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Part 1 of My Hollow Knight goober fics
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Published:
2024-08-19
Updated:
2025-04-12
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2,312
Chapters:
2/?
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A Vessel, Empty and Bare [ON HIATUS; BEING PLANNED]

Summary:

Though its use as an entry point for passing travelers has long since expired, Elderbug finds himself constantly gazing up towards Kings Pass, reminiscing on the times before the fall of Hallownest, when the streets were bustling with life. Of course, he liked the quiet, but the collapse of the stairs had truly solidified Hallownest’s status as a fallen kingdom.

Which is why, it was a surprise to see a figure walking towards the edge of Kings Pass, a strange looking bug, clad in a tattered blue-gray cloak.

(AKA: The Non-hollow Ghost fic nobody but myself asked for. Basically follows the progression of Ghost's journey through Hallownest whilst detailing the external perception of them and how it changes, as well as their internal struggle with emotions they don't know how to cope with.)

Chapter 1: Elderbug I

Notes:

Hey hey! This fic has kinda been on the back of my mind for like, 2 years lmfao. But with the resurregence of my Hollow Knight obsession, I've finally had the motivation to actually write it! I'm not quite sure how long it will be, but I do have a general outline of how I want things to go and some plotlines that Im REALLY excited to flesh out more when we get there.

This is my first longform fic so PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE bare with me! I'm a student who has very little free time as is, so I'm not sticking to any sort of upload schedule, just know that updates ARE COMING! Enjoy :))

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Dirtmouth has always been subject to the howling winds of the cliffs above, stirring dirt and dust up into the air more and more with each passing day, the sound haunting as it flows in and out of abandoned buildings, growing louder and louder as more and more bugs descend into the crossroads below, leaving Elderbug in a town of shrödingers ghosts, both dead and alive until either their corpse is found in the ruins, or they find their way back to town. He'd learned to keep the doors closed, eventually.

Though its use as an entry point for passing travelers has long since expired, Elderbug finds himself constantly gazing up towards Kings Pass, reminiscing on the times before the fall of Hallownest, when the streets were bustling with life. Of course, he liked the quiet, but the collapse of the stairs had truly solidified Hallownest’s status as a fallen kingdom.

Which is why, it was a surprise to see a figure walking towards the edge of Kings Pass, a strange looking bug, clad in a tattered blue-gray cloak.

Elderbug’s heart all but jumped out of his chest when the bug leapt off the ledge without a moment's hesitation, cloak thrashing in the wind as they descended. He looked away before they could reach the bottom, not wanting to be witness to any sort of gruesome death.

But soon enough, the pitter patter of approaching steps echoed through the abandoned town, and Elderbug looked towards the figure, promptly freezing.

This bug is no more than a grub, he thinks, opening his mouth to speak.

The grub just.. keeps walking, however, and not for the first time, Elderbug questions his sanity. A child, coming away from a 100 foot drop without so much as a scratch, and now they’re treating him as if he doesn't exist? Surely this is a hallucination. Or maybe I really have faded into obscurity. The pitter patter of steps stops when he experimentally waves, however, and when Elderbug blinks, the child is in front of him, staring up.

He blinks again. The way this bug carries themself is… odd, he decides. Their body far too still, and eyes far too empty, not necessarily in a sad way, more… unsettling. Regardless, they're the first traveler Dirtmouth has had since Elderbug was a grub, and he'd rather not scare them off with crummy manners. Quiet was lovely, sure, but the loneliness could be.. a bit unbearable at times.

“So you can see me!” He says with an air of humor, the cheeriness of his voice sorely misplaced in the howling ghost town. “You'd walked straight past me, I thought maybe I'd faded away along with this town.” His voice takes a much more solemn tone, though he tries to stamp it down.

The grub continues looking at him wordlessly, empty eyes boring into his with an intensity that seemed unbecoming of a child, and Elderbug gets this.. feeling. That this grub isn't going to stay for very long.

