Nov 16, 2025
If their queen says they'll get along then for Venus' sake they'll get along
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If their queen says they'll get along then for Venus' sake they'll get along
I've come to realize that Victoria Van Gale from Hilda is shockingly similar to Dr. H.B. from Bug Fables: both seem to be at least middle-aged, they're scientists, they're lanky and dirty-looking, they have tech notably more advanced than most of the rest of the setting up to that point.
A win for Mad Scientist Lady fans, I suppose!
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Title: Trypanophobia Fandom: Bug Fables Characters: Leif, Kabbu, Vi, Dr H.B. Word Count: 2.477
Summary: A new illness threatens Bugaria and Dr. H.B. calls everyone to get vaccinated. Leif thought it wouldn't be a problem, until he sees what exactly a vaccination is.
@sicktember
Even though I haven't seen them reblog my stuff lately... is tumblr glitching again?! First fic for Bug Fables! I had a lot of fun writing this, these characters turned to be very dear to me over playing the game and it is nice to write characters who have a canon voice for once instead of having to make up 90 % of their personality.
Midboss records and plays back enemy spy data just like his predecessor, and sometimes he uses that to stage simulated fights between Bugaria’s beasts
…and sometimes H.B. and Crow like to bet on those fights
For a while I’ve had the idea that, in Swapped Fables, Neo and Fuff would be taking each other’s place (with Fuff showing his meeker side whilst studying stuff and Neo being excited with Wasp Tech and happily using things like the Ultimax Tank) but you know what? While writing Omega’s Assault, I’ve come to realize that Dr. H.B. would actually fit better as a counterpart to Fuff: I can totally see H.B. happily taking the opportunity to make war machines and stuff like that, acting surprisingly good as a general. I bet she’d even put up a decent fight while out of her Ultimax Tank equivalent (A souped up Heavy Drone B-33, perhaps?).
Meanwhile, Fuff would take H.B.’s role in investigating the weird magic guy when he enters (in this case, Hoaxe), but I can imagine it going a little more smoothly than in canon: while Canon H.B. made Canon Leif very uncomfortable during their meeting, I can see Swapped Fuff and Swapped Hoaxe interacting more amicably. If Swapped Team Snakemouth do fight a Wasp Tank, it likely wouldn’t be Ultimax driving it (I’m thinking of just some Wasp being mind-controlled to attack them with it since Swapped Leif does still have the crown and can likely still control Wasps with it. He’d just prefer using Bee Technology because he hates Bugs that much).
Of course, this leaves out Neo, but I just had the idea of swapping him with Aria? I dunno, switching a religious girl and a science boy sounds kinda fun, and I bet it’d even lead to a couple fun changes: perhaps Aria fights back against the Wasps at the start of Chapter 2, while Neo needs a lot more help from Venus in the fight against him?
(As is often the case, many of these ideas are spitballing and may not end up being really considered for the AU. Whatever info here I do want to keep will likely be added into the descriptions of whatever related drawings I make if I get around to them.)
Omega's Assault: Chapter 3
And with that, Chapter 3 is complete! Next time will be the end so I hope you all look forward to it. As per usual, here's the AO3 link (https://archiveofourown.org/works/40301664/chapters/115617352)
To all those that wanna read on Tumblr...
General Ultimax was bewildered by the kinds of things he saw in Dr. H.B.'s lab: tubes filled with chunks of Seedlings and Arrow Worms, machine parts that moved around seemingly on their own, weapons that even his own soldiers would be afraid to use. Ultimax felt uncomfortable just standing in the same room as the doctor, let alone in the room she did her work in, but regardless he decided to walk up to her inquisitively.
General Ultimax: So, err, Dr. Honey Bee, was it?
Dr. H.B.: "H.B." will work just fine, thanks. [Still think that name was Mom's biggest mistake...]
Ultimax: Uh-huh, yes, so Dr. H.B., what exactly are you a doctor of?
H.B.: Ha-ha! Well, Fuff, I'm glad you asked!
Ultimax: M-my na-
H.B.: I am the Bee Kingdom's greatest scientist, working directly with the Queen herself [and thus everything I make is with her express permission, cross my heart, no need to ask her]: I do biology, I dabble in psychology, I like researching magic whenever I can...but my biggest calling in life is robotics!
Ultimax: Robotics?
H.B.: Robotics! The study and development of powerful mechanisms that can move and act remotely, even independently of mere insects like you and [to a lesser extent] me!!!
Ultimax:...Mechanisms like those ones the monster destroyed?
H.B. gave a deep breath and slowly turned her head to Ultimax.
H.B.:Yes. Like those ones.
Ultimax began to shiver as H.B. cleared her throat.
H.B.: But I work tirelessly, in spite of everyone else's "warnings" and requests, to improve my machinery at all times! And that is why I ask...how'd you Wasps make something like a "tank"?
Ultimax: I told you, I don't know how it was made, I just know how to use it.
H.B.: Well damn, Fuff, you know where I can get one of my own?
Ultimax: QUIT CALLING ME FUFF!!!
They both stood there quietly, awkwardly, for a bit.
Ultimax:...I cannot give you a tank of your own...Why do you want it, anyway?
H.B.: To upgrade it, duh! Turn it from a mere Wasp's Weapon to a One Bee Batallion!!!
Ultimax: Wha-in what world do you think I'd allow you to taint one of our illustrious tanks with your witch technology???
H.B.: Alright. You know what you're doing, clearly, so I'll allow you to keep your tank as is and fight off the Deadlander Whatever with it. I've no doubt it'll work wonders, just like last time...by the way, what happened to your tank, again?
Ultimax just clenched his fist and grunted angrily. Between his pride, his fear, and his duty to his King, the Hornet desperately did not want the mad doctor's help...however...
Ultimax grabbed H.B. by her lab coat and lifted her up, not really intending to do much harm but hoping she'd be intimidated.
Ultimax: Damn it, Bee, fine! You can bring your tech to my tank...but I swear, if I dislike anything you try to do...
H.B, smiled, not scared at all by the General, and got herself out of his hold before she started gathering her tools into a large box.
H.B.: I knew you'd come around, they always do. Now, you'll be my muscle and my compass: you can hold my toolbox and lead me to the nearest Wasp Tank.
Ultimax: You want me to carry your tools? The hell are you going to do, then?
H.B.: Uh, refit your ride, c'mon. Now help me gather my things...
At that point H.B. ran off to collect anything and everything she'd need for the coming construction. Meanwhile Ultimax grumbled as he again saw little choice but to follow her...
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Meanwhile, in Queen Bianca's Throne Room, the Bee Queen was sitting on her floor next to the Caterpillar left in her care, Yin. Bianca rubbed Yin's back and patted her head as the little larva tried chewing on one of the flowers that decorated room. Meanwhile, Queen Vanessa II was sitting on the Throne at the end of said room, sulking and looking to the ground, whispering to herself.
Queen Vanessa II: [Trapped on a throne...I cannot think of a more humiliating thing to happen, and yet still I'm even more shameful...]
The Wasp Queen looked to the Soldiers that once followed her, standing by the Throne Room's doors whilst Bee Guards glared at them. Keeping their own Mother away whilst keeping the Bees away from their Mother.
Vanessa:[...All the suffering caused by my incompetence...My weakness...if I hadn't let Hoaxe take control, maybe we-]
Queen Bianca: Vanessa, did you say something?
Vanessa jolted when she heard the Bee Queen's voice, and looked to her and Yin with a worried expression. Both Bugs looked back with worry of their own, but Vanessa forced herself to turn away as she answered.
Vanessa:...I am merely talking to myself. You need not worry.
Wasp Soldier: Be quiet in there!
Vanessa hung her head low once more, while Bianca glared at the Soldier to make him look away. Once he did with a fearful gulp, she turned back to her fellow Queen and started whispering as well.
Bianca: [I am so sorry, Vanessa...]
Vanessa: [Why? You did nothing...]
