Repentance

Truths and Untruths

You stared at the group of bugs in front of you, clenching your teeth and attempting to stifle the irritation at their disorderly state.

"Are you certain this is the correct way to deal with the situation?" Hornet wasn't tall enough to loom over you, but having the princess -queen?- breathing down your neck did nothing to ease your nerves.

"We are following protocol." You replied with an even tone while examining another bug for any oddly shaped hairs. This was the third time you repeated the same answer but Hornet couldn't comment on it because, as much as she loathed to admit it, she had no idea what to do either. She hated to have to rely on you, but what else could she do?

Bugs passed by you before being ushered to their homes. Most of them were cooperative albeit hesitant but some scowled at you, mocked you, typical scoundrel behavior. You wanted to tell them that you were just as uncomfortable going through rows and rows of unwilling bugs, but you maintained a stoic expression. You tried to ignore the weight of the nail on your hip, flinching every time it brushed against your hand. It was almost as if you were back to your old job. Not being a guard, no, a boring shift would be much more favorable than slaying innocent children.

'You are saving lives,' you had to remind yourself. 'Or at least trying to...'

There were no more incidents after that bug last week. This should have been reassuring, but you knew the culprit was merely hiding. You remembered the bug lying in a pool of their own guts and blood, some parts of them eaten. What creature could be capable of such horrors? The thought of them being loose and free to roam Hallownest terrified you, but the thought of having to meet them and capture them was even worse.

All you salvaged from the mess was a few oddly shaped hairs. They extended from a twig in the center, milky white in color, stained red with the occasional brown splotch.

You let out a tired sigh as the last bug in Dirtmouth was examined. Nothing. No match.

"It must have been those circus freaks!" She trilled, pointing at the tents in the distance, dimly lit and quiet but too colorful to ignore.

You winced at her accusation, feeling bad for the troupe. "We have already examined them, ma'am. We have no evidence to condemn anyone right now."

The bug's eyes widened. She backed off from you and pointed at the tents again. "My friend was killed right there and you have the gall to-" To tell me a simple fact that I didn't want to accept? She knew her argument made no sense and so she shut her mouth, resorting to hugging herself. It was a cold embrace that held no comfort.

"We promise to avenge your friend and bring her justice. I promise you that this crime will not go unpunished." Hornet's tone was dry as always, but there was a softness to her gaze, a sign that she did care. You felt compelled to chime in as well.

Placing a hand on the bug's shoulder, you said. "My condolences, ma'am. We'll find the culprit as soon as possible."

The bug sniffled before nodding and brushing you off to head back to her home.

You stared at her retreating figure, wishing you could do something. There were considerably less pedestrians walking about. Doors were shut, windows sealed and the lonely tents in the distance no longer played their music. The only bug who looked at peace was the elder standing by the bench. You told him to head home until it was safe again, but he remained to "Enjoy the lovely atmosphere. If death wanted me, it would have taken me long ago. And I reckon I've lived long enough..."

Dirtmouth resembled a ghost town and nothing like the place you've come to love. There was no comfort to be found in the empty streets. You had never noticed before, but the dark sky looked ready to swallow the town whole.