#hk x reader

[existence-is-a-pain87]

Okay as I take a break from writing for a moment I decided to yap about my Yandere Hollow Knight x Reader AU.

So the AU starts with the Reader (who I'm referring to as MC for this post from now on) discovering a glowing white rope and an ancient map that they realize they can use to find a cavern to descend into the Earth and enter a whole new world, and then safely leave said world.

This world is the world Hollow Knight and Silksong take place in.

However, rather than arriving during the time of the Infection and the Knight's journey, MC ends up arriving right when the Pale King is created, quite literally stumbling upon him when he's first trying to start his kingdom.

And eventually, a friendship forms between the two.

The world where Hollownest resides has time move significantly faster than it does in MC's world. So while MC can stay in Hollownest for what is in that world a hundred years or more, MC can then return to their own world with merely a night having passed. This leads to MC "disappearing" for long periods of time and then returning and staying for hundreds of years as if nothing happened, and- paired with the fact that humans do not necessarily exist in Hollownest or anywhere else in this world- MC is viewed as a mysterious godly being.

Of course, MC does things like wear a mask to fit in with bugs, and does many things within Hollownest as the Pale King's most trusted ally and negotiator. It is their job to travel through Hollownest and neighboring kingdoms to form alliances and such. This leads to them doing things ranging from forming a close friendship with the Traitor Lord (before he was... well... the Traitor Lord) and being kidnapped by Weavers in Deepnest multiple times.

They are there as Hollownest develops, and they- unwittingly- are having more and more bugs become yandere for them as MC, being a human, unknowing releases pheromones that quite literally mess with the minds of bugs so they gradually grow more and more obsessed with MC.

And it's especially obvious in ones MC is close to. Namely the Pale King and White Lady (she does marry the Pale King while MC is off in the human world, and then the moment MC shows up her immediate reaction is making MC the third to the relationship of the White Lady and Pale King).

And it all grows worse when the infection appears and starts to spread. Especially when the Radiance offers a deal to stop the Infection entirely as long as they get to keep MC, and the Pale King absolutely tweaks.

It leads to him destroying the artifact MC uses to return home when they voice complaints about his plan to make a Hollow Vessel, knowing how the game turns out.

So MC is essentially trapped, growing more and more scared in this world, and helplessly watching the Pure Vessel grow drastically over such a short period of time, with them only having slight bits of relief from people like the child Hornet (who in this AU was a very spunky child who insisted she was going to marry MC when she grew up) and Monomon and Quirrel.

Eventually, MC snaps and descends into the Abyss, coming across the Knight with a cracked mask, the only living vessel in the Abyss. MC responds by taking the Knight out of the Abyss, being slightly corrupted by Void in the process, healing their mask, and fleeing Hollownest with the Knight as the Pure Vessel (with both the idea that it must be as hollow as it can to make the Pale King proud and a love for MC ingrained into it).

MC and the Knight (who I'll just call Ghost) then travel throughout this world together, MC now constantly questioning if they truly are human or not anymore with all the changes they've faced.

But eventually, Ghost is called to return to Hollownest by the Vessel. And MC, even if hesitantly, follows them there.

Then we are launched into the main game, where more yandere shenanigans and more trauma ensues.

Don't even get me started on what happens in Silksong.

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

so i heard you plan to write for hollow knight, welcome to the hivemind, my friend, i give out free cookies to each new member. 🍪🍪🍪

i was wondering if you could write for hornet x a tarantula hawk wasp reader, who tends to be mute warrior most of the time, but speaks to tell hornet that they love her?

regardless of your answer, thank you for your time.

Thank you! Glad to be part of the hivemind haha

..........

It seemed so long ago when you first clashed needles with Hornet. Like a distant memory.

You've come to Hallownest in search of challenges and triumphs.

Hailing from a wasp tribe who's been at war with tarantulas for many years, size didn't matter. You've fought opponents twice, or even thrice your physique, living by the mantra "the bigger they are, the harder they fall".

When confronting giants such as the Moss Chargers of Greenpath, you were eager to trim away their disguises and discover the cowardly little squibs they truly were, striking them down before they could retreat underground.

Unbeknownst to you, Hornet would spy on you from time to time, studying your fighting tactics as close as she could without being spotted. She observed your epic battle with the Massive Moss Charger, watching you slay the beast like it was nothing.

Were you a threat? Surely, you must be. Why else would you come down to Hallownest so willingly with a needle wrapped in tarantula bristles? And a fang strapped to your back as a momentum of your deeds? What was your purpose here? Were you truly ready to confront and accept the horrors that lied deep within this desolate kingdom?

