Chapter Text
Kabbu took the last sip of water from the shell bowl before setting it down on the table. He looked around the room - He was still the only customer at the bar this early in the morning, which made the open room feel especially spacious. And lonely.
It was about time for him to go, so he looked back at the cricket staffing the counter to check if he was busy. He wasn’t, naturally, since the place was empty other than the two of them. Though he usually stood around with crossed arms and an unfriendly air, Kabbu had found him to be nice enough during his time in Defiant Root. Stepping up to the counter, Kabbu said, “Thank you again, Trey, as always.”
While idly cleaning his dishes, the cricket asked, “Heading out already? Feels like you’re always going out there.”
“Of course,” Kabbu said as he gestured with a hand in the general direction of the desert, “For the good of the town, I mustn't get complacent!”
The bartender hummed something to himself and said, “Well don’t let me stop you. Board’s been pretty empty, though.”
Kabbu looked over at the job board - It was empty. The only thing posted there right now was from one of the innkeepers who needed a courier to deliver something to the Termite Kingdom. He didn’t want to leave town for that long or to take all the jobs for himself, even if he could use the berries.
Pushing his worries aside, he assured Trey, “No. No need to worry about that - I’m just happy to help. This town gave me a new life, and I owe it to the people to keep it safe.”
The bartender gave Kabbu a skeptical look, but whatever he was thinking he said, “We appreciate it. Just take care of yourself.”
Kabbu carefully set the bowl on the counter before leaving. On his way out the door, he called back, “Have a good day,” before stepping out into the morning light.
A warm breeze blew down the sandy road from the town’s entrance - Enough to be comfortable without kicking up the sand into his shell. The main thoroughfare was still empty save for a couple others, lending it an eerie air under the orange of the rising sun. Kabbu could hear the bustle of merchants opening up shop in the bazaar down the cross-street behind him, below a canopy of brightly colored triangle-pattern cloths. He took in a deep breath of the dry air as he passed Isau’s clinic. She spotted him through the open door and waved, and he stopped to wave back before stopping to take in the familiar sights.
Tilting his head back, Kabbu looked up at the giant tree that towered above the town. Its name came from one of the tree’s roots that stuck out into the sands and refused to wither. The bee kingdom’s hive was visible far in the distance, at the top of a long lift, where Kabbu could just barely make out the colorful banners that hung near its entrance. It had been too long since he’d visited his friends up there. A pang of guilt struck him, but today, duty called.
The market’s ambient noise had faded into the distance by the time he reached the edge of the town, constantly monitored by a pair of bee guards. He waved at them, but only got a slight nod of acknowledgment in return. The guards were never very talkative - They were born to guard, so they guarded, the way Vi explained it. It never sat right with him, but he reminded himself that the bees were different bugs and it would be rude to question them.
Vi… Where was she now? Probably getting into, or causing, trouble on her quest for fame and riches. Actually, it was probably both. Before his frown could settle in, he reminded himself that she could take care of herself, for better or worse. The people here needed him more than she did - Something she wouldn’t hesitate to remind him of if she ever had the chance. She could come and ask him any time if she needed something, he told himself. He started on his patrol.
Kabbu knew the main caravan route through the Lost Sands well enough that he could walk it with his eyes shut. The sand pits and thorn beds that littered the area weren’t so bad when you knew the safe path. These days it was even fairly pleasant before the mid-day heat settled in, now that it had been a long time since he’d seen any real trouble along the path. Keeping it that way and maintaining his vow never to let the bandits resume their reign of terror meant staying vigilant out here, even though it got lonely.
Defiant Root had nearly vanished over the horizon when Kabbu spotted a trader’s wagon coming along the road towards him, pulled along by a snail. When he waved to the cicada driving it, they slowly brought the snail to a stop.
“Hello, fair traveler!” Kabbu said, “I hope your journey has been safe. I’m-“
The other bug interrupted him by waving back enthusiastically and saying, “Oh, you’re Sir Kabbu! I would recognize you anywhere - They tell stories about you in the city all the time!”
“Th-They do?” Kabbu asked, caught off-guard. He hoped the stories were good ones, rather than about the time he’d-
His thoughts were interrupted by the merchant, who was giving his snail a gentle pat while they spoke. “Of course,” The trader answered, “You’re one of the explorers who stopped the Wasp King! It’s an honor to meet you! But what are you doing out in the middle of the Sands?”
Seeing an opportunity to steer the conversation back the way he wanted, Kabbu pushed aside his discomfort and pressed on. “Really, I was doing nothing but my duty to the Kingdom! Just like I’m doing out here by making sure that the road to Defiant Root remains safe. You haven’t seen any signs of bandits on your way here, have you?”
After shaking his head, the merchant said, “I haven’t heard of anyone getting robbed on this route in, well, a while now! I take it you’re to thank for that too?”
The gratitude was validating, but Kabbu didn’t need fame or fortune. A few extra berries might come in handy, but… he didn’t need it, he reminded himself. The merchant’s story matched all the other ones he’d heard recently, including reports from the bees and the ants, but something was still bothering him. “Maybe,” Kabbu said, “But I think they may just be keeping their heads down for now. I’d hoped this would be over by now, but… I asked the Queen to consider offering some leniency to the bandits. She refused me outright.”
The jovial look on the merchant’s face vanished, immediately replaced by a frown. Incredulously, he asked, “Mercy? For the bandits? After everything they’ve done?”
With a sigh, Kabbu rubbed his forehead. He didn’t expect anyone to understand, but when push came to shove, the bandits’ leader had been an honorable enough bug. He’d helped Kabbu and his friends out, even if it was only after he’d first tried to kidnap them and sell them to the wasps as prisoners. Maybe if they could talk again…
Kabbu still didn’t have any leads on where they had moved to, but it couldn’t have been too far: They had still mounted robberies on this road until very recently. Where were they now, and what were they plotting?
Rousing Kabbu from his thoughts, the trader asked, “Uhm, Sir Kabbu? Are you alright?”
“O-Oh! Sorry,” Kabbu said, doing a poor job to conceal the embarrassment in his voice and posture, “Anyway, thank you for the information. That’s all I wanted to ask.”
When the merchant turned his head back to the horizon, he did a double take to make sure that really was all. Once satisfied, he said, “I know that it’s just ahead, but would you mind walking me to town? Maybe you could share some of your stories along the way?”