Bianca: [And that's the problem, isn't it? I had no clue your land had been taken over by such a cruel Bug as that "Wasp King". If I had, perhaps my Kingdom could have done something to help.]
Vanessa: [Please, at the end of the day I was too weak to prevent Hoaxe from usurping the throne. The only one at fault is me.]
Bianca: [Hoaxe?]
Vanessa: [That's the true name of the "Wasp King". My people found him one day, crawling in near-lifeless from the Deadlands, and we took him in...if I had known what he'd do to us all I would have never allowed him to come, I...I...
Vanessa sighed.
Vanessa: [I can't lie...I pitied him. Maybe that's why he was able to do what he did.]
Bianca: [Being kind is not a weakness, Vanessa.]
Vanessa: [I know that, Bianca. That's why I wanted to change my Kingdom's ways: for ages we had been known as aggressive and territorial, but I wished to bring us to a more peaceful future...and look at the situation we're in now.]
Bianca: [For the situation we are in now, our biggest threat is that...what was it? Deadlander?]
Vanessa: [Yes. The Deadlander Omega, it-]
Bianca: [Surely you cannot be blamed for its arrival.]
Vanessa: [But I'm not sure what can be. I had heard that the Mother Crystal protected us all from monsters like it.]
Bianca: [What is the Mother Crystal?]
Vanessa: [I am not certain, but supposedly it resides in the Forsaken Lands, and emitted a sort of energy that kept away outside threats...is it weakening? Is that why that monster's arrived now?]
Bianca: [Whatever the case, if you and I cannot stop it, then the best we can do is hope. And look at what you've done already! You pointed Elizant and her Explorers to the Termite Kingdom, and if they can be convinced to help we may stand a fighting chance!]
Vanessa: [But if Hoaxe is with them...]
Vanessa quietly groaned to herself, and began hitting her own head in frustration
Vanessa: [Who am I fooling, Hoaxe was right! I would never be strong enough, mentally or otherwise, to do anything about this!]
Bianca: [Vanessa, calm yourself! You cannot keep worrying about past mistakes, you just-]
Bianca tried to put her hand on Vanessa's shoulder but the Wasp Queen grunted and leaned away in pain, getting her to back off. Bianca took a look at the part she had touched and noticed that it was darker than the rest of Vanessa's carapace.
Bianca: [...Vanessa...is that a burn mark?]
Vanessa looked away again, choosing not to answer.
Bianca: [Vanessa, what happened?]
Vanessa: [Hoaxe has burned me in the past, as a way of rubbing his theft of my Kingdom in my face...]
Bianca shook her head and sighed, saddened by what had happened: after the kind of stress she had already witnessed from Elizant, to see something even worse from another Monarch...
Bianca: [...If we are able deal with the monster, Vanessa...I fully intend to help you.]
Vanessa: [How?]
Bianca: [Any way I can! All our kingdoms would be happier if we worked in unity, and if I can help you like Elizant has helped me and I her...oh?]
Bianca was surprised by Yin attempting to crawl up her leg. With a soft laugh she lifted the Caterpillar up and brought her between herself and Vanessa.
Bianca: Oh, Yin, I am so sorry-I forgot you, darling! Can you ever forgive me?
As the Bee Queen rubbed Yin's back some more, the Caterpillar noticed the scar on the Wasp Queen and tilted her head.
Yin: Muh?
Vanessa looked to where Yin's gaze was pointed and turned away once more.
Vanessa: [She sees my scar...]
Bianca frowned, again saddened by Vanessa's troubles, before Yin started wiggling in her arms.
Bianca: Oh? Yin, what seems to be the matter?
Yin: Muh! Muh!
Bianca was hardly able to keep a hold on Yin as the little Caterpillar tried to squirm closer and closer to Vanessa. Eventually, she got close enough to Vanessa that she was nearly touching the Wasp Queen's scar. At that point, what appeared to be magic started coming from Yin's nubby little limbs, and Vanessa was surprised to notice herself feeling significantly better.
Vanessa: [What was that? I...I feel...it hurts less?]
Wasp Soldier: I said SHUT IT!
Both Queens were too stunned to pay much attention to the Soldier, instead looking at each other and Yin.
Bianca: [Yin, did you heal Vanessa? At least a little?]
Yin: Muh...
Bianca laughed again as her face beamed, and she put Yin down before petting her and looking back to Vanessa.
Bianca: Do you see, Vanessa? We merely need to work together! Even the littlest of Bugs can do great things! Why, I had heard that one of my daughters became the first Bee Explorer, can you believe it? My entire hive was so wrong, all she needed was a good team and enough support!
Vanessa didn't respond, but she didn't look nearly as upset as she did earlier. Bianca surprised Vanessa by grabbing her hands excitedly, bringing the Wasp Queen face-to-face with her.
Bianca: That was my mistake! I was so worried about potential dangers that I failed to support my own child! But I will do better! And I will start by supporting you!!!
Vanessa: [B-Bianca, calm down...even if what you're saying is true, what can we even do?]
Bianca: Whatever it is, we can succeed as long as our hearts are together! What we need most is unity!
Yin starting jumping (or as close to jumping as she could get) excitedly.
Yin: Muh! Muh!
Wasp Soldier: Will you lot be quiet already!?
Vanessa was deep in thought then, considering everything that had happened and everything she and Bianca had said.
Vanessa: [Unity...unity...ah! The doctor's creations! They did more damage to the Deadlander than anything else I had seen yet! If we can combine some of that machinery with General Fuff's tank, perhaps we can make a weapon that will actually put a dent in the monster!]
Bianca: [And if Elizant succeeds in getting the Termites' help, perhaps we have will two weapons that can take it on!]
Vanessa: [Exactly!!!]
Both Queens were laughing together now, Vanessa feeling more optimistic than she had in ages, though the Soldiers guarding the Throne Room were starting to lose their patience.
Wasp Soldier: I'm warning you two!
With that, Bianca nodded to Vanessa confidently before picking Yin up and carrying her over to the Soldiers.
Bianca: Please forgive the noise, we're just hysterical!
Wasp Soldier: Ugh, why is that?
Bianca: It's Yin! We fear she may be sick!
Yin: Muh?
Wasp Soldier:...Looks fine to me.
Bianca: Please, you need to allow me to see Dr. H.B.! She will know what to do!
Wasp Soldier: Are you kidding? Even if I trusted that crazy crone, why would-
Bianca: This Larva is very special...she could be of great use to the Wasp Kingdom.
Vanessa: Indeed. A Caterpillar like Yin comes only once in a lifetime. Surely the great Wasp King would rather a tool as useful as her not fall ill.
Yin: Muh???
The Wasp Soldier groaned again before shaking his head and letting Bianca out.
Wasp Soldier:...Last I saw, the doctor was headed to...I think it was her lab?
Bianca: Oh, thank you so much!
Vanessa: The Wasp Kingdom will prosper thanks to you!
Wasp Soldier: You shut your trap and stay right there!
Vanessa: Mhm...
Vanessa started giggling to herself when the Soldier turned away, meanwhile Bianca apologized and comforted Yin all the way to H.B.'s laboratory.
In the lab, Dr. H.B. had finally finished dumping all of her tools into a large metal box, one that even the mighty General Ultimax was almost struggling to hold at that point.
H.B.: Ahhh, that's everything! Y'know, you're much stronger than my assistant is! Crow's clearly gotta work out more...
Ultimax: You have an assistant?! Why didn't you have them carry your crap for you!?!?
H.B.: Uhh, I just said why, sheesh. Besides, she evacuated to the Golden Settlement with most of the other Bees. If you ask me, they're missing out hard. Now c'mon, let's-
Before H.B. could head out she was met with her Queen, Bianca, running in with a Caterpillar in her arms, looking very overly worried about something.
Bianca: Doctor! Doctor! I need your assistance!
H.B.: BIANCA! I, uhh, wasn't doing anything you wouldn't like, certainly not conspiring to-
Bianca: Shhh!
