Chapter Text
Hornet has never really been disgusted in her long life, the closest she got was the early stages of the Infection in Hallownest when Orange goup fell out of the eyes of the bugs. But Bilewater was different, The smell, the Look, the Maggot infested waters, it was beyond Disgusting and Hornet knew it after falling into some infested water mere moments after getting a map from Shakra. She went to the Bellway nearby, deciding to wait until she got a counter to the Maggots as she knew how bad it was. After summoning Eira, she quickly sat down, Took off her cloak, and began to take of the Maggots that were on her to make sure she didn't get sick. She never got sick before as the only sickness she was worried about before was the infection and she was immune to it's effects anyways due to her pale heritage. After making sure they were all gone, she put her cloak back on and went back to Bellhart on the bellbeast. She was worried she missed one or two, but she didn't feel anything on her so she calmed down and focused on the road ahead.
After making it to Bellhart, she said her greetings to Pavo and Sherma, who stopped by after deciding to walk outside the Citadel for a bit, before entering her Bellhome to rest. While sleeping, which she doesn't get much of, she dreamed of when the Infection disappeared out of nowhere despite the Dreamers not being slain, she was fine with this when it happened, because her mother was awake now which she was happy about so this was a dream she didn't mind.
After waking up, Hornet felt woozy for some reason as she was feeling horrible. She got up and pulled out the mirror she got from trobbio and looked at her reflection. She looked terrible. After a few more seconds, realization struck her like a Beastfly and she immediately took off her cloak and saw Three Maggots. How did they hide from her? Why didn't she feel them? She crushed them immediately, but the damage was done. Great, now her mission would have to be delayed- no, there must be no delays, she must persevere so she started heading outside. However, she fell to the ground just as she opened the door and had to use her needle to stand up. She was looking around if anyone saw her and soon she locked eyes with Shakra. Hornet Immediately went back inside and sat down, dear gods, Shakra saw Hornet in her pathetic state, she wondered if Shakra's Opinion of her worsened because of this. That would be a serious pain as Bilewater was the last Map she bought from Shakra so now the only time she will see Shakra is in Bellhart, but she might move somewhere else after seeing Hornet like this, that thought was horrible. Just then, Hornet heard a knock on the door, Oh No, without a doubt, that was Shakra. How should she respond?
"Yes!?"
"Hornet Weilding Needle? Can I speak with you?"
"Well- um-"
What should She do?
"Sure! I guess"
Hornet creaked open the door and locked eyes with Shakra.
"Gara Tanaka!! What happened to you!?"
"Fell into those infested waters after g- getting a map from you. I th-thought I removed all the Maggots before coming back here, b-but I guess not-"
Hornet collapsed onto one knee as the sickness took it's toll on her.
"HORNET!!!"
That was the last thing Hornet heard before collapsing.
Shakra didn't know what to do as she saw Hornet Collapsed, she tried waking her up, but nothing was working. She knew she had to tend to her, but didn't know how to help or who to ask for help until she heard a voice.
"Is everything ok up there?"
Shakra turned and saw a small pilgrim with a large golden hat and chime looking up at her.
She recognized the Pilgrim as she had seen Hornet speak with them many times before, he could be of help
"Hornet is severely ill! I need help"
"What!? Of course I'll help our Red Maiden"
Shakra took Hornet back into her home and laid her down on her bed and took off her cloak before assessing the Sickness. It's clear some kind of Nectar would be helpful to help her Fallen..... friend? She doesn't know if she should say friend as she has been developing some feelings for Hornet, but Hornet probably still sees her as a friend so she'll leave it at that.
The Pilgrim came in and looked down on Hornet then looked up at Shakra.
"What do we do?"
"Some kind of Nectar that can counteract the Nausea would help"
"Of course I'll get right on it. What will you do?"
"I will stay here just in case she wakes up, she has a mission to do here in Pharloom and she hates delays so someone needs to stay here to make sure she stays."
"Very well then" The Pilgrim left leaving Shakra alone with Hornet.
..... that sounded a different way in her mind, but she immediately shook the thoughts out before looking down at Hornet. Shakra still knew very little about her, but she knew she had great power in her. She witnessed Hornet use a skill in Battle that used silk and Shakra knew Hornet was a Weaver which made her queasy on the inside. Not because she feared them, but because of what Shakra said regarding them after Hornet freed Bellhart
"Weaver? Those vicious things. To our young we tell the tales, but had thought them long dead, only corpses bound in spires."
Shakra was hoping to eventually apologize to Hornet for that Comment but right now isn't the time. Soon the Pilgrim returned with the Nectar and gave it too Shakra.
"Thanks Pilgrim Wielding Chime, I see why Hornet wielding Needle is so protective of you."
"Thank you, anything for our red maiden."
Shakra opened Hornet's mouth with a sharp Crack which didn't bother Shakra as she expected it, but it scared the Pilgrim wielding chime a lot which caused Shakra to Chuckle a bit. Shakra poured the nectar in and Hornet Swallowed and her hands started to twitch a bit, this was good.
Hornet's eyes slowly opened up and saw Shakra standing above her, of course she was here, she probably took care of her while she was out. But as she stood up a surprise graced her eyes.
"I was expecting Shakra, but I wasn't expecting you Sherma"
"Hoi Red Maiden! When I heard your name shouted, I investigated and saw her over your body out like a light with a distressed face and after hearing what was happening I knew I had to help!"
"What was used anyways?"
"Nectar Hornet, you can thank Sherma Wielding Chime for getting it, I remained here just in case you woke up"
Hornet hid a slight blush across her face after hearing that.
"I see"
"Also, you're mouth opening scared Sherma a little bit"
Hornet looked at Sherma immediately
"Sorry about that. I'll explain later, ok?"
"No worrys Red Maiden, just caught me off guard"
Sherma began walking out the door before looking back.
"Are you coming Warrior?"
Shakra looks at Hornet and then looks back.
"I think I'll stay here a bit longer. Right Hornet?~"
Hornet's face went bright scarlet before looking back at Sherma.
"Oh ok very well then, bye Red Maiden!"
Hornet was Absolutely livid at what she was hearing before Shakra put her into a warm embrace which made her Heart flutter high.