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Chapter Text

"The bugs of Hallownest were twisted out of shape by that ancient sickness. First they fell into deep slumber, then they awoke with broken minds, and then their bodies started to deform..." - The Hunter.

(...)

'The Pale King is obsessed', wailed Taehyung as he saw the last of the knights fall to the ground. The creature's death made his heart clench and mix his emotions. One more time, one of his father's creations had failed, tragically predictable. With a frustrated cry, the King stormed out of the testing room, slamming the doors behind him. The White Palace shook with the force of his wrath. A small figure, another small knight, went with him.

Taehyung was convinced that none of that will stop this infection, no matter what His Majesty did. Hopeless. He kept the scream in his throat with remorse, already used to the idea of his own death. The death of all he had known, of all the Hallownest.

It was a genocide that would wipe out the entire underground at once.

An infection that transforms all unfortunate beings that were touched by the God-like Moth. A deity who was so terrible that she took the core of every living thing. The white soul was such a fickle thing. 

There was no escape. There was nothing that could help them.

The black eyes of his subjects went to the prince, eager for some order. It didn't matter what, any demand would do. Everyone was bewildered, not knowing what to do in the face of the inevitable and terrible end. Some had already decided that they would die, not even deluding themselves with the possibility of salvation. Others desperately tried to cling to the normalcy of routine so as not to go insane.

(The bolder ones whispered that they didn't want to go mad, like the Pale King. He, who ruled the underground with claws of iron, had lost his mind.  Turning him into the shell of an insect that once was. So empty and full of rage.)

(However, those who doubted and questioned Your Majesty's activities were banished from the Dream Realm.)

(It was like a death sentence.)

Sitting down with a scepter in his hand, the prince stood where the monarch would stand. On the white chair, so pristine it gleamed in the chandelier lights. Taehyung would stay with his father until the end of time, even if his mother, the White Lady, was recently sent away. Insanity as it may be, the prince would not abandon his family. He wouldn't do it like his sister. Hornet.

His fangs brushed together, tightening in a nervous tic. All eight of his legs were crossed, posing a pose of regalia and pomp.

"My dear companions," he said, blinking all eight of his eyes slowly. The prince wanted to pass security on to his nobility. To be something steady for them to hold on to amidst all the chaos. "The tests are now closed. Thank you for your attention."

"But, my lord, Your Highness…", one of the insects said with a shaky voice. Their forehead hit the ground, bending their back. "What are we going to do now?"

Not even Taehyung had an answer to that. It was something he asked himself daily as he watched his father's obsession and the death of his subjects. A cruel doubt that struggled in his web.

"Return to your routine activities until the next test", he slammed the scepter on the ground, ending any discussion. "Tell the ones at the Abyss that one more knight must be forged."

All the insects bowed to the order. Touching the palms of their claws on the white marble, his subjects murmured praises and pledges of love.

The ancient elders pointed out how Taehyung had matured into a handsome young gentleman. His exoskeleton had gone through some seedlings, leaving the infant shell behind. (He was at the stage in life where he could already dethrone his father.)

(There was no Sun or Moon in the underworld, not even in the Dream Realm. None of the insects knew what the sky was. Time under the earth passed differently, let alone buried in a land of dreams. The years seemed to be the same, the days did not change. No one there knew how to measure the age of an insect exactly.)

(No one there could measure how much time had passed since the infection had started.)

Taehyung went to his room with his mind full, analyzing the situation. Coldly speaking, his noble subjects residing in the White Palace were safe. The Cruel Goddess couldn't touch them while they were in the Dream Realm. None of his close circle would die.

But… How the world outside would be with the infection? The prince looked at his mother's painting next to his plants. So kind and pretty. How would the Queen's garden look now with death in its roots? What would the City of Tears look like now? What happened to the insects that could not be protected by dreams?

Someone has to do something to stop that infection. Only incompetent knights with countless flaws wouldn't put a stop to a vengeful being's plans. They needed someone empty, such a perfect vessel to be used for the greater good.

Taehyung's left-hand threw the royal scepter into any corner of his bedroom and went for his hidden belongings. Under the locked drawer, a crumpled amateur illustration resided at the end of it. His younger sister, mother, and father. All of them were beside, what the King called, the Three Dreamers. Happy, whole.

Those were simpler times. In which the biggest concern was choosing which would be the prince's spouse. How the three Dreamers would take care of little Hornet. Or even, what they could do to lessen the gossip about the heir's species. 

Who would have thought that the King picked a spider to be his son?

Now, with death so close to their home, who would care that the Pale King and the White Lady adopted a little spider to be in their family? After the infection, most of his subjects never questioned the heir's orders again. Small blessings. Only the Old Higher Beings and Gods could know what would happen to them if their insects didn't accept him as their leader.

When he went to put away his family's illustration, the spider's long fingers touched the ancient map. Another part of his hidden treasures. ]it was Hallownest made by Cornifer. How would the outside world be outside the Dream Real now? Was it as full of demise and the undead as the guards said?

There was no other word to describe those creatures that had been infected other than undead. Insects without free will. Dead bugs who only felt bloodthirsty. Miserable beings who only could wait for the mercy of death. Friends and family, once full of life and joy. Hosts to a Cruel and Vengeful Higher Beingsdess.

Radiance. Just the name of such a deity made Taehyung's body tremble. So imposing and hideous. Beautiful and perfect. Untouchable.

Fuck you, death.

Fuck you, infection.

Fuck you, Radiance.

She would suffer for this, Taehyung's fangs clenched. The prince would laugh when the death of that foul being was announced to the world below. However, that was a distant dream. None of this would be possible without an empty knight. A Hollow Knight.

It was hopeless.

Taehyung's heart beat slowly at the thought of a perfect vessel. A perfect weapon. He threw himself on his bed and cringed. Even if the infection could not reach the White Palace, death was not uncommon at the court. All those failed knights died daily. Forged with void souls, their essences were shaped to never have any emotions.

The abyss should have been full of corpses, of broken shells. Newborn children were the perfect soldier. Would they be doing the right thing? After all, was this the right way to stop the infection?

Those imperfect vessels didn't feel, therefore death to them was like broken glass. Taehyung shouldn't feel compassion for defective dolls.

With shaking hands, Taehyung looked at his young sister's illustration. Her white mask resembled the features of those knights. As much as he loved his father, the prince couldn't bear to see so much destruction, so much madness. So much mockery before the death of dolls that contained the sole purpose of serving the King.

Inside, an ugly feeling burned like acid. He wanted more time with his father, like in the old days. Starved for attention, Taehyung wished the Pale King's eyes were on him. The monarch's approval was all the heir wanted. No more knights, no more obsessions.

No more death.

Faint knocks interrupted Taehyung's furious thoughts. "Your Highness?", his best friend's voice was heard.

"Jungkook," he grinned with his sharp fangs. Jaws opened. The prince straightened up in bed, not bothering to put away his little treasure. "Please come in."

The metallic beetle, in all its glory and wisdom, appeared through the crack in the door. "Despite everything, you did well today. It was good how you handled the nobles. At least it didn't start with a tantrum."

"It was a disaster, you can tell me the truth. The only thing that didn't happen was a riot because my father terrified everyone with his threats", he fell on the pillow. The spider's black hairs spread out across the softness of the silk. "He is getting worse with every knight that fails."

"It's notable," chuckled amicably. He bowed his head in a simple, respectful bow.

"He's obsessed with the idea of saving the kingdom. He has put spikes and saws everywhere, guards in every corner. Adorned the whole Palace with traps. Jin was right, he's not right in the head."

Jungkook sighed and fully entered the room. He wanted to defend his leader, but he missed his butterfly. "Jin shouldn't have opened his mouth," he muttered sadly.

"Jin's job was to open his mouth, if you don't remember," Taehyung chuckled sadly. "Singing for the nobility made him bolder. He wasn't like that when he was still with Marissa."

"So bold that he was practically ostracized," his six paws went to the chair in front of the huge dressing table. His body sank into the comfort of the object. Talking about Seokjin made his exoskeleton hurt. "Now everything is so empty without his pretty voice."

"You're a bug in love, no wonder you feel that way," one of his legs kicked Jungkook's strong carapace with rough delicacy. "What are you doing here? I thought I declared the start of activities until the next knights arrived"

"Your father asked me to call you," he sighed, feeling a headache sneak up on him. "Said it was of esteem importance."

"Everything for him is of esteem importance. Before the latest knight's test failed, he wanted to discuss with me the new security system", he laughed bitterly remembering the conversation. "He said the way to his throne was… too easy."

"The Path of Pain is impossible, almost no one can get through it," Jungkook's jaws clicked in clear irritation. "Make that torture worse? He's crazy, that's what it is."

"Tell me something I don't know," he got up from the bed. His eight feet touched the ground with some reluctance. He wasn't in the mood to see his father. All he wanted with me was work, work, and more work. It was never to just be together, enjoying each other's company. "Well…", he straightened his attire. "Wish me luck."

"May the Gods be with you, Your Highness"

Leaving his quarters, Taehyung walked as slowly as possible. The path to her father's private throne was a complicated one. Nicknamed the Path of Pain. Entering, the heir was not carried away by the difficulty of the path. He had made every detail of that torture himself. He knew every sharpened blade, every poised spear.

In the end, the monarch's private throne was an oppressive place. Silent and dark. It wasn't like that in the past. But after her father's madness and obsession, no member of the nobility could easily get there.

The Pale King had isolated himself from everyone and everything.

(If not for the brainwashing he had done to his inner circle and eliminating those who doubted him, the King would have been long dead. Executed by the unsatisfied and fearful nobility.)

"Father", Taehyung arrived at his destination without even breaking a sweat. Well, with all the necessary equipment it was a little easier. Double jump and dash were his best friends. "Did you call me?"

His adoptive father was small, jokingly speaking. Compared to his mother, the Pale King was insignificant. The huge throne seemed to swallow his stature. However, despite this (hateful) fact, he was still an imposing figure. Almost a divine being.

"My son," the King said. His voice was tired as if he carried the weight of the entire Palace on his shoulders. "Come closer."

With his eight legs, Taehyung approached the throne. He was kind of skittish. Now, his words would have to be measured carefully if the prince didn't want to provoke his father's fury.

Besides, where the heir would be, was a small knight. Black eyes and two pointy horns. The spider's fangs tightened. That was his place. A small jealousy invaded his chest. While the Prince was desperately tending the Palace, the King was playing house with one of his dolls.

(His irritation towards the knight would be insignificant, Taehyung thought, trying to calm down. After all, soon that newly created being would be killed, just like his siblings. Discarded like the defective weapon that they were.)

(Taehyung smiled at his father and company, feeling terrible. All that eternity locked away with a death omen was making him cynical.)

(Was he going crazy too?)

(No, no. That could not happen. The royal bloodline was supposed to be safe and provide security for the entire underworld.)

"Did something happen, Father?" he straightened his back and lifted his chin. His hands went behind him, hiding his clenched fists. Making an effort not to acknowledge the knight's presence, Taehyung kept his focus on the King's figure.

"This one," the monarch opened his arm and gestured to his company. "It's our last hope," he announced as if it were the only truth in existence. "The key to saving the entire world of Hallownest."

He always says that, thought the exasperated heir, always with false promises and sweet words. Keeping silent, Taehyung smiled and shook his head.

The Pale King stamped his foot. "You do not believe me."

"Oh! No, Father, far from it," he let out a diplomatic chuckle. "I just don't see how this… knight is different from the others."

"This is the perfect vessel," declared. The knight just stood beside the King. There was no expression on their mask. An undeniable void, like their soul. "They will save everyone."

Taehyung wanted to scream. Get out of that place and break everything. Pierce a Nail through the white appearance. Break the knight's dark soul. However, the heir did none of that. He just cocked his head to the side and kept his smile.

