fall. He then tries to figure out how deep the drop may be.

Oh dear higher beingssss above…

If he was dizzy before, he felt much worse now. In his dizziness, one of his claws was suddenly starting to slip.

GAH-

He yelped and immediately backed away from the sinkhole once more. He sat down to recover his balance once he felt he was far enough away from it. His heart was racing from that close call.

It’ssss f-f-far enough to m-make a bug dizzy, that’ssss for sure-

@amba-the-hidden, @meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei continued to peer over the sinkhole, then took a step forward to try and see how deep it really was, but unfortunately the ground gave away and they were sent sliding down the side.* "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-"

*They scrambled to try and get back up but they just kept slowly sliding down until they reached the bottom with a loud "THUMP!"* "ouf- I'm okay!" *They shouted from the bottom of the hole, looking up. They were surprised that Li was able to sleep through it all, but was glad that they were okay.*

*They looked around from where they now were, empty huts built with what looked like compacted dirt and sand, some sand from the wastes trickling down from above, dust-covered paths and what looked like some kind of market to the right. It seemed like this place had long been abandoned.* "We made It!!!!" *They shouted up, grinning happily.*

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

"Really!!? I'm coming!"

*She decides to fly instead of slide, and lands neatly at the bottom before shifting and looking around.*

"Whoa... looks like a normal place! Not surprising, but still..."

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip takes a deep breath before carefully sitting down and sliding down the sinkhole, but he accidentally tucks his knees in and lands on them with an audible crack.*

AH, FUCK!

*He grits his nonexistent teeth and gets up, wobbling a bit but still being able to walk with his cane.*

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Well, then, that just leaves Styx. He’s starting to shake, far from ready to slide down the sinkhole. Everyone else is at the bottom and alive though, so he’ll probably be okay…

…

He hopes…

Well… H-Here goessss nothing, I sss-sssuppose…

He sighs and cautiously approaches the sinkhole with dread. With that, he slides down, shrieking at the top of his voice the entire way.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

OOF!

He ungracefully lands on ground, shaken, but ultimately relieved to have made it to the bottom in one piece. Styx looks up and takes in his surroundings.

Whoa… Where are we?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"We're in Nesyt! ... At least i think we are!" *Mei replied happily, beginning to look around. Each hut and empty vendor booth was caked in many layers of dust and sand, some stringy dull-yellow plants strewn about the entire dimly-lit cave.*

*They walked up to one of the plants, it seemed so out of place here for some reason. They poked it, though nothing happened so they moved on, wandering until they heard a noise. It sounded like shuffling, followed by a clank and some annoyed mutters. They stopped in their tracks, looking back at the group with a look that seemed to be like they were asking if they heard it too.*

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba nods, eyes wide and shoulders bunched as though fluffing her currently non-existent wings.*

"I don't like this all of the sudden..."

*She looks around, sniffing the air.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Styx’s brow furrows nervously as he continuously stares at where the noise came from.

Neither do I- What was-ssss that?

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Ough my legs...

*He hears the noise, but just shakingly sighs and hobbles closer to Styx for some protection.*

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[architect-of-neyst]

*Mei gives Phillip a worried look, silently hoping that he’s okay. They would say something but they didn’t want to scare off whatever was making that noise.*

*They carefully creeped forward, towards the sound to investigate. The noise was a lot deeper in the cave than they had thought. They heard the clanking sound again and flinched as a piece of metal hit the ground in front of them.*

*They inched closer, seeing a light shine from atop a rock which seemed like a lantern as they got close.*

*There was a large wall of rubble, likely caused due to some kind of cave-in, and under than rubble was a large head propped up by various branches, it being a dark-green color, broken horns atop its head, it’s eyes a dull grey like an automation that was powered off.*

*Just below the large head was a bug ripping pieces of its metal plating off. They were dark-grey, four horns that curved inwards across its head, four white eyes, a deep blue cloak adorned with grey-fluff on it’s collar, and a large tail with what looked like a hand on the end. The bug threw another piece of metal to the ground, grumbling something about it being a bad piece. They hadn’t yet noticed Mei, or the group in general.*

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba looks at the bug, then at the group, then at the bug again, half a little trepidatious and half super excited. She points at them, mouthing,* "what do we do?"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx shrugs an “I don’t know” before squinting back at the mysterious bug, beyond confused.

What are they doing…?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip turns to the everyone else.*

I think we should knock them out and bring them in in for questioning.

...

I- if that's something you guys would be okay with.

[architect-of-neyst]

*Mei deadpans and gives him a look.* “We’re not doing that- They seem harmless anyway..” *They gesture to the bug, taking a small step closer.* “im gonna go say hi!”

*They wave at the bug with a smile, trying to appear friendly.* “Hello!”

*The bug flinched heavily, accidentally ripping out some wires on the robotic head and looked over at Mei, mumbling something for a moment and taking a step back.* “What are you doing here?”

“oh- uhm-“ *Mei hesitated, unsure of how to explain.*

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Styx approaches the new bug shortly after and bows in greeting.

Sssss-

Our apologiesss if we sss-ssstartled you. We all jussst arrived here.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip carefully steps out from behind Styx, his legs still wobbly from the fall but he is a little bit better than before. He nods in respect toward the architect.*

Hello, uhm, my name is Phillip, from Hallownest.

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"And I am Amba! We're explorers, not here to harm anyone."

*She waves at the bug.*

@meifen-within-the-dark @styxs-nest

[architect-of-neyst]

*Arc tilted their head listening to the group's words. They were a bit surprised that there were bugs that knew of Neyst, and even more so that they wanted to come here. They thought that Neyst had been long abandoned, and forgotten.* "Oh. ... I Arc, though there not much here besides scraps."

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

It is-ssss nice to meet you, Arc. I am Ssstyx.

Thissss place, for sure, is-sss rather quiet.

He tilts his head curiously.

You sssay there is not a lot aside from ssscraps? Is that what you came here to sssearch for?

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[architect-of-neyst]

*They nodded.* "Ye, though i not expecting so much to change after so long... Used to be lot of bug, and cave used to be bigger but something happen so it like dis now... And now my bestest creation is like dis." *They gestured to the automation's head briefly before crossing their arms, pouting and kicked a small rock.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba frowns, concerned.*

"Something happened? What could have possibly happened to wipe out almost an entire area.... I was expecting at least a little civilization... is there anyone else you know of around here, or even in the entirety of... what seems to be left of Neyst?"

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei gathered their things, which really wasnt that much, mostly just the prey that them and Amba had collected. Once they were finished, they made their way up to the Blasted Steps, hauling the bag of food over their shoulder.*

*They sat down once they arrived at the entrance, or in this case, exit of Pharloom and waited for their friends and family to join them.*

@amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department @li-of-hidden-caves

[styxs-nest]

Styx hurries through the Blasted Steps, and slows down for a moment when he sees the exit from Pharloom in the distance.

Here he is. For the first time, he’s really leaving home. He looks at his bag and and then back at the exit. He takes a deep breath and keeps walking towards the meetup spot until he sees Mei. Styx smiles and waves to them as he runs to say hello.

Hello, Mei! How are you doing?

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*They turn around when they heard him, waving back happily.* "Hi Uncle Styx!!! I doing okay!" *They took the bag oof their back, plopping it onto the ground.* "How is Nugget doing?"

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li follows the commotion, a bag of food and medical stuff on their back. They notice the conversation and decide to stay quiet, letting Mei and Styx talk*

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

They’re doing well as usual! Sssstill wawooing to their heart’ssss content!

Styx’s brow then furrows as he glares at no particular direction in mind.

Even when ssseveral bugsss-sss have been building thessse nonsss-sssensical sss-sssigns forbidding them from doing ssso…

Styx then scoffs in anger.

The sss-sssigns threaten to FINE bugssss for sssaying “WAWOO”- Can you believe thisss drivel?!

He then calms down and sighs.

In other newsss, I alsss-ssso adopted their sssibling, Tec, recently, and they and Nugget are currently ssstaying with Tein!

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li just watched the debate go down about the wawoo, not knowing what it is but not knowing if now’s the time to ask*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I'm glad that they're having fun! Even if the bugs are being meanies, and im glad that you adopted their sibling! When we get back i'd love to meet them!" *They then noticed Li, and waved to them even though they couldnt see them.* "Hi Li!!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh wow, I wasn't that far behind, right? How have Li and Styx already made it!?" *She smiles, joking, trotting up (humanoid form) and stopping beside Mei.*

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"AMBA!!" *They exclaim happily, seeing Amba and give her a big ol bear hug.* "Hehe! You're not too late, we still gotta wait for Phillip!"

[amba-the-hidden]

"Okay!" *She returns the hug happily, and waves at Styx and Li.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip walks over to the rest of the group, leaning on his new cane. His face is red with the anxiety of meeting everyone.*

Hi everyone! Yeah, uh, I'm here! Hi!

*The markings (or perhaps more accurately grooves) on his mask have become less of a light orange and more properly white, it just looks like someone carved his mask and made a mistake.*

[styxs-nest]

Styx hears the unfamiliar voice and turns around to where he heard it.

Sssspeaking of, if my guesss-sss of who thissss bug may be is correct, I think he has arrived.

He approaches who he assumes is Phillip and bows in greeting.

Hello! I do not believe we have met yet. My name is Sssstyx.

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li turns to Phillip, a small smile on their face*

Ah, it’s you. We remember you near our home. How are you?

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Hello, Styx, Mei has told me good things about you!

And uhh, you, to be honest I am not doing so great, but thanks anyways...

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh, that's no good... Well, we can hope this trip goes well, right? A big group, ready for anything... And we get to be the first Pharloom bugs to visit!" *She smiles sympitheticly.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yeah! And speaking of that, are you guys ready to go?" *Mei asked, looking at everyone excidedly.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! I'm hoping to represent Hallownest on this trip, if that's okay with everyone else?

I- I sorta worked for the government so I thought it would be fitting.

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Well, then. Looks like it’s time. Truth be told, Styx is still sceptical, unsure of what dangers may await the journey ahead. But he’s also travelling with some of his friends and family, so he won’t be alone either.

And despite his reservations about leaving Pharloom for a bit, who knows what amazing sights are out there?

Just like Tein said: Have fun. At the very least, Styx must try to make the most of it.

He takes one more deep breath and then nods with a small smile.

I am ready whenever everyone is-ssss ready.

@li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"I'm definitely ready. This is kind of scary... but if we stick together, we'll be okay. I wanna record our journey!" *She shifts on her feet, tense with excitement and nervousness.*

@li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark

[li-of-hidden-caves]

We are ready as well. We are excited to go somewhere new with our… friends.

*They hesitate on the word “friends”, not fully knowing if it’s the right term*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei smiles happily, picking up their bag of food, hoisting it over their shoulder then beginning their journey with one big happy step.* "Then lets go! Hehe!"

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Sssss... What is-ssss it bugs-ssss sss-sssay again at the sss-ssstart of a big adventure...?

Styx closes his eyes deep in thought, trying to remember the word he forgot. He immediately opens them again when he remembers and then follows Mei.

OH! Right! Onward!

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! Onward!

*Phillip takes his cane and starts following the rest of the group.*

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves

[amba-the-hidden]

"Wooooo, let's go! Neyst, here we come, a band of adventurers! Onward indeed!" *She skips forward.*

@li-of-hidden-caves

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei led the group for a bit, really just going in the direction that felt right. ... Lucent never really gave them directions-*

*They stopped after a bit, noticing that Li seemed sluggish. They gently picked up Li, setting them on their shoulders so they could sleep and keep going on.*

*They continued onward, they walked, and walked, and walked and.. walked. They sighed after a good long while and stopped again.*

"buh... I need to sit.." *They said, then promptly sat down.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx looks around the path every now and then as he continues walking. He occasionally wants to ask where everyone is right now, in hopes maybe any bug in the party knows more about outside of Pharloom than himself— More so out of curiosity than concern.

As they all continued to traverse, Styx’s legs were starting to get tired from walking. He doesn’t think he’s ever walked for as long as he has before.

Sssss… I agree. Thisss-sss may be a good time to take a bit of a break.

He then sits down on the ground.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah I agree with you two, also my legs aren't great anyway on account of the nerve damage.

*He sits down on a rock, sighing as he allows his muscles a rest. He puts his cane to the side, gently placing it on the stone ground.*

Okay, that's better... It sure has been a bit since I travelled for this long.

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba stretches, squeaking slightly as she does a variety of poses.*

"I mean, I've never travelled this long, so you've got that on me. Mei, you still good with the bag? I can carry it, maybe shift and redistribute the soreness, or something?"

*She sits next to them.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yesplease- Carrying Li and the bag is really hard..." *They handed the bag over to Amba.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*She takes it with a "oof! Heavy!" and promptly puts it down, shifts, and places it on her back, adjusting a little bit until it's safe between her wings. She then sits next to Mei, tail curling around them a little, and looks at the two conscious members of the party.*

"Hope you guys are okay with... This."

*She gestures to herself.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Sssss! It is-sss perfectly alright, Amba!

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He smiles softly.*

As long as both of you are happy, it's fine with me! If that's what you're asking, that is.