His stomach twists for a reason he can't quite place, but he nods towards the well regardless. “The other residents have all disappeared down that well. Perhaps you'll find what you're looking for, down there.” The grub stares for another moment, and if it were any other bug, Elderbug would have thought it was hesitation.

But the bug walks away, drawing their nail with such an air of danger and experience, that Elderbug doubts his initial impression of them.

Perhaps not a grub after all.

Still, he can't help himself from calling after them before they can descend, warning them to be wary of infection.

 

 

 

The second time the little knight shows up, Elderbug is more than a little surprised, especially when they walk directly into Sly’s now open shop, like they'd known he'd be there. The sound of a one sided conversation carries out the door, and they walk out carrying a shiny new charm, and a quill. He honestly expects them to just descend back into the ruins, but instead they seat themself on the bench just next to him, pulling out a meager map and jotting improvements down with so much speed it's a wonder they get anything actually helpful down. 

Peaking over the Knight’s tiny shoulder, Elderbug can't help but chuckle at what he can only describe as the Knight's toddler grip on the quill. It really isn't his place, this bug surely has had someone teach them to write properly, but still he can't help himself from asking, “Little Knight, do you know how to hold a quill?”

They stop writing, empty, void-like eyes boring into his skull, a cold chill traveling down his spine.

Regardless of the inherent discomfort this bug instills in him, he reaches for the quill when no response comes, and sits on the bench next to them.

The Knight peers over the map as Elderbug flips it to the blank side, the off-putting aura of danger they normally exude quickly fading away into something almost akin to curiosity, leaning over Elderbug’s thigh, two tiny hands resting on his arm to observe.

He smiles despite the chill running up his side, demonstrating proper grip and writing a short message in the corner for the little Knight to read when they need some encouragement in their journey, placing the quill back into their hand when he's done.

Instead of writing something like he expects them to, though, they simply shove the quill into their cloak… somewhere, and take the map from Elderbug, turning it this way and that, bringing it close to their face as if that will make it clearer, until finally they place it on their lap, turning their gaze to Elderbug.

It takes a few more moments of their blank stare for him to connect the dots. “Can you not read?”

The way their head turns back to the map reeks of shame, and Elderbug quickly backtracks, placing a reassuring hand on their back and making a note to attempt to convince them to give their cloak a wash. “That's ok, little one.” He rubs along the fabric with his thumb. “There will be plenty of opportunities to learn on the road.”

As if reminded of what they'd initially set out to do, the Knight efficiently rolls up their map and tucks it away in their cloak, and hops off the bench, clearly intent on returning to the crossroads.

Elderbug barely has time to wave goodbye before they're down the well.

He sits a few moments longer, dumbfounded. “Best of luck on your travels..” He says to the howling wind.

“A strange bug, aren’t they?” Says Sly from the doorway of his shop, nearly startling Elderbug into an early grave. Placing a hand on his racing heart, he stands with a grunt, still facing the well.

“Aren’t we all?” He replies simply, dusting off his cloak and resuming his spot next to the cold iron bench. “It’d be a miracle to survive this long and not turn out a little strange.”

“True as that is, there’s something off about that grub.”

Elderbug hums, noncommittal.

“...Kind, though. I owe them my life, now.” Sly moves to stand next to Elderbug, placing a small hand on his arm, not unlike the little Knight just a minute ago, drawing his gaze. “It’s good to be back, Elder. I’m sorry if you were worried.”

The moment that passes is heavy with a silent regard to all those Dirtmouth had lost.

“..Perhaps you could celebrate my return by parting with some of your geo, hm?”

Somehow, the weight in his chest lessens.

Notes:

I hope you enjoyed, I certainly had a very fun time writing it. I found it fun to break away from the very few canon interactions you get with Elderbug to explore his character a bit more, and I'm looking forward to exploring his and the other residents of dirthmouths characters as well!! Don't worry though, this fic is not restricted only to Dirtmouth, we're going all over Hallownest with this one lads!