"Are you sure about that, Your Majesty?", the title hurted to say. Taehyung actually wanted to say thousands of things. He chose to say, though, "It is decided then?"

(Father, think about it again. You're going crazy. Look at me one last time, we're all going to die in heartbreak. Dad, please.)

"One more thing," the King leaned his back against the throne and turned his face away. His black eyes went to his company, watching closely Taehyung, of course, didn't notice any of that. The prince was so immersed in his own grief that he was unable to perceive his father's anguish. "It's your duty…", he started and crossed his legs. "It is your duty, as heir, to accompany the Hollow Knight on his journey to be sealed in the Egg."

Taehyung's heartbeat stopped. He opened his jaws to say something, but nothing came out. Then, he took two steps back, nearly tumbling his own legs. The prince blinked his eight eyes quickly.

"What?"

The monarch refused to look at his son. "Hornet will judge the knight's aptitude, but I don't trust her. Soon, you will escort and saddle him with the Dreamers."

(The Pale King trusted no one, not even himself.)

"Father… Your Majesty… Please"

"It is decided," the monarch said at last. "Get out of here, that's an order… And take Jungkook with you, such a White Defender apprentice should help you on your journey."

Without saying another word or complaint, Taehyung turned his back and went to his room to get ready for his new mission. Tense shoulders and tears formed in the corner of his eight eyes.

(The Pale King was dying, that was a fact. From old age? From infection? From insanity? It didn't matter. All the monarch knew was that his time was coming and there was nothing he could do.)

(With his family's safety on his mind, the royal insect decided the best option was to do what was done to his wife. Send Taehyung as far away as possible and never look back.)

(To keep him from witnessing his father's death, the Pale King sent him on an impossible journey. He wanted to spare his son. That way, Taehyung would be reunited with his only family left, Hornet and the White Lady.)

(It was supposed to be a mission that had a high chance of failing and would take a long time, so when the monarch died, Taehyung would be far from home. His dear son shouldn't see his old father rot and wither away. Losing against the inevitable .)

(It was all for his own good, the monarch thought. Without Taehyung here, he could rest in peace.)

(As he always did, the Pale King pushed the people he loved the most away. He was good at that, letting his family down just to hurt them even more.)

Arriving at his room, Taehyung slammed the door hard, wanting his father to hear all of his outrages. He looked at Jungkook's figure, who was still there in his bedroom, and let out a furious scream. A sound that vibrated through his vocal cords and that ached his diaphragm. Then, he finally let the angry tears fall.

His friend had a worried look on his face and jumped out of his chair in fright. Its horns gleamed in the pale lights.

"Did something happen with your father?" he said, stepping closer, alarmed. "It's everything alright?"

Taehyung didn't answer. Going to his belongings, he started throwing everything on the floor. He broke the glass, ripped up books, and chipped rocks. Even more tears fell from his eyes, furiously, like a waterfall. He used his scepter to break everything he could see in his room.

"Bastard!" he roared. His fangs stuck out, menacing. He pulled at his own hair, making his scalp burn. "Motherfucker!"

"Hey," Jungkook took a step back. He was assigned to be the prince's bodyguard, in addition to being his best friend, but that didn't mean he knew how to act in these emotional times. "Your Highness, take it easy. What happened?"

"Take it easy? Easy?", he kicked the chair as hard as he could, causing it to break one of its legs. "That pathetic madman is going to take me from the only place I feel safe! He's going to sink this Gods damned kingdom! Without me here everyone will fucking die! How dare he throw me out of here?"

"What do you mean to throw you out? Like Jin?", Jungkook's eyes widened. "You?"

"I'm the perfect child!", he threw the scepter against the wall, breaking it apart. "When he kicked Seokjin out I just nodded and agreed. My best friend! Banished from here! And I didn't even complain! I never gave him reason to doubt my loyalty and now he just fucking throws me out of here?" heavy and unbalanced. "He did this to Mom and now me? Who does he think he is? Fucking bullshit!"

"Your Highness…Taehyung", Jungkook held up his hands in a peaceful gesture. "Let's calm down a little bit, please think rationally for a moment."

"By the Higher Beings, Jungkook", Taehyung grabbed the warrior's collar and pulled him close. "If you don't shut the fuck up right now, I'm going to kill you."

"I'm just trying to help," he placed one of his hands on the spider's shoulder. "I'm sure that's not what Your Majesty meant."

He narrowed his eyes dangerously. "You don't even know what he said", their faces were close to each other. They could feel their breaths mingling together. Every detail of their faces passed through their attentive gaze, drinking in their closeness. "You don't know shit!"

"Yes, yes. But, I can imagine that he didn't just ban you from here, like Seokjin. You're not just anyone from the court, Your Highness. You are his son. His only son", he gave a small smile. "Take a deep breath, count to ten, and tell me exactly what he said."

Taehyung looked at the destroyed room. He pulled his lips up, baring his fangs, in a grimace of disgust. And finally, he threw himself on the unmade bed. "I don't even remember his words exactly. I was so angry and nervous that my mind went blank," he sighed. "It's just… He sent me on a mission out of here, out of the Dream Realm. Out there, with the infection. And, you are going to be coming along, for company."

"See?", the soldier sat down on the bed. It was as if the information that he practically had his death warrant signed by the royal family didn't even matter. "He didn't mean to throw you out, just like that."

"I know my father," the spider grumbled. He laid his head on the beetle's shoulders. "It's just a pretext to get me out of this place."

"Why would he do that though?" Jungkook ran his hands through the other one´s hair. "That doesn't feel right to me."

Taehyung shrugged with a pout on his lips. "I don't know," sighed. "Perhaps to take over the entire White Palace? For power and control? I know he appreciates power."

Laughing lightly, the bodyguard poked the prince's abdomen for a tickle, wanting to make him laugh. "He literally is the King of the whole place, he doesn't need more power than that."

"My father is king, but he doesn't rule," chuckled bitterly. "There is nothing left to reign, all of his subjects are dead."

Jungkook didn't have the words to answer him. That was the sad truth. There were few survivors left and only the Higher Beings know what goes on out there in Hallownest.

"When we go to the outside world…", the beetle murmured dreamily. "I want to feel the water in the City of Tears one last time."

"It's your hometown, isn't it? The capital and everything."

With a sigh, he snuggled into the prince's warmth. "Yeah… It's got the best blacksmith there, a busy place full of people. And don't even get me started on the soul searchers. Sentinels everywhere and even a complicated sewer system."

Taehyung grimaced. "Doesn't look like a good place to me. I don't remember it well, just that it was very wet."

"The city is always crying, no matter how much time passes," he closed his eyes as if he imagined water falling from the ceiling. "My mother used to say that She was grieving for something that hasn't happened yet... And, well, after the infection, I understand now."

"It seems to be a sad place," commented the heir.

"And it is," he gave a smile full of tenderness. "The saddest and most beautiful place in all of Hallownest. I wonder what happened to it with the Radiance."

Taehyung made a disgusted noise. "Do me a favor and don't say the name of that bitch next to me. I might throw up or something."

Jungkook's black eyes rolled in fond amusement. "Your aversion to Her will not make the infection go away."

"But that doesn't mean I have to like that motherfucker."

Chapter Text

“The old King of Hallownest... he must have been desperate to save his crumbling little world. The sacrifices he imposed on others... all for nothing.”

(...)

Time has passed. Or at least, he thought. Some knights were tested and passed some battles, but they were not what Hallownest needed. The Pale King had his favorite, clearly. The small shadow did not leave the monarch's side, as if it were his son. Just thinking about it made the prince's stomach bubble with rage.

Preparations for the trip were slowly being made. Taehyung tried his best to postpone the unavoidable. That was a direct order from the King, nothing and no one was going to undo that.

With a stinger Nail in his tiny hands, the knight didn't have many possessions. Weapons, and vessels, did not need material goods. Unlike Taehyung who had a huge backpack full of his stuff, just like Jungkook.

"Are we ready then?" the beetle asked. Having a nod as an answer, everyone leaves the dream.

As soon as his legs hit the cold ground, Taehyung's entire body shook. According to the map, they were in Ancient Basin, an abandoned place. So dark and different from the White Palace. There was dirt and rocks everywhere, no matter where they looked. It had no form of life.

"Wow," muttered Jungkook. "I didn't remember that the world out there was so…"

"So fucking boring, shitty, uninteresting," Taehyung kicked a pebble. "Nothing exciting."

Awkwardly, the beetle laughed. "Yeah, that's right," he pushed the other with his shoulder gently. "Give it some more time and things will start to get more exciting. I think, hopefully"

The Knight grabbed the edge of the spider's pompous blouse and pulled to get his attention. "What is it?" he asked hoping all his dislike for his father's favorite wouldn't show itself. The little insect pointed in one direction. Upon seeing Kingsmould's corpses, his eyes widened. "Oh," he mumbled, somewhat disconcerted.

"Well, that's not what I meant when I said more exciting," Jungkook grimaced.

"The White Palace within the Dream Realm needs to be supported somehow I think," Taehyung reached down and touched the white armor.

"But it's no less upsetting," he shuddered. "We're living forever in a dream of a dead bug, that's not encouraging."

"It was that or death."

"As I said, it's no less upsetting," Jungkook had an uneasy expression on his face and held the prince up by his hand. The beetle's claw made a small caress, to remind him that the heir was not alone. "Don't think too much about it, Your Highness, let's continue our journey."

The map was good, detailed even if it was old and some parts were missing. Ancient Basin was not exciting at all, as Jungkook said. The only form of life was infected vermins that crawled on the rocks. Fossils of ancient insects that would never come back to life. There was a domineering aura that weighed heavily on their shoulders.

"Where are we going?" asked Taehyung uncomfortably. He wanted to get out of that place soon.

"To the City of Tears," said Jungkook with his nose buried in the paper. His thick brows were furrowed. "First we have to talk to Lurien, the Watcher."

"Oh, him…."

"You do not like him?"

"That's not it," he laughed, embarrassed. The small knight cocked their head, asking a silent question. "He's just… kind of… weird, don´t you think?"

"Weird?", now it was Jungkook's turn to be confused. "Like, how?"

"Watching everyone is kind of… uncomfortable. Don't you think so?"

"I guess this is his job, right? Since he's the city's protector and all," Jungkook looked at the map and chuckled. "If you think this is weird, then get ready for more weirdness."

Taehyung sighed, mentally exhausted. That adventure hadn't even started and he already wanted to go back to his bed. "What is it now?"

"The only way to City of Tears on foot is through the sewer."

Despair passed through Taehyung's soul. He ran his hands over his face and wiped away the tears. "Bullshit"

"That's exactly what you heard," he let out a snorted chuckle, appalled by the other's reaction. "It says here: Royal Waterways."

"Are you sure?"

"Yep," said the beetle, clicking the 'p'. "Further uphill and soon we'll be in town."

"There is no other way?"

"Negative", he folded the map and put it in his bag. "Actually it does, but it's a huge path and it would take a lot longer than necessary."

The prince took a deep breath and counted to ten. "Wonderful", he shuddered at the thought of the unpleasant smell. "For fucks sake."

"Is everything okay in there?", he asked with a smile, amused by that reaction.

"I am great. Fucking fine," spat angrily. "I hate my father," the prince began to prepare. He tied a handkerchief around his forehead and rolled up his suit sleeve. Then, he took off all the ornaments and put them in his bag. He wanted to be well-dressed, but that seems to be impossible. "If we survive this, the first thing I'm going to do when I get home is threaten that motherfucker's life. And fuck his guards."

Seeing his best friend like that, taking off his clothes, Jungkook got embarrassed. He looked away and resisted the temptation to enjoy the show. The little knight looked at it with their head down and hands clasped, not understanding the beetle's ration in the face of the prince's lack of clothing.

The group started to climb. The path was not easy, full of irregularities. But for someone who did the Path of Pain daily, it was a piece of cake. There were a few creeping enemies, but the knight and bodyguard killed them without even blinking.