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I think its okay too! Though, i dunno how the bugs of Neyst are gonna react...." *They said with a bit of a worried expression.* "Maybe when we get close you could shift back? Then you could still carry the bag there and not scare any bugs!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh yeah! Good idea. Thanks squish!"

*She bumps her head against them and purrs quietly.*

"We gonna be ready to get going again soon? Maybe a snack or something first..."

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department or Mei

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei giggles, purring a bit as well and returning the bonk.* "I'm about ready now whenever you guys are!"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx stands up, feeling re-energized once more and picks his bag back up.

Sssso am I.

@the-hallownest-bio-department, @amba-the-hidden

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah... Okay. I'll get up.

*Phillip picks up his cane and carefully gets up.*

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Don't hurt yourself, sir."

*Amba rises to her own feet.*

"Let's get back on the road again! Let's hope we reach Neyst soon, adventurers!"

@meifen-within-the-dark @styxs-nest

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei stands up and begins leading the group again.* "Onward! Hehe!"

*They walk, occasionally stopping and thinking about which way to go before continuing again. They really hoped that they were going the right way and werent dooming everyone to getting lost in the wastes-*

*They stopped again after a good while, stopping at the edge of a large sinkhole that seemed to lead somewhere at the bottom due to faint lights.* "uh... I.. think this is it? ... I'm not really sure Lucent never told me what it looked like-"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He stares down at the sinkhole, his grip tightening around his cane and his expression turning grim.*

Do we need to go down there..?

@styxs-nest @meifen-within-the-dark

[styxs-nest]

Styx begins to get dizzy staring down at the sinkhole for too long. He takes a few shaky steps away from it with a quiet, nervous hiss.

Do pardon my hesss-sssitance, Mei, but I mussst pose the sss-sssame quesssstion. Do we know for sure thisss-sss is the way?

Thissss drop looksss-sss rather sssteep, and unless-ssss there is a sss-sssafer way to traverssse downwardsss, it could be risss-sssky.

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

”uuuhhhhhhh….” *They peered into the sink hole, it seemed to have a gradual decline into the center which seemed more of a entrance due to the metal poles with a flag hung on it nearby it.* “I think we can just slide down, Theres some thingies down there that kinda look like the ones outside of Hallownest.”

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"If nothing else, I can try to fly some down there... Maybe. Or, I can scout ahead. I don't think it'll be that bad, hopefully..."

*She peers into the hole, contemplating.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Styx hesitantly stares at the sinkhole again.

If it sss-ssseems sss-ssafe enough to fly down there, then perhapssss, but I don’t know…

He looks back at Mei and Phillip.

What do either of you think?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

If I did get down there, I doubt I'd survive he landing...

Styx, could you fit your head in there while holding onto the sides of the sinkhole so that you can check how far the drop is?

[styxs-nest]

Styx hesitates for a moment, the mere thought of looking down for even one more second scaring him.

Sssss… I… can certainly try…

He approaches the sinkhole and grips onto the sides of it as tightly as possible to ensure he does not fall. He then tries to figure out how deep the drop may be.

Oh dear higher beingssss above…

If he was dizzy before, he felt much worse now. In his dizziness, one of his claws was suddenly starting to slip.

GAH-

He yelped and immediately backed away from the sinkhole once more. He sat down to recover his balance once he felt he was far enough away from it. His heart was racing from that close call.

It’ssss f-f-far enough to m-make a bug dizzy, that’ssss for sure-

@amba-the-hidden, @meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei continued to peer over the sinkhole, then took a step forward to try and see how deep it really was, but unfortunately the ground gave away and they were sent sliding down the side.* "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-"

*They scrambled to try and get back up but they just kept slowly sliding down until they reached the bottom with a loud "THUMP!"* "ouf- I'm okay!" *They shouted from the bottom of the hole, looking up. They were surprised that Li was able to sleep through it all, but was glad that they were okay.*

*They looked around from where they now were, empty huts built with what looked like compacted dirt and sand, some sand from the wastes trickling down from above, dust-covered paths and what looked like some kind of market to the right. It seemed like this place had long been abandoned.* "We made It!!!!" *They shouted up, grinning happily.*

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

"Really!!? I'm coming!"

*She decides to fly instead of slide, and lands neatly at the bottom before shifting and looking around.*

"Whoa... looks like a normal place! Not surprising, but still..."

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip takes a deep breath before carefully sitting down and sliding down the sinkhole, but he accidentally tucks his knees in and lands on them with an audible crack.*

AH, FUCK!

*He grits his nonexistent teeth and gets up, wobbling a bit but still being able to walk with his cane.*

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Well, then, that just leaves Styx. He’s starting to shake, far from ready to slide down the sinkhole. Everyone else is at the bottom and alive though, so he’ll probably be okay…

…

He hopes…

Well… H-Here goessss nothing, I sss-sssuppose…

He sighs and cautiously approaches the sinkhole with dread. With that, he slides down, shrieking at the top of his voice the entire way.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

OOF!

He ungracefully lands on ground, shaken, but ultimately relieved to have made it to the bottom in one piece. Styx looks up and takes in his surroundings.

Whoa… Where are we?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"We're in Nesyt! ... At least i think we are!" *Mei replied happily, beginning to look around. Each hut and empty vendor booth was caked in many layers of dust and sand, some stringy dull-yellow plants strewn about the entire dimly-lit cave.*

*They walked up to one of the plants, it seemed so out of place here for some reason. They poked it, though nothing happened so they moved on, wandering until they heard a noise. It sounded like shuffling, followed by a clank and some annoyed mutters. They stopped in their tracks, looking back at the group with a look that seemed to be like they were asking if they heard it too.*

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba nods, eyes wide and shoulders bunched as though fluffing her currently non-existent wings.*

"I don't like this all of the sudden..."

*She looks around, sniffing the air.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Styx’s brow furrows nervously as he continuously stares at where the noise came from.

Neither do I- What was-ssss that?

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Ough my legs...

*He hears the noise, but just shakingly sighs and hobbles closer to Styx for some protection.*

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[architect-of-neyst]

*Mei gives Phillip a worried look, silently hoping that he’s okay. They would say something but they didn’t want to scare off whatever was making that noise.*

*They carefully creeped forward, towards the sound to investigate. The noise was a lot deeper in the cave than they had thought. They heard the clanking sound again and flinched as a piece of metal hit the ground in front of them.*

*They inched closer, seeing a light shine from atop a rock which seemed like a lantern as they got close.*

*There was a large wall of rubble, likely caused due to some kind of cave-in, and under than rubble was a large head propped up by various branches, it being a dark-green color, broken horns atop its head, it’s eyes a dull grey like an automation that was powered off.*

*Just below the large head was a bug ripping pieces of its metal plating off. They were dark-grey, four horns that curved inwards across its head, four white eyes, a deep blue cloak adorned with grey-fluff on it’s collar, and a large tail with what looked like a hand on the end. The bug threw another piece of metal to the ground, grumbling something about it being a bad piece. They hadn’t yet noticed Mei, or the group in general.*

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba looks at the bug, then at the group, then at the bug again, half a little trepidatious and half super excited. She points at them, mouthing,* "what do we do?"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx shrugs an “I don’t know” before squinting back at the mysterious bug, beyond confused.

What are they doing…?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip turns to the everyone else.*

I think we should knock them out and bring them in in for questioning.

...

I- if that's something you guys would be okay with.

[architect-of-neyst]

*Mei deadpans and gives him a look.* “We’re not doing that- They seem harmless anyway..” *They gesture to the bug, taking a small step closer.* “im gonna go say hi!”

*They wave at the bug with a smile, trying to appear friendly.* “Hello!”

*The bug flinched heavily, accidentally ripping out some wires on the robotic head and looked over at Mei, mumbling something for a moment and taking a step back.* “What are you doing here?”

“oh- uhm-“ *Mei hesitated, unsure of how to explain.*

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Styx approaches the new bug shortly after and bows in greeting.

Sssss-

Our apologiesss if we sss-ssstartled you. We all jussst arrived here.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip carefully steps out from behind Styx, his legs still wobbly from the fall but he is a little bit better than before. He nods in respect toward the architect.*

Hello, uhm, my name is Phillip, from Hallownest.

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"And I am Amba! We're explorers, not here to harm anyone."

*She waves at the bug.*

@meifen-within-the-dark @styxs-nest

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei gathered their things, which really wasnt that much, mostly just the prey that them and Amba had collected. Once they were finished, they made their way up to the Blasted Steps, hauling the bag of food over their shoulder.*

*They sat down once they arrived at the entrance, or in this case, exit of Pharloom and waited for their friends and family to join them.*

@amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department @li-of-hidden-caves

[styxs-nest]

Styx hurries through the Blasted Steps, and slows down for a moment when he sees the exit from Pharloom in the distance.

Here he is. For the first time, he’s really leaving home. He looks at his bag and and then back at the exit. He takes a deep breath and keeps walking towards the meetup spot until he sees Mei. Styx smiles and waves to them as he runs to say hello.

Hello, Mei! How are you doing?

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*They turn around when they heard him, waving back happily.* "Hi Uncle Styx!!! I doing okay!" *They took the bag oof their back, plopping it onto the ground.* "How is Nugget doing?"

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li follows the commotion, a bag of food and medical stuff on their back. They notice the conversation and decide to stay quiet, letting Mei and Styx talk*

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

They’re doing well as usual! Sssstill wawooing to their heart’ssss content!

Styx’s brow then furrows as he glares at no particular direction in mind.

Even when ssseveral bugsss-sss have been building thessse nonsss-sssensical sss-sssigns forbidding them from doing ssso…

Styx then scoffs in anger.

The sss-sssigns threaten to FINE bugssss for sssaying “WAWOO”- Can you believe thisss drivel?!

He then calms down and sighs.

In other newsss, I alsss-ssso adopted their sssibling, Tec, recently, and they and Nugget are currently ssstaying with Tein!

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li just watched the debate go down about the wawoo, not knowing what it is but not knowing if now’s the time to ask*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I'm glad that they're having fun! Even if the bugs are being meanies, and im glad that you adopted their sibling! When we get back i'd love to meet them!" *They then noticed Li, and waved to them even though they couldnt see them.* "Hi Li!!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh wow, I wasn't that far behind, right? How have Li and Styx already made it!?" *She smiles, joking, trotting up (humanoid form) and stopping beside Mei.*

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"AMBA!!" *They exclaim happily, seeing Amba and give her a big ol bear hug.* "Hehe! You're not too late, we still gotta wait for Phillip!"

[amba-the-hidden]

"Okay!" *She returns the hug happily, and waves at Styx and Li.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip walks over to the rest of the group, leaning on his new cane. His face is red with the anxiety of meeting everyone.*

Hi everyone! Yeah, uh, I'm here! Hi!

*The markings (or perhaps more accurately grooves) on his mask have become less of a light orange and more properly white, it just looks like someone carved his mask and made a mistake.*

[styxs-nest]

Styx hears the unfamiliar voice and turns around to where he heard it.

Sssspeaking of, if my guesss-sss of who thissss bug may be is correct, I think he has arrived.

He approaches who he assumes is Phillip and bows in greeting.

Hello! I do not believe we have met yet. My name is Sssstyx.

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li turns to Phillip, a small smile on their face*

Ah, it’s you. We remember you near our home. How are you?

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Hello, Styx, Mei has told me good things about you!

And uhh, you, to be honest I am not doing so great, but thanks anyways...

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh, that's no good... Well, we can hope this trip goes well, right? A big group, ready for anything... And we get to be the first Pharloom bugs to visit!" *She smiles sympitheticly.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yeah! And speaking of that, are you guys ready to go?" *Mei asked, looking at everyone excidedly.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! I'm hoping to represent Hallownest on this trip, if that's okay with everyone else?

I- I sorta worked for the government so I thought it would be fitting.

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Well, then. Looks like it’s time. Truth be told, Styx is still sceptical, unsure of what dangers may await the journey ahead. But he’s also travelling with some of his friends and family, so he won’t be alone either.

And despite his reservations about leaving Pharloom for a bit, who knows what amazing sights are out there?

Just like Tein said: Have fun. At the very least, Styx must try to make the most of it.

He takes one more deep breath and then nods with a small smile.

I am ready whenever everyone is-ssss ready.

@li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"I'm definitely ready. This is kind of scary... but if we stick together, we'll be okay. I wanna record our journey!" *She shifts on her feet, tense with excitement and nervousness.*

@li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark

[li-of-hidden-caves]

We are ready as well. We are excited to go somewhere new with our… friends.

*They hesitate on the word “friends”, not fully knowing if it’s the right term*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei smiles happily, picking up their bag of food, hoisting it over their shoulder then beginning their journey with one big happy step.* "Then lets go! Hehe!"

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Sssss... What is-ssss it bugs-ssss sss-sssay again at the sss-ssstart of a big adventure...?

Styx closes his eyes deep in thought, trying to remember the word he forgot. He immediately opens them again when he remembers and then follows Mei.

OH! Right! Onward!

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! Onward!