The only way she could know for sure was by engaging you in a fight, and very quickly she realizes how strong you were, using your wings as an advantage. She tried to ground you, but to no avail. It's almost like you could predict her every movement.

Just when you could have easily killed her, needle at her throat, she's fortunate enough to learn you were bound by honor, sparing her life. Then you simply bow your head before leaping away to who-knows-where.

She swears she heard your quiet giggling as you ascended the canopy, as though you saw that duel as a game.

But that day, Hornet learns you're just like her. Trying to survive in these ruins, unafflicted by the infection. You weren't a threat.

At some point, she found herself crossing paths with you again and again. Almost like clockwork. Soon the surprise duels turn into casual sparring matches, and when either of you needed rest, the benches and swims in the soul springs evoked discussions about the Knight, the temple, the Dreamers...and whatever else came to mind.

But they were mainly one-sided, with her doing most of the talking--while you chime in with the occasional hum, grunt, wingbeat, or gesture. Anything that kept the conversation going.

She opens up to you more than she's willing to admit, and as time goes on she starts to see you as a friend. An ally who's got her back.

You like charging into battle, while her nimble and agile-self allows her to be nearly untouched. So when you return from fighting the Mantis Lords, you try sharing your triumph in earning their respect through expressive storytelling...but Hornet knows you're hurting and lightly scolds you when you hiss in pain thereafter, tending to your wounds.

Eventually, your friendship/alliance becomes something more. A feeling of deep connectedness buzzing in your souls. But so far both of you have mistaken that for overprotectiveness, a bond forged through your warrior code.

You're unsure if it would be anything more than that...until the night you both went into Deepnest, with her trusting you enough to show Herrah's current resting place--only for a Nosk to lead you straight into its lair, using her as a facade.

You find it odd she wasn't talking, but you only assumed that because the subject of her mother was a rather sensitive one.....but after seeing the webbed-up husks, you knew you had been tricked and draw your needle.

When the Nosk realizes you could see through their guise, a horrible shriek fills the air as grotesque wings sprout from its back, allowing it to take flight.

But you could fly, too, and you cut it down in one swing, permanently grounding the beast before driving your weapon through it's infected heart, taking cover as it screamed and bled orange acid. Once again, you've exposed a "mighty" and "deadly" creature for the pathetic wriggling thing it really was.

After it explodes, all that remains is the cracked shell of Hornet that rolls to a stop at your feet, but you smash it to pieces.

The real Hornet calls for you from afar, and you turn to see her rushing into the lair, looking panicked as she holds your prized fang in her hands.

It must've fell when the Nosk led you astray, and after hearing the explosion, she feared that you got caught in it and....and.....

Yet when she realizes you're hurt, but alive, all formalities go out the window as she shakily sets the fang down, lunging to hug you tightly.

You're in shock at her actions, and before you can properly react, she suddenly backs off, coughing nervously. "Ah..s-sorry. I..don't know what came over me." She huffs, collecting herself. "When I say "trust no one except yourself", I meant it. Now come on. It's this way-"

However, when she turns around, you take her hand into yours unexpectedly, and she looks back at you in bewilderment. She didn't let go despite her confusion.

"[Y/n]? What are you...?"

Then you gently bump masks with her, and before she can question you further, a small whisper leaves your mouth.

A simple and quiet profession that carried a great weight and a great risk (but you knew that, as you've been a risk-taker all your life).

"Hornet, I....love you."

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Could i request some headcannons with the knight, hornet and quirrel with a reader who is lost in deepnest and is too hurt and anxious to find a way out alone? (May or may not be talking from experience lol)

Lowkey going through this too every time I fall into that area <3

...............

Knight/Ghost

While on their quest to break Herrah's seal, they see you trying to fight off a swarm of infected weavers, your nail flailing about.

One second, you thought nobody would find your body among the dozens strung up above you...and the next, the beasts were all wiped out with one vengeful spirit that soared over your head.

At first you panicked, then you recognized Ghost's face and sighed in relief.

"Thank the stars you're here! I-I was so scared..." Your voice shakes. "I just..fell into this nest and I haven't been able to escape since. The more I run, the more lost I get..and...and these monsters won't leave me alone! A-And the worst part? I keep seeing somebody that looks like me!"

"........"

"A-Ah, I'm sorry. I forgot. You aren't one for words. Are you scared, too?"

Again, they don't answer you, which makes you wonder how their shell doesn't crawl at the sight of distant spiders scaling up their webs, or the garapedes burrowing along, pinchers waiting to snatch up any prey possible.

Ghost gestures for you to follow them, and you do, as you couldn't trust anybody else here in Deepnest--not even the own ground beneath your feet.

At some point, you come across the hidden Weaver den, and you nearly scream at the sight of the bigger spiders.....only to find out they aren't alive.