Jungkook took a deep breath, a little heavily, and went to remove his Nail from the corpse of one of the dead insects. "Is everything okay in there, little guy?"

The knight looked at the beetle. They were panting, even though they tried to hide it. With their dark heart pounding, shaking their entire being. A small nod was their response.

"We need to stop for a while," declared Taehyung, taking in the tedious scenario. "Isn't there a bench nearby?"

Picking up the map, the beetle pointed to the nearest rest area. "Right here."

As the group sat down, all the pain from the battles seemed to ease. Jungkook threw himself onto the metal, sprawling across the bench. Seeing the tired action of his fellow adventurer, the little insect lightly jumped up and stood beside him. They leaned into the warrior's shoulder.

"Hey," the warrior smiled, finding the attitude cute. "Are you sure everything's okay?", the knight nodded a few times, silent as always. "Fine, fine," he ran his hand over their head, between the horns. "If you need a break, just nudge me," he gave a friendly chuckle. "We're not in a hurry."

Taehyung rolled his eyes, a little bit jealous. He also wanted a pat on the head, as strange as the thought was. "It's not like the world is ending."

"Don't be a killjoy, Your Highness. There's no point in an exhausted soldier."

As they walked and climbed upwards, the prince managed to grow more and more disgusted by the change of scenery. Incredibly speaking, Royal Waterways managed to be more bizarre than the Ancient Basin. First of all, the stench was unpleasant. So bad it hurt Taehyung's head. It stank of shit and piss.

Walking through the sewer, they came across disgusting animals. Ones that separated from their own bodies, becoming two. There were also the ones who made strange noises and ran with the intent to kill. Everything there was bloodthirsty.

Every time the group would sit on the bench, they could breathe once more. Even if it's a smelly and unpleasant air

There was liquid everywhere, dripping and pooling. The prince didn't know what water was and what pee was. His shoes were wet with the remains of insects and infection.

"All that water is from the City of Tears," Jungkook muttered as he stretched out on the bench. His Lumafly Lantern with a single firefly illuminated the whole place. "Which comes from the Blue Lake."

Seeing his shoe all wet with remains, Taehyung couldn't help himself. "Holy shit," the prince rolled onto his side and dumped the entire contents of his stomach onto the floor. His legs shook and he crouched down, propping himself up on his knees.

A small hand passed over his back. The prince looked back, and the little insect was comforting him. With that, a small feeling of affection passed through the heir's heart. He tried to smile, but it came out as a grimace.

"Thank you," he whispered. A tissue was offered. "Oh, thank you," he repeated in surprise. Taehyung wiped his mouth and blew his nose. "Where did you get that?"

The empty knight pointed to the heir's pockets. And… Oh, that was his tie. Excellent.

Without thinking twice, he grabbed the fabric and threw it on the floor, along with his own vomit. He wouldn't miss it.

“We have to be careful,” Jungkook announces seriously. "The map says there are areas with acid nearby."

"Just what I needed," he grumbled sullenly. "Is there no way we can't take damage from this thing?"

"Only Isma's blessing would help us," he shrugged. "I don't know where that is, the map doesn't say."

"Shit. This adventure just keeps getting better and better," he sat down on the bench, out of breath. "Are we there yet?"

"Nah," the beetle laughed, making a noise of denial. His hand went to the spider's fangs and cleaned them. He placed the palm of his hand on the other's cheek. "I'm sorry you had to go through this, my liege."

Enjoying the affection, Taehyung tilted his head and closed his eight eyes. "It's a necessary evil, I think."

"You'll see," he leaned his forehead against the prince in an act of intimacy. "The City of Tears is a very beautiful place, so much better than this sewer. Your whole soul will be washed with the water of the Blue Lake."

"Beautiful and sad, you said."

"Yep", he opened his mouth but was interrupted by the small knight who shoved himself between the two. Their expression was still blank as usual, not indicating anything. However, they laid their head on the prince's shoulders. "Oh, hello there, little guy."

Taehyung resists the urge to roll his eyes. Oddly enough, he also felt a small urge to stroke between the insect's horns. They were so repulsive and cute. Ugh, conflicted emotions fucking sucked.

The knight pointed to the map. "This?", Jungkook opened the paper. "We're almost there, missing some turns and climbing, but soon we're there."

"Ugh!", Taehyung shuddered as he took a look at his own shoes, which were soaked through. With its eight legs, it was difficult when it came to being careful where it stepped. "What the fuck are these creatures? Fucking disgusting!"

"It is Flukes or something," Jungkook made a face. He wasn't happy about killing those nasty bugs either.  The little insect pointed to the blank part of the map."My liege, do you have a quill? Some paths aren't on paper. Well noted, little guy."

"Wait a moment," Taehyung rummaged through his bag looking for the object. It was just so much stuff that he was lost. "Aha!", exclaimed when he found what was asked for. "Here you are, darling", Jungkook got shy and gave a chuckle.

The beetle wasn't the most artistic person in all of Hallownest, but drawing a decent map was pretty easy. It wasn't as pretty as Cornifer's, but it did the job. He bit his lip and put on a bench symbol.

The little insect touched his arm lightly. "Hum? Are you okay?", he received a shake of the head and the knight pointed to the beetle's hands. "What? My quill? Do you want to use it?"

"I think they want to draw."

"Ah!", Jungkook laughed, amused. "Make yourself comfortable."

Taehyung had to admit, the sight of the Empty Knight with a map and quill in his tiny hands was kind of cute. He blew out a breath through his nose and a tiny smile crept onto his lips. Taehyung couldn´t decide if they were cute or hideous.

The little insect began to walk with its eyes glued to the paper.  They walked away, taking small steps, and waved goodbye.

Concern flitted across Jungkook's face. "Are you going to walk around alone? Do you want us to accompany you? Here, at least use the Lumafly Lantern."

Shaking his head, he took the luminous object and walked away between the twisted pipes. Not even looking back.

"Are you sure leaving him alone is a good idea?", Taehyung asked laying his head on the warrior's shoulder. Two of his legs intertwined with the beetle's legs.

"The little guy is a good warrior, after all, they were made to be a perfect knight and have exceptional skills," he blinked slowly. "I'm not worried about them."

"I don't know, em. That doesn't seem like a good idea to me."

"Nothing to you seems like a good idea," he poked the spider's chest, tickling it a little. "Pessimistic."

"You're a fucking optimist," he bit the other's neck lightly with two fangs playfully. Jungkook shuddered and sucked in air, filling his lungs. "Oh! I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"No, no," he chuckled breathlessly. He didn't want to tell his childhood best friend that his heart wasn't jumping out of his chest. He put his arm around the other's waist. "Are you okay? I know that was some nasty stuff here, my liege."

"I think so," Taehyung sighed, still a bit bewildered. "Nothing I couldn´t handle. I am a strong bug, you know?"

The beetle caressed the prince, with his hand around his body. "I saw you threw up just now,"  squeezed him lightly. "Won't you want to take a break from this journey?"

In a disgusted grimace, the prince pulled his lips down. "This place gives me the creeps, I just can't explain it. It seems that I was locked in the Dream Realm forever."

"Well," he chuckled, apologetic. "I admit the sewers aren't the most comfortable place in all of Hallownest. But look on the bright side, at least we're not in Deepnest."

A huge discomfort and tenderness passed through the body of the heir. Just thinking about the thousands of paws and critters passing through there made him feel (home) sick. Deepnest was bizarre, completely gloomy. It was an old, dark, and fond childhood memory. Playing through Deepnest and getting bitten by countless insects.

"I remember that shit," the spider muttered. "You have the City of Tears and me, Deepnest."

"The spider tribe is from there, right?", Jungkook was afraid to ask a question that would make his friend even more nervous.

"Unfortunately," he grabbed the warrior's shirttail and started playing with the fabric. "We are one of the smartest creatures in all of Hallownest, but nobody seems to care about us precisely because we come from the most primitive place in all of the underground."

"And after the King kidnapped you…"

"I wasn't kidnapped, I was adopted," he kicked Jungkook's leg hard enough to hurt. 

"It was a power play" Jungkook rolled his eyes. "Even I can see that, Your Highness."

"Well, you know how the spiders didn't accept the Pale King as their leader…", he shrugged. "Having an adopted arachnid heir seemed to appease everyone."

"Yeah, yeah... I know...", signed. "I just don´t like it. What was it like there, then?", the beetle asked curiously, trying to change the subject. He had never been to Deepnest and only heard stories, as scary as they were. "Is it as bad as everyone says?"

"My old home?" the spider gave a small smile, fangs and all. He snuggled into that nice, warm hug. "Webs everywhere, houses suspended in the air. Everyone took care of everyone else, and then there was our Queen."

"Herrah, the Beast."

"Exactly."

"We need to talk to her," Jungkook laid his head in the crook of the prince's neck. "We have to seal the little guy in the egg, along with the Dreamers."

A small sigh came from the spider's fangs. The adventure hadn't even started and he already wanted to go home. Both closed their eyes, enjoying the moment.

They stayed like that for some time. Just feeling the presence of another's body, not caring about the journey. That adventure had taken more of his energy than anticipated. His exoskeleton hurt, as did his legs. It felt like there was a weight on his shoulders and chains around his ankles, dragging him down.

Sitting on the bench helped, but that way was better. Stay in each other's arms. However, one thing was missing. Both insects remembered Seokjin, their other half. Their butterfly was missing.

"My liege…", Jungkook whispered. "I have a request to make."

The prince chuckled, amused. "We're friends, darling, I already told you that you don't need to ask my permission to talk to me."

"It's just… We're out of the Dream Realm, right?"

"Right."

"And, well…", he pirouetted, looking for the right words. "Jin was kicked out of court, out of the White Palace. And I thought… that, I don't know… It would be nice if we looked for him while we were out here."

"Jin?", a strange feeling passed through the spider's body. Guilt, for not having fought with his father, not having insisted more for him to stay. He missed his wings, his smile. Love, but that was hidden, under lock and key. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt if we looked for him, I guess."

"Really?", his eyes that carried so much life widened. A disbelieving smile came to his lips. "Oh, you're the best!" He leaned down to give the heir a small kiss on the cheek.

The prince was very embarrassed. He looked away and his jaws clicked in a nervous tic. "The Knight is sure taking their sweet time", murmured Taehyung, interrupting the conversation. He really didn't want to leave that position to look for the adorable little inconvenience. "Do you think we should…?"

"As I said, the little guy is a warrior," he puffed out the air. "Give it some more time."

It was only the beetle saying what they could hear footsteps. Jungkook was on guard immediately. His back straightened and he pulled out of the embrace. With swiftness, he picked up the Nail that was lying down and prepared for a fight.

"Ah," he exclaimed, more relieved. "It's just you, little guy."

The Pure Vessel waved their hands as they stood on their tiptoes. On the right was the rolled-up map and on the left was the quill.

"How was your little adventure?", Jungkook chuckled and crouched down to their height. "Find anything interesting?"

With what appeared to be wary air, the Knight unfolded the map and held it up for the two insects to see. Perfectly designed, it was the missing path. A bit of Ancient Basin and Royal Waterways were finished and connected. There were little points of interest circled, too. Farthest to the left of all was a huge corridor, and at the end of it resided only a dot, nothing more.

"Oh", both the prince and the warrior were surprised. They knew the knight was strong, but walking alone through the sewers and ancient areas was a remarkable feat.

The perfect weapon took something out of his pocket. There was a piece of clothing in their small hands. And, when Taehyung looked into it further, it was exactly what the knights wore. It was wet with some orange liquid.

Infected blood, probably.

Eyes wide, he handed it to the warrior. Jungkook laughed sadly, losing some of his excitement. "Looks like you found one of your flawed siblings."

Nodding twice, the empty knight had their shoulders down. Neither of the two insects noticed this, though. Their mask showed no expression, but their soul did.