*Phillip takes his cane and starts following the rest of the group.*

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves

[amba-the-hidden]

"Wooooo, let's go! Neyst, here we come, a band of adventurers! Onward indeed!" *She skips forward.*

@li-of-hidden-caves

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei led the group for a bit, really just going in the direction that felt right. ... Lucent never really gave them directions-*

*They stopped after a bit, noticing that Li seemed sluggish. They gently picked up Li, setting them on their shoulders so they could sleep and keep going on.*

*They continued onward, they walked, and walked, and walked and.. walked. They sighed after a good long while and stopped again.*

"buh... I need to sit.." *They said, then promptly sat down.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx looks around the path every now and then as he continues walking. He occasionally wants to ask where everyone is right now, in hopes maybe any bug in the party knows more about outside of Pharloom than himself— More so out of curiosity than concern.

As they all continued to traverse, Styx’s legs were starting to get tired from walking. He doesn’t think he’s ever walked for as long as he has before.

Sssss… I agree. Thisss-sss may be a good time to take a bit of a break.

He then sits down on the ground.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah I agree with you two, also my legs aren't great anyway on account of the nerve damage.

*He sits down on a rock, sighing as he allows his muscles a rest. He puts his cane to the side, gently placing it on the stone ground.*

Okay, that's better... It sure has been a bit since I travelled for this long.

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba stretches, squeaking slightly as she does a variety of poses.*

"I mean, I've never travelled this long, so you've got that on me. Mei, you still good with the bag? I can carry it, maybe shift and redistribute the soreness, or something?"

*She sits next to them.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yesplease- Carrying Li and the bag is really hard..." *They handed the bag over to Amba.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*She takes it with a "oof! Heavy!" and promptly puts it down, shifts, and places it on her back, adjusting a little bit until it's safe between her wings. She then sits next to Mei, tail curling around them a little, and looks at the two conscious members of the party.*

"Hope you guys are okay with... This."

*She gestures to herself.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Sssss! It is-sss perfectly alright, Amba!

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He smiles softly.*

As long as both of you are happy, it's fine with me! If that's what you're asking, that is.

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I think its okay too! Though, i dunno how the bugs of Neyst are gonna react...." *They said with a bit of a worried expression.* "Maybe when we get close you could shift back? Then you could still carry the bag there and not scare any bugs!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh yeah! Good idea. Thanks squish!"

*She bumps her head against them and purrs quietly.*

"We gonna be ready to get going again soon? Maybe a snack or something first..."

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department or Mei

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei giggles, purring a bit as well and returning the bonk.* "I'm about ready now whenever you guys are!"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx stands up, feeling re-energized once more and picks his bag back up.

Sssso am I.

@the-hallownest-bio-department, @amba-the-hidden

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah... Okay. I'll get up.

*Phillip picks up his cane and carefully gets up.*

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Don't hurt yourself, sir."

*Amba rises to her own feet.*

"Let's get back on the road again! Let's hope we reach Neyst soon, adventurers!"

@meifen-within-the-dark @styxs-nest

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei stands up and begins leading the group again.* "Onward! Hehe!"

*They walk, occasionally stopping and thinking about which way to go before continuing again. They really hoped that they were going the right way and werent dooming everyone to getting lost in the wastes-*

*They stopped again after a good while, stopping at the edge of a large sinkhole that seemed to lead somewhere at the bottom due to faint lights.* "uh... I.. think this is it? ... I'm not really sure Lucent never told me what it looked like-"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He stares down at the sinkhole, his grip tightening around his cane and his expression turning grim.*

Do we need to go down there..?

@styxs-nest @meifen-within-the-dark

[styxs-nest]

Styx begins to get dizzy staring down at the sinkhole for too long. He takes a few shaky steps away from it with a quiet, nervous hiss.

Do pardon my hesss-sssitance, Mei, but I mussst pose the sss-sssame quesssstion. Do we know for sure thisss-sss is the way?

Thissss drop looksss-sss rather sssteep, and unless-ssss there is a sss-sssafer way to traverssse downwardsss, it could be risss-sssky.

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

”uuuhhhhhhh….” *They peered into the sink hole, it seemed to have a gradual decline into the center which seemed more of a entrance due to the metal poles with a flag hung on it nearby it.* “I think we can just slide down, Theres some thingies down there that kinda look like the ones outside of Hallownest.”

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"If nothing else, I can try to fly some down there... Maybe. Or, I can scout ahead. I don't think it'll be that bad, hopefully..."

*She peers into the hole, contemplating.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Styx hesitantly stares at the sinkhole again.

If it sss-ssseems sss-ssafe enough to fly down there, then perhapssss, but I don’t know…

He looks back at Mei and Phillip.

What do either of you think?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

If I did get down there, I doubt I'd survive he landing...

Styx, could you fit your head in there while holding onto the sides of the sinkhole so that you can check how far the drop is?

[styxs-nest]

Styx hesitates for a moment, the mere thought of looking down for even one more second scaring him.

Sssss… I… can certainly try…

He approaches the sinkhole and grips onto the sides of it as tightly as possible to ensure he does not fall. He then tries to figure out how deep the drop may be.

Oh dear higher beingssss above…

If he was dizzy before, he felt much worse now. In his dizziness, one of his claws was suddenly starting to slip.

GAH-

He yelped and immediately backed away from the sinkhole once more. He sat down to recover his balance once he felt he was far enough away from it. His heart was racing from that close call.

It’ssss f-f-far enough to m-make a bug dizzy, that’ssss for sure-

@amba-the-hidden, @meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei continued to peer over the sinkhole, then took a step forward to try and see how deep it really was, but unfortunately the ground gave away and they were sent sliding down the side.* "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-"

*They scrambled to try and get back up but they just kept slowly sliding down until they reached the bottom with a loud "THUMP!"* "ouf- I'm okay!" *They shouted from the bottom of the hole, looking up. They were surprised that Li was able to sleep through it all, but was glad that they were okay.*

*They looked around from where they now were, empty huts built with what looked like compacted dirt and sand, some sand from the wastes trickling down from above, dust-covered paths and what looked like some kind of market to the right. It seemed like this place had long been abandoned.* "We made It!!!!" *They shouted up, grinning happily.*

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

"Really!!? I'm coming!"

*She decides to fly instead of slide, and lands neatly at the bottom before shifting and looking around.*

"Whoa... looks like a normal place! Not surprising, but still..."

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip takes a deep breath before carefully sitting down and sliding down the sinkhole, but he accidentally tucks his knees in and lands on them with an audible crack.*

AH, FUCK!

*He grits his nonexistent teeth and gets up, wobbling a bit but still being able to walk with his cane.*

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Well, then, that just leaves Styx. He’s starting to shake, far from ready to slide down the sinkhole. Everyone else is at the bottom and alive though, so he’ll probably be okay…

…

He hopes…

Well… H-Here goessss nothing, I sss-sssuppose…

He sighs and cautiously approaches the sinkhole with dread. With that, he slides down, shrieking at the top of his voice the entire way.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

OOF!

He ungracefully lands on ground, shaken, but ultimately relieved to have made it to the bottom in one piece. Styx looks up and takes in his surroundings.

Whoa… Where are we?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"We're in Nesyt! ... At least i think we are!" *Mei replied happily, beginning to look around. Each hut and empty vendor booth was caked in many layers of dust and sand, some stringy dull-yellow plants strewn about the entire dimly-lit cave.*

*They walked up to one of the plants, it seemed so out of place here for some reason. They poked it, though nothing happened so they moved on, wandering until they heard a noise. It sounded like shuffling, followed by a clank and some annoyed mutters. They stopped in their tracks, looking back at the group with a look that seemed to be like they were asking if they heard it too.*

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba nods, eyes wide and shoulders bunched as though fluffing her currently non-existent wings.*

"I don't like this all of the sudden..."

*She looks around, sniffing the air.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Styx’s brow furrows nervously as he continuously stares at where the noise came from.

Neither do I- What was-ssss that?

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Ough my legs...

*He hears the noise, but just shakingly sighs and hobbles closer to Styx for some protection.*

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[architect-of-neyst]

*Mei gives Phillip a worried look, silently hoping that he’s okay. They would say something but they didn’t want to scare off whatever was making that noise.*

*They carefully creeped forward, towards the sound to investigate. The noise was a lot deeper in the cave than they had thought. They heard the clanking sound again and flinched as a piece of metal hit the ground in front of them.*

*They inched closer, seeing a light shine from atop a rock which seemed like a lantern as they got close.*

*There was a large wall of rubble, likely caused due to some kind of cave-in, and under than rubble was a large head propped up by various branches, it being a dark-green color, broken horns atop its head, it’s eyes a dull grey like an automation that was powered off.*

*Just below the large head was a bug ripping pieces of its metal plating off. They were dark-grey, four horns that curved inwards across its head, four white eyes, a deep blue cloak adorned with grey-fluff on it’s collar, and a large tail with what looked like a hand on the end. The bug threw another piece of metal to the ground, grumbling something about it being a bad piece. They hadn’t yet noticed Mei, or the group in general.*

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba looks at the bug, then at the group, then at the bug again, half a little trepidatious and half super excited. She points at them, mouthing,* "what do we do?"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei gathered their things, which really wasnt that much, mostly just the prey that them and Amba had collected. Once they were finished, they made their way up to the Blasted Steps, hauling the bag of food over their shoulder.*

*They sat down once they arrived at the entrance, or in this case, exit of Pharloom and waited for their friends and family to join them.*

@amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department @li-of-hidden-caves

[styxs-nest]

Styx hurries through the Blasted Steps, and slows down for a moment when he sees the exit from Pharloom in the distance.

Here he is. For the first time, he’s really leaving home. He looks at his bag and and then back at the exit. He takes a deep breath and keeps walking towards the meetup spot until he sees Mei. Styx smiles and waves to them as he runs to say hello.

Hello, Mei! How are you doing?

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*They turn around when they heard him, waving back happily.* "Hi Uncle Styx!!! I doing okay!" *They took the bag oof their back, plopping it onto the ground.* "How is Nugget doing?"

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li follows the commotion, a bag of food and medical stuff on their back. They notice the conversation and decide to stay quiet, letting Mei and Styx talk*

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

They’re doing well as usual! Sssstill wawooing to their heart’ssss content!

Styx’s brow then furrows as he glares at no particular direction in mind.

Even when ssseveral bugsss-sss have been building thessse nonsss-sssensical sss-sssigns forbidding them from doing ssso…

Styx then scoffs in anger.

The sss-sssigns threaten to FINE bugssss for sssaying “WAWOO”- Can you believe thisss drivel?!

He then calms down and sighs.

In other newsss, I alsss-ssso adopted their sssibling, Tec, recently, and they and Nugget are currently ssstaying with Tein!

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li just watched the debate go down about the wawoo, not knowing what it is but not knowing if now’s the time to ask*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I'm glad that they're having fun! Even if the bugs are being meanies, and im glad that you adopted their sibling! When we get back i'd love to meet them!" *They then noticed Li, and waved to them even though they couldnt see them.* "Hi Li!!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh wow, I wasn't that far behind, right? How have Li and Styx already made it!?" *She smiles, joking, trotting up (humanoid form) and stopping beside Mei.*

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"AMBA!!" *They exclaim happily, seeing Amba and give her a big ol bear hug.* "Hehe! You're not too late, we still gotta wait for Phillip!"

[amba-the-hidden]

"Okay!" *She returns the hug happily, and waves at Styx and Li.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip walks over to the rest of the group, leaning on his new cane. His face is red with the anxiety of meeting everyone.*

Hi everyone! Yeah, uh, I'm here! Hi!

*The markings (or perhaps more accurately grooves) on his mask have become less of a light orange and more properly white, it just looks like someone carved his mask and made a mistake.*

[styxs-nest]

Styx hears the unfamiliar voice and turns around to where he heard it.

Sssspeaking of, if my guesss-sss of who thissss bug may be is correct, I think he has arrived.

He approaches who he assumes is Phillip and bows in greeting.

Hello! I do not believe we have met yet. My name is Sssstyx.

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li turns to Phillip, a small smile on their face*

Ah, it’s you. We remember you near our home. How are you?

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Hello, Styx, Mei has told me good things about you!

And uhh, you, to be honest I am not doing so great, but thanks anyways...

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh, that's no good... Well, we can hope this trip goes well, right? A big group, ready for anything... And we get to be the first Pharloom bugs to visit!" *She smiles sympitheticly.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yeah! And speaking of that, are you guys ready to go?" *Mei asked, looking at everyone excidedly.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! I'm hoping to represent Hallownest on this trip, if that's okay with everyone else?

I- I sorta worked for the government so I thought it would be fitting.

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Well, then. Looks like it’s time. Truth be told, Styx is still sceptical, unsure of what dangers may await the journey ahead. But he’s also travelling with some of his friends and family, so he won’t be alone either.

And despite his reservations about leaving Pharloom for a bit, who knows what amazing sights are out there?

Just like Tein said: Have fun. At the very least, Styx must try to make the most of it.

He takes one more deep breath and then nods with a small smile.

I am ready whenever everyone is-ssss ready.

@li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"I'm definitely ready. This is kind of scary... but if we stick together, we'll be okay. I wanna record our journey!" *She shifts on her feet, tense with excitement and nervousness.*

@li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark

[li-of-hidden-caves]

We are ready as well. We are excited to go somewhere new with our… friends.

*They hesitate on the word “friends”, not fully knowing if it’s the right term*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei smiles happily, picking up their bag of food, hoisting it over their shoulder then beginning their journey with one big happy step.* "Then lets go! Hehe!"