Next chapter: Meeting Quirrel and Hornet!

Comments are greatly appreciated and keep me motivated <333

 

Edit (10/10/24):
Hello pookies! Um! I do not have my phone at the moment! My parentals found out that I have trans friends and yoinked all my shit, so I currently do not have access to this doc, unfortunately! I still plan on writing this fic, so don't worry about that, but I have next to no clue when I'm getting my phone back, so it might be a hot minute.
It's already been about a month and a half since they took it, so :/

Also uuuh apparently the app I was using for Ao3 is no longer available on the appstore which I found out when temporarily granted access to my phone for homecoming, so... that's another obstacle I'll have to overcome. I'll figure it out. Please bare with me.

Happy reading <3

Edit 2: Hate to say, but this is on hiatus ig. Can't find a way to get my grimy mitts on Ao3 for my phone :(
Fear not though, I am still writing it! I just... can't post for the time being. At least Ill have plenty of buffer for when I can post again lmfao.
Sorry again :(
Happy reading, thank you for your patience.

Edit 3 (2/12/25): GUESS WHAAAAAAAAAAT, bought myself a bluetooth keyboard I can use with my phone so that I can actually enjoy writing agaiiiiiiin. It'll be here later today by like 10 pm (it is 1 am) I might just like. Write normally. And then. Copy it over word for word?? Not ideal and very time consuming, but better than nothing. AO3 CURSE GOT NOTHIN ON ME.

Edit 4 (4/12/25): We are so back

Chapter 2: Quirrel I

Notes:

IM BACK MOTHERFUCKERS

I got a new phone that has a different search engine than google so my moms parental controls can no linger reach me 😎😎😎😎

Anywayyyyys, have a chapter!!!!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Something about the temple unsettled Quirrel to his very core. Maybe it was the ever so subtle orange haze blanketing the floor, maybe it was the bone deep chill that tore right through his chitin, or maybe it was the mask that matched his own etched in the giant egg.

Or, most likely, it was the glaring familiarity of it all. He knows for a fact that he's never stepped foot in this temple before, but still he couldn't shake the feeling that he was forgetting something important.

He readjusts the mask on his head.

Despite the eeriness of it all, it still managed to be quite fascinating. He hums in thought, brushing a hand against the intricate detailing of the egg, fingers catching on the grooves, an inexplicable warmth emanating from the surface.

He takes a step back with a sigh, trying to determine the source of the infuriating feeling at the back of his mind that he just can't place. Lost in thought, he doesn't notice another bug has entered the temple until they're already directly next to him.

When he turns to them, his first instinct is to draw his nail. Looking into their eyes plunges his heart into ice water, a deep discomfort taking root.

Despite this, he suppresses his instinct, telling himself that's it's ridiculous to be hostile towards a bug just because looking at them makes him uncomfortable for some reason and whydotheyseemsofamilar-

He greets them kindly. “Hello there! How delightful to meet another traveler on these forgotten roads.” He says, and means it.

He's travelled a lot of places in his life, but none were quite so barren as Hallownest. It's nice to see someone… not wandering aimlessly in their sickness. Pushing aside his discomfort, he forces himself to take note of the bug before him.

….And in doing so, notices that he has to look down to make eye contact. He can't help but smile at that, keeping himself from snickering. “You're a short one, but you've got a strong look about you.” He says genuinely. Anyone could wield a nail, but few could frighten people at a glance.

….though, thinking harder, he doubts if he were seeing this bug a second time, he would be nearly as frightened. They're just so…. Tiny.

Nevertheless, he can sense a strength in this bug. He adjusts the mask on his head and holds his hand out “I'm Quirrel.”

The bug just stares.

Quirrel stands there awkwardly for a moment before pulling his hand back to his side and turning to the giant egg. “I've something of an obsession with uncharted places.” He says, figuring he won't be getting a name in response. “This ancient kingdom holds many fascinating mysteries, and one of the most intriguing of them is standing right before us."