Meanwhile, the knight climbs up to their nest, discovering a charm called Weaversong.

As you're both leaving, part of you swore there was a living Weaver staring at you before it dashes away into the darkness--but you shake it off as nerves.

Ghost leads you to a hot spring, which you didn't even know was even here, and the soul-infused waters heal your injuries, but you're still quite anxious.

They're sorting out their charms, equipping Weaversong, and you jump when little weaverlings pop out and start running around their legs--only to see that they were actually harmless and could protect you both.

You even got to take one as a companion, helping you slowly overcome your fear of Deepnest.

Hornet

The moment she felt Herrah die by the Knight's hand, she was there in a flash, in the belly of the Beast's Den.

She fell to her knees in silent mourning, at the altar that was once her mother's resting place. Although she understood what had to be done, it didn't make it hurt any less.

After shooing away Ghost, she's quiet, contemplating....

Then she hears a scream and springs into action quickly, only to find you waving around a nail, cornered by a Sleeping Devout.

She has no idea how you've gotten this far into Deepnest, since you looked pitifully terrified and didn't know how to wield your weapon properly.

But regardless, she felt obligated to save you.

As it opens its shell to attack you with its massive steel claws, suddenly glowing threads are wrapped around it, and it shrieks, trying to close itself back up--but to no avail.

You see a figure no taller than you cloaked in red, shouting at you to finish it off.

At that point, your nail takes over and you slash at the creature's face until it finally stops shrieking and struggling, falling dead to the ground as a shriveled-up corpse.

You try to thank Hornet, but only get a single syllable out before she sweeps your leg, sending you tumbling to the ground, pointing the needle at your face.

"How careless can you be?! You've stained this sacred resting place with blood, and disrupted its silence with your pitiful screaming. It's shameful. Who are you and what is your purpose here?"

She really humbled you, but after explaining that you were simply lost within Deepnest...she backs off a little, seeing that you aren't a threat.

She still can't fathom how you've gotten this far without dying, but she understands how easily one can lose their way down here, so she does offer to lead you out.

You're in a lot of pain, though, and wouldn't be able to handle one more fight with an aggressive bug. So she takes you to the hot springs that you didn't even know existed down here.

It's there that you turn the questions on her (in a more polite and nervous way, of course), and she goes quiet...before explaining the Knight's recent actions.

"Oh..she was your mother? I'm sorry to hear that.."

"Don't be. We never had much time to truly bond, and yet...when I felt her seal breaking..." Hornet falls silent again, putting a hand to her chest. But then she steels her resolve, shaking her head. "No matter. What's done is done. I'm sure that little Ghost is on their way to the [temple/next Dreamer]. We really need to get going. Are you well-rested?"

She sounds like a concerned mother, or maybe she was just tired of hanging around her old home....or tired of you.

But regardless, you don't take it personally. You're just grateful to have the company of someone who wasn't afflicted by the infection.

So wherever she goes, you'll be sure to follow.......or at least until you're safely out of Deepnest, then you'll be fine if she wanted to go separate ways.

Quirrel

In all of Deepnest, the one place where you felt truly safe was within the soul hot spring.

Not a single creature here was interested in the area, so it was your only sanctuary from the surrounding horrors.

So to find a fellow bug warrior, uninfected, sitting in the healing waters was a surprise. But you were grateful to see a friendly face.

"Hello, hello!" His voice is gentle as he greets you, lifting his mask up a bit. "What a thrill this is. To find such warm comfort amidst the den of beasts, isn't it?"

"Y-Yeah, um...ouch...my legs are killing me.."

Right away, Quirrel could sense your unease and pain, although it didn't take a genius to know you've barely escaped from a scuffle with dirtcarvers.

After introducing yourself, you explained to him how you got lost in Deepnest and were scared out of your mind, almost forgetting the way back to this hot spring.

"Ah, I understand. It's easy to get turned around in this labyrinth of silk. Without proper guidance, an adventure into the unknown can turn deadly."

You weren't sure if he was trying to comfort you or lecture you, but you listen anyways, not being able to trust anyone else right now.

He asks if you've heard about the village deep within the nest...and you look at him as though he has three heads.

"N-No, I'm not...did you come here to find that village? Out of your own free will???" You shudder. "How did you even get down here? Do you know the way out or are we doomed to-?"

"Breathe easy, my friend." He hums in concern. "It's no good to panic in a place of serenity. If you'd like, I can certainty show you the quickest way out of this ferocious place. It's understandably frightening for the ill-prepared."

Again, you felt like he was lecturing you, but you accept his offers of help.

Anything to get out of this place and back to the comforts of the surface.