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Sssss... What is-ssss it bugs-ssss sss-sssay again at the sss-ssstart of a big adventure...?

Styx closes his eyes deep in thought, trying to remember the word he forgot. He immediately opens them again when he remembers and then follows Mei.

OH! Right! Onward!

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! Onward!

*Phillip takes his cane and starts following the rest of the group.*

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves

[amba-the-hidden]

"Wooooo, let's go! Neyst, here we come, a band of adventurers! Onward indeed!" *She skips forward.*

@li-of-hidden-caves

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei led the group for a bit, really just going in the direction that felt right. ... Lucent never really gave them directions-*

*They stopped after a bit, noticing that Li seemed sluggish. They gently picked up Li, setting them on their shoulders so they could sleep and keep going on.*

*They continued onward, they walked, and walked, and walked and.. walked. They sighed after a good long while and stopped again.*

"buh... I need to sit.." *They said, then promptly sat down.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx looks around the path every now and then as he continues walking. He occasionally wants to ask where everyone is right now, in hopes maybe any bug in the party knows more about outside of Pharloom than himself— More so out of curiosity than concern.

As they all continued to traverse, Styx’s legs were starting to get tired from walking. He doesn’t think he’s ever walked for as long as he has before.

Sssss… I agree. Thisss-sss may be a good time to take a bit of a break.

He then sits down on the ground.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah I agree with you two, also my legs aren't great anyway on account of the nerve damage.

*He sits down on a rock, sighing as he allows his muscles a rest. He puts his cane to the side, gently placing it on the stone ground.*

Okay, that's better... It sure has been a bit since I travelled for this long.

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba stretches, squeaking slightly as she does a variety of poses.*

"I mean, I've never travelled this long, so you've got that on me. Mei, you still good with the bag? I can carry it, maybe shift and redistribute the soreness, or something?"

*She sits next to them.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yesplease- Carrying Li and the bag is really hard..." *They handed the bag over to Amba.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*She takes it with a "oof! Heavy!" and promptly puts it down, shifts, and places it on her back, adjusting a little bit until it's safe between her wings. She then sits next to Mei, tail curling around them a little, and looks at the two conscious members of the party.*

"Hope you guys are okay with... This."

*She gestures to herself.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Sssss! It is-sss perfectly alright, Amba!

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He smiles softly.*

As long as both of you are happy, it's fine with me! If that's what you're asking, that is.

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I think its okay too! Though, i dunno how the bugs of Neyst are gonna react...." *They said with a bit of a worried expression.* "Maybe when we get close you could shift back? Then you could still carry the bag there and not scare any bugs!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh yeah! Good idea. Thanks squish!"

*She bumps her head against them and purrs quietly.*

"We gonna be ready to get going again soon? Maybe a snack or something first..."

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department or Mei

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei giggles, purring a bit as well and returning the bonk.* "I'm about ready now whenever you guys are!"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx stands up, feeling re-energized once more and picks his bag back up.

Sssso am I.

@the-hallownest-bio-department, @amba-the-hidden

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah... Okay. I'll get up.

*Phillip picks up his cane and carefully gets up.*

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Don't hurt yourself, sir."

*Amba rises to her own feet.*

"Let's get back on the road again! Let's hope we reach Neyst soon, adventurers!"

@meifen-within-the-dark @styxs-nest

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei stands up and begins leading the group again.* "Onward! Hehe!"

*They walk, occasionally stopping and thinking about which way to go before continuing again. They really hoped that they were going the right way and werent dooming everyone to getting lost in the wastes-*

*They stopped again after a good while, stopping at the edge of a large sinkhole that seemed to lead somewhere at the bottom due to faint lights.* "uh... I.. think this is it? ... I'm not really sure Lucent never told me what it looked like-"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He stares down at the sinkhole, his grip tightening around his cane and his expression turning grim.*

Do we need to go down there..?

@styxs-nest @meifen-within-the-dark

[styxs-nest]

Styx begins to get dizzy staring down at the sinkhole for too long. He takes a few shaky steps away from it with a quiet, nervous hiss.

Do pardon my hesss-sssitance, Mei, but I mussst pose the sss-sssame quesssstion. Do we know for sure thisss-sss is the way?

Thissss drop looksss-sss rather sssteep, and unless-ssss there is a sss-sssafer way to traverssse downwardsss, it could be risss-sssky.

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

”uuuhhhhhhh….” *They peered into the sink hole, it seemed to have a gradual decline into the center which seemed more of a entrance due to the metal poles with a flag hung on it nearby it.* “I think we can just slide down, Theres some thingies down there that kinda look like the ones outside of Hallownest.”

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"If nothing else, I can try to fly some down there... Maybe. Or, I can scout ahead. I don't think it'll be that bad, hopefully..."

*She peers into the hole, contemplating.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Styx hesitantly stares at the sinkhole again.

If it sss-ssseems sss-ssafe enough to fly down there, then perhapssss, but I don’t know…

He looks back at Mei and Phillip.

What do either of you think?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

If I did get down there, I doubt I'd survive he landing...

Styx, could you fit your head in there while holding onto the sides of the sinkhole so that you can check how far the drop is?

[styxs-nest]

Styx hesitates for a moment, the mere thought of looking down for even one more second scaring him.

Sssss… I… can certainly try…

He approaches the sinkhole and grips onto the sides of it as tightly as possible to ensure he does not fall. He then tries to figure out how deep the drop may be.

Oh dear higher beingssss above…

If he was dizzy before, he felt much worse now. In his dizziness, one of his claws was suddenly starting to slip.

GAH-

He yelped and immediately backed away from the sinkhole once more. He sat down to recover his balance once he felt he was far enough away from it. His heart was racing from that close call.

It’ssss f-f-far enough to m-make a bug dizzy, that’ssss for sure-

@amba-the-hidden, @meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei continued to peer over the sinkhole, then took a step forward to try and see how deep it really was, but unfortunately the ground gave away and they were sent sliding down the side.* "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-"

*They scrambled to try and get back up but they just kept slowly sliding down until they reached the bottom with a loud "THUMP!"* "ouf- I'm okay!" *They shouted from the bottom of the hole, looking up. They were surprised that Li was able to sleep through it all, but was glad that they were okay.*

*They looked around from where they now were, empty huts built with what looked like compacted dirt and sand, some sand from the wastes trickling down from above, dust-covered paths and what looked like some kind of market to the right. It seemed like this place had long been abandoned.* "We made It!!!!" *They shouted up, grinning happily.*

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

"Really!!? I'm coming!"

*She decides to fly instead of slide, and lands neatly at the bottom before shifting and looking around.*

"Whoa... looks like a normal place! Not surprising, but still..."

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip takes a deep breath before carefully sitting down and sliding down the sinkhole, but he accidentally tucks his knees in and lands on them with an audible crack.*

AH, FUCK!

*He grits his nonexistent teeth and gets up, wobbling a bit but still being able to walk with his cane.*

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Well, then, that just leaves Styx. He’s starting to shake, far from ready to slide down the sinkhole. Everyone else is at the bottom and alive though, so he’ll probably be okay…

…

He hopes…

Well… H-Here goessss nothing, I sss-sssuppose…

He sighs and cautiously approaches the sinkhole with dread. With that, he slides down, shrieking at the top of his voice the entire way.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

OOF!

He ungracefully lands on ground, shaken, but ultimately relieved to have made it to the bottom in one piece. Styx looks up and takes in his surroundings.

Whoa… Where are we?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"We're in Nesyt! ... At least i think we are!" *Mei replied happily, beginning to look around. Each hut and empty vendor booth was caked in many layers of dust and sand, some stringy dull-yellow plants strewn about the entire dimly-lit cave.*

*They walked up to one of the plants, it seemed so out of place here for some reason. They poked it, though nothing happened so they moved on, wandering until they heard a noise. It sounded like shuffling, followed by a clank and some annoyed mutters. They stopped in their tracks, looking back at the group with a look that seemed to be like they were asking if they heard it too.*

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba nods, eyes wide and shoulders bunched as though fluffing her currently non-existent wings.*

"I don't like this all of the sudden..."

*She looks around, sniffing the air.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[amba-the-hidden]

ooc: time for a meme, idea gifted me by @echothevessel + bonus sketch!

so sillay

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei gathered their things, which really wasnt that much, mostly just the prey that them and Amba had collected. Once they were finished, they made their way up to the Blasted Steps, hauling the bag of food over their shoulder.*

*They sat down once they arrived at the entrance, or in this case, exit of Pharloom and waited for their friends and family to join them.*

@amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department @li-of-hidden-caves

[styxs-nest]

Styx hurries through the Blasted Steps, and slows down for a moment when he sees the exit from Pharloom in the distance.

Here he is. For the first time, he’s really leaving home. He looks at his bag and and then back at the exit. He takes a deep breath and keeps walking towards the meetup spot until he sees Mei. Styx smiles and waves to them as he runs to say hello.

Hello, Mei! How are you doing?

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*They turn around when they heard him, waving back happily.* "Hi Uncle Styx!!! I doing okay!" *They took the bag oof their back, plopping it onto the ground.* "How is Nugget doing?"

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li follows the commotion, a bag of food and medical stuff on their back. They notice the conversation and decide to stay quiet, letting Mei and Styx talk*

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

They’re doing well as usual! Sssstill wawooing to their heart’ssss content!

Styx’s brow then furrows as he glares at no particular direction in mind.

Even when ssseveral bugsss-sss have been building thessse nonsss-sssensical sss-sssigns forbidding them from doing ssso…

Styx then scoffs in anger.

The sss-sssigns threaten to FINE bugssss for sssaying “WAWOO”- Can you believe thisss drivel?!

He then calms down and sighs.

In other newsss, I alsss-ssso adopted their sssibling, Tec, recently, and they and Nugget are currently ssstaying with Tein!

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li just watched the debate go down about the wawoo, not knowing what it is but not knowing if now’s the time to ask*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I'm glad that they're having fun! Even if the bugs are being meanies, and im glad that you adopted their sibling! When we get back i'd love to meet them!" *They then noticed Li, and waved to them even though they couldnt see them.* "Hi Li!!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh wow, I wasn't that far behind, right? How have Li and Styx already made it!?" *She smiles, joking, trotting up (humanoid form) and stopping beside Mei.*

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"AMBA!!" *They exclaim happily, seeing Amba and give her a big ol bear hug.* "Hehe! You're not too late, we still gotta wait for Phillip!"

[amba-the-hidden]

"Okay!" *She returns the hug happily, and waves at Styx and Li.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip walks over to the rest of the group, leaning on his new cane. His face is red with the anxiety of meeting everyone.*

Hi everyone! Yeah, uh, I'm here! Hi!

*The markings (or perhaps more accurately grooves) on his mask have become less of a light orange and more properly white, it just looks like someone carved his mask and made a mistake.*

[styxs-nest]

Styx hears the unfamiliar voice and turns around to where he heard it.

Sssspeaking of, if my guesss-sss of who thissss bug may be is correct, I think he has arrived.

He approaches who he assumes is Phillip and bows in greeting.

Hello! I do not believe we have met yet. My name is Sssstyx.

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li turns to Phillip, a small smile on their face*

Ah, it’s you. We remember you near our home. How are you?

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Hello, Styx, Mei has told me good things about you!

And uhh, you, to be honest I am not doing so great, but thanks anyways...

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh, that's no good... Well, we can hope this trip goes well, right? A big group, ready for anything... And we get to be the first Pharloom bugs to visit!" *She smiles sympitheticly.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yeah! And speaking of that, are you guys ready to go?" *Mei asked, looking at everyone excidedly.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! I'm hoping to represent Hallownest on this trip, if that's okay with everyone else?

I- I sorta worked for the government so I thought it would be fitting.

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Well, then. Looks like it’s time. Truth be told, Styx is still sceptical, unsure of what dangers may await the journey ahead. But he’s also travelling with some of his friends and family, so he won’t be alone either.

And despite his reservations about leaving Pharloom for a bit, who knows what amazing sights are out there?

Just like Tein said: Have fun. At the very least, Styx must try to make the most of it.

He takes one more deep breath and then nods with a small smile.

I am ready whenever everyone is-ssss ready.

@li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"I'm definitely ready. This is kind of scary... but if we stick together, we'll be okay. I wanna record our journey!" *She shifts on her feet, tense with excitement and nervousness.*

@li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark

[li-of-hidden-caves]

We are ready as well. We are excited to go somewhere new with our… friends.

*They hesitate on the word “friends”, not fully knowing if it’s the right term*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei smiles happily, picking up their bag of food, hoisting it over their shoulder then beginning their journey with one big happy step.* "Then lets go! Hehe!"

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Sssss... What is-ssss it bugs-ssss sss-sssay again at the sss-ssstart of a big adventure...?

Styx closes his eyes deep in thought, trying to remember the word he forgot. He immediately opens them again when he remembers and then follows Mei.

OH! Right! Onward!

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! Onward!