A Pure Vessel shouldn't have useless emotions.

A perfect weapon shouldn't feel compassion for the dead.

An empty doll shouldn't have any fraternal relationship.

"Should we do something about it?", Taehyung frowned. He put his hand on the warrior's shoulder and squeezed a little.

"It's just a faulty one," Jungkook ran his hand over the doll's head. He knew the little insect felt nothing for their sibling's death, but Taehyung´s irrational side got the better of him. "I don't know if it's worth it, my liege."

"It's a little cruel to leave them there to die," he muttered uncertainty. He didn't like knights, but that didn't feel right. He was jealous and doubtful when it came to the emotions of these puppets, of course. But, their heart was still beating hot.

"If that piece of cloth is an indication of anything, likely, the little guy's sibling is already dead", the warrior's countenance was cold. The hand on top of the knight's head stroked over the white mask. "You know how they might be."

"Dead on the inside, alive on the outside. Infected," he sighed heavily. "What do you want to do, Knight?"

The little vessel stared at the two for a while. Water dripped onto the floor and insects crawled onto the floor, the only noise in the room. They, then, turned his face away and closed the map.

"The mission comes first," Jungkook translated. "We can't waste our time on useless things."

Disappointing, thought Taehyung. The prince hoped the little insect would show any indication that there was something within the void of their soul. Anything that showed that was life contrary to only obedience.

But, that was what made that knight perfect. A weapon. A doll. A Hollow Knight.

"Useless things? So you don't want to see Seokjin?", snorted the heir, still disappointed.

"No! No, no", Jungkook despaired. Removing his hand from the knight's head, he straightened his clothing. "Before he left, Jin said he would be with his former master, Marissa. They're probably in the City of Tears. I already know exactly where they are exactly. In the Pleasure House!", Taehyung raised an eyebrow, making him laugh awkwardly. "That's not what you're thinking. ;What a dirty mind, my liege"

"Shut up. Let's just fucking go."

With the map a little more complete, it was easier to walk through the sewer. It was still unpleasant, but now they weren't easily lost.

Halfway there, the knight turned their head and pointed to the map, where the City of Tears was located.

"Do you want to know about the City?"Jungkook asked, raising the Lumafly Lantern. The little shadow shook their head. "No? Do you want to know about Blue Lake? No? Your Highness, help me here…"

"Want to know about Marissa and Jin?"

He nodded his head in agreement gently.

"There is a legend surrounding the songstress that her voice could ease any problem and calm the most agitated mind," laughed Jungkook. "It's obvious that it was Seokjin who spread it."

"Marissa is like Seokjin's mother," explained the prince. "She took him on as her apprentice since he was a maggot."

"The two had a huge fight. Afraid he would get infected, Marissa sent Seokjin to sing in the White Palace court. With the infection, people stopped coming to her performances. She would be alone and Jin didn't want that."

Taehyung grimaced, remembering the screams. "He didn't want to leave her, but the King only allowed one of them to come with us."

"And well… The three of us have been friends since we were little bugs", Jungkook's gaze was warm. Full of tenderness and love. "You're going to like Jinnie, little guy. He's the kindest person you'll ever have the pleasure of knowing."

"If he's still alive," Taehyung said darkly. A bad tremor went through his body. Just thinking about one of the loves of his life, infected and dead, made his insides ache.

Jungkook, who also didn't like his prince's ominous comment, kicked one of the spider's eight legs. "Don't say that, Your Highness."

"It's just a possibility of reality."

"A pessimistic reality, that's what it is."

"Realistic", he stuck out his tongue as if he were still a child. "We don't know how Seokjin is. He could be wasting away for all we know. A ghost."

Sighing, the guard tries not to let himself be shaken. "Don't mind those nasty words, little guy, he doesn't know what he's talking about."

Taehyung rolled all of his eight eyes, just for the show. "Who the fuck do you think you are to talk like that with royalty?" 

On the outside, the prince looked cynical and calm. However, he felt his heart ache with every cruel word he uttered. He wanted to throw himself off the highest platform and die. Turn yourself over to Radiance and end all that suffering.

(The Crown Prince was very dramatic when he wanted to be, that was his heritage from his father, the Pale King. The ultimate Drama King.)]

"I beg mercy, my liege, for my bad manners. I´ve been a bad subject" Jungkook chuckled and bowed. "Don't mind those ugly words, little guy, Your Highness doesn't know what he's talking about."

"I can hear the irony in your voice, you son of a bitch."

When he opens his mouth to retort, the beetle is interrupted by a hand on his shirt. The knight caught his eye and pointed to the ceiling. A manhole shape adorned the top of their heads.

"Oh, we're here!" he exclaimed, forgetting about the harmless little argument.

"Finally," sighed Taehyung.

"Don´t forget to lock it", said the warrior. "We don't need one of those things climbing up here."

As soon as they left the muggy aura of the sewers. The spider filled its lungs, inhaling hard. The air in that city was clean, a little humid, but pleasant. It didn't hurt his nose just to breathe, nor was it smelly.

On shaky legs, he sat down on the wet, tiled floor. "By the Old Gods," he blinked. "Never again! Did you hear me right, darling? Never again!"

"Yes, yes, Your Highness, never again," he chuckled, a little breathlessly. "Where shall we go now, my liege?"

"Find Seokjin and Marissa."

Jungkook softened his smile. "House of Pleasures is on the other side of the Watcher's Spire, in the opposite direction."

Not meeting his warrior's eyes, Taehyung shrugged. "We have time, I think."

They went towards the desired place. Walking through the City of Tears was quite invigorating, they could confess. Calm, sad, and beautiful. Always raining, with drops of water falling from the ceiling. That blue that emanated from the city seemed to be eternal. A desire to cry together with the city resided in the spider's chest.

The prince could even understand Jungkook's feeling of nostalgia, even though he only went to the capital a few times. Diplomatic visits, never being able to explore the full capacity of the famous capital.

(It was unfortunate that only now, after so much death and destruction, was the heir able to do what he had always wanted: travel throughout Hallownest without any royal concerns.)

"Be careful," Jungkook called out. His expression was serious. Lips pulled down and brow furrowed. "The guards and sentinels here must be infected, too."

"It was just what I needed. Just thinking about those huge sentinels full of orange blood gives me the creeps", the prince approached his companions. Sensing the spider's fearful aura, the little knight placed their hand on top of the prince's. "Oh," he exclaimed in surprise, moved by the other's compassion. "Thanks."

"Ah!" the beetle laughed. "I want it too!"

"Calm down, darling. I have seven more free hands", he laughed offering one of his talons to his friend. "No one will be left out."

Walking hand in hand was a unique experience. The prince felt so warm and loved. This was funny because, in addition to the knight´s void of emotions, Jungkook was his best friend. But, he ran his thumb over his companion's hand, that was nice. He could get used to it easily.

He felt an overwhelming urge to kiss the warrior's hands and stroke the little insect's head. Ugh, his feelings were too syrupy. So complex and exhausting. Sometimes the prince wanted to be like one of those vessels, just obeying and doing their duty.

However, Taehyung looked down at their intertwined hands, he didn't mind feeling that way (so loved and understood) every now and then.

As Jungkook predicted, the Sentinels were strong. Stronger than the nasty Royal Waterways bugs. Big and chunky. They carried sharp Nails and were full of blood lust.

Sometimes they had to unfurl their hands to fight. I mean, Jungkook and the knight fought, and Taehyung just gave moral support. Actually, the prince was a long range type of guy. But, the other two were so good that he didn't need to attack much.

"I'm a support", Taehyung said, carrying all their trinkets. He didn't mind doing nothing. "I have to put up with you all the time."

"Ha ha," he pretended to be offended. "Know that the little guy and I are the best company you could have on this journey."

"I hope Seokjin is fine," unconverted. "He is the only company that I want."

"Ouch", the beetle made a pained noise with a smile on his lips. "I don't even want to see how unbearable the two of you together will be. So dramatic."

"So start getting ready, darling, because I think we're here," he chuckled. He pointed one of his unused hands at the location.

"You'll see, little guy," Jungkook pulled them, forming a line. "Jin is like one of the prettiest, coolest bugs you can ever meet. His wings are magnificent and his smile is the prettiest in the whole wide world!"

"You can stop with the flattery because if you don´t, I will get jealous", Taehyung joked. Which was a lie. The prince could, yes, be very jealous, but not of Seokjin, nor of Jungkook. The three were inseparable, none of them feeling any jealousy between them. 

Entering the House of Pleasures, hot air immediately overwhelmed their faces. It was so unexpected that they started coughing.

"What the fuck?", Taehyung pulled his shirt collar down hotly.

"Hot Springs!" he exclaimed happily. "Let's get Jin and then go rest in one. I can't wait to relax! My muscles are hurting"

The silence inside that place was simply deafening. Only the careful steps of the three could be heard. Heavy breathing and snapping of jaws.

"Oh," exclaimed Taehyung lightly as they lit up the room.

Everything was in disarray, as was the whole city. It smelled of death and blood. There was nothing in place. Torn posters of Marissa and chairs on the floor, broken.

"Jin?", Jungkook called sweeping where the audience would have his eyes. "You are there?"

"Seokjin?"

A crack was heard and out of nowhere a sharp point of a Nail was at Taehyung's throat. Both adults held their breath. Swallowing hard, the prince felt the ice of the blade.

"Taehyung, Jungkook", the beautiful voice was half husky in a dangerous and cold timbre. Perhaps from lack of use, perhaps from being alone too long, perhaps from death in abundance. "What are you doing here?"

"How about you put that Nail down first?" laughed the beetle, panicked. His job was to assure the safety of the prince. But, the shadowy figure of the oh so lovely butterfly made his heart stop. "Calm down and don't threaten the heir's life, you know."

"What guarantees me that you are yourselves and not some infected freak?" he snarled. He was taller than Taehyung, practically swallowing the entire figure of the prince who had his neck down, showing. The singer's black eyes bristled, focused.

The knight, with no patience for fights, took their Nail and passed it through the beetle's hand. White blood fell, just a few drops. Afterward, they pointed at Taehyung and nodded.

"Practical," laughed the prince, a little distressed. "See that?" he raised his hand, which was oozing colorless blood. "No Radiance around here, thank the Higher Beings."

Much of Seokjin's tension melted away. However, his shoulders were still hunched and his hand was on the Nail. His beautiful wings were hidden, not showing in their full magnitude. There was heavy, black makeup in his eyes, shadows that flattered his eyes and made him look more menacing.

Clothing that was once lovely and pink, just like Marissa, could no longer be found. Instead, he was dressed in black, like a soldier's outfit. It wasn't shiny armor though, like Jungkook. But, something more discreet. He could easily go unnoticed in the shadows. Without his colorful wings, he was just another insect. 

It looked like Seokjin, Marissa's apprentice and royal court singer, was no longer full of life.

"And who is this?"

Jungkook put his arm around the knight's shoulders. "This is the Little Guy, our adventure buddy."

Rolling his eyes, the prince untangled himself from the menacing grip. As much as he missed Seokjin, he still had a love for his own life, thank you very much.

"According to Your Majesty, my dear father, the Pale King, this is the key to our salvation. The Hollow Knight, the purest vessel in existence."

Seokjin, contrary to what he had imagined, looked at the small insect and pulled his lip up, showing his teeth. He wasn't surprised, much less delighted. On the contrary, their beautiful butterfly looked furious.

"And, why did it take so long?", he spat, in a wave of gigantic anger. There were tense tears in his black eyes. "Why did our salvation only come now?"

"I'm sure not for lack of trying and hard work, I was there to confirm it," Taehyung shrugged. Inside, he was worried sick. It was clear that Seokjin was not well.

"Well, you're too late," he turned his face away. His hands tightened into fists.