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Okay but consider

What if you wrote for a Self Aware Zote x Player Reader

Self-Aware AUs are always peak. And I love this idea so, so much (idk if this is the same anon but I'm invested), so enjoy these hcs!

............

Of course, every video game had at least one character who was gifted or cursed with the "comic relief" title. Hollow Knight was no different, as Zote the Mighty existed.

He was a self-absorbed, yet amusing little bug warrior who piqued your interest after saving him from the Vengefly King in your first save file. You felt bad for the poor guy when you found him in Deepnest next, once again helping him and listening to him dismiss the Knight like they were a nuisance.

When you tried out Colosseum of Fools, you laughed a little as he turned out to be the final boss in Trial of the Warrior--all he did was jump and tumble around randomly, his "lethal" Life Ender doing exactly zero damage to the Knight. You just juggled him in the air until he was defeated, the audience laughing in the background.

It was all in good fun, and you sought out more potential Zote-related battles. And after getting a bit further into the game, you managed to beat Grey Prince Zote and fight The Eternal Ordeal in Godhome, killing 57 "zotelings" to unlock a new main menu screen (and you haven't changed it since after hearing him humming the usual theme song).

Least to say, you have a new favorite character (that Team Cherry and the fandom liked to bully apparently).

After beating the main game, you decided to start a new save file, aiming for a speedrun achievement. However, that meant you had to get all the upgrades ASAP and ignore most NPCs....and therefore, you had to leave Zote to die to the Vengefly King.

But when you try exiting to the rest of Greenpath, the Knight stops as though you got locked into a boss fight...but you knew damn well it was optional, so you were confused.

Then Zote speaks, generating new dialogue that you swore wasn't there the first time you encountered him. "Are you blind?! The beast is vulnerable to attack, and yet you turn the other cheek! Shameful! Disgraceful! Do something instead of just standing there, you daft fool!!"

You blinked, noticing that he was glaring not at the Knight...but at you, instead, as though he could see you through the screen and knew you had every intent to ignore him.

But that should be impossible, right? How could he know you were there? You doubt that Team Cherry would update the game with some random fourth wall-breaking shenanigans when they're still working on Silksong.

Regardless, you couldn't progress unless you turned around and rescued Zote, so you decided to forgo the speedrun, wondering what new interactions awaited you (and hoping they weren't too game-breaking).

Instead of displaying his typical ungrateful and arrogant attitude towards the Knight, you realize he's now addressing you directly--somehow being aware that he's a character in a video game.

And that makes your run a little more interesting.

No matter the location you're in, Zote's always present in some way (even in places that didn't make sense story-wise), claiming it was merely "fate" and "strings of coincidences" that brought him to you. But you didn't mind.

The more you talk to him (after learning that he hears your microphone and you could respond to him via prompts), the more he opens up to you...not about his quest for glory or anything related in-universe.

But about being burdened with the knowledge that he was created as a joke character. He knows he'll never be playable. He knows Life Ender does no damage. He knows Bretta will eventually see through his facade and leave, as she's programmed to. And he especially knows that he's hated throughout the community.

You learned not to mention The Eternal Ordeal, as he felt insulted by the fact that not only was it hidden away in the Hall of Gods, but it's also the only arena his creators didn't add the Godseeker to. Like he wasn't worthy of their attention.

But the icing on the cake is that he remembers what you did in your first save file (reminding you of another certain indie video game that also took place underground and had you controlling a silent character), and believes you're just like the rest of the players, growing to resent you and tries impeding your progress wherever he can.

Then he suddenly disappears for a while, worrying you as you search high and low, trying to unlock new areas in a vain attempt to find him. Something tells you to visit Hallownest's Crown, and sure enough, Zote is there by the Radiance statue, looking utterly defeated and just....saddened.

"So you've sought me out...what will you do this time?"

"Nothing, Zote. I was worried about where you were." You try to explain, but he looks at the Knight and draws his nail.

"You hide behind this...shell. This stoic, glass-headed buffoon." He pokes them. "What I'd give to be in their place, but alas...it's not meant to be. I'm no hero. No champion. No mighty warrior. I am the punching bag of two worlds: this one, and the one beyond my reach..where your kind treats me like a lowly jester. So go on. Entertain yourself. Unleash all your rage. All your animosity. I won't resist." Throwing his nail aside, he kneels before the Knight, going completely silent afterwards.

It broke your heart to read all of his dialogue, and you refused to attack him, making him grow more and more irritated the longer time passes. "Tch..what are you waiting for? Isn't this what you want?" He sneers.

