Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It wasn’t often that Kabbu had a request for the team. Sometimes, it would be little things, such as letting him take a stretching break, or just giving him some peace and quiet. This, however, was a different request.

Kabbu wanted to return to the Swamplands. Normally, Vi and Leif would be shocked at such a daring request. But… once the beetle explained his reasoning, the two were immediately on board. He helped them both out through their own issues, never stopping until they were both resolved. They’d do the same for him.

Going through the swamplands again was not as daunting as the first time, but they all fell quiet, memories lingering of their previous encounters in this dangerous area. Kabbu remained silent, just as last time, looking around with a sense of memory and longing. Their walk remained uninterrupted, for the most part. Every so often, they ran into a member of the leafbug tribe, but they avoided conflict. Soon enough, they arrived at the clearing which held so many memories, so many deaths…

Kabbu took a step forward. Leif and Vi watched as he moved, looking through some of the fallen branches from the miscellaneous flora. He shifted some of the dirt, before crafting a small cross. He sat down facing the cross, and the silence started. Leif and Vi heard his breath hitch, and he spoke.

“Master…. Bit… I did it. I really did it. I found the Everlasting Sapling…  Even though it’s only because of your sacrifice…” He trailed off, bowing his head. “My new friends cannot replace you. But…” He looked back at them, and they saw tears in his eyes as he turned back. “Theyre very good. I wish you could’ve met them.”

He trailed off, his words dissolving into soft sobs. He cried, not looking up until he a cold hand on his shoulder, and familiar fuzz brushing up against him. The two bugs embraced Kabbu in a hug, and the beetle felt everything coming out, grieving in the company of his friends. When his sobs started to die down, he spoke, his voice quivering. “Bit… you would’ve thought Leif was so cool… And Master, you would’ve scolded Vi so much..” A soft laugh came from the beetle, and he kept his head down. “Those meetings… they cannot happen, but I will keep them in my heart.”

And he went silent again, taking in the moment. By now his sobs had mostly stopped, but his breath was still hitching, as if he would burst into tears at any given moment once more. “I… I apologize. I’ll come back to visit. Rest easy, now.” Kabbu took a deep breath, sighing out. “Thank you both…”

“...No problem.” Vi spoke up softly, leaning against the beetle. Leif, wing wrapped around him, nodded. 

“They sound like they were good bugs.”

“Some of the best bugs I knew.” Kabbu looked at the grave with a small smile, trying his best to remain cheery despite having just cried. “Sometimes… I think about our adventures. And it makes me smile, knowing that despite how our journey got cut short, we made the best memories we could.”

“...Would you want to tell us a story of a memory?” Leif offered, knowing how much his round friend loved his stories. That got Kabbu to perk up, and despite his still-dreary demeanor, he nodded, hand moving up and down in excitement. 

“I would love to. This was just after we left the north…”

“Come on, Kabbu!” Kabbu heard his friend’s voice call him, and he ran to catch up with Bit. The smaller bug was running ahead, his club somehow remaining rested on his shoulder. 

“Wait up!” It had only been a few moons after Kabbu and Bit began training under their Master, Bit having been the one to even suggest training. Kabbu had dreamed of it, but was too nervous to even suggest it. Thank the stars above for Bit. The beetle was charismatic, and sometimes a bit too brash, but him and Kabbu were the best of friends.

So it only made sense that Bit would have Kabbu join him in training under Master. The elder beetle was much more quiet, but his old age did not coincide with his movements. He was quick, precise, and calculated. So he watched as the two ran ahead, finally now just leaving the North. The area was still well traveled, which meant that they could have their guard down slightly—and only slightly. Adjusting his eyepatch, Kabbu and Bit heard Master call for them.

“Both of you, slow down. We’re not in a rush. Not yet.”

“Yet?” Kabbu tilted his head.

“The Swamplands are something that will eventually greet us, in our journey to Bugaria. I’d rather we save our energy, if something happens during our time there.” He walked after the two bugs, who nodded and went back to walk with him, getting a small laugh out of the old bug. “That doesn’t mean you two can’t relax. You’ve both been training hard… tonight, I can tell a story.”