Kabbu hesitated to answer. Stopping his patrol early felt like dereliction of duty, but the merchant was right - He hadn’t spotted trouble along this route in a while. If it would make this cicada feel better, then why should he refuse? With a gesture in the town’s direction, he said, “If you wish, Sir cicada, then I will escort you to the entrance. Please, lead the way.”
Beaming with delight, the merchant set his snail in motion again. They’d barely gotten started when the merchant asked his first question. “Hey, is it true that you got so excited from winning at cards that you broke a table?”
Kabbu exercised all his willpower to resist a sudden urge to shrink into his shell. “Wh-Where did you hear that from,” he demanded, with less authority and more desperation than he would have liked.
“Leif told a group of us about it one night,” the merchant said with a grin.
Of course he had. Leif had found that whole incident funny. Kabbu would have to tell him to stop the next time he was in the city. He was supposed to be a role model! Kabbu stuttered, “W-Well, yes, it did happen, but it was an accident! I made sure to pay for it, but after that I left the card-playing to Leif.” Fortunately for him, the merchant’s curiosity didn’t lead to any more embarrassing questions.
Given the speed of the snail, there was plenty of time for the merchant to ask about all the tall tales he’d heard on the road, and for Kabbu to do his best to offer corrections. “…The spider wasn’t that big,” Kabbu said as they approached the edge of town, “Where did you hear all these stories anyway? Are they putting shows on at the theater?”
“It was back in the city! At, uhm,” the merchant said before clamming up and looking aside nervously, “Maybe it’s better if I don’t say.”
With a feeling that he already knew the answer, Kabbu lowered his voice and asked, “Was it Doppel’s place?”
The merchant looked surprised. “You know about it? You don’t seem like the sort.”
Just the mention of it dredged up uncomfortable memories of how he’d nearly started sobbing when he realized consorting down there made him a criminal. Kabbu did his best not to think about it. He implored the merchant to understand by waving his arms for emphasis and saying, “Times were desperate! We needed all the help we could get!”
“Your secret is safe with me, Sir Kabbu,” the merchant assured him with a light laugh before suddenly stopping to look past him. He pointed in the same direction. “I think someone’s trying to get your attention.”
“Hm,” Kabbu hummed before turning about. An Ant Kingdom courier, marked by the emblem on her hat, was running down the street towards them at a full sprint. When she finally came to a stop in front of them, she bent over, completely exhausted.
Kabbu stepped up to her and urged, “Take care there! Stop for a moment.” When he reached out a hand to give the ant a reassuring pat, she reached up and stuck a sealed envelope into it.
“Urgent message… From the Queen,” she managed to get out between breaths.
Kabbu stood in stunned silence guessing at the reasons he’d receive such a letter. Did he mess something up? Was there some danger he had overlooked? He saw the merchant giving them both - and the letter - a curious look. Kabbu realized that he’d have to cut their conversation short there. Gently waving the merchant away, he said, “I-I better take a look at this. Enjoy your time in Defiant Root,” he said, masking his worry with cheer.
“Thank you, Sir Kabbu! I’ll leave you to it,” said the merchant before returning to his snail.
Before he opened the letter, Kabbu gave the courier one more look to make sure she was alright. She made a vague waving gesture to reassure him, and he broke the seal.
Sir Kabbu,
I hope that this letter finds you well. I require your presence at the palace immediately. The details are a delicate matter that I must discuss in private. Show this letter to the guards at the tunnel entrance and they will grant you passage.
Queen Elizant II
Kabbu read it a second time to make sure he hadn’t missed any details, but there were no details to miss. Whatever this was about, he would have to wait to find out. The Queen was often secretive, but his gut told him that this was worse than usual.
“Thank you,” he said, before he caught the courier peeking over his shoulder at the letter. He gave her a stern side-eye glare.
“S-Sorry!” She said before backing away. Kabbu caught her looking past him, and he turned his head to see the merchant looking over his other shoulder.
Exasperated, he waved his arms up and down and asked, “Really? Have you no respect for the Queen’s confidentiality?!”
“I was just curious, I didn’t mean any disrespect,” the cicada said with a tinge of fear in his voice.
Realizing that he was flaunting the letter out on the street, he sighed and folded it up. After a brief, awkward pause, he said, “Nevermind. Think nothing of it,” before turning back to address the courier.
“Thank you. Please make sure to rest before you continue. At least get something to drink at the bar.” He handed the courier some berries to pay for a drink. Even though he didn’t have much to spare these days, it would have been wrong not to offer. “It’s the least I can do,” he insisted before the courier had a chance to refuse.
“Thank you, Sir Kabbu,” The courier said when she took them. “Can I ask what was so important?”
A stern look fell on his face, but he didn’t chide the courier for asking. “I’m afraid I don’t know any more than you do. I doubt I could share even if I did, but it seems Her Majesty is summoning me to the palace immediately. Safe travels on the rest of your deliveries.”
“Safe travels to you as well, Sir Kabbu,” the courier said. Satisfied that she had caught her breath enough, she stood upright and waved goodbye before making a beeline towards the bar.
“Thank you,” Kabbu said again, under his breath. He waited to see that she didn’t double over again before setting off. As he walked down the main road, towards the tunnel entrance at the other end of town, he had a feeling he’d need all the well-wishes he could get.
The center of the tunnel network laid directly below the palace’s entrance, only a short walk from the city’s plaza. Under other circumstances, Kabbu would have liked to stop by his team’s house, but considering the urgency of the summons it was best to head straight to the throne room. He knew the way well, and his mind wandered to wondering whether he’d have time to visit his friends or not when he rounded a corner and bumped into someone.
“M-My apologies,” Kabbu said as he steadied his footing. When he looked up, he found himself face-to-face with someone familiar - A blue moth with yellow-spotted wings that he wore like a cloak and a little tuft of fur around his neck. Kabbu’s initial surprise was quickly overcome by joy at the sight of his friend. He immediately pulled the moth into a hug. “Leif!” He said, “What a pleasant surprise to run into you here!” Kabbu had missed having him and Vi around, though he was reluctant to admit just how much. They had their own lives to lead and he didn’t want to seem needy.
Leif’s response was hesitant, but he did return Kabbu’s hug with a faint smile. “We’re happy to see you too, Kabbu. Are you also here at the Queen’s request?”