"No, Zote. Not at all. I'm just...I'm so sorry for making you feel like you were a joke." You frown. "Had I know that you were aware of everything that happened, I never would have-"

"Of course you wouldn't have done those things. But you did. You weren't even planning to save me. So spare me your pitiful remarks." He scoffs loudly, feeling hurt.

"I'm not trying to pity you. You're still my favorite character, and...I want you to understand that I hear you. Honestly I don't like it when people say those awful things about you. You're not evil."

"....you're only saying that because you cannot cope with your guilt. Plain and simple! If you really care, name ONE thing that-"

""Always Be Rested", "Keep Your Home Tidy", "Choose Your Own Fate", "Believe In Your Strength"." You began reciting some of his precepts, and you watch his eye sockets widen. For a moment you stop to chuckle, amused by his expression. "What? You think I wouldn't stay and listen?"

He's in disbelief. "You......memorized all 57 of my precepts?"

"I'm still working on it. But I wrote them down. You've got some great life advice in there. Advice that even us humans could use sometimes." You smile. "Your third precept actually reminded me to get off the game and rest when I was getting frustrated with a pantheon. Then when I came back to it, I beat it in one go. So...I can only thank you for that, Zote."

Now you've left him speechless, struggling to comes to terms with the fact that you indeed took him seriously.

All this time, he thought you were like the rest of them: treating him like a joke, bashing him and calling him annoying, wishing they left him to die. But you? You showed him that you genuinely liked him and only played through The Eternal Order for the reward and to experience everything Hollow Knight had to offer--not because you hated him and wanted to beat up as many variations of him as humanely possible.

You managed to convince him to accompany you through the rest of your gameplay, and he lets you dream nail him to see his thoughts on almost every situation you come across, major or not.

He has no spells or special abilities, so he can't follow if Knight crystal-dashes or uses the mothwings. But he's not useless, as he serves as a good distraction when you get locked into a battle with enemies. They can't catch him when he keeps tumbling around and leaping in the air.

You've claimed a few victories faster thanks to him, and you give him a lot of credit for them, too.

Now Zote's "curse" didn't feel so much like a curse anymore.

Sure, nobody else would be able to understand what he's going through or know the truth about their existence...but at least he has you.

While the characters around him and Knight speak of the Radiance's light, he sees a different kind of light shining within you:

One that has brightened his dark and weary world.

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Can i request hcs or a short fic of reader saving tiso from Kings edge? Reader brings them to one of the homes in city of tears and helps him recover. Also that reader and tiso are rivals but also good friends (reader might have a crush) so reader makes fun of him like: "haha yeah you got your ass beat in the coliseum.. but im glad ur ok"

((Sorry if things get mixed up))

TISO!!! TISO!! My boy just wanted to fight in the colosseum :((

..............

"Ah, another foolish "warrior" who met his match. I'll admit, I haven't heard the crowd laugh that much in years."

'...laugh? No, no, no....they should have been cheering for me!'

"He won't be the last, I'm sure. Now let's get this over with and head back. If the fall doesn't kill him, surely whatever's down there will."

'No, no!! Don't you dare! I promised a glorious battle with that Pale Thing!! This can't be where my story ends!!' Try as he might, Tiso couldn't free himself from the clutches of the brute bugs in charge of disposing the "losers" of the Colosseum of Fools.

He was actually alive after the Brooding Mawlek gravely injured him in the arena, but instead of being given medical aid (not that he expected any), he was deemed incapable of combat. Too weak to even fight the hold of the bugs who dragged him closer to the ledge.

Along with his shield, he was unceremoniously tossed off the cliff of Kingdom's Edge, and as he fell amongst the floating ashes of the wyrm's husk, the only thing he could do was brace for the painful impact-

Only to be caught in somebody's arms mid-air, with them gently landing on a platform, holding him closely.

"Tiso? Oh, gods...please talk to me. This is no place to die."

His eyes slowly opened, and he realized that you saved him: a flying bug warrior who, like him, also sought out the colosseum in search of great challenges. But unlike him, you stopped after completing the second trial, finding out that it wasn't as fulfilling as you previously hoped.

Unfortunately, he didn't and it nearly cost him his life.

You could see the large cracks on his carapace, the tatters and singed pieces of his hood; and you could hear the ragged breaths of a bug--a scared bug who thought he was a goner, another nameless fool sent to die, dropped into a place nobody would find him or even know his name, where his last thoughts would have been why he failed and why they all laughed at him.

Warriors aren't supposed to be scared of dying, or of losing a comrade. They aren't supposed to be scared of anything.

But right now, you couldn't help it. Neither of you could.

The only thing Tiso could do was mumble your name before he lost consciousness again, his head flopping onto your shoulder. You sighed in relief. "Idiot..you're an even bigger fool than I could have ever imagined.."