“A story!” Kabbu’s face lit up with excitement. Master had the best stories, ranging from areas in the North, to areas far far away, brimming with mystery and excitement, and everything else. His hands were moving in excitement, a habit that use to get him scolded, but now, he was able to freely do it.

The three continued their journey, going until sunset. Bit wanted to keep on going, letting out a small complaint, something about how Bugaria was closer now, and if they kept on going it could be even closer. This led Master to say his usual words, how they must pace themselves, and this was their final resting place where they could almost 100% assure that nothing bad could happen to them in the night. That got Bit convinced, and he quickly went to Kabbu, striking up the opportunity for a sparring match. He agreed, and the two went slightly further away, where Master could still supervise, and either give tips, or call them over if he needed anything.

Sparring with Bit was not only good stress relief, but his friend could put up quite the fight as well. He was a formidable foe, and his strength was immense. Kabbu had to plan his attacks strategically, and not just charge in, as Bit could take those hits. They both kept up the fight, until Bit swung his club just a bit too hard, missing Kabbu, which gave him the upper hand. He flipped Bit, and when he hit the ground with a thud, his laughs reassured Kabbu that he was okay. “That was… AWESOME! Kabbu, you didn’t tell me you could flip bugs that high!”

“I–I didn’t know I could do that!” Kabbu rushed over, still worrying despite his friends laughter. “Are you okay!?”

“I’m fine! That was so much fun!” Bit smirked, lightly tapping Kabbu on the head with his club. “You’re lucky I’m not some enemy. I would’ve clobbered you right now!”

“No more clobbering, you two. Come on over here, I’ve gotten the fire started.” Master’s call summoned the two over, eagerly gathering around the fire. Just as they sat down, the conversations began, the three talking about the wonders that awaited them in Bugaria. The Ant Kingdom, the Bee Kingdom, The Wasp Kingdom, even the Termites, who although they knew very little of, were just as exciting as an idea as the other kingdom. Everything about this new world was exciting, and they were going to all find it, together. 

The fire crackled, giving the three nice background noise as Master turned to Kabbu. “What are you excited for, Kabbu? What do you want to see in Bugaria.”

“Well…” Kabbu thought. “Everything, really.” He had spent moons training, and reading up on all of these new areas. “I want to explore all of Bugaria.”

“Well, when we arrive, we can do just that.” Master adjusted his eyepatch, looking to Bit. “And you?”

“Uhm… Well, I want to prove myself. I want to be known all across of Bugaria!” The bug raised his arm up, going on. “Bit: The Great Fighter!”

“Well, you’ll have to train for much longer if you want to be a world-renowned hero.” Master scolded playfully, his tone lighthearted. “And, we’ll have to get to Bugaria first before you can start your journey to becoming word-renowned.”

“I know, I know!” Bit laughed back, smiling. “Just know, when we get to Bugaria, I’ll be working on getting my name known across the kingdoms!” He turned to Kabbu, excitement in his eyes. “We’ll be known across the land!”

“Both of us?”

“ALL OF US!” Bit cheered, causing Master to shush him softly. Laughs came from the bug, and the conversation changing topics quickly with Bit’s mind wandering. Kabbu and Bit were laughing again, and eventually, Master spoke up. By now it had gotten much later, the moon fully out. 

“How about a story, to commemorate our first night starting our journey.”

Both Bit and Kabbu remained quiet, intensely listening as the older bug began his story. The night was calm, peaceful, and everything else nice that the campfire environment could offer them. And Kabbu… he wouldn’t remember it any other way.

Chapter Text

Going back to the Bee Kingdom was Vi’s worst nightmare. Seeing all of the bees who had always talked down about her dreams, who talked down to her… wasn’t the most welcoming sight. She was eager just to get in and out. Make this mission quick. She didn’t want to spend any extra time near the bees she grew up with. Leif and Kabbu knew this… but this didn’t stop them from wanting to take their sweet time. Leif was probably doing it intentionally. Kabbu, on the other hand, just wanted to get a full experience of what the Bee Kingdom was truly like.

But, their trip was coming to an end. They had gotten the artifact. Vi apologized to a select few bees for yelling, more just to get Kabbu and Leif off of her back. She also got to see Mothiva make a fool of herself, which was a pleasant sight to see. Maybe the trip to the Bee Kingdom wasn’t all that bad…

That was what she thought. Until a celebration was suggested.