H.B. tilted her head in confusion before Bianca leaned down to whisper to her.
Bianca: [H.B., under most circumstances I would at best reluctantly approve of you building advanced, dangerous weaponry, but right now I need you to make something incredibly powerful, enough to potentially stop the Deadlander Omega.]
H.B.:...What?
Bianca: [Fuff, was it? How close is your tank to here?]
Ultimax: [My-ugh...it's about halfway between here and the gate to the Far Grasslands.]
Bianca: [That's not very far at all! I need you to help Dr. H.B. so that she can-]
H.B.: [Upgrade it with my state-of-the-art tech?]
Bianca: [Precisely!]
Yin: [Muh!]
H.B.: [Fufufufu, read ya like a book, B...Well, since you're asking so nicely I suppose we can do that.]
Ultimax: [I-it'll be risky, though!]
Bianca: [It will be, and that's why under in no other scenario would I ask for something like it. However, to fight off the Deadlander we will need all the help we can get.]
Ultimax: [B-b-but...What if the other Wasps question us?]
Bianca: [You are their superior, correct? Surely if you say it's something you need to do they'll listen. Besides, the Wasp King wants this monster stopped too, correct? This plan may just make him happy as well.~]
Yin, still in Bianca's arms, nodded and gave a cheery "Muh." With no other excuses to use, Ultimax sighed and nodded as well.
Fuff: [...Aye-aye, your highness.]
Bianca: [Excellent! I wish you both the very best of luck, and I pray for your safety.]
H.B.: [Ha, quit flatterin' me, Bianca! Now get a move on, we have things to do.]
Bianca nodded with a smile more typical of her before heading back to her Throne Room with Yin. Once she was out of earshot, H.B. laughed and pat Ultimax hard on the back.
H.B.: Woo-hoo, just our luck! That makes things way easier, haha!
Ultimax:...Weren't we going to do all that anyway?
H.B.: Yeah, but now I know she won't nag me about it! Now let's get going, Fuff, we've got a job to do judgement-free!
Fuff just stood and glared at Dr. H.B. silently for a second before shaking his head and sighing, giving up as he headed out of the Bee's lab with said Bee following behind excitedly...
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As Elizant, the Wasp King, and their respective soldiers made their way through the Termite Kingdom, they occasionally looked around to see the damage caused by the Deadlander's arrival: entire buildings reduced to rubble, streets flooded and machinery waterlogged, Termites all over being scared or injured or hysterical. Elizant gave off a quiet but guilty sigh as she looked around, thinking on how she would have reacted if something like that had happened to her own kingdom. She looked to the Wasp King and noticed his reaction was far different: while she felt guilt and pity for the people in the Termite Dome, he saw their struggles and moved on. He had one goal in mind and only wished to achieve it...
When everyone made it to the Termite Palace, they noticed that the carpet was soaking wet: the flooding even reached as far as the royalty. What's more, everyone could see the Termite King pacing around his throne, muttering to himself in a frustrated panic, as both his wife and one of her Caretakers tried to calm him down.
Termite Caretaker: Please, King Hector, calm yourself! You and Queen Layra are safe and that is all that matters...
King Hector IV: Oh, don't give me that! It was shaking like a damn earthquake out there and the entire Palace was nearly filled to the brim with water!
Queen Layra II: Hector, honey, there wasn't that much...that said this is absolutely a terrible situation. (To the Caretaker) Can we get an update from the soldiers? Are our subjects safe?
Termite Caretaker: I will go check right now, your majesty, and-eep!
When the Caretaker turned around she was surprised to see a Guard already behind her, and she was utterly shocked to see all the Bugs he had brought with him.
Caretaker: Who...who are-
Hector: YOU!!!
In a fit of blind fury, King Hector ran all the way up to Queen Elizant until he was looking upwards at her (and everyone else there but Vi). He growled angrily and poked Elizant in the chest, but she chose to remain still.
Hector: Of all Bugs, of all times, I did not want to see YOU RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!
With a infuriated cry Hector started beating his fists onto Elizant, though she took it like she would take a Seedling's attack (actually, she felt a Seedling would hurt a little more).
Elizant:...Hector, I know I have wronged you but-
King Hector IV: THAT IS KING HECTOR THE FOURTH TO YOU!!!
Elizant:...Yes, I know that...you must listen, we-
Hector: Why should I listen to you, huh?!
Elizant: Please, it is-
Hector: You miserable cretin, you think I give a Plumpling's posterior what you think!?!?
Elizant: We need to-
Hector: I'm not finished yet!!!!!
Wasp King: Shut your pitiful trap, you puny ignoramus!!!
Everyone else in the room stopped to stare at the Wasp King then, all with varying degrees of shock, offense, and/or pride.
Layra:...Who do you think you are to talk to my husband that way???
Wasp King: I am the Wasp King, and I demand that we use your finest weaponry, otherwise we will all perish under the Deadlander Omega!
Hector:...Deadlander Omega?
Layra: Oh, that...that actually exists?
Kabbu: Yes, Your Highness, it does, and it's been causing mass destruction all over Bugaria!
Hector: Even you aren't feeding me lies, my kingdom is not part of Bugaria: why should I care?
Kina: What do you think flooded your palace, you dope?!
All over the Throne Room there was tension, but before any further arguing could occur Elizant raised her arms and called out.
Elizant: PLEASE!!!
At once everything was silent, allowing Elizant to step away from Hector for a moment and remove her mask, showing the truth in her face.
Elizant:...King Hector, I have made many mistakes as a ruler, and I apologize for what I have done to you and yours specifically. However, now is a time in which we must join forces...
Hector said nothing, but he continued to glare up at Elizant.
Elizant:...My weapons are no match for the monster, I will not pretend otherwise. The Wasp and Bee Kingdom were also unable to fight it off.
Wasp King: Though, frankly, I felt my forces did more damage than anything else
Vi: Are you kidding?! Dr. H.B.'s mechs blew up one of its hands!!!
Queen Elizant stomped her foot, getting both Vi and even the Wasp King to back off.
Elizant: At any rate, our only remaining option is your kingdom. Yours is the most technologically advanced land I have yet come across, King Hector, and the possibility that you may have something to fight the Deadlander with is the only chance we have left of saving our home...
Hector looked away, his glare softening.
Elizant: Our home and yours. The Deadlander Omega is large enough that it displaced water from Metal Lake into your Kingdom's dome, and it broke through the dome itself to cause damage all over.
Layra: I-Is that what the water and shaking came from???
Termite Guard: It was, I saw it firsthand!
Hector: Talk is cheap, soldier!
Vi: Are you serious, why are-
Elizant: Vi!
Vi crossed her arms and quieted down whilst King Hector shook his head angrily.
Hector: If what you're saying is true then let me take a look...
Hector walked over to his throne and pressed a hidden button on it. Immediately afterwards, a periscope-like object came down between him and Layra. He looked into the device and pressed another button that shined a powerful beam of light in the direction of the upper lens, allowing him to look through the fog of the Forsaken Lands.
Layra: We don't like using lights like that often because we don't want to disturb the Forsaken Lands' wildlife too much.
Hector: And because we Termites prefer our privacy.
Hector looked around Bugaria for barely a minute before he saw something that made him go pale: he stumbled backwards and fell against Layra, who gasped when she saw the state her husband was in.
Layra: Hector! What's wrong!?
Hector tried responded, but all he could make were terrified wheezes, gasps, and stammering noises. Reluctantly, Elizant walked up to the device to look for herself, and she gasped in horror: the Deadlander Omega was now in the Ant Kingdom, towering over every building...even the Anthill Palace itself. The creature effortlessly tore off and lifted up the very tip of the palace and took a look inside. It only looked for a few moments before throwing the roof to the side and moving elsewhere. Small tears started to come from Elizant's eyes as she whispered to herself.
Elizant:[...Mother...your palace...I am so sorry...]
