ART CREDIT TO BUTTONHEART ON TUMBLR

Can I have a moment to imagine Hornet and Ghost sharing sibling moments? Please? 

Well, now you can too! 

Also this is after the infection was banished. 

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Hornet has... Never been to Dirtmouth. 

Ghost found this to be an issue. 

So after dragging their sister to Dirtmouth, Ghost decided to introduce her to Elderbug. 

"Ah, young one. You return. And who have you brought with you?" Elderbug looked at Hornet with a cautious eye. Her nail is... New and foreign compared to seeing Ghosts nail. 

"I'm Hornet. I'm technically Ghosts sister. Half sister. We share the same dad. Sort of?" Hornet replied. 

"I see, well, you're always welcome here. As long as you don't cause any trouble," Elderbug said, slightly more at ease. 

"Thank you sir," Hornet said curtly. She was... Still working at interaction. She hoped that Elderbug didn't think badly of her for that interaction. 

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Hornet didn't like Grimm. 

Why doesn't Hornet like Grimm?

Well... 

HOW WAS HER SIBLING SUPPOSED TO RAISE THE GRIMMCHILD WHEN GHOST IS STILL A CHILD THEMSELVES? 

This was troublesome. 

On the bench outside of Dirtmouth and the Grimm troupe's tents, Hornet and Ghost sat and took inventory. 

Mostly to just let Hornet figure what to do. 

"So you're supposed to feed the child the flames to continue the ritual?" A short nod from Ghost. "And... You're going to do this... How?" Hornet was very confused at what the game plan was for this. 

Hornet noticed Ghost wasn't paying attention and instead had magically pulled a cookie out of their cloak and was feeding the Grimmchild. 

Hornet laughed at that. Maybe they won't need as much help as she thought.

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Greenpath was... Calming. 

It was a nice change of pace compared to when Ghost and Hornet first met. Those were more hostile times. A time where they both had something to prove. Now they can just enjoy the view without the ever looming threat of the infection. 

Which is why they chose to have a picnic. Hornet carried the basket full of snacks while Ghost had the blanket wrapped around their shoulders like a cape. Ghost marched with their nail out, triumphantly carving a way through the leaves to a very hidden spot. 

They ended up near the Lake of Unn. 

Hornet set down the basket while Ghost struggled to lay down the blanket. After 30 seconds of struggling to set it down Hornet helped. 

Before they ate, they had a ritual at their picnics. 

Any bug passing by would be very confused by what they saw. However, watching the two closely, one could easily get enraptured by their strange little performance. 

Hornet began to hum. 

A gentle, soothing melody filled the still air, slowly picking up in speed and intensity. 

To accompany the melody, Ghost made swift, agile movements. It was almost like a dance. 

Mesmerizing. 

Almost as soon as it started, it was over. 

A grand finish and a pose from Ghost alongside a heroic resolution from Hornet ended their little ritual. 

What it was is a way for Ghost to get their energy out so they could enjoy the picnic better and so Hornet wouldn't have to worry about Ghost running off and not being able to find them. Yes, that's happened before. Hornet would rather not talk about it. 

Having exhausted their energy for the time being, Ghost sat down next to their sister to enjoy the snacks Elderbug helped the two pack. 

A few sandwiches from the Cool Dude, some cookies and tea from Iselda, some fruits Cornifer managed to scavenge on his adventures, well wishes (and a few pieces of candy snuck into Ghosts pocket from Sly), and the blanket was a donation from Bretta. 

The food that afternoon was divine and the tea was incredible. Hornet would have to ask for the recipes later. 

The cookies were sugar cookies decorated with frosting in the shape of Hornet and Ghost. Ghost almost didn't want to eat their because of how cute it was. The call of sugar was too tempting for the little bug. 

The pair spent the rest of the afternoon resting under the warmth of the sun. 

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The two were dreading returning to Deepnest, both for very different reasons. 

Luckily, before they had to tackle that journey, they got to stop in the Fungal Wastes. 

Ghost would often find themselves getting distracted by the shiny purple trampoline mushrooms. They would run off and bounce on them, seeing how high they could go, trying to touch the ceilings if they could. 

Hornet would find it cute if she wasn't concerned every time her sibling ran off. 

The duo ended up running into the Mantis Lords. 

Now the three sisters are VERY intimidating. Tall, extremely skilled, very agile and nimble, you could be miles away before noticing that one was following you. 

They can also be very protective, and being the teachers who taught Hornet how to wield her nail, they were protective of her. Which is why when they saw her casually hanging out with the small bug who bested them all in combat they were very on guard but... Strangely confused. 

"Ah! Young apprentice! What brings you here?" The eldest (OH GODS I HAVE TO GIVE THEM NAMES) Akona addressed Hornet. 

"Akona, sister, I was walking through Hallownest with my sibling. We're hoping to reconnect the kingdom in stronger ways," Hornet explained to the three. 