Just fucking great. A party, to celebrate the fact that the transfer was successful, and to thank the explorer teams for their help with the factory’s meltdown. And of course, Kabbu accepted without a thought. It was polite, he said. It was the right thing to do, to be courteous, he said. 

Vi didn’t give a single fuck about being courteous. She didn’t want to go to this goddamn party, and interact with these bees who, to be honest, she really did not want to talk to. Not only did she yell at them–she still felt that her reaction was justified–Being with that group unearthed many memories. And none of them were positive. Working in the hive, trying to join in on conversations. Excitedly talking about her ideas of exploration and hearing their laughs—

“Vi?” Leif’s voice caught her off guard, and she snapped her head towards him.

“What.”

“You’ve been awfully quiet.”

“So what?”

“What’s wrong?” Leif got right to the point. 

“Nothing.”

“We know you’re lying.” Leif straightened up, and the bee stomped her foot.

“Nothing’s wrong!” Her voice raised, she walked off, leaving them behind. They wouldn’t understand how she felt. They knew she didn’t like the hive, and they knew how she yelled at everybody… but they wouldn’t understand her fear. The thought of being forced to talk with everybody again… it was a rude reminder of how she did not fit in.

Storming out, she reluctantly waited for the others by the elevator, not even making eye contact with the guard, nor the others when they arrived. She didn’t answer any of their questions, making Kabbu sigh in defeat while Leif didn’t do anything. He’d be asking her again later, she knew of it. 

The party was at sunset, so they had a few hours to kill. The group found themselves waiting around in Defiant Root, Leif suggesting that they should buy some more items, to stay stocked up. Vi didn’t say anything, just following the others as they walked. She stayed silent and avoided most interactions, but accompanied Leif and Kabbu as they shopped. Items now bought, she followed as Kabbu led the way… and just when she thought they wouldn’t bring up what happened earlier…

“Vi?” Kabbu was the one who spoke up, his voice thick with that caring tone that he always used when bringing up rough topics. Vi didn’t even notice until now that the area they were in was more secluded. This was definitely on purpose. “Since the celebration is tonight… I think we should talk about–”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Vi shut him down, ignoring the choking feeling coming up as she spoke. Time was dwindling down, and she’d have to go back to the hive. She’d have to listen to their comments, their ‘jokes’, their insults. “It’s fine.”

“Vi, I’m sorry to push, but no, it is not fine. You’re distressed, and it’s worrying me.” Kabbu brought a hand to his chest. “I understand you might not want to discuss this, but we both care about you.” He motioned to Leif, who gave a nod. “We want you to be able to enjoy tonight.”

“...It’s stupid.” Vi looked to the side.

“If it’s bothering you this much, it can’t be stupid.” Kabbu’s voice was soft. Welcoming, and full of nothing but care. He was being honest, like usual.

Vi tapped her foot against the sand, holding back everything that had been brewing, about to surface. “I…” Her voice wavered as she let out a shaky breath, hand moving to wipe her eyes. “I don’t want to go back…”

“Why not? You apologized, and they seemed to forgive you.” Leif responded, and Vi snapped at him, the tears finally breaking through.

“It’s not that simple! It’s not because of all that shit, there’s stuff you don’t know!” She kept her hands close to her face, as if that would hide her as she cried. “I don’t want to go back there!”

“Why?” Kabbu kept his arms open and inviting, knowing how Vi sometimes didn’t want comfort in the form of physical contact.

“I’m just gonna be standing around on the outside like I normally do. Nobody’s gonna wanna talk to me!” When Vi went to Kabbu for a hug, the beetle knew this was something she was holding in for a long time. He let her continue as she cried. “If I go back, it’s just gonna be the same as always! Everybody else is friends, they all like each other. They don’t like me... They never did! I don’t fit in with them.”

Kabbu held her close, and Leif joined in. “What do you mean?”