"We're going to save Hallownest," declared Jungkook. It looked like it was almost ingenuity in his tone. With his free arm, he placed a hand on Jin's left shoulder. “Come with us.”

(It wasn't naivety. It wasn't innocence. Jungkook was desperate. He wanted to believe in a happy ending for everyone. But, everything was so difficult. Despair took over his being when he saw Jin's state. That ugly feeling multiplied. His greatest wish was to lie in his bed and never get up. However, someone needed to keep the group's spirits up.)

"There's no Hallownest to save!" yelled Seokjin, slamming his hand into Jungkook's, to disengage himself from the grip. "Everyone's dead! Infected! There's not a soul alive in this fucking place!"

"Jin… Seokjin…", Jungkook started, but was interrupted.

"Shut the fuck up! You, in your heroic delusion, who hid from the horrors of the real world in the Dream Realm," he spat on the ground. "Left us to die to play royalty for all eternity. You disgust me, miserable little rich bug."

Taehyung got bugged. Some rage started to grow in his chest. It was really easy to get on his nerves. Placing himself in front of Jungkook and the Knight, he puffed out his chest and lifted his chin. Like he always did with his Father. He was the royal heir, therefore he wasn't going to be intimidated by mere words and resentment.

"You fucking hypocrite," his thick voice reverberated through the venue. Like a crash, making chairs shake and the dead turn over in their tombs. "If you don't remember, if it weren't for my dad and his madness, you would still be happily playing house with us by now."

"I was taken against my will!"

"You left your mother behind of your own free will. A little reluctantly? Yes. But, no one made you go," he snapped, not shouting. Taehyung never raised his voice no matter the situation. He was the crown prince, he knew very well how to make others listen to him without raising his voice. Jin flinched, hurt by the other's speech. "Stop blaming us. We were doing what it took to survive. And you," he narrowed his eyes. "You're just as guilty as me and Jungkook. Don't point fingers and get rid of your burden, you son of a bitch. If the world out here sucks then why are there people like you and me."

Jungkook laughed, completely uncomfortable. He wasn't very good with feelings and situations where the heart spoke louder. "Yes, yes, we are, the three of us, selfish," he smiled wanly. "But look how nice," he pushed the knight forward. "We have a plan now, a chance to make things better", Seokjin said nothing, just looked at them. "Come with us", once again, he placed his hand on the butterfly's shoulder, not giving up. "Come and end Radiance once and for all."

Chapter Text

"To protect the Vessel, the Dreamers lay sleeping.

Through their devotion, Hallownest lasts eternal."

(...)

For whatever reason, Seokjin agreed to join that party in their quest to save all of Hallownest. He, with a bag full of his belongings, had a dagger in his hands and intended to kill any idiot in his path.

"I am a rogue," he muttered when asked why this was his choice of weapon. "I'm not big and strong like Jungkook. I am also not good at soul magic, like your highness," he gave a bitter smile. "I'm agile and light enough to make a quick and clean kill. My dexterity is high enough for that."

"That's so cool," Jungkook smiled a little breathlessly, thinking how pretty Jin looked with those black clothes and makeup. So badass. His heart pounded in his chest and there was a warm feeling in the pit of his stomach. "Like Sly, the fly master."

Contrary to the warrior's excitement, Taehyung clenched his jaws and shrugged, not liking it. "Morbid," he said, a little uncomfortable. "I thought you weren't good at fighting."

"After I got kicked out," snarled spitefully. "I had to learn to fend for myself," he shrugged, pretending not to care. "The world out here is violent, so I had to be too. Kill or be killed and all that stuff."

"I liked it when you smiled, flew, and sang," lamented the spider. The heir then took a lock of the butterfly's hair and tucked it behind the other's ear. He felt sad to see such a sudden personality change. "It was beautiful."

"I'm sorry," he took a step back. There was a pain in his eyes. He, too, was mourning his own death. "It's better this way."

"Well," Jungkook took a step forward, determined to break the bad mood. "First of all, Your Highness and I were thinking of using one of the Hot Springs to rest. After that, we'll go talk to the Dreamers. Our first stop will be the Watcher, 'cause it's closer."

"Exactly," the prince straightened his back, trying to show that none of this had affected him. He was good at keeping up appearances. "It will only be a stop to wash up and replenish our energy."

"We came from the sewer, you know?", Jungkook sighed, filling his lungs with humid and urban air. "No one could stand that horrible smell anymore, right, little guy?", the three looked at the knight. They, in response, shrugged. "See that? Completely desolate", he laughed and patted the white mask.

"I think we can use the Hot Springs," Seokjin shrugged. "Even though I´ve been living here, I've never set foot in there."

"Ever? Man, you don't know what you're missing. Let's go!", Jungkook led the way. “Ah! I remember that it is simply delightful! My mom and I always went there after seeing Marissa perform,” Jin looked away and slumped his shoulders. Nobody but the little knight noticed. "It restores energy, which is nice, washes the soul, and rests the exoskeleton. And, wow, let me tell you that it was so hot that it felt like it was going to suck your whole soul. The first time I almost fainted, my mother was so worried! And when I came back, when I was young, along with the White Defender. He stinks, you know, and-"

The beetle talked to himself the entire way, filling the ears of everyone in the group. He was excited about meeting Seokjin, so he couldn't help himself. He might be introverted but still was loud. Always making a fuss, in a good way, when he was with the people he liked and felt comfortable with.

In response to all that chatter, the knight nodded in agreement. While the other two had a smile at the corner of their mouths. Taehyung was shy for liking that idiot so much. Whereas Seokjin was nostalgic, remembering easier times when he was still a beautiful star, free to fly.

The Hot Springs were a sight for those oh-so-sore eyes. Even if it doesn't look like it, they had passed through two large areas that drained all their energy. It was an oppressive feeling that weighed heavily on her shoulders.

First of all, they washed their belongings. Shoes, clothes, whatever was stained with disgusting orange blood. Taehyung was a little bit clumsy while doing his chores, as he had never washed anything in his life. After all, he was royalty, and never had to do manual work in his entire life. It was weird getting his hands dirty, but he could get used to it. (He did, at least.)

In silent agreement, the three decided that it was best to let the Hollow Knight rest as much as possible. So the little bug sat in a corner and started playing with the water. The hearts of the three adults softened.

"If you want," Jungkook murmured only for him and the heir to hear. However, everything was so silent that it sounded like a scream. He went as close to the heir as he could, almost touching their bodies. "I can wash your clothes for you."

Their fingers brushed. A huge feeling of affection washed over Taehyung's soul, so invigorating. He timidly clasped their hands together. It was nice to touch like this, as much as walking through Hallownest hand in hand. It seemed like every time he touched Jungkook, his world spun and his belly bubbled in a good way.

"No", he squeezed the other a little gently so as not to hurt him. "It's okay, I guess," chuckled sheepishly. He didn't like feeling incapable. "It's just my first time."

Sharp as a blade, Seokjin's smirk crept onto his lips. "I promise I'll be gentle since I am your first" his eyebrows rose up and down. The prince was ashamed and threw the hot water in the direction of the butterfly. "Your Highness," he gave an exaggerated bow.

The beetle took a while to understand, but then it all made sense. He threw back his head and let out a laugh. "Jin! Ah! Seokjin!", He laughed in amusement. "I missed you" he stated completely sincerely. The butterfly was embarrassed and looked away. "This one," he nudged the heir gently with his shoulder. "Is all serious, sarcastic, and pompous."

"Is that any way to talk to your future King?", He splashed water in the warrior's face. "Have more respect."

"Dramatic too," added the singer. "I had forgotten about that…", there was nostalgia in his tone.

"Well," the prince shrugged, suddenly being shy too. "Now that we're together, you can remember the old days."

They were silent for a while, none of them dared to fill the void. As soon as they finished washing things, they laid them out to dry.

Taehyung, after hanging up all his belongings, started to undress. Piece by piece, his clothes fell to the floor. The other two immediately widened their eyes and gulped. "My liege?", Jungkook called him bewildered.

"What?" the shirtless heir asked. “I'm not going to go in covered from head to toe”, little by little, he entered the hot water. Going half-submerged, a deep-throated rumble of satisfaction reverberated throughout the room. "Hmm", hummed. "The water is delicious," he laid his head on the edge of the fountain. "Get in soon, don't be a chickenshit. We're all best friends here, there's nothing we haven't seen before", put half of his face in the water, leaving only his eight eyes.

Seokjin and Jungkook looked at each other, talking silently in panic. The beetle shrugged with an embarrassed smile. He wasn't wearing his heavy armor as it was drying, so the process of taking off his clothes was quick. He entered the water at once without even blinking.

"We could have something like that back at the White Palace", the warrior sighed in pleasure. "Just soul totems aren't the best things in the world."

Seokjin took a deep breath and carefully joined his companions. However, he stayed in his under clothes A thin long dress shirt, and pants.

"In the City of Tears, there's a madman who wants to study souls by putting them in pots. Soul Caches or something like that", Taehyung said. "You can talk to him and improve the Totems, or something like that. My father complained a few times to me about them", he laughed, remembering the King's grumbles. "Curse you, Soul Master", imitated the voice of the older one with a shaking fist in the air. "But, he had faith that his research could help in the quest for salvation from that bitch."

"Sounds crazy to me", Jungkook shuddered just thinking about the experiments. "If before the infection those scholars were strange, today they must be worse than your Majesty."

"Without a doubt," he had a gleam full of pain and anguish in the butterfly's eyes. It was like he was remembering unpleasant things. "I avoid that place as much as possible, just thinking about it gives me goosebumps."

Black makeup has run down his face, but he doesn't seem to notice. He didn't even wipe his face with his hand. His wings were folded, very well guarded.

(There were scars all over his body. He felt dirty no matter how much he washed in the purest water. A butterfly that stained everything he touched with his bloodstained hands.)

"It's a good thing the Watcher's Spire doesn't go through Soul Sanctum. They are completely different paths", he added after a pause. "We're safe, I think. The wizards and scholars only stay in that area and can't get in our way."

"Hostiles?"

"Indeed," he grimaced. "When I was banished from the Palace, I thought I could seek shelter with them. I thought that their research was going forward. After all, scholars were rational and cultured insects."

"Let me guess", Taehyung laughed a little sadly. "Everything went wrong."

"Everything went wrong," he agreed, repeating with a sigh. His left leg tangled with two of Taehyung's, and the other went next to Jungkook. He was seeking emotional support from the insects he loved the most, even if unconsciously. "They make long-range attacks and…", he was silent for a few seconds, thoughtful and melancholic. There was something there in that story, but the prince didn't have the heart to question it. "And, yeah, everything went wrong," he swallowed. "Anyway," he chuckled breathlessly. "What has happened to the Palace since I left?"

"After you left for the outside world," the warrior looked away, troubled. "It felt like something was missing between us."

"It was awful."

"The worst thing that could happen… If you hadn't opened your mouth…"

"I had to say something," the butterfly shrugged with no remorse for his actions. It could have been a bad decision, but he would fight for what he believed in. "We cannot remain silent in the face of such injustice. The King is going crazy."

"Yes, Your Majesty is a little bit obsessed," Jungkook agreed. "But, it's not our place to point that out to him, just like that."

"Past is in the past'', said Taehyung. He slammed one of his hands into the water, splashing the liquid in the faces of everyone present. "Come on, let's stop with this bullshit. We are slacking off. We have a mission to accomplish."

The little shadow just watched all that emotional talk. They had no opinions, no will. Passive to everything that happened in the world. Their only wish was to save Hallownest. (And how bad that news was. Oh! What a tragedy! Oh! What a pity! The perfect weapon for feeling heroic and altruistic feelings! The empty knight wasn't so empty after all!)

After the shower, they started packing their things. Jungkook's white armor gleamed and Taehyung's shoes no longer smelled.

They walked a little faster to the Watcher's Spire. It was imposing. A pillar of the capital. Watching everything and every one, ensuring the safety of its residents.