Wasp King: I would presume that you've seen enough evidence, then?
Hector: We...we...we c-c-c-can't let that thing come back here...
Wasp King: Then what do you have to fight it off with?
Layra: We've recently developed a series of super powerful weapons: I like to call them Mega Mortars!
Hector: The actual name is...is...
Hector could barely even speak, he was so filled with fear, so Layra patted his head softly.
Leif: What makes you think they could help?
Layra: They're giant cannons filled with explosives that can be controlled remotely and even have little cameras on them so you can see where they're headed!
Vi: I don't know what any of that means.
Termite Guard: It means we can blast that thing from here, even!
Layra: And they're so powerful it can blow our own gigantic boulders to smithereens!
Elizant: So that is it, then? We will be taking your weapons and blasting the Deadlander Omega with them whilst remaining in the Forsaken Lands?
Hector: You...*huff*...you are not to touch the...th-the weapons...we'll sending our Soldiers out with them...
Elizant: Even still, King Hector, I cannot thank you enough for what you and Queen Layra are doing. We may now have a chance against the monster.
Hector: I...I still don't forgive you...
Elizant: You will never need to forgive me, Your Highness, but just know that your decision may help save all of our Kingdoms.
Wasp King: Yes, Hector, perhaps you aren't as blithering an idiot as I thought.
Hector growled and glared at the Wasp King but Layra calmed him down with some more physical affection.
Hector:...Guards! Gather the most elite amongst you and get the...the, uhh...
Layra: The Mega Mortars?
Hector:...Alright, we'll call them that for now...Take them as far from here as you can and ready them to fire upon the Deadlander.
Termite Guard: Right!
The Termite Soldiers instantly start to mobilize, leaving Elizant and her party to stay with the Royalty.
Elizant: We shall go as well, King Hector, to deliver any and all assistance we possibly can.
Hector: Very well, Elizant. Just make sure you and the Wasp there don't get in my troops' way.
Elizant: Understood...Explorers! We will follow the Termites! Be prepared for anything...
After a collective agreement from the Explorers, the Wasp King groaned and started heading out with his own troops.
Wasp King: Wasps...we shall wait outside of the dome for the others. You are to give your lives for this upcoming battle, am I understood?
Wasp Soldiers: Yes, Your Highness!!!
The Wasp King nodded and left the Palace, meanwhile Elizant put her mask back on and waited for the Termites to finish preparing. Again Leif leaned down to Vi and Kabbu, though with a more positive look about him.
Leif: [Well, would you look at that. Seems the Ant Queen's changing.]
Vi: [Yeah, and you thought she was so bad!]
Leif: [She was, but...she seems to have better intentions than we first realized.]
Kabbu: [Mayhaps she was always her trying best, and merely struggled under the weight of queenship?]
Vi: [Maybe all the stuff going on scared her straight?]
Leif: [Whatever it is...we trust her now more than ever.]
Vi: [Yeah...guys?]
Kabbu and Leif looked to Vi, but she looked away and sighed quietly.
Vi: [If we don't get outta this...I wanna thank you both. You did a lot for me. You barely even know me and yet you saved me from drowning and helped me fight a bunch of bad guys and...thanks.]
Kabbu: [But of course, Vi! We are teammates, allies! We must do whatever do we can to protect one another, no matter what!]
Leif nodded and patted both of his teammates on the back.
Leif: [One last time guys: we live together or we die together.]
Vi: [And you know what? We're not gonna die!]
Kabbu and Vi laughed confidently as Leif joined along, though as usual he was much quieter. The Moth was still deep in thought, considering all sorts of things that had been happening. He was still worried, admittedly, but he knew he had to try. He trusted that Elizant, the Elizant with them now, would try. He trusted that his teammates would try. And with that trust, Leif was willing to stand against anything...
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In the Lost Sands, Dr. H.B. and General Ultimax were quick but methodical about making their way towards the fallen Ultimax Tank: they made sure to keep an eye on the Deadlander's whereabouts at any given moment, and were constantly hiding behind rocks and other objects in order to avoid its line of sight.
Ultimax: A-are you sure we can do this?
H.B.: How many times are you gonna ask that, Fuff? Listen, we'll be good! See, the thing's back at Metal Lake, we've got nothing to worry about!
Ultimax: For now...how long do you think this'll take?
H.B.: Souping up your tank? I dunno, depends on what state its in, probably. Plus we gotta find it first and-
Ultimax: There it is!
Ultimax nearly dropped the toolbox when he saw it: his titular tank, upside down with smoke coming out of it. It was technically still in one piece but he had no hopes of operating it as it was.
Ultimax: Ohhh, my poor Ultimax Tank! I can't bear to look at it!
H.B.: I can, good gods! Is that what you Wasps work with? Can't believe we didn't think of anything like that ourselves!
H.B. quickly grabbed her toolbox from Ultimax (leaving him to weep and salute over his broken war machine) and began rummaging through it. Once she had what she needed to start she immediately crawled into the tank's cockpit and got to work.
Ultimax: What the-what are you doing?
H.B.: Working, Wasp! Now gimme whatever it is I ask for from my toolbox, okay?
Ultimax: I-ugh!...
Ultimax stood and crossed his arms as the doctor quickly got to work, tinkering around inside of his beloved vehicle.
Ultimax: Y'know, if this were any other time, I'd knock you out for daring to touch my Ultimax Tank.
H.B.: You bet on that?
Ultimax: Yeah, I do!
H.B.: Aaalright, then!
H.B. crawled back out of the tank and put her fists up, smirking confidently.
H.B.: I needed something from the ol' toolbox anyway: I can just get it myself while I'm out here beatin' your butt.
Ultimax: Alright, Bee, if you think you're so hot then-OOF!
With no warning, H.B. decked Ultimax in the gut almost as hard as one of his Drillers would. While the Hornet was doubled over H.B. delivered an uppercut that knocked him flat on his back.
H.B.: Hahaaaa! I think you underestimated how strong the Bees of my hive are! [Now quiet down or the monster'll hear us!]
H.B. grabbed what she needed from the toolbox before crawling back into the cockpit and going back to work. Ultimax sighed once more before crawling over to the cockpit to whisper.
Ultimax: [Doctor...what if none of this works?]
H.B.: [Think of it this way, Fuff: if it does work, then hooray, Bugaria's saved! If it doesn't, we can at least say we didn't sit on our asses and let things go to shit.]
Ultimax: [That's just it, huh? It's a terrifying monster but...what's crying about it gonna do?]
H.B.: [Exactly, so don't cry! Make yourself useful, like by handing me the screwdriver!]
Ultimax nodded and took the screwdriver from the Bee's toolbox before giving it to her, then he sighed and looked off into the distance. The Deadlander Omega was still by the Metal Lake, lifting up some of the smaller islands resting in it. Either ignorant or uncaring of both the damage it had been causing and the fight against it that was to come...
Omega’s Assault: Chapter 2
Here it is! The AO3 link to this Chapter is here (https://archiveofourown.org/works/40301664/chapters/100948392#workskin). If you’d rather read it on Tumblr, then...
Queen Elizant II pointed both of her blades towards the Wasp King, and his soldiers pointed their spears right back towards Elizant and her Explorers. Queen Bianca looked back and forth between the two factions in fear and confusion before raising her hands and speaking up.
Bianca: Wh-what is happening??? Elizant who is...
Bianca was shocked to notice Vanessa II behind the Wasp King, a pair of her own guards blocking her from both sides with their spears.
Bianca:...Is that the Wasp Queen?
The Wasp King let out a chuckle as the captive Vanessa II glared at him.
Wasp King: She is "Queen" of nothing. You may refer to me as the Wasp King, the sole ruler of the Wasp Kingdom!
Bianca: But...Wasps don't have Kings...
The Wasp King chuckled again before bowing lightly to the Bee Queen.
Wasp King: You are Queen Bianca, of the Bees, correct? Charmed, I'm sure.