The bug looks to the egg, seeming rather indifferent. Quirrel continues speaking excitedly, happy to talk about something he enjoys to a bug other than himself. He places a hand on the structure in front of him again “A great stone egg, lying in the corpse of an ancient kingdom…” Quirrel looks down just in time to watch the little bug place a hand on the egg, exactly as Quirrel was, and he can't help but smile. He looks back to the egg and rubs his fingers over the grooves again, finding the motion to be oddly soothing. “And this egg… It's warm. It would be quite pleasing if this temple wasn't so off-putting.” He says with a playful lilt to his voice. He looks down to the bug. “It certainly gives off a unique air, doesn't it?”

The little bug looks up at him. This time, Quirrel can't quite shake the discomfort that comes with looking at them. He just can't help but feel like… they're far too empty. Still, he manages a smile.

He thinks, if he looks hard enough, he can see just a smidge of childlike curiosity hidden deep within those pools of black.

Maybe he's just imaging something that's not there, but regardless, he continues speaking with excitement, hoping to bring something, anything into this bugs eyes.

He's… not quite sure why it bothers him so much.

Regardless, he tells the young bug about the endless tales of horror and wonder that drew him to this kingdom in the first place, and how fortunate he feels to be here during such an interesting time.

When he offhandedly mentions the thickness of the air, subconsciously swishing his foot through the orange fog on the ground, the bug suddenly perks up and points to themself.

“..Yes?” Quirrel stalls in the middle of a sentence.

Rather than an answer, really Quirrel shouldn't be surprised considering how the rest of this one sided conversation went, the bug just points to themself again, and begins to leave.

He calls after them before they can fully leave.

“Wait, little knight!” The young bug turns to look at him. “To persevere in this ruin, that old nail alone just won't be enough. It's not hard to find a new one, if you must, there are plenty of bugs who have met their end in these parts, many more equipped than you and I. I'm sure, if they were here to tell you, they wouldn't mind if you relieved them of their tools.”

He can't help but feel judged as the young bug continues to stare, and he continues. “It's a kindness, really… the dead shouldn't be burdened with such things.”

The bug stares blankly for a moment more.

And then Quirrel is alone.





The vessel notes that the Quirrel fellow in the black egg temple is strange.

It cuts through an infected bug without remorse.

Even still, it is glad- No, not glad. It’s certain its father would be happy with the bug for reminding it of its goal here.

It jumps from one platform to another, trying to head towards the vibrant verdure on the other side of the room, cutting through crawlids and doing its most to not lose its footing as the creaking chains slightly rock.

When it reaches the Baulder, it doesn't hesitate to kill the babies it hurls at it, a vengeful spirit ripping through the creature.

Above, a spider waits and watches.

Notes:

I hope you enjoyed, I really enjoyed writing this one. I have yet to figure out the balance of actual game dialogue and unique dialogue, but oh well. Ill get there.

My brain just dislikes the idea of straying from canon interactions, which sjejdhjrhrhr

Anyways happy reading!!!

Edit (10/2/25): Ok!! So I realized that my biggest mistake when writing fic is that I always rush to post stuff, meaning everything you ever see me post is the first and only draft. But this fic is strangely important to me?? Like I have a really specific vision for it and its really important to me :[[

So Im stuck here playing 4d chess in my head, trying to juggle all of the moving parts of what this fic can and will be, and in the meantime getting nothing done because Im trying to nail it on the first attempt.

So Im taking a step back to properly plan out this fic, and like. Actually write a first draft that I can go back and edit. Unfortunately, this does mean I'll be gone for a good long while, but the good news is that I graduate this year!! So Ill have more time to work on it :]]

Anyways!! This fic is NOT abandoned, nor will it be!! I just want it to be the best it can be, and unfortunately that does mean starting fresh.

Keep an eye out!! (Probably sometime next year)

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