"We have to be cautious", Jin warned looking at the massive tower. "There are Watcher Knights there and they might be infected. Those gigantic beetles that run in packs."  

"Do you think they are infected?"

"Pray to the Gods that they don't."

They went there passing by some infected bourgeois. For Jungkook, killing those citizens was different from ending the life of Ancient Basin's crawling insects. Completely different. The warrior felt like a murderer, someone dirty and immoral.

(It was funny how the three in that group felt unworthy of being together.)

He could see the glittering jewels that once held value. He could see the painted portraits of his victims. He could see families and social circles destroyed. He could see blood, death, and destruction.

It was the first time he had killed like this, so coldly. He might be the heir's only bodyguard, but this was his first time using his weapon to end civilian lives. As he looked into the reflection of his enemies' eyes, Jungkook felt that a certain part of his being had been broken. 

He felt that some part of his innocence had been drained away.

That weary feeling seemed to increase. It was mourning, sadness, and pessimism. Disappointment with that imperfect world full of death.

The warrior drove his Nail through a young female insect's head. Clumsy and without any training, she would attack with her arms and run from side to side. Her corpse turned liquid and dropped some geo.

"Coward", Seokjin sneered at the corpse. "I think even being infected, the primal instincts don't go away. Fight or flight prevails."

Jungkook felt terrible for the creature but said nothing. After all, Jin had been wandering these lands longer than he had. The butterfly knew things that the beetle could not imagine. He had experienced horrors that no one should ever have to.

Taehyung also had conflicting feelings. However, unlike the warrior, he did not feel as much compassion for the dead. In fact, his sadness was towards Jin's changed morality. His butterfly wasn't so perfect anymore.

(How selfish the prince was! He didn't even grieve for what Jin went through, but for the death of his former friend. A memory that was stained with blood.)

However, when they arrived and entered a room, the whole group stopped walking. There was a platform above their heads that would clearly require a double jump for those without their own wings, such as the equipment called Monarch Wings. It was a long distance from the ground and an ordinary insect could not hop through there.

Luckily, Jungkook had wings that were hidden inside his hard thorax. Both the knight and Taehyung used the mock wings, without even thinking. When it was Seokjin's turn, the three looked down in expectation. They wanted to see his marvelous and colorful wings!

"Jin?" called the beetle. "Everything alright down there?"

The butterfly had an exhausted look. In addition to that, there was enormous pain behind his black eyes. He hugged himself, trying to get smaller.

"I guess I've changed my mind," he trailed off, turning his face to the side. "I don't know if I want to talk to the Watcher."

Irritated, Taehyung looked up at the ceiling, as if asking the Gods for strength. "Holy shit, Seokjin," his tone was exasperated. "Stop being so childish and just fly."

"Look," the singer was also annoyed. He took two steps back and tightened his own arms around himself. "How about the three of you go up to the tower and talk to the Observer's Knights? I'll stay here alone, on guard duty, to admire the decoration or whatever..."

"Don't tell me you're scared," the prince chuckled angrily. "The Jin I know isn't afraid of anything."

"The Jin you know?", He was indignant with such stupidity. "So you don't know me at all."

"My liege, Jin," Jungkook interrupted what looked like the beginning of an argument. As usual, there was a smile on his lips, but it felt a little awkward. "No more fighting," he chuckled, trying to ease the tension between his best friends. "Why don´t we separate the party, at least for a while. Taehyung and the little guy will go upstairs to talk to the Watcher about the Egg, meanwhile, Jin and I stay down here, keeping watch."

It was hard for Taehyung to complain about something. Living with his father, the Pale King, made it easy to follow orders even grudgingly. Therefore, he looked down, put on a diplomatic smile, and gave his hand to the little insect. Together they climbed the tower.

"If you're scared," Jungkook said amiably as he stepped down from the platform. "I just had to say it", he put his feet on the ground and went to meet the butterfly. "No one here will laugh at you, we're all friends. Best friends."

"It's not fear." he wrinkled his nose. The singer sighed and sat on the floor. His head leaned against the wall and he bent his knees. "It's just something that happened and I don't want to talk about it."

"Is it something serious?", the beetle imitated the other. It was a little difficult to move freely with that heavy armor. Clicks and clacks of the clanking metal echoed through the empty room.

Having no words, the butterfly shrugged. Both were silent for a while, just listening to the rain outside. Their shoulders were together, making the edge of the warrior's armor poke the other.

"Would you hate me if I didn't have a part of me?", Jin muttered. He felt very insecure and unhappy. In response, Jungkook snorted in disbelief. "What?", the butterfly slapped the warrior. "Stop laughing, it's not funny."

Not holding back, the beetle laughed even harder. His head dropped, resting on the older man's broad shoulders. "No, it's just…", he huffed in amusement. "That was a stupid question, Jin," he took his friend's left hand and patted it. "Nothing in this world could make me hate you."

"Don't say that," Seokjin flicked the soldier's nose. "I may have secretly turned into a big bad bug."

"Please," Jungkook chuckled. His black eyes were hot like the hot springs. "I know Taehyung didn't mean any of that. He thinks he's so good with words, but sometimes, when it matters, he is just a complete idiot. Don't tell Your Highness I said that, please. But…", pushed his knee against the other. "You are you, nothing will change your essence. An amazing and lovable insect, who thinks of the people he loves fondly and makes bad jokes. You haven't changed for the worse, despite what you think. A bit damaged, yes, of course, but everyone passes through that. It is called maturing and being old. Despite everything, it's still you."

The butterfly closed its eyes, wanting to cry. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He was so worried that his friends wouldn't love him anymore after what he lived. Seokjin still wanted to be what he once was. A young singer Marissa's apprentice, a colorful butterfly that flew as high as possible.

"You're very wise when you want to be, my dear," he swallowed the saliva that was accumulating in his mouth. “I…”, he fell into a little silence, taking a sip of courage. Jungkook respected the other's time and just continued his affection, playing with his fingers. "It's just my wings", finally said, with enormous grief.

"What about them?"

"When I got kicked out," he sighed. It seemed like that was the only thing that mattered lately. "I wasn't fast enough, smart enough, and I got hurt," after which he said no more. "The scholars got me."

Filling his lungs with air, Jungkook chewed on it. It wasn't something that hit him quickly, like a stab in the heart. It was gradual, slow. His brain was slowly digesting that new information.

His jaw dropped open and he blinked several times. His whole body froze as if he had been bathed in the City's tears. He couldn't believe his own ears.

"What?"

Jin shrugged. "It's okay," he lied perfectly like the artist he was. "It was some time ago, even when I was an innocent rookie", the butterfly gave a small smile, trying to fool its best friend. Although he was a bit naive, Jungkook didn't fall for that trick. "I was just… really… scared that you guys would hate me, you know?", he had a self-destructive edge to his beautiful voice. "You guys, Taehyung especially, loved me for my beauty, and now…"

As much as he loved Seokjin talking, he couldn't bear to hear that anymore. The beetle turned and grabbed the other by the shoulders. His touch was strong, wanting to be firm. "You're wrong," he told him with as much certainty as he possessed. "You are stunningly beautiful for being you, wings or no wings," he brought their foreheads together. Void-filled eyes meet. Seokjin's body shook with the intensity of his actions. "We love you, Jin," he was breathless. "Love yourself as we love you."

It was laughable how easy that was to say. Looking in the mirror and feeling repulsed was easy. Telling yourself to love yourself was easy. However, Seokjin was tired of everything being so easy. He hated a challenge, it was so much easier to be miserable for the rest of his life.

“I wish I was like you, my dear,” he sighed.

“That is the worst thing you could possibly wish for”, Jungkook's laugh was self-deprecating. “Yeah, and you know what?” he poked his forefinger into the other´s chest. “I wanted to be like you. So smart and strong and kind. Self-assured and your beliefs, fighting for what you think is right.”

Silence overtook the conversation. There were no more words to say. Jungkook's hands went back and forth to Seokjin's back. He wanted to pass support to the other, to show that the butterfly was not alone.

The rain fell outside, incessantly. It was such a comfort to know that the city's tears would never dry. A consistent fact, an undeniable truth. So sad and so beautiful.

Undead noises outside the room could be heard. Incoherent grunts, filled with pain and anguish. Bourgeois who once had value. It was pitiful to hear the sounds of the dead.

"Is your pity party over?", Taehyung's voice cut through the mild atmosphere. He had one hand on his hip, the other holding the small knight.

"Your Highness", with a lot of effort, Jungkook didn't roll his eyes. As much as the warrior loved Taehyung, he was sometimes a pain in the ass. "Your mission was a success, apparently."

"One down, two to go," he shrugged. "Lurien and the butler didn't present much trouble. The Watcher is sleeping now. Once and for all. We talked a little, it was nice for a change."

"Thank the Gods," Seokjin grumbled. "We don't need more challenges on this journey to slow us down."

"Where are we going now?" the prince jumped off the platform and landed gracefully at the feet of the other two insects. Imitating the heir, the knight also descended.

"Following the map…. Fog Canyon", picking up the paper, Jungkook pointed to the next Dreamer's location. "Or we could go to Deepnest. Since both of them pass through Fungal Wastes."

"Then we'll go see Monomon, the Teacher. Great, she's a bitch”, pulled up an upset face. Taehyung liked her, she was his biggest enemy (besides his Father). “Quite cultured and narcissistic. Likes to make everything a game. I even remember her helper, a cutie, full of curiosity. It is a shame that a bug like him is loyal to a motherfucker like her", the beetle stepped on one of his feet. “Hey!” he received an ugly scowl and chuckled. It was fun pissing off his best friends. “Okay, okay. He's not a cutie then, fine, fine. Ouch.”

"Ah," Seokjin trailed off with a grimace of disgust on his face. It was a mixture of jealousy and discomfort. "We are going to the Canyon, how wonderful."

"Why the sad face?" asked the beetle, raising one of its bushy eyebrows. Also confused, the small knight cocked his head to the side. "There's something wrong?"

"No, no," he made a negative sign with his hands. "It's just that everything explodes there. In all my walking around Hallownest, this is one of the most dangerous places. There isn't an insect that isn't hostile if you don't count the Teacher and her helper."

"Yeah," Taehyung couldn't help but sigh, his excitement was fading as well. But, it wasn't like it was high anyway. "It's going to be very difficult to get through there intact. We have to prepare."

"I think we'll have to use long-range attacks," the warrior said thoughtfully. Immediately, everyone looked at the prince expectantly.

"You're kidding me," muttered unhappily. He'd rather do nothing and watch than attack. His soul could have several masks as reservoirs, but it was a pain to keep killing other insects to fill them up again.

"We have to go through the fungi and mushrooms too. Fungal Wastes is the way to the Teacher's Archives", completed Jungkook with an amused smile on his face. "Would it be a good idea to talk to the Mantis Tribe and the Sisters? Take a little break?"

"No way", the other two say together with different intonations. 

"They are full of shit. All fucking hostile and only think about fighting. I will not be a good reception, I am sure", the spider could admit to himself that he had a few old resentments that were still a little influential in his speech.

"After…", Seokjin looked around as if looking for snoopers and gossipers. This was a common gesture when the three of them were small insects growing up in the royal court. You could never know who was listening. "After their brother... The Lord's betrayal," the other two gasped in surprise. "They've closed themselves off from the world of Hallownest. No one enters, no one leaves, without proper permission, that´s said if you don't want to become their enemy," he flashed a sardonic smile. "I can't even imagine how this could happen to such intelligent beings," he said, not resisting the poke at the other two nobles.

"Ha ha," Taehyung chuckled sarcastically. He opened his mouth to retort but was interrupted.

"Little guy," Jungkook placed his hand between the perfect weapon's horns. "You'll like the Fungal Wastes. It's the funniest thing jumping on the purple mushrooms! When I was smaller than you, it was my favorite pastime when I ventured out in those parts. Just watch out for pools of acid," his tone was cheerful. That place wasn't as nostalgic as the City of Tears, but there were still good memories.