Elizant: Do not feign pleasantries, you horrible tyrant, your minions have been attacking my people for moons now!
Vanessa lowered her head in shame once more.
Bianca:...How did you and yours get into my hive anyway, Wasp..."King"?
Wasp King: Well, as I would hope you are aware, we Wasps are just as capable of flight as you Bees. As such, my troops and I merely flew up to your hive's Balcony and made our way in.
Bianca: You snuck into my kingdom!?
Wasp King: "Snuck" is a strong word, we were faced with light opposition.
Bianca was disgusted with the Wasp King then, but before she could say anything a wheezing, dusty Hornet stumbled his way into The Hive's Hub.
Vanessa: Fuff!
Wasp King: General Ultimax?! I told you to distract the monster, you worthless imbecile!
General Ultimax: I...I-I tried, y-your highness...it chucked my t-tank like...like a pebble...I landed deep into the Lost Sands...
Bianca: Good gods, are you injured?
Ultimax was about to answer, but before he could (and before the Wasp King could insult him any further) the Deadlander Omega roared once again. Quickly, many of the Bugs there ran to the Balcony to view the creature, and at that point it was scarily close: it had an arm or two in the Lost Sands now, and its gaze was once again fixated on The Hive.
Ultimax: IT'S HEADING STRAIGHT FOR US!
Bianca: N-nobody panic! Dr. H.B. has been tweaking her strongest machines for hours now, and hopefully they'll be able to ward the monster off!
Dr. H.B. caught the attention of all there when she walked in, huge remote control in her hands, and gave off her signature laugh.
H.B.: C'mon, Bianca, you say "hopefully" like victory isn't guaranteed. Sit back, all of you, and watch some masterfully made machinery do its work!
With a swift motion, H.B. hit a button on her remote and sent several flying Drones out of the Honey Factory and towards the giant Deadlander. Quickly the creature was surrounded by them, and as it shifted its many gazes in (what looked like) curiosity the biggest of the drones spoke.
Heavy Drone B-33: Target sighted. Preparing missile barrage.
Bee-Boops: Readying honey blasters.
Right then did the Bee-Boops started firing blobs of honey at one of the Omega's hands, and before it could fight back it received several missiles to its eyes from the Heavy Drone B-33. The monster roared again, and though it lifted a hand to fight it was slightly weighed down by all the honey.
H.B.: Haha! Witness the power of Bee Technology, boys and girls!!!
The Omega used some of its free hands to grab multiple Bee-Boops and tossed them full-speed towards Defiant Root, breaking holes into several buildings. One even hit the tree itself, leaving a deep mark. Bianca gasped in horror at this sight as H.B. grumbled and started hitting more buttons on her remote. The remaining Bee-Boops continued firing as they circled around, and the Heavy Drone started blasting lasers into the Omega's eyes in the hopes of ending it. Though the monster seemed to be pained, it still managed to swat and smash all the Bee-Boops surrounding it. It even knocked away the Heavy Drone, much to H.B.'s annoyance.
H.B.: Damn it! Come on, come ooooon!
Though it struggled to rise off the ground, the Heavy Drone did eventually make it into the air and even managed to fire off more lasers. These ones missed their targets, however, instead hitting a few of the Omega's wrists. The monster still reacted strongly to these blows and roared as it smashed the Heavy Drone again.
H.B.:...Alright, ya big bastard...if that's how you wanna play...
The Heavy Drone got up once more and started charging for one last hurrah of an attack. The Omega started moving towards it again, and once it rose an arm to strike the Heavy Drone blasted forward at an intense speed, intending to ram into the monster...said monster proceeded to grab the machine, seemingly unaffected by its "ramming". It squeezed the robot in its grasp, breaking it even further. Eventually the Heavy Drone B-33 was no longer in H.B.'s control, and it uttered one last phrase as it started intensely sparking.
Heavy Drone B-33: Damage capacity exceeded. Activating self-destruct sequence.
In an instant the machine had exploded, destroying one of the Omega's hands and causing it to stumble backwards into the Metal Lake. While the creature was stunned for the moment, its massive body caused the displaced water to flood various surrounding areas: the lower levels of the Rubber Prison were filled, much of the water splashed into the Far Grasslands, a third of the Lost Sands were turned to mud, the Ant Kingdom pier was all but destroyed, Metal Island was in ruin, and Bugs scrambled to help each other as many had been pushed into the lake's waters.
Meanwhile, everyone on the Hive's Balcony watched in varying levels of shock and terror. All except H.B., who was forcing out a laugh of "victory".
H.B.: Well, heh...we did manage to ward it off-
Bianca: You cannot possibly consider that a success, Honey Bee!!!
Vi: I mean...i-it is away from The Hive...
Leif: But we doubt it'll be away for long, not to mention the damage it's causing to everywhere else.
Wasp King:...Well, it would appear that Bee weapons can't stop it, and even Wasp weapons seem to struggle...and from what I know of Elizant's forces, I highly doubt they'll be able to do anything.
Queen Elizant II clenched her fist and glared at him.
Wasp King: I refuse to abandon this land [not when I did so much to gain control of it...], so if there are other options for us to fight the Deadlander Omega with I demand to hear them.
The others stood around trying to think of a solution, though some of them were too preoccupied with fear over what the monster may do next. Some were worried for the wellbeing of the Bugs in the areas it attacked, directly or otherwise. After a while, Vanessa spoke up to make a suggestion.
Vanessa: I have heard that the Termite Kingdom has excellent weaponry: if we cannot stop the Deadlander Omega, then they may be our next best bet.
Wasp King: Then I shall gather some troops and head there posthaste!
Vanessa: Wait, Hoaxe...
The Wasp King grumbled upon hearing her say that name...
Vanessa:...I think you should go with Elizant.
Elizant and Team Snakemouth were surprised by the suggestion, but the Wasp King's only reaction was to scoff.
Wasp King: And what makes you feel I care what YOU think?
Vanessa: If the...rulers of both the Wasp and the Ant Kingdoms talk with the Termites, they'll be more likely to understand the gravity of the situation. Thus, they'll be more likely to give you their weaponry, or at least help use it to beat the monster.
Wasp King: Ha! I don't need them to give me their weapons: I need only take them!
Vanessa: Yes, take the weapons we've no idea how to use. Cause conflict amongst the Bugs of this land and help breed disaster when a colossal beast is already threatening us on its own!
The Wasp King growled, not knowing how to refute her logic. Meanwhile, Elizant stepped forward and spoke, though her previously strict-sounding tone had slipped into one more of concern.
Elizant: W-with all due respect...the relationship between the Termite Kingdom and my own has...fallen...I doubt they will accept or listen to me at all.
Vanessa: We need to try, Elizant. There needs to be some way we can stop this monster, and right now it would seem that the Termites are our only chance.
Leif: But...what if they can't stop it?
Vanessa:...We cannot spend all our time worrying about that of which we are uncertain. We must do what know we can, and work to help all we can.
The Wasp King rolled his eyes and scoffed once more.
Wasp King: Ugh, enough of your preaching, Vanessa. Elizant, you are going to join me and my troops on our way to the Termite Kingdom.
Elizant: Team Maki will be coming with me. They are my strongest explorers, and-
Wasp King: Do you not trust me and my soldiers to keep you safe?
Elizant only glared at him further. He couldn't see her face, but he knew how she was looking at him and he knew how she felt about him. There was a tense silence for a moment, one that was broken by Kina walking in with a groan.
Kina: So I really did bring all that junk here for NOTHING, huh?
Maki: Kina...
Kabbu cleared his throat and brought himself forward, both to make a request of his own and also to try and take attention away from Kina's remark.
Kabbu: I-if I may request, your majesty, I suggest that me and my team come with you as well!
Vi: Yeah! I don't want that thing attacking our home either: I'll make the Termites help, one way or another!
While Kabbu scolded Vi for her implications, Elizant put a hand to her chin and thought for a moment.