Kabbu withdrew and considered Leif’s question. Their group had been afforded a break from official explorer duties ever since they defeated the wasp king. If they were both called here now… Well, he wasn’t sure what it meant. “She did send for me, yes,” Kabbu said, “And it sounded urgent. There will be time for us to catch up later - We shouldn’t keep Her Majesty waiting!” He really wanted to say something about telling other people embarrassing stories, but it could wait.
Leif hesitated, but he nodded. “You’re right. Let’s go.”
They didn’t have to show their summons or announce themselves when they reached the door to the throne room - The guards were already expecting their arrival and motioned for them to go straight inside. Side-by-side, the two of them stepped through the imposing double doors.
The throne room had a long carpeted walkway which approached the raised section in the back where the throne was. The Queen, dressed in purple finery and wearing her four-eyed mask, sat while she waited for their approach. The royal guard kept an eye on them, though her posture was relaxed in their presence.
Great stained glass windows decorated the wall on the approach to the throne, commemorating the friendship the Ants had built with the other great kingdoms of Bugaria. It was still not long ago that half were being kept hidden behind curtains. Things had changed quickly after the King’s attack.
When they approached the throne, both Kabbu and Leif bowed their heads. “Your Majesty,” Kabbu said, “I came as quickly as I could.” Leif nodded his concurrence.
“Time is of the essence today,” Elizant said, “So we will dispense with formalities and get straight to the point of why you are here.”
Two of their team were here, but where was Vi? Leif admitted, “We are very curious,” though his voice was as dry as ever. Kabbu had been wondering the same thing most of the way through the tunnels.
Elizant stood up and approached, stopping just short of the dais’s edge so that she stood tall above them with her hands behind her back. Kabbu could just barely hear her sigh behind the mask, but didn’t dare to make any acknowledgment. The Queen said, “I take it that I do not have to remind you of the power the Wasp King wielded through his crown.”
Kabbu still remembered the shame of being swept aside by his magic, in this very room. Not just him - All of them. “No, you do not,” he said flatly.
Elizant continued, “Once we rebuilt after the conflict, Queen Vanessa and I agreed that we should try to understand more about it - Where did it come from? Did the Roaches make anything else like it that we need to worry about? These artifacts have already caused us enough harm… I think you would agree.” When she finished, she gave Leif a pointed look.
They were good questions. Kabbu wished he had thought of them himself. Meanwhile, Leif had let his eyes wander around the throne hall before returning, snapping them to the Queen. He admitted,“We had wondered some of the same things. Have you found out anything?”
With a frustration that betrayed the frown behind her mask, she said, “Not much, I am afraid. We did our best to trace the crown’s origins, but we didn’t get very far. The trail ended at the Swamps - and it may lead somewhere even beyond.”
Mention of the Swamps stung Kabbu with a pang of grief, but he pushed himself past it. The pieces were starting to fit together now. “Then am I to understand you are looking for a team who is willing to explore further,” he ventured, gesturing outward with an arm.
The Queen paused and looked down at him directly. Had he said something out of line? She answered him before he could apologize. “Not quite. I already chose a team of explorers to go and investigate. I’ve summoned you here because they were supposed to scout the swamps east of the wasp’s hive and report back, and they haven’t returned.”
Leif’s antennae shifted before he guessed, “Was it Sir Maki and his team?” It was a good guess - The mantis was the Queen’s most renowned knight and one of her strongest warriors. He even had his own fan club among the other explorers.
But Elizant shook her head and said, “No. Maki has a different assignment, though it is no less important. I assigned three other explorers to this mission - Vi, Levi, and Celia.”
A heavy air settled over the three of them. Kabbu’s thoughts started racing through his head. No wonder Vi hadn’t been here. All three of them were missing? Vi was as tenacious as anyone he knew, and Levi and Celia were already a seasoned duo that had helped the three of them on more than one occasion. Those swamps could be treacherous, but it shouldn’t be anything that they couldn’t handle as a group.
He still remembered the last time they traveled there. “How long,” he blurted out, banishing the thought before he could dwell on it, “How long have they been missing?”
The Queen took his worried interruption with grace. She held her posture when she answered, though she looked directly down at him as she did. “It has been a week since they were supposed to make contact. I know you want to run off immediately to find them Kabbu, but don’t be reckless or else I may end up needing to send even more explorers after you next.”
Kabbu hesitated. He knew that she was right and glanced over at Leif to see if he had any guidance. His friend had kept his composure much better and hardly moved a muscle when he spoke up. “We are curious what you learned about the crown before sending them off. Why the Swamps? We can’t imagine anyone wanting to go there without a good reason,” he asked.
The Queen nodded, prepared to explain. “The wasp’s library has books with some information about the crown, and some of the roaches who came from the dead lands shared what knowledge was passed down to them. In older and more hostile days, the wasp’s strength was enough to frighten the roaches. They were the ones who created the crown as a trump card to play if the wasps ever attacked them. Sometime after they sealed away the sapling, they threw it away.
The king bought it from a trader on Metal Island. It was most likely fished out of the lake. As for where it originally came from, the roach’s suggestion was to look around the wasp’s borders. The swamps proved the most promising lead for our latest expedition. If there are other artifacts out there, we should know.”
Leif considered the words and rubbed his chin before nodding. “We understand your concern then.”
Kabbu had to agree. What if the roaches saw any of the other bugs as potential threats? Had they devised means to seize control over them too? The bees, ants, and termites had never been as hostile, but the things the roaches had done…
He realized he was staring at Leif and consciously turned his attention back to the Queen. His initial panic had subsided, and he put a hand to his chest. “My Queen, please forgive my outburst! You have my word that we will bring them back here, safe and sound!”
The Queen nodded at him too and said, “I know you two are up to the task, but don’t forget that the three explorers I’ve already sent were capable too. If you find something you can’t overcome yourselves, return to the wasps and share what you know. The Kingdom can’t afford to lose brave bugs like you.”
Kabbu nodded rapidly while Leif spoke up and said, “We will be cautious, Your Majesty. We’ll freeze the whole swamp if we have to, and Kabbu knows the dangers of that place better than most.”
Kabbu stopped nodding. No. They’d made it through before, despite his recklessness, and they could do it again. He just had to keep a level head. “We will be careful,” he promised.
“Good,” the Queen answered, “Make sure you are prepared, and then leave as soon as you’re able. Vi’s team stopped near the wasp hive before venturing further - You should start your search there.”
Leif and Kabbu both bowed their heads, and Leif said, “We will find them before long, and… thank you for trusting us with this.” Kabbu glanced his way, wondering why Leif thought she wouldn’t.