*Phillip takes his cane and starts following the rest of the group.*

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves

[amba-the-hidden]

"Wooooo, let's go! Neyst, here we come, a band of adventurers! Onward indeed!" *She skips forward.*

@li-of-hidden-caves

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei led the group for a bit, really just going in the direction that felt right. ... Lucent never really gave them directions-*

*They stopped after a bit, noticing that Li seemed sluggish. They gently picked up Li, setting them on their shoulders so they could sleep and keep going on.*

*They continued onward, they walked, and walked, and walked and.. walked. They sighed after a good long while and stopped again.*

"buh... I need to sit.." *They said, then promptly sat down.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx looks around the path every now and then as he continues walking. He occasionally wants to ask where everyone is right now, in hopes maybe any bug in the party knows more about outside of Pharloom than himself— More so out of curiosity than concern.

As they all continued to traverse, Styx’s legs were starting to get tired from walking. He doesn’t think he’s ever walked for as long as he has before.

Sssss… I agree. Thisss-sss may be a good time to take a bit of a break.

He then sits down on the ground.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah I agree with you two, also my legs aren't great anyway on account of the nerve damage.

*He sits down on a rock, sighing as he allows his muscles a rest. He puts his cane to the side, gently placing it on the stone ground.*

Okay, that's better... It sure has been a bit since I travelled for this long.

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba stretches, squeaking slightly as she does a variety of poses.*

"I mean, I've never travelled this long, so you've got that on me. Mei, you still good with the bag? I can carry it, maybe shift and redistribute the soreness, or something?"

*She sits next to them.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yesplease- Carrying Li and the bag is really hard..." *They handed the bag over to Amba.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*She takes it with a "oof! Heavy!" and promptly puts it down, shifts, and places it on her back, adjusting a little bit until it's safe between her wings. She then sits next to Mei, tail curling around them a little, and looks at the two conscious members of the party.*

"Hope you guys are okay with... This."

*She gestures to herself.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Sssss! It is-sss perfectly alright, Amba!

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He smiles softly.*

As long as both of you are happy, it's fine with me! If that's what you're asking, that is.

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I think its okay too! Though, i dunno how the bugs of Neyst are gonna react...." *They said with a bit of a worried expression.* "Maybe when we get close you could shift back? Then you could still carry the bag there and not scare any bugs!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh yeah! Good idea. Thanks squish!"

*She bumps her head against them and purrs quietly.*

"We gonna be ready to get going again soon? Maybe a snack or something first..."

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department or Mei

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei giggles, purring a bit as well and returning the bonk.* "I'm about ready now whenever you guys are!"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx stands up, feeling re-energized once more and picks his bag back up.

Sssso am I.

@the-hallownest-bio-department, @amba-the-hidden

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah... Okay. I'll get up.

*Phillip picks up his cane and carefully gets up.*

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Don't hurt yourself, sir."

*Amba rises to her own feet.*

"Let's get back on the road again! Let's hope we reach Neyst soon, adventurers!"

@meifen-within-the-dark @styxs-nest

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei stands up and begins leading the group again.* "Onward! Hehe!"

*They walk, occasionally stopping and thinking about which way to go before continuing again. They really hoped that they were going the right way and werent dooming everyone to getting lost in the wastes-*

*They stopped again after a good while, stopping at the edge of a large sinkhole that seemed to lead somewhere at the bottom due to faint lights.* "uh... I.. think this is it? ... I'm not really sure Lucent never told me what it looked like-"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He stares down at the sinkhole, his grip tightening around his cane and his expression turning grim.*

Do we need to go down there..?

@styxs-nest @meifen-within-the-dark

[styxs-nest]

Styx begins to get dizzy staring down at the sinkhole for too long. He takes a few shaky steps away from it with a quiet, nervous hiss.

Do pardon my hesss-sssitance, Mei, but I mussst pose the sss-sssame quesssstion. Do we know for sure thisss-sss is the way?

Thissss drop looksss-sss rather sssteep, and unless-ssss there is a sss-sssafer way to traverssse downwardsss, it could be risss-sssky.

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

”uuuhhhhhhh….” *They peered into the sink hole, it seemed to have a gradual decline into the center which seemed more of a entrance due to the metal poles with a flag hung on it nearby it.* “I think we can just slide down, Theres some thingies down there that kinda look like the ones outside of Hallownest.”

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"If nothing else, I can try to fly some down there... Maybe. Or, I can scout ahead. I don't think it'll be that bad, hopefully..."

*She peers into the hole, contemplating.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Styx hesitantly stares at the sinkhole again.

If it sss-ssseems sss-ssafe enough to fly down there, then perhapssss, but I don’t know…

He looks back at Mei and Phillip.

What do either of you think?

@meifen-within-the-dark, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

If I did get down there, I doubt I'd survive he landing...

Styx, could you fit your head in there while holding onto the sides of the sinkhole so that you can check how far the drop is?

[styxs-nest]

Styx hesitates for a moment, the mere thought of looking down for even one more second scaring him.

Sssss… I… can certainly try…

He approaches the sinkhole and grips onto the sides of it as tightly as possible to ensure he does not fall. He then tries to figure out how deep the drop may be.

Oh dear higher beingssss above…

If he was dizzy before, he felt much worse now. In his dizziness, one of his claws was suddenly starting to slip.

GAH-

He yelped and immediately backed away from the sinkhole once more. He sat down to recover his balance once he felt he was far enough away from it. His heart was racing from that close call.

It’ssss f-f-far enough to m-make a bug dizzy, that’ssss for sure-

@amba-the-hidden, @meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei continued to peer over the sinkhole, then took a step forward to try and see how deep it really was, but unfortunately the ground gave away and they were sent sliding down the side.* "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA-"

*They scrambled to try and get back up but they just kept slowly sliding down until they reached the bottom with a loud "THUMP!"* "ouf- I'm okay!" *They shouted from the bottom of the hole, looking up. They were surprised that Li was able to sleep through it all, but was glad that they were okay.*

*They looked around from where they now were, empty huts built with what looked like compacted dirt and sand, some sand from the wastes trickling down from above, dust-covered paths and what looked like some kind of market to the right. It seemed like this place had long been abandoned.* "We made It!!!!" *They shouted up, grinning happily.*

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

"Really!!? I'm coming!"

*She decides to fly instead of slide, and lands neatly at the bottom before shifting and looking around.*

"Whoa... looks like a normal place! Not surprising, but still..."

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei gathered their things, which really wasnt that much, mostly just the prey that them and Amba had collected. Once they were finished, they made their way up to the Blasted Steps, hauling the bag of food over their shoulder.*

*They sat down once they arrived at the entrance, or in this case, exit of Pharloom and waited for their friends and family to join them.*

@amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department @li-of-hidden-caves

[styxs-nest]

Styx hurries through the Blasted Steps, and slows down for a moment when he sees the exit from Pharloom in the distance.

Here he is. For the first time, he’s really leaving home. He looks at his bag and and then back at the exit. He takes a deep breath and keeps walking towards the meetup spot until he sees Mei. Styx smiles and waves to them as he runs to say hello.

Hello, Mei! How are you doing?

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*They turn around when they heard him, waving back happily.* "Hi Uncle Styx!!! I doing okay!" *They took the bag oof their back, plopping it onto the ground.* "How is Nugget doing?"

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li follows the commotion, a bag of food and medical stuff on their back. They notice the conversation and decide to stay quiet, letting Mei and Styx talk*

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

They’re doing well as usual! Sssstill wawooing to their heart’ssss content!

Styx’s brow then furrows as he glares at no particular direction in mind.

Even when ssseveral bugsss-sss have been building thessse nonsss-sssensical sss-sssigns forbidding them from doing ssso…

Styx then scoffs in anger.

The sss-sssigns threaten to FINE bugssss for sssaying “WAWOO”- Can you believe thisss drivel?!

He then calms down and sighs.

In other newsss, I alsss-ssso adopted their sssibling, Tec, recently, and they and Nugget are currently ssstaying with Tein!

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li just watched the debate go down about the wawoo, not knowing what it is but not knowing if now’s the time to ask*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I'm glad that they're having fun! Even if the bugs are being meanies, and im glad that you adopted their sibling! When we get back i'd love to meet them!" *They then noticed Li, and waved to them even though they couldnt see them.* "Hi Li!!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh wow, I wasn't that far behind, right? How have Li and Styx already made it!?" *She smiles, joking, trotting up (humanoid form) and stopping beside Mei.*

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"AMBA!!" *They exclaim happily, seeing Amba and give her a big ol bear hug.* "Hehe! You're not too late, we still gotta wait for Phillip!"

[amba-the-hidden]

"Okay!" *She returns the hug happily, and waves at Styx and Li.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip walks over to the rest of the group, leaning on his new cane. His face is red with the anxiety of meeting everyone.*

Hi everyone! Yeah, uh, I'm here! Hi!

*The markings (or perhaps more accurately grooves) on his mask have become less of a light orange and more properly white, it just looks like someone carved his mask and made a mistake.*

[styxs-nest]

Styx hears the unfamiliar voice and turns around to where he heard it.

Sssspeaking of, if my guesss-sss of who thissss bug may be is correct, I think he has arrived.

He approaches who he assumes is Phillip and bows in greeting.

Hello! I do not believe we have met yet. My name is Sssstyx.

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li turns to Phillip, a small smile on their face*

Ah, it’s you. We remember you near our home. How are you?

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Hello, Styx, Mei has told me good things about you!

And uhh, you, to be honest I am not doing so great, but thanks anyways...

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh, that's no good... Well, we can hope this trip goes well, right? A big group, ready for anything... And we get to be the first Pharloom bugs to visit!" *She smiles sympitheticly.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yeah! And speaking of that, are you guys ready to go?" *Mei asked, looking at everyone excidedly.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! I'm hoping to represent Hallownest on this trip, if that's okay with everyone else?

I- I sorta worked for the government so I thought it would be fitting.

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Well, then. Looks like it’s time. Truth be told, Styx is still sceptical, unsure of what dangers may await the journey ahead. But he’s also travelling with some of his friends and family, so he won’t be alone either.

And despite his reservations about leaving Pharloom for a bit, who knows what amazing sights are out there?

Just like Tein said: Have fun. At the very least, Styx must try to make the most of it.

He takes one more deep breath and then nods with a small smile.

I am ready whenever everyone is-ssss ready.

@li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"I'm definitely ready. This is kind of scary... but if we stick together, we'll be okay. I wanna record our journey!" *She shifts on her feet, tense with excitement and nervousness.*

@li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark

[li-of-hidden-caves]

We are ready as well. We are excited to go somewhere new with our… friends.

*They hesitate on the word “friends”, not fully knowing if it’s the right term*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei smiles happily, picking up their bag of food, hoisting it over their shoulder then beginning their journey with one big happy step.* "Then lets go! Hehe!"

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Sssss... What is-ssss it bugs-ssss sss-sssay again at the sss-ssstart of a big adventure...?

Styx closes his eyes deep in thought, trying to remember the word he forgot. He immediately opens them again when he remembers and then follows Mei.

OH! Right! Onward!

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! Onward!

*Phillip takes his cane and starts following the rest of the group.*

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves

[amba-the-hidden]

"Wooooo, let's go! Neyst, here we come, a band of adventurers! Onward indeed!" *She skips forward.*

@li-of-hidden-caves

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei led the group for a bit, really just going in the direction that felt right. ... Lucent never really gave them directions-*

*They stopped after a bit, noticing that Li seemed sluggish. They gently picked up Li, setting them on their shoulders so they could sleep and keep going on.*

*They continued onward, they walked, and walked, and walked and.. walked. They sighed after a good long while and stopped again.*

"buh... I need to sit.." *They said, then promptly sat down.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx looks around the path every now and then as he continues walking. He occasionally wants to ask where everyone is right now, in hopes maybe any bug in the party knows more about outside of Pharloom than himself— More so out of curiosity than concern.

As they all continued to traverse, Styx’s legs were starting to get tired from walking. He doesn’t think he’s ever walked for as long as he has before.

Sssss… I agree. Thisss-sss may be a good time to take a bit of a break.

He then sits down on the ground.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah I agree with you two, also my legs aren't great anyway on account of the nerve damage.

*He sits down on a rock, sighing as he allows his muscles a rest. He puts his cane to the side, gently placing it on the stone ground.*

Okay, that's better... It sure has been a bit since I travelled for this long.

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba stretches, squeaking slightly as she does a variety of poses.*

"I mean, I've never travelled this long, so you've got that on me. Mei, you still good with the bag? I can carry it, maybe shift and redistribute the soreness, or something?"

*She sits next to them.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yesplease- Carrying Li and the bag is really hard..." *They handed the bag over to Amba.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*She takes it with a "oof! Heavy!" and promptly puts it down, shifts, and places it on her back, adjusting a little bit until it's safe between her wings. She then sits next to Mei, tail curling around them a little, and looks at the two conscious members of the party.*

"Hope you guys are okay with... This."

*She gestures to herself.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Sssss! It is-sss perfectly alright, Amba!

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He smiles softly.*

As long as both of you are happy, it's fine with me! If that's what you're asking, that is.

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I think its okay too! Though, i dunno how the bugs of Neyst are gonna react...." *They said with a bit of a worried expression.* "Maybe when we get close you could shift back? Then you could still carry the bag there and not scare any bugs!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh yeah! Good idea. Thanks squish!"

*She bumps her head against them and purrs quietly.*

"We gonna be ready to get going again soon? Maybe a snack or something first..."