Noticing a primal aspid hovering closer, you picked up Tiso's shield to deflect its toxic spit. "I've seen enough of you." You spread your wings, hastily flying to the elevator that would take you to the City of Tears.

After carefully avoiding the infected residents, you reached the place that you've recently called home: a small house with fancy furniture you set up as barricades. It wasn't much, but it was comfortable enough to allow you rest and make a quick getaway if need be.

You had an extra sofa which you laid Tiso on, putting up your weapon and his shield before going to work on tending to his injuries. He was lucky that whatever left that giant crack didn't reach his heart, or else...you don't know what you'd do.

Sometime later, while you were meditating and focusing on calming down, you hear a stir and open your eyes to see him already awake, looking around warily.

"You're safe, Tiso. It's just us."

"Wh...Where are we?" He coughed, feeling his chest and noticing a bandage there. "The city..?"

"Huh. It seems like you still have a brain, after all...but where was that when you entered Trial of the Fool, I wonder?" Still mildly annoyed, you crossed your arms, tapping your foot. "You're lucky I recognized you, or else-"

"I get it. Just please..spare me the humiliation." He put his head in his hands. "I felt enough of that when they all.....laughed at me." His claws trembled. "I fought my hardest. I triumphed over every opponent, but they continued to laugh...even as I laid there like a withering husk, having slain that disgusting beast they threw into the ring."

You half-expected him to put his walls up and insist that he didn't need anybody to be his "nurse", as a "true warrior always takes care of themselves" according to him. But after such a near-death experience, it wasn't too surprising that he was still distraught, his resolve thoroughly shaken. You two have been friends before coming to Hallownest, so he felt like he could confide in you, even if he kept insisting his skills far exceeded yours.

"That's all it is, Tiso. It's nothing more than entertainment for them. They'll even risk infecting their whole audience if it gets them riled up." You frown slightly, sitting beside him. "It's not at all what we expected."

The only response is a shaky breath. You gently clasped a hand on his shoulder. Not saying a word, just waiting for him to speak his mind.

"I....I just wanted to be champion..." His voice sounded small. So tired, and so....disappointed. In himself. In what he believed the Colosseum to be.

"You would've been a champion." You corrected. "It means nothing now. Just a fancy little title you get to hold until someone comes along and takes it from you, and then someone else will eventually take it from them--so on and so forth."

"....now what do we do?"

"We rest. As all warriors must do. And we'll seek new opponents to conquer outside that ring of death. We are in the midst of a vast kingdom, after all."

Tiso gave it some thought, before he nodded. "Very well. There are other places where we might find true glory and honor. I wonder if that Pale Thing knows what awaits them. Shame I cannot face them myself."

You simply hummed, knowing that the bug he speaks of is more than capable of handling themselves. You've seen them in action. They way they casted their spells and brought down giants, infected or not, let you know that they aren't a force to be trifled with. But you'll spare your friend the details, knowing he'd be enticed to challenge them.

Instead, you wanted him to rest and recover.

And while he would normally be stubborn other days, tonight he was not. He was here and alive. He'll get over the humiliation soon enough.

His story wasn't over yet.

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Masterlist: Hollow Knight

Main Characters

HCs: Ghost, Hornet, & Quirrel meeting Reader in Deepnest

HCs: Hornet w/ Mute!Warrior!Reader

Other Characters

Painting with Sheo

Saving Tiso

Fighter!Reader crushing on Zote

HCs: Befriending Leg Eater

HCs: Self-Aware Zote

HCs: Millibelle w/ Intimidating!Reader

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

If youre doing Hollow Knight, I've always wanted to have something where reader has a crush on zote (even though they actually are a fighter and know he's full of shit)

I dunno I just like the idea of sitting on a bench chatting while he carved a new Life Ender (the last one was shattered on contact)

Yes! I love Zote

.........

"Hmph. I lost? To that blundering fool? What nonsense are you dribbling?? Luck was simply in their favor, but it won't save them next time. Not once my upgrade is complete."

"...I watched your battle in the Colosseum, Zote. And they shattered your Life Ender like it was nothing."

"Pah!" With a scoff, Zote tossed his head up pridefully, gazing at you--a fellow bug knight he was sharing a bench with, who was sharpening their own nail. "What if I told you that was also part of my plan the whole time? My ruse has fooled even you, who are beneath me....yet I'll admit your strength exceeds theirs."

"Wow...um..thank you?" From behind your mask, a warmth spreads across your face, and you're relieved that he couldn't see it at this moment. But he could sense your gratitude and simply huffed.