Elizant regarded them with an authoritative air. “I would not ask this of you if I did not believe you were up to the task. Now go. I will await your return.”
Neither Kabbu nor Leif said anything until they were out of the throne room and on their way to the palace’s exit. “We should stop at the house,” Leif said, “And the market.”
Fidgeting nervously, Kabbu said, “I-It’s a shame we won’t have time to stay with your family. I had been hoping to come visit again.”
Leif shrugged. “They’ll understand. In truth, we are happy for the excuse to get out again. Things have been too calm in the city. We could use some excitement.”
“If you were bored, you could always have come to Defiant Root. I could use some help tracking the bandits.”
The offer hung unanswered in the air as they continued to walk. Kabbu was bothered by the awkward silence, but he didn’t know what to say to break it. Was there something he’d said? Kabbu found Leif hard to read sometimes, but he had the feeling something was bothering the moth.
It still took him until they were outside and almost to the city’s main plaza before he brought himself to ask, “Have you been well, Leif?”
Leif didn’t answer right away. The focused look on his face suggested deep thought.
“Leif,” Kabbu repeated.
This time, he answered. “We have been a little restless, so we think this mission will be good for us. That’s all. Has life in Defiant Root been treating you well?”
Of course it had been, even if making ends meet could be a little tough and his hunt had come to a dead end… Maybe a change of pace wouldn’t be bad for him either. Even so, he knew he should try and keep the mood up. After some brief, nervous laughter, he said, “Things have been well, but I am always ready to go wherever Her Majesty needs me… And to help out my friends, of course!”
“We appreciate it. Vi will too, even if she won’t admit it,” Leif said, “We wonder why she didn’t come to us in the first place.” Kabbu wondered that too. He would have gone if she had asked, even without a mission from the Queen. Hopefully they’d have their chance to ask her soon.
They arrived at a small, red, and boxy building on the city’s main plaza: The home of Team Snakemouth! It may not have been much, but it had served them well in their days of traveling to and from the city. They let themselves in to find it mostly as Kabbu remembered it, though judging by the random items left scattered on the bunks and on the dresser, Vi had stopped by before heading out. There wasn’t much else to clutter - The furnishings here had always been rather sparse. At least Leif’s card tournament trophy still hung proudly on the wall.
Leif, looking miffed but unsurprised, sighed and said, “She never cleans up before leaving. We should pile everything onto her bunk next time.” He stepped inside and started stowing things into the drawers.
Kabbu smirked and shook his head. That was her alright. He started to help sort through everything, setting aside whatever they should take with them - Honey, nuts, and… a berry bomb? He set that one down very carefully. “I hope the Ants don’t mind that she’s keeping explosives in here…” he muttered while he finished sifting through the items on the bunks.
Leif’s voice came from behind, tinged with concern. “Kabbu…”
Kabbu continued to work while he answered, “Yes, Leif?”
Leif continued with even greater caution. “Do you remember how, after we defeated the King, we put his crown on the top shelf?”
Kabbu paused his rummaging, bringing an uncomfortable silence over the room. “I do. Did one of the Queens ask for us to return it for their research? I know it’s been safe here, but it always felt strange to keep it.”
The answer did nothing to comfort him. “Not that we know of.”
Kabbu stepped back and looked up to the top shelf where they kept it. It was empty. Leif was staring at the same void. Kabbu took a moment to process the empty space before daring to voice the only thought he could come up with. “You don’t think she…”
“Oh, we are quite sure she did,” Leif said, “It was here just before she left. Plus, she is definitely that reckless.”
Kabbu couldn’t figure out why she would have taken it with her. Even she wouldn’t stoop low enough to try and pawn it off for some berries. She didn’t think she could use it, did she? “We need to hurry. I will finish packing up here, you go to the market and get more food.”
“We agree,” Leif said, “We will meet you at the tunnels when we have said goodbye to Muze.”
As he redoubled his efforts, Kabbu hoped that Vi knew what she was doing. He’d have more than a few scolding words for her when they finally caught up.
Their path took them back through Defiant Root before continuing onwards. Passing through one of the gates in the great wall surrounding the desert, the dense, hostile grasslands immediately surrounded them. There was hardly anything that could be called a road here, but the closest thing marked the path to the wasp hive, just short of where the terrain gave way to the wetlands in the low area next to the lake.
On their way, they had some time to catch up with one another. Kabbu was curious how Leif’s family had been and how everyone in the city had recovered following the wasp’s attack. No matter who he asked after, it seemed that things had gotten better. To his shame, hearing the good news brought him mixed feelings. Chasing down the bandits was important, but now that he was here with Leif, he realized that he’d really been waiting for something new for them to tackle together.
He told Leif about his work in Defiant Root, and his pursuit of the bandits. His words were met with silence as he recounted his adventures up to that point, but Kabbu knew Leif was listening. He was just comfortable with keeping quiet.
They made it all the way to the gate in front of the hive without seeing a sign of any other intelligent bugs. As soon as they came into view, the compliment of soldiers guarding it fixed their eyes on the duo. All the other kingdoms had been at peace with the wasps since the King had been defeated, but Kabbu still felt anxiety swell in his chest as they approached. He’d gotten plenty of scrapes from the tips of those spears…
“State your business, travelers,” the soldier at the front said when they were close, though Kabbu could make out a flash of recognition across his face.
Kabbu said, “We are Kabbu and Leif, here on a mission from Queen Elizant, at the request of Queen Vanessa!”
Leif impatiently added, “We should be expected, and have no time to waste. Let us through.”
Kabbu felt the air leave his chest. “L-Leif,” he said, “We are their guests! Show some respect!”
Leif shrugged. “We are only telling the truth. They know who we are.”
The soldier didn’t look pleased, but after quickly conferring with one of his comrades, he stepped back and gestured through the gate. “Go on through, and follow the way to the right. The explorers’ campsite is along a path past the hive. Don’t get lost, though I doubt you’ll be able to miss it.”
“Thank you! We appreciate your hospitality!” Kabbu said, and pulled Leif along before he could say anything else that might land them in trouble.
Once they were through the gate, they followed the directions they had been given, away from the road leading into the hive. Once out of earshot of the guards, Leif said, “We have received warmer welcomes here.”
He was right. The wasps had been so grateful towards them after the king’s defeat. Kabbu had to imagine they still were. “It has been some time since we came to visit together, not that I think they’ve forgotten anything that happened. Maybe they are just on edge,” Kabbu said.