Elizant:...Very well, Team Snakemouth. You can accompany us as well. We shall hasten work on the Tunnels and have them lead to the Termite Dome, then-
Wasp King: We've no time to wait for digging, you fool! The Termites have a dock, my troops shall carry us through there and we will meet with the Royals then.
Leif: Wouldn't they be opposed to us coming in unannounced?
Wasp King: Ha! The Bees were "opposed" and we came in anyhow!
Now Bianca started glaring at the Wasp King, having grown to hate him in a manner unlike how she felt for most other Bug. In such a short time, too.
Wasp King:...Besides, as you can see, the Deadlander is causing flooding all over the land: the Termites will be too busy with that to fight us off well.
Kabbu: I...I don't want to attack them-
Wasp King: We will attack whomever we must, you idiotic Dung Beetle!
Tensions were high all around: clearly the alliance was not going to be an easy one. Even the little Caterpillar, Yin, was worried, so she started huddling next to Maki for comfort.
Maki:...Queen Elizant...I would like to come, but I need to keep Yin safe...I cannot trust she will be with that Wasp King around.
Wasp King: I don't believe you have a choice, do you?
Bianca: I-if I may interject, Sir Maki...You may leave Yin with me. I like to think I am quite good with larvae: I will protect her to the best of my ability until you return.
Yin: Muh!
Maki thought about it for a minute, and when he was done he nodded and brought Yin into Queen Bianca's arms.
Maki: Please protect her, Queen Bianca.
Bianca: Of course, Sir Maki, I will do my best. I shall do everything in my power to ensure this little darling is happy and healthy!
Bianca raised Yin up and started lightly playing with her before being interrupted by the Wasp King.
Wasp King: On the subject of ensuring safety...General Ultimax!
Ultimax forced himself to stand at ready, in spite of how afraid he was feeling at that moment.
Ultimax: Y-yes, your highness!!!
Wasp King: You and some soldiers are to stay with Vanessa, keep her...safe...
The Wasp King leaned closer to Ultimax, keeping his voice low enough so that only he could hear.
Wasp King: [You and your troops are to keep an eye on Vanessa. If she seems to be planning anything, you are all to put a stop to it. Do I make myself clear?]
Ultimax:[...Y-yes, sire...]
The Wasp King nodded before calling a few of his tropes to go with Ultimax. A few others moved to stand with the King himself, and a few more moved to stand with Team Maki, Team Snakemouth, and Queen Elizant II.
Elizant:...Why must you bring so many of your soldiers?
Wasp King: To carry us, for what reason do you think?
Elizant was silent, but The Wasp King didn't care. The two glared at each other once more before Elizant crossed her arms in annoyance.
Elizant:...Are your troops not going to carry us down?
Wasp King: Ha! Why doe we need to use that if the Bees have an elevator? Use your head, woman...Follow me!
The Wasp Troopers sounded off in compliance, and they all start following the Wasp King. With little other choice, Elizant and her Explorers followed along (though none were happy about their current situation). Before Elizant was too far off, though, Bianca called for her.
Bianca: Elizant...I wish you the best of luck, I pray that you and your Explorers and your children will be unharmed...
Bianca looked to Vi, who was grumbling as she walked with her teammates. After a moment she looked to Elizant with a look more worried than she would ever show to most.
Bianca:...Please help ensure mine are as well...
Elizant:...I will do my best, Bianca. I will try-
Wasp King: Hurry up, wench!
Elizant clenched her fist again and quickly turned around, following The Wasp King in spite of her frustration. Bianca, meanwhile, sighed and held Yin close. Both she and Vanessa walked back into The Hive, heading for Bianca's Throne Room, Wasp Troopers surrounding both of them. Ultimax was following too, as was a frustrated Dr. H.B.
The doctor sighed before looking up at Ultimax.
H.B.:...Hey, uhhh...Fuff, right?
Ultimax: Wha-My name is General Ultimax-
H.B.: Yeah, yeah. That Wasp King guy said you were distracting the monster, right? How were you doing that?
Ultimax: With my tank! The Ultimax Tank, the perfect-
H.B.: What's a tank?
Ultimax: Will you stop-ugh...it's a sort of war machine, a big, bulky, wheeled vehicle with multiple guns and missiles and-
H.B.: What!? Since when did Wasps have those!?
Ultimax: We pride ourselves on our military prowess!!! Now quit wasting my time.
Ultimax turned away from H.B. and started moving faster into The Hive. The scientist, meanwhile, was very excited by the revelation, and was quick to follow the Wasps inside
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The feelings of trepidation and distrust felt by Elizant, The Wasp King, and their followers never left, even as they all moved through the Lost Sand towards Metal Lake. Vi clutched her Beemerang the entire time, ready to attack the Wasps at a moment's notice, and many of the Wasps shot threatening glares back at the Explorers now and again (though they'd often be frightened off by Kina's own glare). At any rate, the group made it to the eastern edge of the Lost Sands, in which a large hole was made by the Deadlander Omega. It was a well-known secret that the Sands were surrounded by massive walls, but this wasn't given much thought until now, when one was busted through by a creature bigger than most settlements.
Kabbu: Goodness...we really are small, aren't we?...To think that we now call that giant creature our adversary...
Vi: Is it a Giant? Apparently it's called a "Deadlander Omega" or something, but what's a Deadlander?
Kabbu: The Deadlanders are fearsome monsters, unlike any you'd find in your average grasslands. We had to encounter them often in the North.
Leif: But were any of this size?
Kabbu: No...I could never before fathom that a creature so large could exist, let alone how it would interact with us.
Wasp King: Will the lot of you quiet down? Your cowardice will only get in our way...
Kina: Who are you calling cowards, you-
Wasp King: SHHHHHHHHH...Look...
The Wasp King pointed, at the nearby Deadlander Omega. It was still reeling from the Heavy Drone's self-destruction, many of its arms in the Metal Lake, though a few of its eyes were still open.
Wasp King: We need to be careful, and quiet as we can be. My soldiers shall carry us and fly us from here to the Termite Kingdom Docks. I would suggest staying still until we get there, because if we will NOT be stopping to pick up any that fall.
Leif: What if you fall, then?
The Wasp King chuckled lightly, yet disgustingly.
Wasp King: I am the King: I trump all of you in importance.
Elizant: Do not forget that Vanessa's plan involved both of us speaking with the Termites, cretin.
Wasp King: I have NOT forgotten, Elizant, though if you are foolish enough to drown on the way there I will gladly attempt my original plan and take the weapons by force!
Elizant was about to bite back at The Wasp King, but Maki placed a hand onto her shoulder in protest.
Maki: Your Highness, remember what Queen Vanessa said: is it really so wise for conflicts to rise between our groups when that monster is causing so much chaos?
Wasp King: Ugh, you lot keep bringing up Vanessa! And she is no Queen, I already said! Bah...Soldiers! We shall begin our flight to the Termite Kingdom now: fly low, avoid the creature's gaze when you can, and keep your mouths SHUT until we get there.
Wasps: Yes, Wasp King!
The Wasps started getting into formation: each Bug there got two Wasps to lift them up at once (except for Elizant, who got three, and Vi, who got one). As soon as the "passengers" were relatively comfortable, the Wasps quickly got to flying. Luckily for them all, the eyes on the Deadlander that were open were mostly pointing away from their general direction. As they flew southwards towards the Termites, the group were all very tense: most of them struggled to stay still and quiet, with the Explorers in particular not fully trusting the Wasps that carried them. Vi in particular was very annoyed, and she made that clear to the Wasp that was holding her.
Vi: Ugh, will you not grip me so hard?! You're hurting me!
Wasp: Shut your trap, brat, before I drown you...
Vi: I dare you, jerk!
Wasp King: Both of you be quiet! We may attract...