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department or Mei

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei giggles, purring a bit as well and returning the bonk.* "I'm about ready now whenever you guys are!"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx stands up, feeling re-energized once more and picks his bag back up.

Sssso am I.

@the-hallownest-bio-department, @amba-the-hidden

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah... Okay. I'll get up.

*Phillip picks up his cane and carefully gets up.*

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Don't hurt yourself, sir."

*Amba rises to her own feet.*

"Let's get back on the road again! Let's hope we reach Neyst soon, adventurers!"

@meifen-within-the-dark @styxs-nest

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei stands up and begins leading the group again.* "Onward! Hehe!"

*They walk, occasionally stopping and thinking about which way to go before continuing again. They really hoped that they were going the right way and werent dooming everyone to getting lost in the wastes-*

*They stopped again after a good while, stopping at the edge of a large sinkhole that seemed to lead somewhere at the bottom due to faint lights.* "uh... I.. think this is it? ... I'm not really sure Lucent never told me what it looked like-"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He stares down at the sinkhole, his grip tightening around his cane and his expression turning grim.*

Do we need to go down there..?

@styxs-nest @meifen-within-the-dark

[styxs-nest]

Styx begins to get dizzy staring down at the sinkhole for too long. He takes a few shaky steps away from it with a quiet, nervous hiss.

Do pardon my hesss-sssitance, Mei, but I mussst pose the sss-sssame quesssstion. Do we know for sure thisss-sss is the way?

Thissss drop looksss-sss rather sssteep, and unless-ssss there is a sss-sssafer way to traverssse downwardsss, it could be risss-sssky.

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

”uuuhhhhhhh….” *They peered into the sink hole, it seemed to have a gradual decline into the center which seemed more of a entrance due to the metal poles with a flag hung on it nearby it.* “I think we can just slide down, Theres some thingies down there that kinda look like the ones outside of Hallownest.”

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"If nothing else, I can try to fly some down there... Maybe. Or, I can scout ahead. I don't think it'll be that bad, hopefully..."

*She peers into the hole, contemplating.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei gathered their things, which really wasnt that much, mostly just the prey that them and Amba had collected. Once they were finished, they made their way up to the Blasted Steps, hauling the bag of food over their shoulder.*

*They sat down once they arrived at the entrance, or in this case, exit of Pharloom and waited for their friends and family to join them.*

@amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department @li-of-hidden-caves

[styxs-nest]

Styx hurries through the Blasted Steps, and slows down for a moment when he sees the exit from Pharloom in the distance.

Here he is. For the first time, he’s really leaving home. He looks at his bag and and then back at the exit. He takes a deep breath and keeps walking towards the meetup spot until he sees Mei. Styx smiles and waves to them as he runs to say hello.

Hello, Mei! How are you doing?

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*They turn around when they heard him, waving back happily.* "Hi Uncle Styx!!! I doing okay!" *They took the bag oof their back, plopping it onto the ground.* "How is Nugget doing?"

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li follows the commotion, a bag of food and medical stuff on their back. They notice the conversation and decide to stay quiet, letting Mei and Styx talk*

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

They’re doing well as usual! Sssstill wawooing to their heart’ssss content!

Styx’s brow then furrows as he glares at no particular direction in mind.

Even when ssseveral bugsss-sss have been building thessse nonsss-sssensical sss-sssigns forbidding them from doing ssso…

Styx then scoffs in anger.

The sss-sssigns threaten to FINE bugssss for sssaying “WAWOO”- Can you believe thisss drivel?!

He then calms down and sighs.

In other newsss, I alsss-ssso adopted their sssibling, Tec, recently, and they and Nugget are currently ssstaying with Tein!

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li just watched the debate go down about the wawoo, not knowing what it is but not knowing if now’s the time to ask*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I'm glad that they're having fun! Even if the bugs are being meanies, and im glad that you adopted their sibling! When we get back i'd love to meet them!" *They then noticed Li, and waved to them even though they couldnt see them.* "Hi Li!!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh wow, I wasn't that far behind, right? How have Li and Styx already made it!?" *She smiles, joking, trotting up (humanoid form) and stopping beside Mei.*

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"AMBA!!" *They exclaim happily, seeing Amba and give her a big ol bear hug.* "Hehe! You're not too late, we still gotta wait for Phillip!"

[amba-the-hidden]

"Okay!" *She returns the hug happily, and waves at Styx and Li.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip walks over to the rest of the group, leaning on his new cane. His face is red with the anxiety of meeting everyone.*

Hi everyone! Yeah, uh, I'm here! Hi!

*The markings (or perhaps more accurately grooves) on his mask have become less of a light orange and more properly white, it just looks like someone carved his mask and made a mistake.*

[styxs-nest]

Styx hears the unfamiliar voice and turns around to where he heard it.

Sssspeaking of, if my guesss-sss of who thissss bug may be is correct, I think he has arrived.

He approaches who he assumes is Phillip and bows in greeting.

Hello! I do not believe we have met yet. My name is Sssstyx.

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li turns to Phillip, a small smile on their face*

Ah, it’s you. We remember you near our home. How are you?

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Hello, Styx, Mei has told me good things about you!

And uhh, you, to be honest I am not doing so great, but thanks anyways...

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh, that's no good... Well, we can hope this trip goes well, right? A big group, ready for anything... And we get to be the first Pharloom bugs to visit!" *She smiles sympitheticly.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yeah! And speaking of that, are you guys ready to go?" *Mei asked, looking at everyone excidedly.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! I'm hoping to represent Hallownest on this trip, if that's okay with everyone else?

I- I sorta worked for the government so I thought it would be fitting.

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Well, then. Looks like it’s time. Truth be told, Styx is still sceptical, unsure of what dangers may await the journey ahead. But he’s also travelling with some of his friends and family, so he won’t be alone either.

And despite his reservations about leaving Pharloom for a bit, who knows what amazing sights are out there?

Just like Tein said: Have fun. At the very least, Styx must try to make the most of it.

He takes one more deep breath and then nods with a small smile.

I am ready whenever everyone is-ssss ready.

@li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"I'm definitely ready. This is kind of scary... but if we stick together, we'll be okay. I wanna record our journey!" *She shifts on her feet, tense with excitement and nervousness.*

@li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark

[li-of-hidden-caves]

We are ready as well. We are excited to go somewhere new with our… friends.

*They hesitate on the word “friends”, not fully knowing if it’s the right term*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei smiles happily, picking up their bag of food, hoisting it over their shoulder then beginning their journey with one big happy step.* "Then lets go! Hehe!"

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Sssss... What is-ssss it bugs-ssss sss-sssay again at the sss-ssstart of a big adventure...?

Styx closes his eyes deep in thought, trying to remember the word he forgot. He immediately opens them again when he remembers and then follows Mei.

OH! Right! Onward!

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! Onward!

*Phillip takes his cane and starts following the rest of the group.*

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves

[amba-the-hidden]

"Wooooo, let's go! Neyst, here we come, a band of adventurers! Onward indeed!" *She skips forward.*

@li-of-hidden-caves

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei led the group for a bit, really just going in the direction that felt right. ... Lucent never really gave them directions-*

*They stopped after a bit, noticing that Li seemed sluggish. They gently picked up Li, setting them on their shoulders so they could sleep and keep going on.*

*They continued onward, they walked, and walked, and walked and.. walked. They sighed after a good long while and stopped again.*

"buh... I need to sit.." *They said, then promptly sat down.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx looks around the path every now and then as he continues walking. He occasionally wants to ask where everyone is right now, in hopes maybe any bug in the party knows more about outside of Pharloom than himself— More so out of curiosity than concern.

As they all continued to traverse, Styx’s legs were starting to get tired from walking. He doesn’t think he’s ever walked for as long as he has before.

Sssss… I agree. Thisss-sss may be a good time to take a bit of a break.

He then sits down on the ground.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah I agree with you two, also my legs aren't great anyway on account of the nerve damage.

*He sits down on a rock, sighing as he allows his muscles a rest. He puts his cane to the side, gently placing it on the stone ground.*

Okay, that's better... It sure has been a bit since I travelled for this long.

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba stretches, squeaking slightly as she does a variety of poses.*

"I mean, I've never travelled this long, so you've got that on me. Mei, you still good with the bag? I can carry it, maybe shift and redistribute the soreness, or something?"

*She sits next to them.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yesplease- Carrying Li and the bag is really hard..." *They handed the bag over to Amba.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*She takes it with a "oof! Heavy!" and promptly puts it down, shifts, and places it on her back, adjusting a little bit until it's safe between her wings. She then sits next to Mei, tail curling around them a little, and looks at the two conscious members of the party.*

"Hope you guys are okay with... This."

*She gestures to herself.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Sssss! It is-sss perfectly alright, Amba!

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He smiles softly.*

As long as both of you are happy, it's fine with me! If that's what you're asking, that is.

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I think its okay too! Though, i dunno how the bugs of Neyst are gonna react...." *They said with a bit of a worried expression.* "Maybe when we get close you could shift back? Then you could still carry the bag there and not scare any bugs!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh yeah! Good idea. Thanks squish!"

*She bumps her head against them and purrs quietly.*

"We gonna be ready to get going again soon? Maybe a snack or something first..."

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department or Mei

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei giggles, purring a bit as well and returning the bonk.* "I'm about ready now whenever you guys are!"

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx stands up, feeling re-energized once more and picks his bag back up.

Sssso am I.

@the-hallownest-bio-department, @amba-the-hidden

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah... Okay. I'll get up.

*Phillip picks up his cane and carefully gets up.*

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Don't hurt yourself, sir."

*Amba rises to her own feet.*

"Let's get back on the road again! Let's hope we reach Neyst soon, adventurers!"

@meifen-within-the-dark @styxs-nest

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei gathered their things, which really wasnt that much, mostly just the prey that them and Amba had collected. Once they were finished, they made their way up to the Blasted Steps, hauling the bag of food over their shoulder.*

*They sat down once they arrived at the entrance, or in this case, exit of Pharloom and waited for their friends and family to join them.*

@amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department @li-of-hidden-caves

[styxs-nest]

Styx hurries through the Blasted Steps, and slows down for a moment when he sees the exit from Pharloom in the distance.

Here he is. For the first time, he’s really leaving home. He looks at his bag and and then back at the exit. He takes a deep breath and keeps walking towards the meetup spot until he sees Mei. Styx smiles and waves to them as he runs to say hello.

Hello, Mei! How are you doing?

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*They turn around when they heard him, waving back happily.* "Hi Uncle Styx!!! I doing okay!" *They took the bag oof their back, plopping it onto the ground.* "How is Nugget doing?"

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li follows the commotion, a bag of food and medical stuff on their back. They notice the conversation and decide to stay quiet, letting Mei and Styx talk*

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

They’re doing well as usual! Sssstill wawooing to their heart’ssss content!

Styx’s brow then furrows as he glares at no particular direction in mind.

Even when ssseveral bugsss-sss have been building thessse nonsss-sssensical sss-sssigns forbidding them from doing ssso…

Styx then scoffs in anger.

The sss-sssigns threaten to FINE bugssss for sssaying “WAWOO”- Can you believe thisss drivel?!

He then calms down and sighs.

In other newsss, I alsss-ssso adopted their sssibling, Tec, recently, and they and Nugget are currently ssstaying with Tein!

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li just watched the debate go down about the wawoo, not knowing what it is but not knowing if now’s the time to ask*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I'm glad that they're having fun! Even if the bugs are being meanies, and im glad that you adopted their sibling! When we get back i'd love to meet them!" *They then noticed Li, and waved to them even though they couldnt see them.* "Hi Li!!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh wow, I wasn't that far behind, right? How have Li and Styx already made it!?" *She smiles, joking, trotting up (humanoid form) and stopping beside Mei.*

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"AMBA!!" *They exclaim happily, seeing Amba and give her a big ol bear hug.* "Hehe! You're not too late, we still gotta wait for Phillip!"

[amba-the-hidden]

"Okay!" *She returns the hug happily, and waves at Styx and Li.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip walks over to the rest of the group, leaning on his new cane. His face is red with the anxiety of meeting everyone.*

Hi everyone! Yeah, uh, I'm here! Hi!

*The markings (or perhaps more accurately grooves) on his mask have become less of a light orange and more properly white, it just looks like someone carved his mask and made a mistake.*

[styxs-nest]

Styx hears the unfamiliar voice and turns around to where he heard it.

Sssspeaking of, if my guesss-sss of who thissss bug may be is correct, I think he has arrived.

He approaches who he assumes is Phillip and bows in greeting.

Hello! I do not believe we have met yet. My name is Sssstyx.

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li turns to Phillip, a small smile on their face*

Ah, it’s you. We remember you near our home. How are you?

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Hello, Styx, Mei has told me good things about you!

And uhh, you, to be honest I am not doing so great, but thanks anyways...

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh, that's no good... Well, we can hope this trip goes well, right? A big group, ready for anything... And we get to be the first Pharloom bugs to visit!" *She smiles sympitheticly.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yeah! And speaking of that, are you guys ready to go?" *Mei asked, looking at everyone excidedly.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! I'm hoping to represent Hallownest on this trip, if that's okay with everyone else?

I- I sorta worked for the government so I thought it would be fitting.