Leif stopped walking and put a hand behind his head, with his gaze drifting upwards. “Yeah… It has,” He said thoughtfully, “It’s good to be traveling with you again, Kabbu. We missed it more than we realized.”
Hearing it warmed Kabbu’s heart. He raised a hand to place gently on Leif’s shoulder. His body was cold, but Kabbu didn’t pull away. With a smile he said, “I would venture back into the dead lands again for you, or any of our friends! All you need to do is ask!”
Leif’s gaze turned downward again to look Kabbu in the eye. His expression turned to a faint smile. “We hope that isn’t ever necessary,” he said, “But we would do the same. Now, let’s keep going. We can enjoy our reunion properly once we find Vi.” Kabbu nodded. Mindful that they only had so much time to spare, they continued down the path again.
Most of the hive’s activity was inside, but there were still a handful of buildings clustered around the road. “They have rebuilt quickly after the king’s neglect,” Leif commented as they passed through. Kabbu nodded his agreement.
They next found themselves in a small outdoor market, a new addition since Kabbu’s last visit. It was only a few stalls and the crowd was pretty thin, but on their way by he could see a few merchants peddling their wares - A weathered-looking ladybug with a big cloak selling food from the golden hills, a beetle with a spiky brown shell with a selection of different plants, and a jovial-looking termite showing off a selection of furniture and woodcrafts. It brought a smile to his face - When he’d first come to Bugaria, such a sight would have been unthinkable. He hoped they’d succeed, even if he didn’t have the time or berries to buy from them right now.
They continued down the path, well past the edge of the hive’s clearing, until they came to the campsite. Against Kabbu’s expectations that it would be deserted, there was a brown moth sitting on a stick by the campfire, facing away from them. Something was very familiar about them, but he couldn’t quite place it from behind. “Greetings,” Kabbu said heartily as he and Leif circled the campsite to get a better look at them.
“Hmm,” the moth hummed. He shut the cover of his book and looked up at both of them. When his eyes met theirs, he let out a slight gasp. “Kabbu! Leif,” he said, “I heard that the wasps requested some more explorers to come - I should have guessed it might be you two!”
Leif smiled faintly and replied, “And with the roaches involved, we should have guessed you would be here Professor.”
Kabbu failed to muster an easy greeting. It was suddenly a struggle to breathe steadily. He had been prepared for the Swamps, but not for this. Once both the Professor and Leif were staring at him, he forced some words out. “N-Neo,” he said, “What a pleasant surprise to meet you here! It’s been too long!”
Professor Neolith smiled warmly and set his book aside. “It really has been! I had meant to return to Defiant Root, but Queen Vanessa asked me to help with this research. It was a little awkward staying here at first, but they’ve provided me with everything I could hope for so far.”
Kabbu was still too flustered to string together a few coherent sentences. At the edge of his vision, Kabbu saw Leif looking from, to the Professor, and then back again. “Now that we think of it, we are hungry. We will be back soon,” he said before turning back to the path they had just come from.
“Y-You can eat here at the camp,” Kabbu said, doing his best not to sound desperate, “We will not be offended.”
Leif offered him a deadpan stare. “We will purchase some food from the wasps,” he said, “To preserve our supplies for when we are in the Swamps. It will not take long.” Without allowing time for further objection, he started back towards the hive.
Abandoned by his teammate and left to fend for himself, Kabbu felt a powerful urge to curl up under his shell. Instead, he sat down across from Neolith so he wouldn’t have to depend on his shaky legs.
“He’s right, Kabbu,” Neolith said, “You may be in there for a while if you’re going to find Vi and the others. We had planned for the possibility that this could be a long scouting trip.”
Kabbu shook himself out of his stupor. He had to stay brave. “I didn’t doubt his wisdom! I just wanted to make sure he felt welcome to eat here if he wanted.”
“That is kind of you, though I don’t know why he wouldn’t,” Neolith said.
An awkward silence settled in over the two of them, the only sounds coming from the distant bustle of the hive. Kabbu reminded himself that he’d handled much worse situations than this. He could definitely think of something interesting or impressive to say. He had this. He asked, “Have you… Been reading any good books lately?” On second thought, maybe he didn’t have this.
The professor chuckled. “Of course I have - That’s much of what I do, after all! Now that the wasps are willing to share what’s in their library, I’ve been able to learn a lot I couldn’t before. That’s what brought explorers back out here in the first place.”
Oh, wait, that had actually worked. “R-Really,” Kabbu said, “I’d be interested to hear more about what you learned! Maybe once we’re back with the others. I can tell you about everything you’ve missed in Defiant Root too!”
“That would be nice! I’ve been wondering how the town has been… And I’ve been missing Crisbee’s donuts.”
Feeling a bright smile come across his face, Kabbu said, “It’s a plan then!” Then, against his will, he started laughing out of relief. He put a hand up to his mouth, but he couldn’t help himself.
Looking at him curiously, Neolith asked, “What’s so funny?”
“Oh… Oh, it’s nothing! I don’t know what came over me,” Kabbu said as he calmed down, “But I am glad to see that you are still safe and happy. It sounds like there’s no shortage of work for you, even after discovering the sapling, but… How about outside of your research? How have you been doing?”
The Professor looked uncertain how to answer, with his hands clasped together nervously in front of him and antennae drooping. Kabbu worried that maybe he’d hit a sore spot. “Well,” Neolith said, “Preparing for this expedition has kept me busy for several moons now. The hive’s library has been my most common companion. Even though the librarian has been very interested in my work, I can’t say I have been making many friends. He’s eager to learn more and a helpful assistant, but a little overbearing.”
While he spoke, Kabbu listened carefully and thought. There had to be something he could do to cheer his friend up, even if it had to wait for their return. “I’m sure you’ll find friendly faces among the wasps when you have the chance to meet some more of them,” Kabbu said, doing his best to be reassuring, “It sounds like you could stand to get out a little more. I know the area around here isn’t safe to walk around on your own, but how about when we come back, I show you the path down to the lakeside? The view is even better than the one from the pier in the Ant Kingdom, and I swear you will be safe with me!”
Neolith’s frown turned into a faint smile. “I think I’d like that. Is that a promise, then?”
Kabbu nodded emphatically, “On my honor as an explorer and a knight!”
Neo chuckled. Maybe that had been a little too dramatic. “I’ll make sure to hold you to it then, sir knight!”