“They’re all friends! They all like living there! They all like doing the work, staying there and doing all of that shit in the factory. And I don’t! I don’t… I don’t click, with them. They’re not like me.” She kept her face buried, before pushing away and wiping her tears. “That’s why I left! I don’t want to go back. I don’t want to be just… fucking reminded of how different I am. How I’m weird . I’m not like them . Not normal. I don’t wanna go back.” Her breath was caught with hitches and she was looking down as she softly cried. “Please…”

“Vi, there’s nothing wrong with being different—”

“I know that!” Vi cried back, stomping her foot as a way to try and get all of her frustrations out. “I know there’s nothing wrong with it, but it doesn’t change the fact that they’re all friends and I’m not like them. They don’t like me! Do you know how much it hurts during like—like some stupid fucking party!?” She waved her arms, going on. “They’re all over there, and you try to go over, and everything I try and say is ignored! Or–Or they make some comment about me—and they all laugh! It’s so—I don’t get it!” By now she was rambling, her words interrupted by sobs and hiccups. “What makes me—what makes me—not—what makes me not good enough!?”

“Vi.” Leif’s voice made her turn, the bee about to yell back at him, but he continued before she could. “Just because we are going back, does not mean you must interact with them. We are going for the celebration, because we were invited. You aren’t going back for them, you’re back for business.”

“But I still have to talk to them—”

“You do not have to talk to them. You owe them nothing.” The moth leaned down slightly, Vi wiping her tears. “You do not have to even say hello to them.”

“...But–”

“No buts.” Leif opened an arm, wing open as an invitation for a hug. Vi took a few moments before moving in, the cool sensation refreshing. “If any bee says anything, we can freeze them.”

“Vi,” Kabbu’s voice came as the bee closed her eyes, trying to stop her shaky breathing. “I’m sorry if I misunderstood your worries at first. You don’t owe them anything! Not the slightest of a ‘hello’, or anything such. If they harmed you, and pushed you away, they are not worth the light of day.”

“We can all stay together during the celebration. We assumed that would be happening, though.”

Vi nodded and sniffled, staying silent. She stayed in Leif’s hug, turning to Kabbu silently, the beetle knowing what she wanted. He joined in on the hug, and between the two bugs that had made her feel welcomed, she found herself feeling just a bit better. She wasn’t stuck with bugs who didn’t respect her. Kabbu and Leif valued her as a team member, and always asked for her input. They never made fun of her maliciously, and if any boundaries were accidentally crossed, they stopped. She was with friends. Real ones. “...promise?”

“We promise we will stick together during the celebration. Who knows, maybe we can even try and freeze one of those bees.” Leif gave a mischievous smirk, prompting a small laugh from Vi, and a panicked ‘no!’ from Kabbu. She took her time to calm down, mumbling her thanks while still hugging the two bugs. 

With them, maybe the celebration wouldn’t be that bad…

When it finally came along, Vi actually found herself having fun. She got to poke fun at Kabbu for trying to get thirds of honey, and joked back and forth with Leif. But most importantly, she relished in the fact that she was a successful explorer, and all those words, all of their jokes, were wrong.  

Vi did have to stop herself from telling them to fuck off some of them came to greet the team, acting as if they hadn’t been rude to Vi in the past. She got a chuckle when one asked about Leif’s ice magic, and he ‘accidentally’ froze part of someone’s foot during his demonstration. Both Leif and Kabbu made haste in quickly ending the conversation, Vi not saying a single word to those bees. 

Her night was great, and she wouldn’t let them ruin it.

Chapter Text

The ground was cold, hard, and filled with small shards of glass, and other debris. The usual. They felt their mycelial body drag against it, the usual cuts and nicks not bothering them. They dragged themselves over to the edge, reaching down, white tendrils drooping down and touching the cold water, absorbing it.

They drank, body leaned down off of the edge. Their paws grasped over the side, sometimes dripping down. The water felt nice against their paws, and every so often they would splash some onto their body. The droplets absorbed into their mycelial tail/body quickly, but the feeling of the cool water was still nice. Leaning back up, they straightened. They moved back, finding an area that was more or less clear from the debris that was scattered across the room. They felt the humidity on their antennae, and could hear the soft noises. The grumble of zombugs outside, the soft dripping of water… the usual noises. They had heard new ones recently… some new thuds, new cries.

It wasn’t much to worry about. They ceased quickly. Paws on the ground, they curled up, the end of their mushroom tail curling into their body. Resting their head, they flattened their antennae, trying to block out some of the scents. Everything relaxed, and before they knew it they were fast asleep.