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Well, then. Looks like it’s time. Truth be told, Styx is still sceptical, unsure of what dangers may await the journey ahead. But he’s also travelling with some of his friends and family, so he won’t be alone either.

And despite his reservations about leaving Pharloom for a bit, who knows what amazing sights are out there?

Just like Tein said: Have fun. At the very least, Styx must try to make the most of it.

He takes one more deep breath and then nods with a small smile.

I am ready whenever everyone is-ssss ready.

@li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"I'm definitely ready. This is kind of scary... but if we stick together, we'll be okay. I wanna record our journey!" *She shifts on her feet, tense with excitement and nervousness.*

@li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark

[li-of-hidden-caves]

We are ready as well. We are excited to go somewhere new with our… friends.

*They hesitate on the word “friends”, not fully knowing if it’s the right term*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei smiles happily, picking up their bag of food, hoisting it over their shoulder then beginning their journey with one big happy step.* "Then lets go! Hehe!"

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Sssss... What is-ssss it bugs-ssss sss-sssay again at the sss-ssstart of a big adventure...?

Styx closes his eyes deep in thought, trying to remember the word he forgot. He immediately opens them again when he remembers and then follows Mei.

OH! Right! Onward!

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! Onward!

*Phillip takes his cane and starts following the rest of the group.*

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves

[amba-the-hidden]

"Wooooo, let's go! Neyst, here we come, a band of adventurers! Onward indeed!" *She skips forward.*

@li-of-hidden-caves

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei led the group for a bit, really just going in the direction that felt right. ... Lucent never really gave them directions-*

*They stopped after a bit, noticing that Li seemed sluggish. They gently picked up Li, setting them on their shoulders so they could sleep and keep going on.*

*They continued onward, they walked, and walked, and walked and.. walked. They sighed after a good long while and stopped again.*

"buh... I need to sit.." *They said, then promptly sat down.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx looks around the path every now and then as he continues walking. He occasionally wants to ask where everyone is right now, in hopes maybe any bug in the party knows more about outside of Pharloom than himself— More so out of curiosity than concern.

As they all continued to traverse, Styx’s legs were starting to get tired from walking. He doesn’t think he’s ever walked for as long as he has before.

Sssss… I agree. Thisss-sss may be a good time to take a bit of a break.

He then sits down on the ground.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah I agree with you two, also my legs aren't great anyway on account of the nerve damage.

*He sits down on a rock, sighing as he allows his muscles a rest. He puts his cane to the side, gently placing it on the stone ground.*

Okay, that's better... It sure has been a bit since I travelled for this long.

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba stretches, squeaking slightly as she does a variety of poses.*

"I mean, I've never travelled this long, so you've got that on me. Mei, you still good with the bag? I can carry it, maybe shift and redistribute the soreness, or something?"

*She sits next to them.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yesplease- Carrying Li and the bag is really hard..." *They handed the bag over to Amba.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*She takes it with a "oof! Heavy!" and promptly puts it down, shifts, and places it on her back, adjusting a little bit until it's safe between her wings. She then sits next to Mei, tail curling around them a little, and looks at the two conscious members of the party.*

"Hope you guys are okay with... This."

*She gestures to herself.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

Sssss! It is-sss perfectly alright, Amba!

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*He smiles softly.*

As long as both of you are happy, it's fine with me! If that's what you're asking, that is.

@meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I think its okay too! Though, i dunno how the bugs of Neyst are gonna react...." *They said with a bit of a worried expression.* "Maybe when we get close you could shift back? Then you could still carry the bag there and not scare any bugs!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh yeah! Good idea. Thanks squish!"

*She bumps her head against them and purrs quietly.*

"We gonna be ready to get going again soon? Maybe a snack or something first..."

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department or Mei

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei gathered their things, which really wasnt that much, mostly just the prey that them and Amba had collected. Once they were finished, they made their way up to the Blasted Steps, hauling the bag of food over their shoulder.*

*They sat down once they arrived at the entrance, or in this case, exit of Pharloom and waited for their friends and family to join them.*

@amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department @li-of-hidden-caves

[styxs-nest]

Styx hurries through the Blasted Steps, and slows down for a moment when he sees the exit from Pharloom in the distance.

Here he is. For the first time, he’s really leaving home. He looks at his bag and and then back at the exit. He takes a deep breath and keeps walking towards the meetup spot until he sees Mei. Styx smiles and waves to them as he runs to say hello.

Hello, Mei! How are you doing?

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*They turn around when they heard him, waving back happily.* "Hi Uncle Styx!!! I doing okay!" *They took the bag oof their back, plopping it onto the ground.* "How is Nugget doing?"

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li follows the commotion, a bag of food and medical stuff on their back. They notice the conversation and decide to stay quiet, letting Mei and Styx talk*

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

They’re doing well as usual! Sssstill wawooing to their heart’ssss content!

Styx’s brow then furrows as he glares at no particular direction in mind.

Even when ssseveral bugsss-sss have been building thessse nonsss-sssensical sss-sssigns forbidding them from doing ssso…

Styx then scoffs in anger.

The sss-sssigns threaten to FINE bugssss for sssaying “WAWOO”- Can you believe thisss drivel?!

He then calms down and sighs.

In other newsss, I alsss-ssso adopted their sssibling, Tec, recently, and they and Nugget are currently ssstaying with Tein!

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li just watched the debate go down about the wawoo, not knowing what it is but not knowing if now’s the time to ask*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I'm glad that they're having fun! Even if the bugs are being meanies, and im glad that you adopted their sibling! When we get back i'd love to meet them!" *They then noticed Li, and waved to them even though they couldnt see them.* "Hi Li!!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh wow, I wasn't that far behind, right? How have Li and Styx already made it!?" *She smiles, joking, trotting up (humanoid form) and stopping beside Mei.*

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"AMBA!!" *They exclaim happily, seeing Amba and give her a big ol bear hug.* "Hehe! You're not too late, we still gotta wait for Phillip!"

[amba-the-hidden]

"Okay!" *She returns the hug happily, and waves at Styx and Li.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip walks over to the rest of the group, leaning on his new cane. His face is red with the anxiety of meeting everyone.*

Hi everyone! Yeah, uh, I'm here! Hi!

*The markings (or perhaps more accurately grooves) on his mask have become less of a light orange and more properly white, it just looks like someone carved his mask and made a mistake.*

[styxs-nest]

Styx hears the unfamiliar voice and turns around to where he heard it.

Sssspeaking of, if my guesss-sss of who thissss bug may be is correct, I think he has arrived.

He approaches who he assumes is Phillip and bows in greeting.

Hello! I do not believe we have met yet. My name is Sssstyx.

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li turns to Phillip, a small smile on their face*

Ah, it’s you. We remember you near our home. How are you?

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Hello, Styx, Mei has told me good things about you!

And uhh, you, to be honest I am not doing so great, but thanks anyways...

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh, that's no good... Well, we can hope this trip goes well, right? A big group, ready for anything... And we get to be the first Pharloom bugs to visit!" *She smiles sympitheticly.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yeah! And speaking of that, are you guys ready to go?" *Mei asked, looking at everyone excidedly.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! I'm hoping to represent Hallownest on this trip, if that's okay with everyone else?

I- I sorta worked for the government so I thought it would be fitting.

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Well, then. Looks like it’s time. Truth be told, Styx is still sceptical, unsure of what dangers may await the journey ahead. But he’s also travelling with some of his friends and family, so he won’t be alone either.

And despite his reservations about leaving Pharloom for a bit, who knows what amazing sights are out there?

Just like Tein said: Have fun. At the very least, Styx must try to make the most of it.

He takes one more deep breath and then nods with a small smile.

I am ready whenever everyone is-ssss ready.

@li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"I'm definitely ready. This is kind of scary... but if we stick together, we'll be okay. I wanna record our journey!" *She shifts on her feet, tense with excitement and nervousness.*

@li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark

[li-of-hidden-caves]

We are ready as well. We are excited to go somewhere new with our… friends.

*They hesitate on the word “friends”, not fully knowing if it’s the right term*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei smiles happily, picking up their bag of food, hoisting it over their shoulder then beginning their journey with one big happy step.* "Then lets go! Hehe!"

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Sssss... What is-ssss it bugs-ssss sss-sssay again at the sss-ssstart of a big adventure...?

Styx closes his eyes deep in thought, trying to remember the word he forgot. He immediately opens them again when he remembers and then follows Mei.

OH! Right! Onward!

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! Onward!

*Phillip takes his cane and starts following the rest of the group.*

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves

[amba-the-hidden]

"Wooooo, let's go! Neyst, here we come, a band of adventurers! Onward indeed!" *She skips forward.*

@li-of-hidden-caves

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei led the group for a bit, really just going in the direction that felt right. ... Lucent never really gave them directions-*

*They stopped after a bit, noticing that Li seemed sluggish. They gently picked up Li, setting them on their shoulders so they could sleep and keep going on.*

*They continued onward, they walked, and walked, and walked and.. walked. They sighed after a good long while and stopped again.*

"buh... I need to sit.." *They said, then promptly sat down.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx looks around the path every now and then as he continues walking. He occasionally wants to ask where everyone is right now, in hopes maybe any bug in the party knows more about outside of Pharloom than himself— More so out of curiosity than concern.

As they all continued to traverse, Styx’s legs were starting to get tired from walking. He doesn’t think he’s ever walked for as long as he has before.

Sssss… I agree. Thisss-sss may be a good time to take a bit of a break.

He then sits down on the ground.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah I agree with you two, also my legs aren't great anyway on account of the nerve damage.

*He sits down on a rock, sighing as he allows his muscles a rest. He puts his cane to the side, gently placing it on the stone ground.*

Okay, that's better... It sure has been a bit since I travelled for this long.

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba stretches, squeaking slightly as she does a variety of poses.*

"I mean, I've never travelled this long, so you've got that on me. Mei, you still good with the bag? I can carry it, maybe shift and redistribute the soreness, or something?"

*She sits next to them.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yesplease- Carrying Li and the bag is really hard..." *They handed the bag over to Amba.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[amba-the-hidden]

*She takes it with a "oof! Heavy!" and promptly puts it down, shifts, and places it on her back, adjusting a little bit until it's safe between her wings. She then sits next to Mei, tail curling around them a little, and looks at the two conscious members of the party.*

"Hope you guys are okay with... This."

*She gestures to herself.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei gathered their things, which really wasnt that much, mostly just the prey that them and Amba had collected. Once they were finished, they made their way up to the Blasted Steps, hauling the bag of food over their shoulder.*

*They sat down once they arrived at the entrance, or in this case, exit of Pharloom and waited for their friends and family to join them.*

@amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department @li-of-hidden-caves

[styxs-nest]

Styx hurries through the Blasted Steps, and slows down for a moment when he sees the exit from Pharloom in the distance.

Here he is. For the first time, he’s really leaving home. He looks at his bag and and then back at the exit. He takes a deep breath and keeps walking towards the meetup spot until he sees Mei. Styx smiles and waves to them as he runs to say hello.

Hello, Mei! How are you doing?

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*They turn around when they heard him, waving back happily.* "Hi Uncle Styx!!! I doing okay!" *They took the bag oof their back, plopping it onto the ground.* "How is Nugget doing?"

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li follows the commotion, a bag of food and medical stuff on their back. They notice the conversation and decide to stay quiet, letting Mei and Styx talk*

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

They’re doing well as usual! Sssstill wawooing to their heart’ssss content!

Styx’s brow then furrows as he glares at no particular direction in mind.

Even when ssseveral bugsss-sss have been building thessse nonsss-sssensical sss-sssigns forbidding them from doing ssso…

Styx then scoffs in anger.

The sss-sssigns threaten to FINE bugssss for sssaying “WAWOO”- Can you believe thisss drivel?!

He then calms down and sighs.

In other newsss, I alsss-ssso adopted their sssibling, Tec, recently, and they and Nugget are currently ssstaying with Tein!

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li just watched the debate go down about the wawoo, not knowing what it is but not knowing if now’s the time to ask*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I'm glad that they're having fun! Even if the bugs are being meanies, and im glad that you adopted their sibling! When we get back i'd love to meet them!" *They then noticed Li, and waved to them even though they couldnt see them.* "Hi Li!!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh wow, I wasn't that far behind, right? How have Li and Styx already made it!?" *She smiles, joking, trotting up (humanoid form) and stopping beside Mei.*

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"AMBA!!" *They exclaim happily, seeing Amba and give her a big ol bear hug.* "Hehe! You're not too late, we still gotta wait for Phillip!"

[amba-the-hidden]

"Okay!" *She returns the hug happily, and waves at Styx and Li.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip walks over to the rest of the group, leaning on his new cane. His face is red with the anxiety of meeting everyone.*

Hi everyone! Yeah, uh, I'm here! Hi!

*The markings (or perhaps more accurately grooves) on his mask have become less of a light orange and more properly white, it just looks like someone carved his mask and made a mistake.*

[styxs-nest]

Styx hears the unfamiliar voice and turns around to where he heard it.

Sssspeaking of, if my guesss-sss of who thissss bug may be is correct, I think he has arrived.

He approaches who he assumes is Phillip and bows in greeting.

Hello! I do not believe we have met yet. My name is Sssstyx.