Suddenly, a menacing light shined onto the group of Bugs, and they could barely contain their dread once they had realized it: the Deadlander Omega's eyes were scanning the area, looking for something, anything...and it spotted them. It spotted several Bugs flying and being carried, and it started to slowly move towards them, every second or third step splashing another wave of water onto the already-damaged areas around it. The Wasps and their temporary allies didn't know why it chased them: was it through hunger? Curiosity? Malice? They all knew they couldn't scare the creature off, they knew that they couldn't reason with it (what with not knowing anything about it), and they knew that they couldn't fight it as they were, so they panicked. The Wasps flew erratically, and faster than what made their "passengers" comfortable, in the hopes that they could potentially dodge the Deadlander. Vi, meanwhile, was buzzing her own wings and trying to get out of her Wasp Carrier's hold.
Vi: LEMME GO! I DON'T WANT IT TO EAT ME, LEMME GO!!!
Wasp: Quit scrambling, you stupid kid, you'll-
They were both interrupted by a wave that crashed into them, launching them forward. Elizant and her Explorers were horrified, Kabbu and Leif were in particular, and the Beetle reached out in vain to try and grab his comrade.
Kabbu: VI!!!
Leif thought quickly and launched an icy projectile towards the water where Vi and the Wasp were about to land. It formed a floating of platform of ice, big enough to keep both the Bee and the Wasp out of the water, though they landed onto it hard enough to still be harmed.
Vi: Owwwww...
Elizant: Wasp King! We must mobilize to rescue Vi and her ally!
Wasp King: We will not stop for anything! Do you think we will last if we halt every time one of you pests stumble!?
Elizant: But we need them!
Leif scowled at Elizant: "But we need them!" she said, as if a pair of Bugs (one being still being a child) were but tools to her. Not that the Wasp King was any better, with his lack of care for them being apparent. Leif looked away from the Royals, both in disgust and to make sure Vi was safe. For her part, Vi forced the Wasp off and painstakingly rose to her feet, only to turn around and notice the Deadlander Omega striding towards her. She stood still for a moment, paralyzed, until the colossal monster took a step large enough to send yet another wave her way. Face-to-face with the threat this time, Vi's fight-or-flight instinct made the rare choice of flight, and as she buzzed away (leaving the still-damaged Wasp on the icy platform) she screamed a cry of pure terror: the type of cry one makes when faced with little other options. A desperate cry. The Wasp on the ice had barely gotten himself up before the wave assaulted him, launching him forcefully into the water and bringing him to flail as he struggled to stay afloat.
Wasp: HELP! HELP M-
The Deadlander grabbed the Wasp, and focused a few of its eyes on him as it lifted him up towards itself. The bright light emanating from its many eyeballs pained his, yet the sheer force of its grip made it hard for him to move at all, let alone look away.
Vi had made her way to the Wasps carrying her teammates and just barely caught onto Kabbu's hand. He could see her face stained with terrified tears, the likes nothing they knew of would normally bring from her.
Kabbu: V-Vi?! Are you well??? Are you-
Kabbu looked to the monster and noticed the Wasp in its claws. He wasn't sure if it would eat him or crush him or even truly intentionally harm him, but in his own terror Kabbu was in no mood to find out.
Kabbu: That Wasp!!! We need to help him!
The Wasp King: Silence, you utter idiot! We cannot risk the beast delaying us any further: He got himself caught, anyway. We only need to worry about reaching the Capitol!
Leif glared at the Wasp King once more: between Elizant and now this tyrant, Leif was starting to lose his respect for royalty. Suddenly he formed a chunk of ice in his hands, and he launched it towards the Deadlander Omega, less in the hopes of damaging it and more in the hopes of making it release the poor Wasp. Though the frosty magic managed to catch the Beast's attention, it still held tight to the captive Wasp as it continued moving towards the group.
Kina: ARE YOU CRAZY, WHY'D YOU DO THAT?!?!?!?!
Leif: We're not sacrificing each other! We live together or we die together!
The Wasp King: You worthless fool! Soldiers, drop him!!!
Before anyone else could object, the Wasps carrying Leif let go of him, leaving him at the mercy of the monster and the Metal Lake.
Kabbu: NO!!!
Kabbu forced himself out of his Wasp's hands and dived towards Leif, leaving a terrified Vi to zip down after him: she did feel it wasn't the wisest idea, but her care for her teammates superceded her self-preservation, at least in that instance.
Maki: Team Snakemouth!
Maki immediately got to trying to remove himself from his own carrier, barely being slowed down by both the Wasp's struggles and Kina's shouts in protest.
The Wasp King: Gods, are you all so pitiful!? We should just abandon all of you!
Before Elizant could retaliate she was alerted by a cry from Kabbu: he, Vi, and Leif managed to survive their fall, with Leif having quickly made an ice platform big enough for all three of them.
Kabbu: Hurry forward, Your Majesty! We'll hold the Deadlander off!!!
Elizant: Kabbu!? Wasp King, we-
The Wasp King: SILENCE OR ALL OF YOU WILL BE DROWNED!!! WASPS, DO NOT STOP MOVING FORWARD!!!
Without question did his soldiers keep flying, and as much as it pained Elizant she knew that neither she nor Team Maki could do anything if they were to fall. Maki and Kina watched Team Snakemouth helplessly as Elizant turned away, her expression hidden as always. Team Snakemouth, meanwhile, stared up at the Deadlander Omega as it moved towards them, towering over them. Vi shakily grasped a few Needles and turned to her teammates.
Vi: "W-w-we live together...or we die together..."right, Leif?
Leif placed hand on both of his teammates' shoulders and nodded.
Leif: Right.
Kabbu: Do you hear that, menace!!! We do not fear you! We shall fight against any threat to protect those we care for!
The Deadlander didn't understand Kabbu, perhaps didn't even hear him, and instead emotionlessly brought a hand directly onto him, his allies, and the platform they stood on. Team Maki stared in shock, even Kina being horrified into silence...and this horror was turned to confusion when the behemoth pulled its hand out of the water, seemingly grasping a small orb. This orb contained Team Snakemouth, scared and shivering with the exception of Leif. Leif was covering his face for a moment before he realized the position he and his allies were in. Almost instinctively, Leif put out his hands and held them against the inner walls of the orb. Though the Wasps continued flying towards the Termite Dome, Elizant and Team Maki shared Team Snakemouth's bewilderment as the giant Deadlander did little more than stare at the orb and the tiny creatures within.
Vi: I don't wanna die, I don't wanna die, I don't wanna die, I don't wanna die, I don't wanna die ...
Kabbu: Leif...how...what is this?
Leif: Oh, buddy, if we knew we'd have been doing it a looooooong time ago.
The trio looked around and at each other in confusion for a while, before being interrupted by the Deadlander shaking the orb they were protected by: first lightly, then faster. Leif's face showed clear signs of struggle during the shaking, and though he wished to shout at the monster he couldn't help but feel that he should conserve his energy. Vi, on the other hand, had no such feeling.
Vi: GODS' SAKES, EITHER KILL US OR LEAVE US ALONE, YOU GIANT FUCKING CREEP!!!!!
The Deadlander Omega suddenly stopped shaking and brought the orb closer to one of its eyes, immediately freezing Team Snakemouth in terror.
Kabbu: Did...did it hear you?
Vi: If you heard me I didn't mean it.
The creature continued to stare at them and growled in a manner that strangely sounded more inquisitive than threatening. At any rate, it didn't stare for long before carelessly lobbing the orb towards the Termite Kingdom docks. The orb soared and spun through the air, nearly hitting the Wasp King himself (getting a frustrated cry out of him). Though this was the direction they were headed anyway, Team Snakemouth's fellow Explorers (as well as Elizant herself) called and reached out to them as they flew past, trying in vain to help them.
Elizant: No!!!
Team Snakemouth themselves screamed as they spiraled past before they crashed onto the ground in the Termite Dome. All three Bugs were terribly dizzied from the throw, and had barely the balance or stamina to speak, let alone get up.
Vi: Uuuuuugh, my baaaack! Is this how it feels to be an old lady?!