Rest.

They rested.

Those thuds they previously heard had come back. This time, with some sort of vengeance. They could tell there were three. Three what? Three things, three things with hostile intent. Three things that were yelling in some language they understood— why did they understand it? Why were they here? Why were they doing this?

Why?

They had no answers. All they could do was attack. Defend. Kill. Scent them out, and kill them, before they could do it first. Feel their chitin be crushed under their paws. Feel them go limp.

…

Hemolymph. The air was thick with the scent of hemolymph. Theirs, and hemolymph of the three enemies. They could feel the thuds echoing in the ground, hear the steps, hear the debris and glass being moved around with each and every movement any of them made. The rushing water felt like white noise as their fight continued. Everything felt cold as they lost the ability to move. Everything felt slow, as a needle pierced their tail. They couldn’t raise their arm. Their chest felt weak… They felt their body slump forward. Hemolymph on stone filled their senses along with the the harsh thud, and feeling of hitting the ground. 

Everything slowed.

Everything came to a stop. 

They rested, but this time… with no intent on waking up.

Chapter Text

One thing that Leif and Vi knew about Kabbu was that he was resilient. Now, resilience was a great trait. It kept him going when the others got downed, and it saved their asses quite a few times. But… his resilience was also a curse. It kept him going when he really shouldn’t have been. Like when he was wounded, or sick, especially. He also had a knack of hiding when that happened to him…

So Leif and Vi learned their own ways of dealing with Kabbu. Sometimes, this ended up in the two practically forcing him to take a break. Which, most of the time, worked. Like right now. The two, after hours of badgering Kabbu, finally got him to rest. Only then did they realize that the beetle was hot to the touch, and he softly admitted that he had been feeling faint. 

Immediately, the team went back to their home, hoping that Kabbu could get the rest and relaxation he so desperately needed to fight off his sickness. The beetle was curled up in bed, fruitlessly trying to get some sleep. What little he got the previous night was hardly any help. As he laid there restlessly, he could hear Leif and Vi moving about, each bug trying to be as quiet as they possibly could for their sick friend. Maybe just hearing their company was the missing puzzle piece, as Kabbu drifted off to sleep soon after.

The moment Leif and Vi heard Kabbu’s snores, they exchanged a glance. Now was the time for them to get to work. Vi had some honey left over from her stash, and they all had some leftover items from their journeys. Vi, honey and other items in tow, quickly made her exit. She had a fly to speak to, and food to get.

Leif was the one left to watch over Kabbu, to ensure his friend was okay and wait for Vi’s return with the dishes they had planned on purchasing for him. When he heard Kabbu weakly call for him, he came to his side. “Yes?”

“Can you… stay?” Kabbu mumbled softly, still half asleep. Leif nodded, and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Of course we will stay. We had no plans on leaving you, Kabbu.” His words seemed to soothe the beetle, because he saw his body relax and he let out a small hum of relief. Kabbu wanted him close, so Leif would oblige, wanting to help his friend in any way possible. Placing a hand onto the beetle, he felt just how hot he was. That most certainly was not the correct temperature, and he went to take his hand away, but–

Kabbu moved closer, mumbling something about how Leif was nice and cold.

Leif always forgot. He was much colder than the average bug, due to his ice magic.

So he kept his hand on Kabbu, helping him fall back into a much deeper, and peaceful slumber. The two remained there, Leif keeping a hand on Kabbu, and Kabbu asleep, his soft breaths the only noise in their small home. When Vi came back, Leif gave her a look that quickly told her she must be quiet. She nodded, slowly shutting the door, showing off the food she got. She placed the honey’d leaf and the pancakes down, whispering to Leif. 

“I got the stuff for honey ice cream too.”

Leif nodded in approval, looking to the food items. Kabbu was always a sucker for honey, so these would hopefully not only help him feel better, but give him a well-needed boost.

The two bugs waited for their friend to wake up, neither wanting to be the one to interrupt Kabbu’s peaceful rest. He needed it, they both knew that. He was always bending over backwards to help them. Letting him rest and taking care of him was the least they could do.