"Don't get ahead of yourself. Your tactics are still rugged and need much work. But at least you stay true to your nail and don't use ridiculous "spells" and "charms" to cheat." He tutted, looking down at the new Life Ender he was carving for himself. "How can they even call themselves a knight? A shaman would better suit them."

"Well to be fair, I never heard them speak, so-"

"So it's all rumors then, spreading like that blasted disease. Trust me when I say this, [y/n], all of them will be dispelled next we meet. That is a promise. I'm going to expose them for the fraud they are!"

"....I take it that you're still not gonna thank them for saving you from that giant Vengefly?"

"Nay! I had that wicked beast right where I wanted it to be! Its mandibles were dull, its wings were exhausted, and I was moving in for the kill...and then.....ah...s-so what of it? It's in the past." He suddenly dismissed, shaking his head.

You remained silent as you gazed at him, confused at his stutter. He loved taking credit for other bugs' fights, even yours, but for some reason he didn't feel like boasting about the "victories" he took from the Knight for the umpteenth time.

if only you had that dream nail they seemed to be running around with, perhaps you could peer into his mind and understand his true thoughts.

But then again, having traveled throughout the ruins of Hallownest together for so long--despite his claims and desires to be alone--you knew him like the back of your claw. No dream nail needed. He came here to fulfill a goal, as did you, vowing to be the greatest fighter and attain glory....

Yet after every encounter with the Knight, you weren't seeing as much of that haughty demeanor anymore. You briefly mentioned it after he was rescued in Deepnest, and he doubled down, claiming he reigned supreme over the spider tribe...but you could see right through him.

Of course, you knew Zote better than most bugs, even Bretta. You notice little things about him.

He pretends to hate how barren and sullen the town of Dirtmouth is, yet he'll stay with you until you're both ready to dive back down underground.

He says he lost the ability to laugh a long time ago, but you heard his quiet chitters after he saw you lob a sharp rock at a Fungoon with flawless precision, watching it pop and deflate like a balloon.

He rejects the idea of using Stag Stations, bragging about how his legs never failed him and believed that the last stag should've joined their brethren long ago....yet he still follows you and clings to the back of your chair, afraid to fall off.

He'd rather die than admit it, but he appreciates you looking out for him--even if he tries losing you on purpose or insists on splitting up. Most of the time, you're saving him from the mandibles of a beast or pulling him back from a spike pit he never noticed. Try as he might, he hasn't convinced you that he could've gotten out of those situations himself.

You've come to realize that he only wanted to share his "victories" with someone....or at least have someone to brag about his victories to.

"Well.." You cleared your throat. "For what it's worth, the fact that you've survived down here for so long is admirable. Not many bugs can say that."

"Survive? No., no, no....I thrive down here!" That seemed to lift his mood up as he raised his newly-carved nail to the sky. "It's those pitiful empty husks that are struggling to survive, with no free will. I'll claim victory over them all! Even that little knight."

"I know you will. And when that day comes, I hope to be right by your side."

There's a silence that falls over him as he stares at you. The only sounds you two heard were the pitter-patter of the rain outside, and the footsteps of the husk sentries, stuck in their endless patrol of the City of Tears.

You were worried that your words somehow offended Zote, but then...the smallest of triumphant smiles appeared on his face--and it appeared genuine this time. As though he was finally learning to just be himself.

"Of course." He sheathed Life Ender. "You will be the first to bear witness to my greatness, [y/n]."

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

*Crawls back into your inbox* teehee :3

If it's alright, can I request some Millibelle x reader? I'd be happy with just about anything, but if you want something more specific, I was thinking that the reader could be large, quiet, strong, and super intimidating, but is secretly just shy, maybe meeting or pining after Millibelle. Probably with Millibelle being low-key afraid of them, too hdffg-

Reader, walking into the soul sauna: Omg,, it's her again,, she's so pretty and smart, what should I say to her??

Millibelle, now suddenly fearing for her life: Nobody's going to find my body, will they?

As you wish. More love for her <3 (even though she's a pesky thief I appreciate her giving me like 2x the geo)

........

Not many bugs talked to you--simply out of fear that you'd crush their little tiny heads in and make armor out of their carapaces.

Tiso and Zote felt threatened by your mere presence, and have dared you to fight them at least a few dozen times.

But despite your size, stature, and reputation within the Colosseum of Fools...you're more comparable to a gentle giant to those who really knew you.

You were shy, quiet, never really speaking unless spoken to. When Hallownest was thriving, socializing got a bit overwhelming..and keeping yourself isolated helped you avoid the infection's spread.

When you realized that the citizens who once admired/revered you were now empty mindless husks...you felt a little sad, feeling like you could've done something to help.

But instead, you decide to live on and find those who managed to survive the initial outbreak, and when it started plaguing the crossroads.