Before Kabbu or Leif could try and comfort Vi, the trio had several blades and crossbows pointed at them from various Termite Guards.
Termite Guard: You there, where the hell did you come from!?
Kabbu rolled over onto his belly, though his fatigue prevented him from getting up fully. Even still, he raised his arms to show he was no threat and spoke as quickly and clearly as his mind could allow him after having just been tossed like a pebble.
Kabbu: W-w-we are Explorers, from the Ant Kingdom, and we wish to speak to your monarchs!!!
Termite Guard: Ant Kingdom? In what damn world would our monarchs want to speak to anybody from the Ant Kingdom?
Before Kabbu could answer further, the Wasp King and his troops landed, bringing with them Elizant and Team Maki.
Termite Guard: What the-the Ant Queen??? And-who are you supposed to be?!
Wasp King: We require your kingdom's finest weaponry, bring us to it at once!
Termite Guard: Are you mad!? At least answer our question first!
Wasp King: I asked you no questions, I am issuing COMMANDS!
The Wasp King began charging a large fireball, and the Termites were too paralyzed by fear to respond. Before he could throw it, however, he was tackled by Leif. The attack knocked both of them to the floor, and the Wasp King's crown fell of his head and clinked around on the tough dome ground for a bit. Leif noticed that the Wasps they had come with looked strangely...fatigued. They held their heads and groaned, looking pained and dizzied. Before anyone could ask anything the Wasp King angrily put his crown back on and shoved Leif off of him.
Wasp King: Soldiers, fight off those Termites!!!
No sooner than him shouting that did the Wasps seemingly recover and go straight to assaulting the Termite Soldiers. Vi and Kina quickly got ready to fight as well before stopping when Queen Elizant held out her arm.
Elizant: Explorers, stop fighting! Wasp King, we specifically wanted-
Elizant cried out in shock when a fireball zipped past her, blasting into a nearby wall.
Wasp King: Be SILENT, you idiotic embarrassment of Royalty!
Elizant: How dare you...
Quickly, the Wasp King pulled out his axe as the Ant Queen pulled out her swords. They clashed their weapons for but a moment before a large hand crashed through the roof of the Termite Dome. Some Bugs were quick to jump out of the way as soon as it came in, and many of the others proceeded to run around in a panic as more and more of the colossal claws broke into the isolated kingdom.
Termite Guard: IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD!!!!!
Kabbu: P-p-please, calm down! W-we-
Vi: WE NEED TO GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!!!!!
Leif: Vi, chill out!!!
As the Bugs inside the Termite Dome scrambled to avoid being trampled, the Deadlander Omega outside had no clue what it was even doing. In spite of the destruction it was causing, the creature didn't see what was in the dome, and almost seemed to be trying to feel around in the hopes of finding out. It took a few more steps, these ones away from the dome and deeper into the Forsaken Lands, but for one of its steps it halted for a moment and stared into the fog. Though none of its many eyes showed any emotion, the Deadlander had an apprehensive sort of aura about it. The colossal beast shuddered before it started heading away from the Termite Kingdom and towards the Ant Kingdom. As its legs broke through more of the Termite Dome, the shock and terror amongst the Bugs inside worsened until they all stopped. Once the Deadlander Omega had left they all stood there, confused, with little remaining of the monster's presence but the structures it destroyed and the sound of its footsteps in the distance.
Termite Guard:...What the fuck was that?
Kabbu: That was the Deadlander Omega, a gigantic menace that has been spreading terror and causing chaos all over Bugaria [though we know not what it wants, if anything] and we all traveled over the Metal Lake because we were hoping you and your kingdom could help us end its terrible rampage before everything that every single one of us holds near and dear to our hearts is trampled like dirt!!!
There was a bit of an awkward silence afterwards, only being broken by the Guard's response.
Termite Guard:...With what boats?
Elizant stepped forward and cleared her throat.
Elizant: We need to speak with your monarchs: your kingdom is known for being very technologically advanced-
Wasp King: Certainly more than hers is.
Elizant:...And we hoped to form an alliance with Queen Layra and King Hector, in order to combine our forces with their weaponry and drive off the Deadlander Omega.
The Termites groaned and muttered amongst themselves, clearly concerned about the proposition.
Termite Guard: Under most circumstances, there'd be no way in Hell our King would want anything to do with you...
The Guard looked upward at one of the many holes that were quite literally punched into the top of their kingdom's protective dome.
Termite Guard:...This ain't most circumstances, though.
The Guard sighed and shook his head before ordering his cohorts to start doing damage control. Afterwards he motioned to both Elizant and the Wasp King as well as their subjects.
Termite: C'mon. Palace is this way.
Both Monarchs present nodded their heads and proceeded to follow the termite, their soldiers right behind. Kina put her kunai back where they were and giggled.
Kina: And that Wasp guy thought we had to fight!
Maki glared at his sister before rolling his eyes, choosing to say nothing. Meanwhile Team Snakemouth leaned over to each other and whispered as they walked.
Vi: I'm with the Termite, what the fuck was that? The Omega broke in and left like it was nothing.
Kabbu: Vi, watch your language, and...I'm afraid I have no clue. Perhaps it got bored?
Leif: Can't be, it was too sudden.
Vi: I dunno, I'm pretty quick to drop things when I'm bored.
Leif: Yeah, but you're a Bee and not...that. What we're wondering about are the Wasps: did you see how they got when we knocked their King over?
Vi: Yeah, what was that? Sympathy headaches?
Kabbu: The Wasp King was very quick to put his crown back on as well...
Vi: That's 'cuz he looks dumb without it.
Vi and Kabbu shared a quiet laugh. However, Leif was too busy thinking to laugh along. Whilst his teammates tried lightening the mood with one another, Leif's mind was focused on the meaning of what just occurred...
Back at The Hive, General "Fuff" Ultimax was sitting by the Plaza's honey fountain and trying in vain to catch his breath. Despite how much he would have liked to pretend otherwise, the Hornet was scared out of his mind, and was barely able to keep his breath anything short of a hyperventilation. After a while he stuck his hand in the fountain and was about to bring some of its sweet, healing honey into his mouth when Vilma caught sight of him.
Ultimax: Errrr...can...can I have some?
Vilma:...Yes.
Ultimax: Thank you...
Vilma nodded and went "Mhm" as Ultimax stuffed his hand into his mouth, trying to drown his terror in sweets. He nearly choked when Dr. H.B. popped up next to him and whistled for his attention.
H.B.: Helloooo, Fuff! How're ya doin'?
Ultimax: GODS, WOMAN, GIVE ME SOME SPACE!!!
H.B.: Fair enough.
The Bee took a couple steps back and let Ultimax breath some more. Afterwards she cleared her throat and asked again.
H.B.: So, how are you doing?
Ultimax:...What do you think?
H.B.: Eeeh, I'd be pretty bummed if I had something as cool as a "tank" get destroyed.
Ultimax: Yeah, I bet you would!
H.B.: Speaking of which, how easy would you say its internals are to work with?
Ultimax sat in silence in a moment before tilting his head at her.
Ultimax: Huh?
H.B.: I mean, it doesn't make much difference to me but would you say it's a complicated machine or a simple one orrrr...?
Ultimax: I-I...I don't entirely know how it works, I didn't build it.
H.B.: Meh, that's fine, reverse engineering's my specialty.
Ultimax: Reverse...what???
H.B.: You know how to use it, though, right?
General Ultimax suddenly shot up and stood as proudly as his wobbly legs would allow him.
Ultimax: Of course I do, have you any idea who I am? I'm the finest General in the Wasp Kingdom, not some dope who just stumbled-
H.B. Ah, nice, so you will be useful!
Ultimax's face drooped and he looked to the Doctor confusedly.
Ultimax: Useful?
H.B.: Come with me to my lab, would you?
As the scientist made her way to her laboratory, Ultimax (with a baffled look about him) glanced around before deciding he had no choice but to follow...
Bee Sister Content of an expanded variety...