Kabbu found himself smiling, and he was happy to sit there and enjoy the moment together. A sense of peace and comfort flowed through him… until a question crossed his mind. “Neo, may I ask you something,” he said, breaking the silence.
The moth’s antennae perked up. “About what? The expedition? Though you’re always welcome to ask me anything, Kabbu!”
Kabbu shook his head. “N-No, not exactly at least. Before Vi and the others left, did they ask you about anything… Unusual?” Did he know about the crown?
Looking perplexed, Neo shifted his posture forwards and asked, “Unusual? Like what?”
Trying to play it off cool, Kabbu nonchalantly answered, “Just… Anything out of the ordinary about the Roaches, or their artifacts.” Kabbu didn’t want to have to answer the kind of questions he might get if it got out that the crown was out there in the swamps - At least for now. He would explain everything once they returned and everything was made right.
“No… Not that I can remember,” Neolith said, “You sound like you have something specific in mind. Can I ask what it is?”
Drat. Neo was on to him. “Well,” He started, but before he had to try and come up with an explanation, he heard footsteps behind him, followed by the familiar sound of Leif munching on something. His friend had returned to save him!
“We hope we aren’t interrupting,” Leif said as he rounded the corner, holding a bowl of leaf salad.
Kabbu shook his head and said, “No, nothing of the sort, Leif! The Professor and I were just chatting. I am ready to go if you are - Our friends are counting on us!”
“We are ready now, yes. It was good to see you, Professor,” Leif said, eyes shifting back and forth between the two of them appraisingly.
Though just a few minutes ago he would have been eager, Kabbu was reluctant to leave now. It took him a second to will himself back onto his feet. “Yes, it was very good to see you again, Neo! We can talk again once we return.”
“Be careful, you two,” Neolith said. A concerned frown swept over his face.
Kabbu promised, “We will. We’ll be back with the others before long.”
“We will keep him from rushing into danger,” Leif said with a smirk.
“I’m sure you’ll try,” Neolith said. Kabbu frowned, but he let the joke slide.
They waved their last goodbyes, then Kabbu followed behind Leif on the path leading into the Swamps. He was happy to keep his thoughts to himself for a change while his nerves calmed down, but once they had put some distance between themselves and the camp, Leif spoke up. “So… Did you finally tell the Professor how you feel? How long will you make him wait?”
Kabbu’s panic suddenly rushed back to fill his body. How could he know about that?! Kabbu stammered, “Wh-What?! I don’t know what you mean! I was just catching up with a friend.”
Leif stopped and turned around to stare him in the eyes, face to face. “Kabbu,” he said, “You are a terrible liar. Plus, it was obvious from the first time we saw you two that you had feelings for him. Did you say something or not?”
As quickly as he’d gotten worked up, he was filled with defeated exhaustion and his posture sagged. Was it really that obvious? Did that mean Neo knew too? His mouth felt dry, but he wouldn’t leave Leif unanswered. “I… It has never felt like the right time. We are both busy, and I don’t want to impose on him…”
Leif allowed him to trail off without protest, but he kept on studying Kabbu until he’d weighed the response. “Kabbu, don’t leave things unsaid to the people you care for. We can speak from experience.”
Kabbu frowned. Leif was right, and he had failed his friend - Failed to understand the lessons he had tried to share. With conviction, he said, “I will talk to him when we return. I promise.”
Hesitating and watching him carefully, Leif said, “Do you want to turn back now? It is not too late to do it before we leave.”
It was tempting… But their mission still had to come first. There would be time for the rest when everyone was safe. “No. Everyone is counting on us to find our friends, and the sooner we do it the better!”
Leif stared at him for a few seconds longer. It was impossible to discern if there was any judgment behind his eyes. “If you are sure, Kabbu. We will hold you to your promise - You deserve to be happy too.”
That left him at a loss for words. Leif was seldom one for heartfelt remarks, but when he was, it was important. It left him reinvigorated, and his determination redoubled. “Lead the way, Leif!”
Leif nodded, and then as if their conversation hadn’t happened, he turned back around and continued on down the trail.
It was two days into their expedition, and Kabbu was as certain as ever that nothing good ever happened out in the wilds at the edge of Bugaria. That was doubly true for the swampy lowlands beyond the wasp kingdom. The last time he’d come through here, he’d almost lost both of his teammates. The first time, he had.
The incessant sound of life surrounded them on the muddy paths, but whatever was making the sound was always just out of sight. Trails frequently ran into thickets or were interrupted by stagnant water stained with the area’s characteristic purple hue. It was easy to get lost even when going down a known path, and this time Kabbu wasn’t sure exactly where they were going.
Though they had constantly been looking for any sign of their friends, they only occasionally found one - The leftovers of a recent skirmish with the leafbugs or the remains of a campfire. The last fire pit they had passed still held a few glowing embers. That meant they were both on the right path and close, even if Leif maintained a healthy skepticism.
After some time silently moving single-file down a narrow path, walled in on both sides by thick grass, Leif spoke up. “We find it strange we have not met the leafbugs yet. The last time we were here, they set up ambushes for us. We have seen signs of them, but no more than that.”
Kabbu turned it over in his mind before saying, “If they were hunting our friends, they may be focused on following their trail. All the more reason it’s important we find them soon! They are clearly in danger.”
The leafbugs were native to the swamps, aggressively territorial, and spoke a language unfamiliar to anyone from Bugaria. Kabbu would have preferred to have dealt with them peacefully on his previous visits, but unfortunately circumstances made it impossible. He wasn’t getting his hopes up that it would be any better this time either.
“We agree,” Leif said, “They will be tired if they have been chased this whole time.”
Kabbu could see the path end up ahead, giving way to an open clearing. He pointed and said, “You’re right. Let’s pick up our pace!”
Leif answered, “Be vigilant - If we do get ambushed, it will be up ahead here when we’re about to get out into the open.”
Looking back, Kabbu locked eyes with Leif. They exchanged a nod of mutual understanding then both fell quiet, keeping their senses focused on their surroundings. Nothing out of the ordinary - yet. They marched out into the clearing quickly, but their caution was unnecessary. There was no ambush. There was, however, a path that wound its way through the clearing before stopping in front of a massive wooden structure, right at the edge of a steep ravine. The structure was tall and rectangular, with ropes and what looked like massive wheels at the base. More mechanisms sat nearby on top of a smaller cliff.
