IMPERIUM INSECTUM

<Diva..... Diva. Wake up.>

<Hnnnghhh 5 more minutes apollinaris>

< Diva, this is serious. wake-up!>

My eyes slowly peeled open.

<Wait Apollinaris…. What are you doing here>

<I’m asking you the same thing>

I slowly got up, and instantly, my eyes were met with a blackened forest. Inky black dead trees and blackened grass covered my view. I looked upwards and was met with a large moon in a dark sky. Just where the hell are we?

Apollinaris pulled me up to my feet. Nothing about this makes sense. I swear we were asleep in the hive then.....then aghhhhh!

<Are you struggling to remember as well?>

I nodded.

<Look, I think we need to focus on finding some sort of- AGHHHHAA!>

<Apollinaris?! You okay>

<Yeah... I’m fine. Something bit me. Seriously, what a pain in the GYATT.>

<what did you say?>

<I said something bit me. I'm fine. > She rubbed her ankle for a little bit before walking back towards me.

<Are you sure you're fine….>

<I am. You worry too much. And besides we have much bigger fish to fry.>

<You’re right. Let's get out of here and try to find some civilisation. Maybe we can get some answers.>

<Sounds Solid Diva.>

<yeah……Solid….>

I Opened out my hands and lifted her into a princess carry. With one hard flap of my wings, we were up in the air. I looked around in the air for a moment before spotting a river. Usually, civilisation can be found downriver.

I took off following the river downhill. At the same time, I scouted the area, which was covered in dead black trees. Just how did this happen? It's like some catastrophic event occurred, leaving nothing alive. I don’t like this. Not one bit. What if it's just us in this shitty place.

I shook my head. No time for that sort of thinking. I have to keep looking. I kept following the river south, flying over more dead black trees. I kept flying until something caught my eye. It was covered in a thick grey cloud, but there was no mistaking it. That’s a castle.

I flew closer and noticed bright lights glowing at the foot of the mountain.

<looks like a small town. Maybe we can get some answers there>

<Yaasss queen, on god, that sounds like a good idea.FR FR. >

I flew a little bit closer before landing on the outskirts of the town.

<why have we landed out here>

I whipped out the ring Penn made.

<unlike you I can't pass as human> I slipped on the ring and switched to my human form. The wings on my back twisted and folded to form a sort of cloak that covered my bronze body.

<On god, your sexy af Rn fr.>

I stared back at her. <Are you okay?>

<Im fine queen>

<U….huh… sure…..>

I turned around and walked forward until we hit a wall.

<How are we gonna->

Before she could say something, black mana erupted from my hands. The mana quickly formed into a drill. In an instant, a perfect circle hole was carved into the wall.

< Bruh, that was mad fire> Apollinaris said.

I let out a sigh. <It sure was……> I replied as we entered through the hole. The hole dumped us out, thankfully behind some buildings. The sounds of chatter and people walking hit my ears. We quickly moved towards the noise, ducking into backstreets and alleyways before discretely joining the main street.

<This place is a dump>

The buildings were derelict, the streets were loose and filled with potholes, and the stench was abominable. Sally and I walked down the street, blending in as best we could.

<Diva, this spot is mad cringe, no cap. Let’s dip. >

<Not yet. We need GYAAAGHAAA!>

Suddenly, a robbed figure jumped onto me.

“Get the hell off-“

“SKIBIDI OHIO I'M GONNA FANUM TAX YOU!” I tried to fight him off, but he had the strength of several people. Just what is he.

“GOOFY AHH NPC, I'M GONNA RATIO YOU INTO SKIBIDI.”

Suddenly, I felt something sap away my energy. My body started getting weaker and weaker. This isn't good. My vision started to blur. No, I cant not lik-

“GET OFF HER GYATT, NO CAP!” Suddenly, the man flew off me and into a wall. I looked to the side and saw Apollinaris breathing heavily.

“That will show that Ligma-sucking NPC who the real sigma is!” Suddenly, her hands wrapped around her head. “Gah, my head hurts fr fr, no cap. ……….This an L moment.” A moment later, she collapsed onto the ground.

I quickly rushed towards her side. “Apollinaris! APOLLINARIS!” I yelled, shaking her body. No. NOT AGAIN, not like this! I shook her body again and again, but she continued to not respond. Fuck I need to do something I cant-

“Easy there, young lady.”

My head snapped around to see a man walking towards me. He wore leather armour sheathed in a black cape.

“If you wanna cure her brain rot. Follow me.”

“Who are you!” I yelled.

“The only person who can help you. Are you in, or are you out?”

I looked towards Apollinairs and then back towards the man.

“Bruh, why is my goofy ahh gyatt stuck in this L situation….”