"That is a smart idea. Are you headed to Deepnest?" The youngest, Malani, asked. 

"Inevitably, yes. However the two of us are... Hoping to put that off for just a moment longer," Hornet laughed a bit sheepishly. 

"Take a moment of respite here, you're always welcome to stay and talk," the middle sister, Shiano, said with a small smile. 

The five, well, four ladies sat down. Ghost went... Probably back to the bouncing mushrooms. 

Hornet does not like talk of diplomacy. It may be her job but that doesn't mean she enjoys it. She wishes she could go off and do whatever it is Ghost does. Speaking of... 

"Where's Ghost?"

Speak of the devil... A young mantis had grabbed Ghost by the cloak and was dragging them back to where the ladies sat. Ghost was flailing their limbs about, probably wanting to go back to bouncing without a care. 

"There's Ghost. Ghost where did you go? At least tell me where you're going next time!" Hornet scolded, much like a mother would her child which made the Mantis Lords laugh a little. 

"You remind me of your mother in the way you treat that kid," Akona said gently. That made Hornet blush in flattery. 

"They're my younger sibling, sometimes they need a bit of parenting," Hornet said, laughing a bit. 

"Herrah would scold you the same way when you got distracted by something shiny back when you were younger," Malani said with a soft smile. "Herrah was a wonderful woman. I wish diplomacy between the village and the Deepnest was better in the time she was alive. You take on her legacy well, little Hornet." 

That was a compliment of the highest order in Hornets eyes. She was doing a great job? Her mother would be proud of her? That made her tear up a little bit. 

Until... 

"GHOST!" 

Ghost was seen trying to climb the thrones where the Mantis' generally sat which were currently vacant. 

Hearing their name be shouted out startled them and all their progress in climbing was reverted. Falling and hitting the ground was not a pleasant sensation, they'll survive. 

"It seems your sibling grows impatient," Shiano laughed, watching Ghost flail as they fell to the ground. 

"Then it may be best we take our leave. Don't want them breaking anything," Hornet said, rushing to stand up and help her sibling off. Ghost looked at her with a small pout, not happy that Hornet made them fall. 

Begrudgingly, the duo made their way to Deepnest. 

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Ghost didn't like Deepnest. 

The creepy crawlies, the floors and walls littered with spikes, the spider webs every few steps, Nosk... Well, Nosk is their own thing. 

The atmosphere was unsettling. 

Ghost doesn't like spiders. They're not arachnophobic, more so aracno-uncomfortable. Especially when a creature they just killed suddenly sprouts four more sets of legs and a gaping maw and starts HURLING TOWARDS THEM. 

Hornet doesn't like Deepnest. 

Deepnest reminded her of her youth. How the Weavers would teach her to make her own clothes and blankets. How the Midwife taught her of distant realms while babysitting. How her mother would take care of her between ruling Deepnest. 

The atmosphere was claustrophobic. 

Almost as though the pressure of everything Herrah was, that Hornet now has to live up to, was crushing her slowly yet painfully. Her mother was a queen! Hornet was barely a princess. And now, needing to rule Deepnest... 

Hornet and Ghost left as quickly as they could. 

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The Queens Gardens was a much needed change of scenery. 

Back to the liveliness of the earth, plants, water, sun, and bugs living in it. The few surviving mantis traitors had reformed quite peacefully, much to Hornet and Ghosts surprise. Their leader having been defeated by Ghost themselves, it would seem that the traitors would protest their arrival. However, it seemed the mantises sensed the pairs purpose and graciously let the two through. 

Ghost wanted to see their mother. 

Barely having any memories of the White Lady, Ghost was hoping to see her again. Hornet was... Scared. She hoped her step mom wouldn't hate her for simply... being what she is. The "Love-Child" between her husband and the beast Herrah. 

Once Ghost and Hornet had approached the White Lady, her eyes opened and saw the two. 

"Oh dears, it seems thou have chosen to visit. What do mine eyes owe this visit? The White Lady asked in her calming, soothing tone. 

"Ghost wanted to visit," Hornet spoke up, still slightly on edge and scared. 

"Ah, the gendered one? What brings thee along with the vessel?"

"Ghost and I have some business to do around the kingdom to do with diplomacy. We've found a way to connect the Mantis Village with Dirtmouth above," Hornet responded. "Here just naturally happened to be our next stop." 

"It is lovely to have you both. Don't be shy, come and sit down. There are still hours in the day and stories to tell," the White Lady invited the two near her. 

Once the pair had settled comfortably, the White Lady began telling stories of life in the palace back when it was in tact. How vessels, plenty and fresh with youth, would meddle around the castle. 

The children had fallen asleep after a few minutes. 

The White Lady noticed and gently pulled them into her side, covering them with her branches to protect them and keep them out of sight. 