"As the map says," Jin carefully analyzed the paper. "We have to go through all the Fungal Wastes, like really."

"Is there no way to travel faster?", lamented Taehyung, already feeling his feet hurt just thinking about the long walk. He didn't like that area. Being from Deepnest, there was a bit of his prejudice towards mushrooms. “This is going to take so fucking long.”

"There used to be Stagways. Huge and practical," sighed Jungkook, trapped in an old memory. "Nowadays there must be one or two, and they're probably hidden. But as far as we know, they're all dead."

"Like everything else in this world," the butterfly breathed in a half-mumble. Damn you Radiance.

Tired of so much talk, the knight took the warrior's hand and began to pull him out of the tower. The action caused a chuckle from the rest of the group.

A bad feeling passed through the soldier's chest as he walked through the infection-ravaged cityscape. The beetle felt that this was the last time he would feel the city's water on his face. He left the City of Tears with great sadness. His hometown, his childhood, and his innocence were gone.

His shoulders were down and he chose to remain silent as the scenery began to change. The bluish tones passed and became more orange. Fungal spores swirled through the humid air.

"Be careful with the Mushroom Clan," Seokjin warned, remembering some bad experiences from the past when he was still inexperienced. There were scars to remind him of that fact. "They were infected, too. And, though they are weak, they are many."

"Everything here has been infected," the heir rolled his eyes. "Nothing new or surprising."

"Would the infection lessen the conflict between the mushrooms and the Deepnest insects?"

"I very much doubt it," laughed the spider. "The basic instincts of an insect are still there no matter how dead they are."

An insect that exploded with toxic spores passed by. Their appearance was tired as if death was a difficult thing to go through. With their hands stretched out in front of them, they didn't have any emotions on their face. An empty shell with blood lust. They made a menacing noise and glared at the group, those eyes devoid of free will.

Immediately, the knight and Seokjin looked at the prince expectantly. They expected a show and pretty attacks, as the spider's magic was so beautiful. The heir fought gracefully, just like everything he did. Taehyung sighed and attacked from afar. A white blast came from the heir's chest and hit the poor insect, killing him at once.

The little knight jumped up and down and tilted his head to the side, asking silently. They looked excited. The butterfly gave a few claps and an exaggerated bow.

"Ah!", He exclaimed, getting a little embarrassed by the attention. Sometimes the prince wanted to be like Jungkook and lash out with a pointy Nail. But every once in a while, at times like these, it was nice to be a support. "That's no big deal," he chuckled, scratching his cheek feeling a little embarrassed, despite himself. "It's called Vengeful Spirit and uses my soul as a base. Surely, there are more exciting things…", his shyness and awkwardness in the face of positive attention were uncharacteristic.

"Don't say that, Your Highness," Seokjin shouldered him gently. "It was really cool, don´t you think, Jungkook?"

"Hmm?" he blinked slowly, distractedly. "Ah yes, very cool," his tone was despondent. So different from his normal.

"Did something happen, my dear?"

"Oh," he laughed, embarrassed. The warrior didn't like to talk about feelings very much, he felt he wasn't emotionally intelligent enough to do so. Or so he thought.

"Tell us", Jin felt like hugging him. "Don't keep worrying for nothing."

"It's just…", he shrugged. "The City of Tears reminded me of the people I love who are gone, that's all. I don't know the whereabouts of the White Defender and my mother is locked away for eternity in the Dream Realm. I wanted them to see our hometown, even if it was just for a second. One last time, together and happy, you know?"

"Oh," the butterfly looked away. A feeling of understanding and compassion burned in her chest. "Radiance took a lot of people away from us, I understand."

A trail of purple mushrooms glowed, shimmering against the greenish acid. "Watch where you step," he gave Seokjin a hand to steady him. His wings were needed. they bounced to get to the other side. "It's just… It's complicated."

"Emotions are complicated," grumbled the prince. He didn't want to take any chances, so he just flew over the pool with his Monarch Wings. "If you need a break, we can sit on a bench."

“No, no,” he shook his head in denial. “Let's go on, I'm fine. I'm just a little shaken."

“Marisa…”, the singer began and then swallowed hard. “My mother is gone too. So if you ever need a shoulder to lean on, I'm here."

The entire group stopped walking, stunned by this information. I mean, Jungkook and Taehyung stopped abruptly. As a result, the knight collided, slamming head-on into the warrior's broad back.

“Marissa died?” asked the prince in a broken voice. “Fuck, when was that?”

Shrugging, Jin forced himself to keep walking. It was clear that he didn't want to talk about it, so they let it go. There was a strange atmosphere. Nobody knew how to act. Jungkook strangely lightened up a bit knowing he wasn't the only one grieving. As pathetic as it sounds. He didn't want to be alone.

The sight of the small knight made the soldier's insides ache.

(Try as he might, he could understand Taehyung's dislike towards these broken dolls. However, he didn't want to feel his conscience break by treating them in a bad way, even if they don't have feelings.)

"Come", said Jungkook, wanting to hug his friends and never let go. He loved them so much that it hurt. "There's a bench nearby, let's sit down."

The sight of the rest area made all three's shoulders relax. Tension melted from their bodies, oozing like the city's tears. They threw themselves at the metal as if it were the only respite in their lives.

“Little guy,” he said with a faint heart. Offering the map and quill to the little insect. “Why don’t you go for a walk while we rest?”

The knight looked at the beetle, then at the other two. With a small pause, they picked up the objects, gave a despondent goodbye, and went to walk around, only the Gods know where.

Once alone, Jungkook walked over to the butterfly and gave it a tight hug, unable to bear the explosion of negative feelings in his chest. With a heavy sigh, Taehyung joined the grip. They stay like that, in each other's arms, for a while.

“I'm so sorry, my darlings”, the heir's voice was muffled by his mouth being against Jin's skin.

“It's okay, Your Highness”, Seokjin closed his eyes, with no strength for anything else. The warm breath of the other two was like a lullaby. “It wasn't your fault.”

“Thank you for being with me,” murmured the warrior. His legs were as limp as Rancid Eggs.

They sat on the metal stool, all three of them at once. Taehyung had many hands, so his hugs were the best, being able to snuggle everyone. Legs intertwined, hands together, rhythmic breaths. They were comfortable in each other's arms. It was good, it was comfortable.

“Is Marissa really dead?”, Jungkook's voice was a whisper that echoed through the area.

There was no sound. If it were in the City of Tears, there might be the sound of falling water to comfort them, bringing them safety. Despite the silence, Fungal Wastes was bursting with life. Mushroom spores in the air and fungi growing on the ground.

“Yes”, was all he managed to say, with enormous regret. There were no more words to be uttered. His mother was dead and there was nothing he could do. "Yes, she is."

Jungkook gulped and exchanged glances with Taehyung. “May the Gods welcome her soul, rest in peace”

“And you, Taehyung?”, laughed the butterfly, without any humor in its voice. “Is there any sadness in your chest? Say it now, everyone told some of their insecurities, now it is your turn you."

The prince gave a wan smile, not liking to be the focus of the conversation. “I could tell you my whole life story, but you too know me too well.”

“Is your father getting worse?”

“Your Majesty is a bit complicated”, Jungkook was always loyal to the royal family. “I wouldn't say he's getting worse… But moving in a direction that it is not pleasant for everyone around him."

“In other words, yes, he's getting worse", rolling his eyes as dramatically as possible, the heir blew out his breath. “It's nothing you don't know, more of the same. Obsession with the salvation and security of Hallownest.”

“Ah”, his exclamation was despondent. “Is he still trying? He didn't give up?”

“Unfortunately,” he shrugged, pretending not to care. "Perhaps later he will see that he is being ridiculous, hurting his own family. Perhaps, he was right all along."

“Well”, the warrior said, playing with a lock of the singer's beautiful hair. “You know what they say about him: better to be laughed at than wrong.”

“Oh, yeah,” his tone dripped with sarcasm. “Because he's the expert, the only one,” his fangs clicked together. “Only he knows what's best for his family. Gods have mercy on any soul that tries to cross him.”

Seokjin was amused. He couldn't help himself and let out a sardonic laugh. “I am living proof of that, I even have the scars to prove it.”

Neither Taehyung nor Jungkook liked his comment. The warrior pulled his hair lightly, not to hurt. While the heir kicked him hard. Equal but opposite reactions.

“Too early to make jokes?” he chuckled amidst all that raw affection. “Oh, how boring you are.”

Small footsteps could be heard and Jungkook broke into a huge smile. Now that things were better between them, seeing the little guy didn't bother him as much. Which was a relief, as he was starting to really like the little guy. His bodyguard's protective instincts seemed to scream at the sight of something so fragile, so susceptible to evil intentions.

(Which was somewhat unreasonable, since the Pure Vessel was forged to be the perfect weapon. Although they looked harmless, they were a killing machine. Ready to defeat Radiance.)

“Did you find something good, Knight?”, questioned Taehyung, still with his head lying on Jin's broad shoulders. He really didn't want to leave that position, he was so comfortable.

The little puppet walked closer, looked at the three of them, and cocked its head. Their Nail was in their hands and were dripping with orange liquid. It was definitely infected blood from an undead insect.

Jungkook let out a laugh, finding his reaction funny. “You are smarter than I thought”, he stroked between the white horns. “Yes, yes, things are better between us. You know how emotions are difficult,” they nod several times in eager agreement.

Indeed, they sure know how difficult emotions were.

Chapter Text

"Deepest silence in holy shell,
Given nail and named a Knight,
Bound by chain and egg and spell,
Hear Our plea! Reveal thy Light!" – Prayer to the Vessel

(...)

After some time walking around Fog Canyon, the group concluded that the area was definitely not the favorite of any of the three.

“Wow,” Jungkook laughed a little breathlessly after an explosion ruffled his hair. “Man, how dull you two are”, he said, also getting a little annoyed, because of that sneaky place, but it was nice to annoy his best friends. "It's just some explosive Oomas."

"Jungkook, if you don't shut up, I'm going to slap you. Like, really hard."

"Fucking optimist," grumbled the prince, tired of having to use his powers multiple times between short intervals. He didn't know which was worse, being mired in shit in Royal Waterways, breathing toxic spores in Fungal Wastes, or risking death from explosions in Fog Canyon. Everything hurt. The spider wanted to go back to the City of Tears, it was nice there. "Fucking Oomas," his clothing caught on one of the thorns, tearing it. "Fucki this shitty place."

That area was covered in thick fog, making it easy to get confused and lose their senses. There were bobbles and acid everywhere, everything could hurt them no matter how innocent it looked. It had a bit of non-hostile life to it, such as some greens contrasting with the pink landscape. However, its thorns were painful enough not to make them come close.

The little knight was enjoying themself amid that misery, at least. Or, it seemed like they were. Who knows if that bug could even enjoy the trip since their entire purpose was to be emotionless. They chased pink balls and popped them with their Nail as if those harmless things were enemies.

"Is it just me or are they growing up? Like getting bigger?", whispered Jungkook. "When I went to pet their head, I noticed they are not that small anymore."

"Now that you mention it…", Taehyung narrowed his eyes, analyzing them better. "They look larger to me."

"Is this common?", Seokjin murmured back. When he was at court, he didn't get close enough to the knights to notice that fact. He wasn't interested in those impossible oaths of salvation from the King. "Them shape-shifting and stuff?"

"I have no idea," laughed the warrior.

"Neither do I. Maybe he is evolving."

Teachers' archives were as enormous as Taehyung remembered, taking up an entire area for itself. Inside was a veritable labyrinth. Without proper care, the vegetation had grown more than it should have. Vines climbed the walls of the well-lit room. There must have been no one else alive to care for the place, so forgotten and dead.