Leif tilted his head far back to take in the full height of the structure. “More of these buildings… We’re surprised to see them this far out… Is this a drawbridge?”
Kabbu looked at it again. Leif was right - Those weren’t wheels, but large mechanisms for lowering and raising the bridge. “It is! I wonder where it leads, though if our friends had crossed it, it would be lowered already.”
Turning his head back down, Leif murmured, “Assuming it even works. If you really want, we can try when we come back through-”
Suddenly, he stopped. Kabbu listened. Just to their right, the grass rustled. Both of them immediately assumed a formation with Kabbu in front, ready to defend from attack. Two figures emerged from the overgrowth… But they were not leafbugs. They were a ladybug and a blue ant, both armored and respectively carrying a sword and a shield. And instead of launching into an attack, they walked out and waved at the two of them. Both of them were covered in scrapes and splotches of mud, and above all looked exhausted.
First to speak, the ladybug asked, “Kabbu?”
Then, the ant. “Leif?”
Kabbu’s eyes widened. Louder than intended, he said, “Levi! Celia!” Feeling his spirits rising for the first time since they had come here, he added, “See, I told you Leif!”
“We’re glad to be proved wrong,” Leif said, “But if you two are here, where is Vi?”
The two looked at one another. Levi answered for them. “She left not long ago, up onto that cliff,” he said, pointing to the one next to the bridge, “We were looking for a way to lower this bridge. The chasm is far too deep to climb and too wide to fly across, even on her own.”
Shielding his eyes from the sunlight as he looked up to survey the ridge, Leif asked, “Levi, where did she go?”
“The three of us have been beset by the leafbugs ever since we came to the Swamp, and it was no different here. They surrounded her while she was up there, and she ended up leading them away.”
Celia gave him a look before adding, “Well, most of them. We still had to fight a couple on our own. We were in the bushes avoiding any more attacks and checking one another for any serious wounds, but fortunately we’re both fine!”
Kabbu didn’t answer. He was already looking around the clearing for a way they could get up the cliff and follow. There was a large rock that he might be able to roll over with his horn. It might not be tall enough, but it was worth a shot. He didn’t register what Leif was saying to the others while he strode straight over, got his horn under it for leverage, and flipped it over in the direction of the cliff. It was far heavier than he judged it, and stopped to take a few breaths after just the first turn.
He realized the others had started staring at him. Levi asked, “Do you need some help with that?” Kabbu was still too winded to answer. He nodded, and everyone walked over.
By the time they arrived, he could speak again. “If we can push this over, it might be enough to let us climb up! There’s no time to waste while Vi is in danger!”
With a smile, Celia said, “Good thinking!” She stuck her shield into the soil and got ready to help push. Kabbu lifted the rock from below again, and with the help of the other three it was much easier work. They were able to tumble it head-over-tail until it was resting up against the cliff face.
Immediately, he climbed up to see if he could pull himself up the cliff’s edge, but it was just out of reach. “Is there anything else we have that we might use to get up? Maybe I can give you a boost?” He asked.
From directly behind him, Leif said, “…We have an idea.”
Kabbu knew that mischievous, slightly smug tone, and his heart froze. He turned around to meet him face-to-face. “Leif… What are you doing?”
“Stand still for a moment,” Leif said before throwing an arm out towards Kabbu.
The next thing he knew, the others were gone from in front of him, and he was chilled to the core. While doing his best to control his shivering, he looked around the clearing for them. “Leif?!” He called out.
Leif’s voice called from up above. “We’re right here.” Kabbu turned to see the three of them atop the cliff. Levi and Celia were kneeling down, offering him a hand up. He waited until he was up on top with them to say something to Leif.
Uncharacteristically cross, Kabbu stamped a foot on the ground and said, “Why didn’t you warn me you were going to freeze me? That wasn’t funny!”
Offering him a shrug, Leif said, “Vi got used to it. And using you as an ice block was the fastest way up.”
As much as he didn’t like it, Kabbu couldn’t argue with that. They had to hurry. They’d talk team etiquette later. “Fine, it can wait. Levi, Celia, please lead the way towards wherever you saw Vi run!”
The pair gave a quick salute before leading the group into the thicket.
The path was not hard to follow - There was a trail of trampled grass, snapped twigs, and the occasional unconscious bug. She’d left quite the trail in her wake. Taking in another bug, Leif remarked, “She did this on her own? Vi has gotten pretty good.”
Celia chimed in, “You should have seen her earlier! Her beemerang got three of them in one throw.”
“Her aim has always been impressive, but explorers still don’t travel alone for a reason,” Leif said.
They didn’t have to follow the trail for much longer before reaching the next clearing, right on a nearly-stagnant creek. Out by the water’s edge, they could see a group of leafbugs all out cold on the ground surrounding a bee who was face-down in the mud.
As soon as Kabbu caught sight of her, he shouted, “Vi!”
“Kabbu…” Leif started, but he was already too late. Kabbu was already running out into the clearing.
“Vi! Vi! Can you hear me,” he repeated as he flipped her onto her back. She didn’t look like she’d been in too bad of a scuffle, but she was clearly out cold from a hit on the head. Kabbu didn’t hesitate to lift her up onto his shoulders. He would carry her all the way back to the hive if he had to.
Her bag had been hidden underneath her. Kabbu stopped for a moment to look at it, but he was more concerned with making sure she was safe. When he glanced back over his shoulder, Levi had run ahead to catch up while the others were trailing behind. Looking up at him, Kabbu said, “She isn’t seriously wounded, but she’s unconscious. Let’s get her back to camp. You grab her bag, and I’ll carry her.”
The ladybug knelt down and slung the bag over his shoulder before asking, “Do you need any help?”
“Don’t worry about me - I’ll be fine, at least for now,” Kabbu assured him. The two turned to walk back and meet their friends halfway.
When Leif approached, he recoiled with a pained look on his face. “Oujas n’ifbuv juat.” He said, speaking in the old Roach language.
Levi flinched and took a step back. “Leif?!”
“We are fine,” Leif said once he took a deep breath, “It just happens when-“ He stopped himself and gave Kabbu a pointed look.
Right - The crown! It must have been in Vi’s bag. That was good news, and all the more reason to get away quickly. He gestured for his friends to turn back. “Let’s hurry and get out of here before-“
A sharp chirp sounded through the clearing, loud enough that Kabbu could feel it vibrating in his shell. Before he got over the shock, he could see bugs streaming out of the dense grass around them, weapons at the ready. Kabbu immediately recognized them by the tan color of their outfits.