It took some time, but eventually Kabbu mumbled and shifted, finally waking up. Looking to Leif, he seemed confused with the placement of his hand. Leif took it back and spoke. “You wanted me to stay, and wanted my hand there. We believe because we are colder than you.”

“Oh… I did? Sorry, Leif.” Kabbu sat up groggily, yawning, holding his head softly.

“There’s no need to apologize. We were only helping you.” Leif looked to Vi, who grabbed the two honey dishes, holding them up.

“Yeah! And we got you food!”

“Oh, guys…” Kabbu trailed off, looking to both of them.  “There’s no need for this, truly… I’ll be fine tomorrow—”

“Shut up. You’re doing that thing again. Where you say you’re fine, but you really aren’t. So,” Vi hopped up onto the bed to accompany Leif and Kabbu. “Spill the beans.”

Kabbu laughed softly. “Nothing’s bothering me, except my body. I’m sick, Vi. That’s it, truly.”

“Bullshit. But, you’re spared. For now.” That got a laugh from Kabbu, and she smiled. 

“It’s just my body, I promise you two. I just… I am feeling slightly unwell. My head is pounding, and I truly just do not feel up to par.” Kabbu waved his hand slightly to try and get the two to stop their care, but they didn’t let up.

“What else is wrong? Kabbu, we both know you’re feeling just more than ‘slightly unwell’.” Leif made air-quotes with his words, and Kabbu sighed, sinking deep into the bed.

“I suppose you are right. I have been feeling…very sick in general. I feel faint as well.” The beetle described his symptoms, going on. “Weak, and faint. Also a tad warm.”

“You were burning up when you were asleep.” Leif commented, sighing. “You most likely have a fever. You’ll have to stay in bed.”

“For–For how long?” Kabbu looked at Leif with eyes that looked like you just told him that the Bug Rangers disbanded. 

“Just until you’re better, doofus.” Vi rolled her eyes, hopping off of the bed. “Now, you go get sleep, or whatever.”

“But I just rested.” The beetle replied, and Vi let out a ‘hmph’.

“Well, go back to sleep then!”

“Vi, it’s the middle of the day. I was taking a nap.”

“So?” She looked to Kabbu as if she wasn’t suggesting him to sleep the day away.

Kabbu sighed, laughing softly. “I’ll remain rested in bed, but I won’t sleep unless I truly need it. Alright?” He looked to his friends, smile evident in his expression. Vi handed the honey pancakes to him, and as he took the plate, he spoke again. “Thank you both… truly.” He took a bite, relishing in the food. 

“You help us Kabbu.”

“Yeah! What do you think we’d do, tell you to eat shit and then leave you to suffer?” Vi placed a hand on her hip, staring at Kabbu. “Of course not, dumbass.”

“I know, I know—”

“So eat your goddamn food and rest!” 

Kabbu did just that. Finishing his meal, he laid back down, his head starting to spin once more. He sighed, bringing a hand to his head. “I don’t think I’ve been this sick in moons… I forgot how debilitating illness is.”

“We will be here to help you.” Leif stayed seated on the bed, offering Kabbu his hand, knowing that the cool temperature would help him. Kabbu accepted it, already drifting off into a dreamless sleep. The beetle murmured some things before he slept, but Leif couldn’t catch them. All he needed to do was stay with Kabbu, and let him get the rest he needed. 

Leif and Vi could wait until he was awake.

When he did wake up again, the two were extra prepared. Kabbu felt a cold compress over his head, and the room was the perfect temperature. Leif must have done something using his ice magic… and on the small table was a card, along with some food. Kabbu read the card, a small but heartfelt ‘get better soon’ card from some other explorers. Vi must have orchestrated this. She had the connections. Kabbu sat back down in the bed, taking the small food item they left for him.

When the others came back, they immediately helped the weak Kabbu, getting him food, and everything else he could possibly need. Despite his claims that he was okay… he didn’t mind being taken care of. It reminded him of how much the two did in fact care about him. He could trust them to make sure that he would be okay… and he would do the same for them. The two helped him fight off the sickness, and over the course of the next few days, he was finally starting to feel better.

So, when he came back inside, seeing the two bedridden was a shocking sight.

“You–” Vi sneezed. “You got us sick! You bitch!”

“I suppose sickness is bound to travel when you live in the same home.”

“Oh dear…”