"Rest, my children. For thy work yet be finished and the night falls. Tomorrow, thou'st be refreshed to tackle the dawn." 

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Rain. Just, rain. 

Ghost almost looked... Sad when sitting on the bench. 

This is where Ghost had seen Quirrel once, sitting on the bench in the City of Tears, looking out over the eternally raining city. 

It was a very lively city in the time before the infection. Wandering merchants with their tents and caravans, vendors of all kinds selling foods, drinks, jewelry, and more, a musician who had set up for the day near the statue of the Hollow Knight, people talking and laughing, being happy and joyful even in the rain. 

Now it's... Empty. The occasional wandering husk here and there, some old citizens who had wandered out of their homes for the first time in decades, winds that blow through alleyways and down the streets as a reminder of how empty the city is. The worst of it was the silence. The loud clunks of armor worn by the husks, the footsteps of citizens mindlessly wandering about. It was painful to witness. 

The two didn't say anything while they sat on the bench, just sat and looked out the window, listening to the rain, thinking about many things. 

Ghost thought back to Quirrel when the wandering pill bug was still alive. They missed randomly bumping into the guy while on their travels. 

They hoped Hornet had met Quirrel. 

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Ghost and Hornet spent a good amount of time in Fog Canyon. 

The scenery was extremely calming to the two. The soft pastels that painted the view, the gently swaying grass and the light breeze were quite pleasant. 

They took care to avoid the explosive jellies floating around. 

After a couple minutes of exploring they found the Teachers Archives. They had decided to pay a visit to the archives to see if Hornet could decipher anything that was there and to try and recover any old documents. 

The pair quickly learned that they aren't able to transport any of the stone tablets. 

Hornet did learn a few things that Monomon was researching. She learned that the Charged Lumaflies were being used as an energy source to power the Archives. She also learned that the Pale King had a favor to ask of Monomon. Maybe that favor was finding if the Lumaflies can be used as energy sources to try and power Hallownest. 

Hornet would love to spend more time there. Sadly, the two had a mission and needed to get it done as soon as they can. 

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The last place they needed to go on their mission is The Hive. 

Hornet hadn't even heard of the Hive, let alone seen it, so she had no real idea of it's existence. 

So when Ghost led Hornet to the Hive, Hornet was... Impressed that it had managed to escape the infection. 

It was a very stable society. The workers going and making honey, there were researchers and breeders and waaaaaaaaait a second, this isn't a normal hive.

This was its own kingdom inside of Hallownest. The bees all worked independently yet their main goal was to protect the hive and the queen. It seemed as though each bee had its own rank, their own position in the hive itself. There were defenders, researchers, breeders, and even little baby bees that were allowed to just meander around. It was a pleasant sight, seeing the little workers do their duties with the knowledge they were serving a greater purpose. 

That's not why the duo were here though. 

It seemed Queen Vespa harboured no hard feelings for Ghost seeing as she didn't send anyone to attack on sight this time. 

"Ah, the little ghostly one and their sister. How may I help the two of you?" Vespa inquired, her voice smooth like honey and sweet like an old grandma that you hadn't seen in a while. 

"We've come to talk to you about diplomatic endeavors between the Hive and the general kingdom of Hallownest your majesty," Hornet responded using the tone she reserved for higher ups. 

"That will be of no issue then. What is it you propose?"

"A route of commercial trading from the Hive that lead into the City of Tears," Hornet was the one who came up with that idea. 

"I see no problems with that. How long do you estimate this will take?" 

"Maybe a few weeks or so, we'd need to plan out a solid route, build a few bridges, secure a safe path through-"

"I can get that all sorted for you, dear. Let me know when you wish to begin construction and I shall send my finest workers and sentries to your aide."

"Oh, that's quite kind of you Queen Vespa. We'll have someone from the city alert you at once."

"Wonderful. Oh don't rush, I'm sure you two are tired. Why not rest here a spell? I'd enjoy the company."

"I'm afraid we'd be taking up too much of your time-" Hornet began to protest but was once again cut off.

"Nonsense! I'd love to speak to some more-" and the Queen lowered her voice for this "-sentient bugs." Hornet and the queen both giggled. 

"Then it will be our pleasure to stay." 

They stayed for a few more hours, talking and making the best of their time together. Meeting the queen bee was quite interesting. She had many stories about some of her knights (Some which were quite embarrassing to the poor bees) and tales of Hallownest in better times. 

When Hornet and Ghost eventually had to begin the trek back home, Vespa sent them with some snacks and a couple of soldiers to escort them back to the city. 

They both awaited their next visit to the Hive.

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As soon as Ghost and Hornet got back to their shared hut, they fell on their beds and passed out and didn't wake up until the next day. When they did, tea and cookies awaited them on a plate on the table in their house. 

'Hope you two had a wonderful adventure.

-Elderbug.'

Home sweet home indeed.