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li turns to Phillip, a small smile on their face*

Ah, it’s you. We remember you near our home. How are you?

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Hello, Styx, Mei has told me good things about you!

And uhh, you, to be honest I am not doing so great, but thanks anyways...

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh, that's no good... Well, we can hope this trip goes well, right? A big group, ready for anything... And we get to be the first Pharloom bugs to visit!" *She smiles sympitheticly.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yeah! And speaking of that, are you guys ready to go?" *Mei asked, looking at everyone excidedly.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! I'm hoping to represent Hallownest on this trip, if that's okay with everyone else?

I- I sorta worked for the government so I thought it would be fitting.

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Well, then. Looks like it’s time. Truth be told, Styx is still sceptical, unsure of what dangers may await the journey ahead. But he’s also travelling with some of his friends and family, so he won’t be alone either.

And despite his reservations about leaving Pharloom for a bit, who knows what amazing sights are out there?

Just like Tein said: Have fun. At the very least, Styx must try to make the most of it.

He takes one more deep breath and then nods with a small smile.

I am ready whenever everyone is-ssss ready.

@li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"I'm definitely ready. This is kind of scary... but if we stick together, we'll be okay. I wanna record our journey!" *She shifts on her feet, tense with excitement and nervousness.*

@li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark

[li-of-hidden-caves]

We are ready as well. We are excited to go somewhere new with our… friends.

*They hesitate on the word “friends”, not fully knowing if it’s the right term*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei smiles happily, picking up their bag of food, hoisting it over their shoulder then beginning their journey with one big happy step.* "Then lets go! Hehe!"

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Sssss... What is-ssss it bugs-ssss sss-sssay again at the sss-ssstart of a big adventure...?

Styx closes his eyes deep in thought, trying to remember the word he forgot. He immediately opens them again when he remembers and then follows Mei.

OH! Right! Onward!

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! Onward!

*Phillip takes his cane and starts following the rest of the group.*

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves

[amba-the-hidden]

"Wooooo, let's go! Neyst, here we come, a band of adventurers! Onward indeed!" *She skips forward.*

@li-of-hidden-caves

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei led the group for a bit, really just going in the direction that felt right. ... Lucent never really gave them directions-*

*They stopped after a bit, noticing that Li seemed sluggish. They gently picked up Li, setting them on their shoulders so they could sleep and keep going on.*

*They continued onward, they walked, and walked, and walked and.. walked. They sighed after a good long while and stopped again.*

"buh... I need to sit.." *They said, then promptly sat down.*

@styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Styx looks around the path every now and then as he continues walking. He occasionally wants to ask where everyone is right now, in hopes maybe any bug in the party knows more about outside of Pharloom than himself— More so out of curiosity than concern.

As they all continued to traverse, Styx’s legs were starting to get tired from walking. He doesn’t think he’s ever walked for as long as he has before.

Sssss… I agree. Thisss-sss may be a good time to take a bit of a break.

He then sits down on the ground.

@amba-the-hidden, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah I agree with you two, also my legs aren't great anyway on account of the nerve damage.

*He sits down on a rock, sighing as he allows his muscles a rest. He puts his cane to the side, gently placing it on the stone ground.*

Okay, that's better... It sure has been a bit since I travelled for this long.

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

*Amba stretches, squeaking slightly as she does a variety of poses.*

"I mean, I've never travelled this long, so you've got that on me. Mei, you still good with the bag? I can carry it, maybe shift and redistribute the soreness, or something?"

*She sits next to them.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei gathered their things, which really wasnt that much, mostly just the prey that them and Amba had collected. Once they were finished, they made their way up to the Blasted Steps, hauling the bag of food over their shoulder.*

*They sat down once they arrived at the entrance, or in this case, exit of Pharloom and waited for their friends and family to join them.*

@amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department @li-of-hidden-caves

[styxs-nest]

Styx hurries through the Blasted Steps, and slows down for a moment when he sees the exit from Pharloom in the distance.

Here he is. For the first time, he’s really leaving home. He looks at his bag and and then back at the exit. He takes a deep breath and keeps walking towards the meetup spot until he sees Mei. Styx smiles and waves to them as he runs to say hello.

Hello, Mei! How are you doing?

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*They turn around when they heard him, waving back happily.* "Hi Uncle Styx!!! I doing okay!" *They took the bag oof their back, plopping it onto the ground.* "How is Nugget doing?"

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li follows the commotion, a bag of food and medical stuff on their back. They notice the conversation and decide to stay quiet, letting Mei and Styx talk*

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

They’re doing well as usual! Sssstill wawooing to their heart’ssss content!

Styx’s brow then furrows as he glares at no particular direction in mind.

Even when ssseveral bugsss-sss have been building thessse nonsss-sssensical sss-sssigns forbidding them from doing ssso…

Styx then scoffs in anger.

The sss-sssigns threaten to FINE bugssss for sssaying “WAWOO”- Can you believe thisss drivel?!

He then calms down and sighs.

In other newsss, I alsss-ssso adopted their sssibling, Tec, recently, and they and Nugget are currently ssstaying with Tein!

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li just watched the debate go down about the wawoo, not knowing what it is but not knowing if now’s the time to ask*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I'm glad that they're having fun! Even if the bugs are being meanies, and im glad that you adopted their sibling! When we get back i'd love to meet them!" *They then noticed Li, and waved to them even though they couldnt see them.* "Hi Li!!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh wow, I wasn't that far behind, right? How have Li and Styx already made it!?" *She smiles, joking, trotting up (humanoid form) and stopping beside Mei.*

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"AMBA!!" *They exclaim happily, seeing Amba and give her a big ol bear hug.* "Hehe! You're not too late, we still gotta wait for Phillip!"

[amba-the-hidden]

"Okay!" *She returns the hug happily, and waves at Styx and Li.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip walks over to the rest of the group, leaning on his new cane. His face is red with the anxiety of meeting everyone.*

Hi everyone! Yeah, uh, I'm here! Hi!

*The markings (or perhaps more accurately grooves) on his mask have become less of a light orange and more properly white, it just looks like someone carved his mask and made a mistake.*

[styxs-nest]

Styx hears the unfamiliar voice and turns around to where he heard it.

Sssspeaking of, if my guesss-sss of who thissss bug may be is correct, I think he has arrived.

He approaches who he assumes is Phillip and bows in greeting.

Hello! I do not believe we have met yet. My name is Sssstyx.

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li turns to Phillip, a small smile on their face*

Ah, it’s you. We remember you near our home. How are you?

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Hello, Styx, Mei has told me good things about you!

And uhh, you, to be honest I am not doing so great, but thanks anyways...

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh, that's no good... Well, we can hope this trip goes well, right? A big group, ready for anything... And we get to be the first Pharloom bugs to visit!" *She smiles sympitheticly.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yeah! And speaking of that, are you guys ready to go?" *Mei asked, looking at everyone excidedly.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! I'm hoping to represent Hallownest on this trip, if that's okay with everyone else?

I- I sorta worked for the government so I thought it would be fitting.

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Well, then. Looks like it’s time. Truth be told, Styx is still sceptical, unsure of what dangers may await the journey ahead. But he’s also travelling with some of his friends and family, so he won’t be alone either.

And despite his reservations about leaving Pharloom for a bit, who knows what amazing sights are out there?

Just like Tein said: Have fun. At the very least, Styx must try to make the most of it.

He takes one more deep breath and then nods with a small smile.

I am ready whenever everyone is-ssss ready.

@li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"I'm definitely ready. This is kind of scary... but if we stick together, we'll be okay. I wanna record our journey!" *She shifts on her feet, tense with excitement and nervousness.*

@li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark

[li-of-hidden-caves]

We are ready as well. We are excited to go somewhere new with our… friends.

*They hesitate on the word “friends”, not fully knowing if it’s the right term*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei smiles happily, picking up their bag of food, hoisting it over their shoulder then beginning their journey with one big happy step.* "Then lets go! Hehe!"

@styxs-nest @amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[styxs-nest]

Sssss... What is-ssss it bugs-ssss sss-sssay again at the sss-ssstart of a big adventure...?

Styx closes his eyes deep in thought, trying to remember the word he forgot. He immediately opens them again when he remembers and then follows Mei.

OH! Right! Onward!

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves, @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! Onward!

*Phillip takes his cane and starts following the rest of the group.*

@amba-the-hidden, @li-of-hidden-caves

[amba-the-hidden]

"Wooooo, let's go! Neyst, here we come, a band of adventurers! Onward indeed!" *She skips forward.*

@li-of-hidden-caves

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*Mei gathered their things, which really wasnt that much, mostly just the prey that them and Amba had collected. Once they were finished, they made their way up to the Blasted Steps, hauling the bag of food over their shoulder.*

*They sat down once they arrived at the entrance, or in this case, exit of Pharloom and waited for their friends and family to join them.*

@amba-the-hidden @styxs-nest @the-hallownest-bio-department @li-of-hidden-caves

[styxs-nest]

Styx hurries through the Blasted Steps, and slows down for a moment when he sees the exit from Pharloom in the distance.

Here he is. For the first time, he’s really leaving home. He looks at his bag and and then back at the exit. He takes a deep breath and keeps walking towards the meetup spot until he sees Mei. Styx smiles and waves to them as he runs to say hello.

Hello, Mei! How are you doing?

[meifen-within-the-dark]

*They turn around when they heard him, waving back happily.* "Hi Uncle Styx!!! I doing okay!" *They took the bag oof their back, plopping it onto the ground.* "How is Nugget doing?"

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li follows the commotion, a bag of food and medical stuff on their back. They notice the conversation and decide to stay quiet, letting Mei and Styx talk*

@styxs-nest

[styxs-nest]

They’re doing well as usual! Sssstill wawooing to their heart’ssss content!

Styx’s brow then furrows as he glares at no particular direction in mind.

Even when ssseveral bugsss-sss have been building thessse nonsss-sssensical sss-sssigns forbidding them from doing ssso…

Styx then scoffs in anger.

The sss-sssigns threaten to FINE bugssss for sssaying “WAWOO”- Can you believe thisss drivel?!

He then calms down and sighs.

In other newsss, I alsss-ssso adopted their sssibling, Tec, recently, and they and Nugget are currently ssstaying with Tein!

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li just watched the debate go down about the wawoo, not knowing what it is but not knowing if now’s the time to ask*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"I'm glad that they're having fun! Even if the bugs are being meanies, and im glad that you adopted their sibling! When we get back i'd love to meet them!" *They then noticed Li, and waved to them even though they couldnt see them.* "Hi Li!!"

@amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh wow, I wasn't that far behind, right? How have Li and Styx already made it!?" *She smiles, joking, trotting up (humanoid form) and stopping beside Mei.*

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"AMBA!!" *They exclaim happily, seeing Amba and give her a big ol bear hug.* "Hehe! You're not too late, we still gotta wait for Phillip!"

[amba-the-hidden]

"Okay!" *She returns the hug happily, and waves at Styx and Li.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

*Phillip walks over to the rest of the group, leaning on his new cane. His face is red with the anxiety of meeting everyone.*

Hi everyone! Yeah, uh, I'm here! Hi!

*The markings (or perhaps more accurately grooves) on his mask have become less of a light orange and more properly white, it just looks like someone carved his mask and made a mistake.*

[styxs-nest]

Styx hears the unfamiliar voice and turns around to where he heard it.

Sssspeaking of, if my guesss-sss of who thissss bug may be is correct, I think he has arrived.

He approaches who he assumes is Phillip and bows in greeting.

Hello! I do not believe we have met yet. My name is Sssstyx.

@li-of-hidden-caves

[li-of-hidden-caves]

*Li turns to Phillip, a small smile on their face*

Ah, it’s you. We remember you near our home. How are you?

@amba-the-hidden @the-hallownest-bio-department

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Hello, Styx, Mei has told me good things about you!

And uhh, you, to be honest I am not doing so great, but thanks anyways...

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"Oh, that's no good... Well, we can hope this trip goes well, right? A big group, ready for anything... And we get to be the first Pharloom bugs to visit!" *She smiles sympitheticly.*

@meifen-within-the-dark

[meifen-within-the-dark]

"Yeah! And speaking of that, are you guys ready to go?" *Mei asked, looking at everyone excidedly.*

@the-hallownest-bio-department @styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves

[the-hallownest-bio-department]

Yeah! I'm hoping to represent Hallownest on this trip, if that's okay with everyone else?

I- I sorta worked for the government so I thought it would be fitting.

@styxs-nest @li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark @amba-the-hidden

[styxs-nest]

Well, then. Looks like it’s time. Truth be told, Styx is still sceptical, unsure of what dangers may await the journey ahead. But he’s also travelling with some of his friends and family, so he won’t be alone either.

And despite his reservations about leaving Pharloom for a bit, who knows what amazing sights are out there?

Just like Tein said: Have fun. At the very least, Styx must try to make the most of it.

He takes one more deep breath and then nods with a small smile.

I am ready whenever everyone is-ssss ready.

@li-of-hidden-caves @amba-the-hidden

[amba-the-hidden]

"I'm definitely ready. This is kind of scary... but if we stick together, we'll be okay. I wanna record our journey!" *She shifts on her feet, tense with excitement and nervousness.*

@li-of-hidden-caves @meifen-within-the-dark