“Bandits,” He called out, confused but not hesitant, “Ready yourselves, friends! It looks like we’re going to have to fight our way out.” They must have followed him and Leif, but he could worry about the how and why later.
Both teams jumped into action, but there was no time to get into a proper formation in the middle of the ambush. Leif froze some of them before they could advance while Celia defended his flank. Though he was still carrying Vi on his back, Kabbu stepped out in front of them. “Behind me, everyone,” he shouted.
He readied his horn and knocked a ladybug back when they came in for a strike. Though he wouldn’t be agile while carrying Vi, he could at least make use of the added weight. Lowering his head, he charged ahead to clear the way and felt the thud of three more bugs that he bowled them over with his momentum.
Once he made it to the edge of the clearing, he set Vi down on the ground and turned to fend off another group, who approached him one at a time. Leif wasn’t far behind, able to freeze the soggy ground before him and quickly slide his way there in Kabbu’s wake.
Levi and Celia were trailing behind while they fought off the brunt of the assault, slowly advancing, standing back to back and beating away any of the crickets, ladybugs, and wasps who came in for a strike.
“Keep it up,” Kabbu shouted to encourage them while he and Leif made a stand of their own. The bandits were as relentless as they were numerous, but he was confident that once they all regrouped they would be able to at least make an escape. Unfortunately, more bandits kept flowing into the clearing from the edges. A dragonfly swooped in and hit Levi across the back of the head with his tail, sending the ladybug stumbling and Vi’s bag tumbling to the ground. Celia stepped back to cover him, but the momentary lapse was all their assailants needed to put the pressure on them.
A wasp darted out and struck at her twice with a pair of needles, making it through her guard. She yelped in pain and almost stumbled over her teammate. They weren’t going to make it without help, and he wasn’t going to leave them behind - Nor could they afford to lose the crown. He gave Leif a quick look as he stepped forward. “I’ll be right back!”
“Kabbu-“ Leif said, but before he could finish, Kabbu was already dashing off through the bandits again. The more prudent ones let him pass while the rest were knocked aside. Some of them got in strikes on Kabbu’s shell that were sure to leave him sore in the morning. The bandits who tried pressing their advantage against Levi and Celia were surprised by the sheer recklessness of Kabbu’s charge into the fray. Their hesitation proved to be just enough for his allies to regain their footing.
“Get going! Now,” Kabbu said to them. Leif had conjured icicles and was throwing them at bandits to try and keep a clear path for their retreat. They didn’t need to be told twice and made quick use of the brief reprieve. If not for Vi’s bag, Kabbu would have been right behind them. The group of bandits was starting to encroach on him already, and the bag was right at one of their feet - A cricket.
Kabbu was bigger than him, and throwing his weight around had been working so far. He lowered a shoulder and checked the bandit, causing him to tumble back. Before he could get surrounded, Kabbu bent down and scooped up the pack by the strap and started his retreat.
He heard Celia call from behind him, “Kabbu, hurry up!” Seeing that she and Levi had made it to Leif’s position to help defend the trailhead, Kabbu turned and broke into a run for the edge of the clearing. Another icicle flew past Kabbu, audibly striking someone close behind. To his own disbelief, he was going to make it.
At least, he believed he would make it right up until there was a rustle in a nearby bush and someone jumped out and struck him across the face so quickly that he didn’t have time to get a proper look at them.
“Guh,” Kabbu sputtered as he spun around. His vision momentarily blurred as dizziness overcame him. His friends were shouting something at him, but their voices came through muffled. All he knew was that he was in even more danger than he’d thought, and he didn’t have much time to act.
He wound up a throw and tossed the bag into the air towards his friends. It started up in a long arc. Before it could reach its destination, his assailant jumped into action again, leaping into the air past Kabbu and snatching the bag out of the air. When he landed, he turned to face Kabbu.
Brown body, blue eyes, blue cloak, one arm - Kabbu knew all too well who this cricket was. He should have guessed as much from the speed of that strike. His heart rose into his thorax as he started to regain his senses and wits. With anxiety creeping into his voice, Kabbu said, “Astotheles. I should have figured you wouldn’t be far behind. What are you doing here?”
The bandit leader glared at him, “You’re in no position to be asking questions of me as long as you continue to serve that witch. Now tell your friends to stand down, and no harm will come to any of you.”
Kabbu looked from side to side and saw that he’d been surrounded by bandits, each ready to strike. For now, they held back, waiting for their leader’s command. The others were still fighting back, though they wouldn’t be able to hold their position for much longer. If Astotheles made a guarantee of their safety, Kabbu was inclined to believe it. For all his faults, Astotheles had been honest the few times they had crossed paths, but his friends could still escape. Even if that meant some harm might come to him, Kabbu felt that was a worthy trade.
It wasn’t hard for Kabbu to make up his mind. “Run,” he shouted, “Get Vi to safety!”
“Kabbu,” Leif shouted back, like he was about to give a scolding. He knew he could be too eager to take one for the team, but this wasn’t the time for Kabbu to doubt himself.
“Just go! You need to warn everyone,” Kabbu insisted. If the bandits figured out that they had the crown… Well, he didn’t want to think about what might happen.
“We’ll come back for you,” Celia shouted from within the fray.
Leif erected a wall of ice to separate them from the bandits - And from Kabbu. With that, he could at least breathe a sigh of relief at their escape.
It didn’t last long under Astotheles’s stern glare. “Always a thorn in our side,” he said before gesturing towards Kabbu and ordering his men, “We’re taking him with us - He’ll fetch a good ransom from the Queen. And be careful with him, he’s a worthy foe.”
The orders made Kabbu tremble - Not with fear, but with indignation. He’d dedicated himself to stopping their schemes, and he wasn’t going to go down without fighting to the last.
Astotheles was still holding Vi’s bag. Maybe if he took them by surprise, he could snatch it and make a break for it into the thick grass. It was desperation, but if that’s all he had, it’s what he would take. Kabbu lurched forward and snatched the bag away from Astotheles, but he only made it a few steps more before the bandit leader had caught up and whacked Kabbu across the back of the head again, sending him stumbling and down onto the ground.
“That wasn’t very smart,” Astotheles said as he stood tall, casting a shadow over Kabbu, “But fortunately for you, you’re worth more to us alive than dead.” Before Kabbu could retort, Astotheles struck him across the face again, and everything went dark.