Among them was Millibelle the Banker, who you've opened an account with to store your winnings from the colosseum's trials.

It's anyone's best guess as to how she managed to stay in business despite all the tragedy, but she found a relatively safe place in Fog Canyon.

You've visited her just to do deposits and withdrawls....but 90% of the time you're acting like a bumbling fool who's constantly rehearsing how you'd greet her.

"How's your day going, Millibelle?" sounded mundane, as everyday was the same for her. Just sitting in her shop, waiting to steal collect geo.

"You doing okay today, Millibelle?" sounded quite insensitive, since the infection has every survivor and visitor in Hallownest left on-edge. Of course she wouldn't be feeling 100% "okay".

"Say, you look quite beautiful this evening, Millibelle-" By the Pale King, that sounded creepy as HELL. Your heart flutters just thinking about her reaction to those words.

Yes...the banker of Fog Canyon has captured your mind and heart for reasons unknown.

She's just a very sweet and intelligent lady, and you wonder if Monomon taught her about finances and banking before she became a Dreamer.

Regardless, you were a little nervous to talk to Millibelle.....just as she was scared to talk to you sometimes.

After running off with the Knight's 2,550+ geo, she's in the Pleasure House's hot spring--but wasn't quite relaxing now, as they found her and reclaimed their lost earnings (along with yours) in violent fashion.

She was quite jumpy when they came in, and even though they finally left her alone....she feared they would come back or tell someone she was a fraud and a thief.

That's why she silently panicked when you come in (after a day-long search for her after discovering her shop was nowhere to be found). She feared for her life, thinking she's done for.

'Oh no...that little creature has sent such a brute after me! D-Did they tell [y/n] I took all their geo??? Maybe I can lie to them...surely, they won't kill me! But they'll know I......oh gods...nobody's going to find my body will they? They'll throw me into that dreadful colosseum for sure..'

Meanwhile, you're sitting at the opposite side, letting the soul-infused waters soothe your aches and pains--and praying that the steam obscures the blush on your face.

'I'm so relieved she's here. She looks so pretty..so smart...so peaceful. Free of infection. How should I start this conversation???' Your mind's too busy buzzing with worries to see the pure look of terror on her face.

"So-"

She screams suddenly, retreating into her shell, only to stick her head out moments later when she realizes you weren't throwing her across the room. "O-Oh! I'm so sorry, dearie. Please um...c-continue.."

"....so um..the Oomas were getting too close to your shop?" You swam a bit closer to her, tilting your head.

"What? Oh...! Yes, yes!" She stammers, seeing that you haven't caught on. "Those...vicious things. Their glowing cores made me nervous. I had to keep my shell--erm..vault safe. So..I took it with me!"

"Wise choice. I think something big has changed in Fog Canyon. All those jellyfish seem angry, and I thought I saw the Knight coming out of the teacher's archives....but why would they go there to begin with?"

"Th-That's a good question! And certainly not one we need an answer for! A-As long as they don't show their face here and ruin my spa day.." Millibelle mutters, looking around like they were about to burst through the wall.

"...why? Did they hurt you?"

The question is caring, genuine, concerning....and it makes her feel so guilty that she immediately folds, admitting that she's really a rotten thief to her core. She was only trying to survive and afford the luxuries that were still present despite the infection, wanting to have an escape from everything.

Of course, the Knight felt robbed and brutally attacked her to reclaim their deposits, explaining the nail marks on her shell. It's a miracle that it was so durable...otherwise they would've struck her down.

It takes a moment for this revelation to sink into your mind. "So..all of my geo is...?"

"Gone! They took all of it! Even yours from those...those bloodthirsty battles you enjoy! I'm not trying to pass the buck, [y/n]. I'm....I may have deserved it.." She bows her head shamefully. "I'm so sorry. You...You trusted me with your geo, and...I ran off with it like a coward."

".....Millie.."

The nickname was surprising, even for you to say, but you felt some confidence growing; a desire to toss aside your shyness to console her and say what you really felt.

"I don't hate you, if that's what you're worried about. Honestly? I had no idea what to do with all my geo. I just wanted an excuse to talk to you more often." You smiled, swimming closer. "I was scared that you got kidnapped, or the infection got ahold of you...but you're here, and you're safe. And that's all I care about right now."

"....oh..[y/n]..." A blush rises to her pale face, which she tries covering with her claws. "You know how to melt an old lady's heart..."

You just chuckle softly, suddenly finding it easier to talk to her without rehearsing everything you wanted to say. The words just came naturally to you.

And she seems to understand your goodhearted demeanor, realizing that underneath that big and tough shell, you're just a sweet little bug, your kindness ever persevering.