However, death aside, there was a familiar face at the door of the building. He wore a bandanna over his head. His eyes were so deep and curious, even after so much death. As soon as he saw the group, he perked up and gave a brief wave of his hands. There was a Nail next to him, clearly an adventurer.

"Hello there!" he said in a voice that oozed unexpected happiness. "How delightful to see old faces in these trying times. Your Highness" chuckled and bowed deeply.

"Oh, you", Taehyung brought one hand to his face, while the other held a lock of hair behind his ear. "You must remember my teammates. Seokjin and Jungkook."

"Oh yes," he nodded in agreement. His neck bowed cordially and there was a friendly air about him. "Your handsome singer and strong bodyguard. Your Highness has told me a lot about you on your diplomatic visits."

The other two just gave a sheepish smile. They didn't like that insect very much. He was just so friendly. How could an insect be so nice with so much death and chaos? How could he not become insane?

"And this one," the prince put his hand on the knight's shoulder and caressed them lightly. Traveling with them made his opinion of those dangerous dolls of his father improve a little. "It's our little knight."

"Hum…", he analyzed the perfect weapon. "You are a short one, but there is a strong look about you. I'm Quirrell, nice to meet you."

Without pleasing them with any reaction, the knight just contented himself with looking at the new figure with attention. Their black eyes swept over Quirrell's entire body and turned to the side, interested in the building.

"Don't mind him," huffed the heir. "He's a mystery to all of us."

"Oh," his face lit up. "I love a good mystery."

"No wonder. Your mentor is just like that", the bitch, thought to himself. "Speaking of which, how is she?", it was a polite question, a cordiality.

A sad sigh. "Concerned with how everything is going," he proceeded to walk into the massive structure, leading them on. "Locked in this place and researching like never before."

"Well, I can tell you that we came here with a not-very-pleasant solution," Taehyung clasped his hands together. "A proposal directly from the Pale King to end Radiance once and for all."

"Oh?" he was interested. "A proposal from the royal family to save Hallownest? His Majesty finally got what he wanted? Finally! Teacher will be excited by the news, and her time researching will be worth it. I told her that after this is all over, we will explore the world outside together."

"Ah," the prince smiled falsely and placed his hands behind his straight back. Inside his mind, he cringed. "About that…"

"There is a catch, isn't it?", Quierrel laughed, used to it. "There is always a catch. You two and your mind games."

"Why don't we talk about this more when we're with your mentor?"

Jungkook and Seokjin looked at each other, apprehensively. They knew that the heir was good with words and convincing others to do what he wanted. So, he would soon be able to convince the Professor to join the cause. However, that would not mean that this would be an easy task. 

Monomon, like all other Dreamers, was tall. Bigger than anyone else in that room, she had huge tentacles that gracefully floated in the air. They looked like Fog Canyon´s pink bobbles, so beautiful and so deadly. However, her aura was gentle. Educated, cultured, and hardworking.

(Ah, how Taehyung hated her and everything she stood for. That bitch. Fake as fuck.)

"Hello, children," she bowed just enough to be socially accepted as a greeting to one of the royal family. "Your Highness", she completed after a while, after she noticed that the prince wasn't going to answer her.

Children, sneered at the heir with a grudge. To her, Taehyung was just a childish figure with no power. A pawn who was expendable.

"Oh, Teacher! My Teacher!", the prince had a huge regalia in his voice. "Our fearful trip is almost done."

Seokjin wondered if this was how the encounter with Lurien went. The Watcher was strict with his duty. It must have been difficult to convince him to leave his post. Well, although he was one of the insects that wanted the most when the point was the safety of the citizens of the City of Tears.

"Why don't we have a cup of tea?" she turned and floated into her office. "We grow fresh rosemary."

"We have cookies too," added Quirrell happily. "Dark chocolate, nuts, and coffee."

"Did you know that rosemary tea is a way to combat mental fatigue?", her voice was patient, just like… well, like a teacher giving a lesson to her students. "It's an excellent option for long periods of stress. In addition, the properties of rosemary can also help combat poor memory. The cookies are also made thinking with our health in mind. Cocoa has polyphenols, compounds with an antioxidant effect that help protect neurons. Nuts are rich in selenium, as they contain vitamins and beneficial fats. These substances protect the brain and act on brain waves linked to learning. Finally, moderate consumption of coffee improves cognition and psychomotor performance of the individual."

Jungkook perked up, forgetting the momentary jealousy. They had been eating military ration that they had impacted for the trip for days. They were afraid to eat any mushrooms in Fungal Wastes or anything edible they found on the road since, with the infection, everything was toxic and harmful. The warrior could have gotten used to the boring and bad taste of the ration since his training was based on that bland food. But that didn't mean he liked it.

They reached the Professor's private area. The room was pure chaos, as was the whole place. Stones engraved with writing in impeccable handwriting. Royal stamps. Traveler diaries. The place was greenish, sort of bluish. There were tanks with Charged Lumaflies that lit up everything, probably to study them.

"Sorry for the mess", Monomon sighed upon seeing the state of the room. “Everything is so…”

“Chaotic”, completed Quirrell.

"Yes, yes. There's no time to clean anything because of my research”, one of her tentacles pulled the tallest chair. This was clearly hers, being proportionate to her size and more detailed with inscriptions. “Would you like to sit down, Your Highness?”

A dilemma crossed Taehyung's mind, making him apprehensive. If he accepts, the prince would end up passing the image that he thought he was superior. He would be taking the seat of the chief researcher and teacher of Hallownest. However, refusing the high chair would end up being rude and snobbish. That was a request directly coming from the headmaster of the house, denying it would be like him denying her.

“How is Your Majesty? It's been so long since we've spoken…”, she tilted her head to the side, waiting for his reaction.

That bitch knew how his father was doing. She was fully aware that the Pale King was going from bad to worse. Taehyung couldn't lie about his father's health, she would know right away that it was bullshit and pretty words. But… he couldn't admit that His Majesty was ill or insane, that would be bad for his reigning image.

Fucking powers moves, their consequences, and nuances. The heir hated situations like those. Where one false move would end up bringing damage to his image. It was like the was at the court at the White Palace again. His movements and words were being watched closely with malice. Wanting to use everything for their own gain

The court singer, however, was also used to that game of second intentions. Therefore, he chuckled and placed himself in front of the prince. Protective. “Oh, Teacher, oh mine”, he lowered his head. Since he was an artist, the butterfly could act as well as the prince. “Why don't you sing a little about your research for us, my fair lady? You see we are such uncultured insects, I beg you to grace us with your knowledge."

"Oh", she said, taking a step back. The Teacher did not anticipate that her little game would have another player. "Well..."

"But! I don't think we have time for small talk", he made a sad face. "It is rather an unfortunate moment for that", chuckled. "Don´t you think so, Your Highness?"

"Indeed", the prince blinked slowly, holding a dangerous smile. "Such a shame."

"Oh. And you are such an intellectual insect and must know why we are here, right? “, he took one of her tentacles gently and placed a kiss on its tip, just for the show. “I imagine you must be tired from working so hard. Sit down for a little. Why don't we have that tea and biscuits as you tell us about it? Something to lessen the mental fatigue, right?”

The Teacher stood still for a few seconds, just looking at the singer. “Quirrell,” she called. “Why don't you get everything ready while I talk to these nice gentlemen?”

Giving a bow, the insect did as asked without any kind of protest. He already expected that when he saw the prince and his friends. His mentor might be one of the smartest bugs around, but she was petty enough to make up that fact. Always poking at royalty, always wanting to be one step ahead of everyone, no matter who they are.

"The Black Egg", Monomon said solemnly. “The Pale King and his miraculous plan”, her tone was serious, very different from before. Cold, as if she were untouched by worldly concerns.  As if she was a Higher Being.

Ugh, Taehyung really hated her. He was the son of a Higher Being and she just scoffed about that fact.

“And you accept?”, Jungkook took a cookie and chewed greedily. His eyes doubled in size and he pulled his brows together, making an angry face, liking that taste. Taehyung and Seokjin laughed, used to the endearing sight of him.  Unlike the other two, he didn't like false pretenses and wordplays. The warrior might have grown up at court at the White Palace, but he would always prefer the honesty of a good friendly spar.

She went quiet. A silence that was as profound as the water that resided in Blue Lake. Quirrell handed her a cup of hot tea. “Thank you,” she whispered. “The Old light made my subjects lose their own thoughts, and become connected to Her hivemind.”

“The endthink”, Quirrell completed and sat down in a chair.

“Precisely. If the Dream is uncontained, there will be ungrowth.”

“The Endlife,” murmured the helper.

“There is an abundance of outer shells that have absent innards”, the Professor looked at the knight. They, unaffected by the scrutinizing attention, remained motionless. The other three all found themselves transfixed by Monomon's ethereal figure and wisdom. “The void. It fills their shell. A liquid substance, outer their matter.”

“Is that a yes?” ventured the warrior. Giggling, without any cheer or humor, he stuffed his mouth with the biscuit.

A sigh. “Yes, I will be a Dreamer.”

“You will die,” Taehyung said breathlessly. His mission was to convince the three pillars of Hallownest to join the cause, but... But, it seemed unfair to promise something impossible. Manipulate her for him to complete his objective.

“Indeed” and she took a sip of his tea. “Indeed, I will.”

So there was silence in the Professor's personal office. So fragile. They were digesting that conversation that had aged their exoskeletons. The aura became heavy. It was like the death of thousands of insects was present in the room. All that destruction that the infection caused invaded all the senses of those insects attending at that moment.

Jungkook entertained himself with the crumbs in his lap and played with the dregs at the bottom of his cup. He wasn't a moth or a Seer to read the future from something so simple. Stealthily, he leaned over to touch Taehyung and his foot looked for Seokjin. As soon as he leaned against them, the warrior felt better. At least a little.

“We will do whatever it takes to ensure the protection of Hallownest,” the prince said in that important insect voice. “Your name will be remembered throughout the Kingdom,” he raised his cup in a toast. “Your sacrifice will be sung by the most beautiful voices”, Seokjin imitated the gesture and smiled. “Your courage will be an example for the bravest warriors”, Jungkook blinked quickly, copying the heir. “You have the gratitude of the royal family and all the insects that reside in Hallownest.”

“Pretty words for a pretty insect”, she laughed wearily. All the weight of her future death weighed on her body. She wanted to be stronger to the point that it didn't bother her, but it seemed impossible. “I always wished to see what you could do outside the shadow of Your Majesty.”

“Well”, Taehyung's smile was as fake as her sweet words. “I could say the same, oh Teacher of mine.”

The process was smooth, just like with Lurien, the Watcher. Monomon lay down and closed his eyes. First of all, she took off her mask and gave it to Quirrell.

“Go,” she whispered. There were tears in her tone, but she didn't let a drop of water fall. She would be strong. She would be brave. She would be a Dreamer. “My clever and curious child”, one of her tentacles stroked her helper's sad face. “Explore the world, unravel the mystery of this land, discover all the horrors this world can offer”, she sighed. “My smart and curious child.”

Jungkook's head fell onto Seokjin's shoulders. Neither of them had seen the procedure with Lurien. They were not prepared to witness such a sad moment like that. Which didn't make sense, since both had been through bloody and horrible situations. But, it was never easy to see goodbyes like that.

However, the prince remained unmoving, as did the knight. He had to be the pillar of Hallownest. He couldn't let any emotions get in the way of his mission. His face was serious and his hands were steady.

(Taehyung thought he was so different from his father's knights. He thought he was superior for having emotions and empathy. However, in situations like this, it was difficult to know who was made of Void and who had a soul.)

(Both the knight, and both Taehyung, were puppets of the Pale King. Molded as per His Majesty's will.)

They left the building with heavy hearts. None of them uttered a word. Their footsteps echoed through the place.

“Are we going to leave her body without any protection?” asked Jungkook. "In the City of Tears, Lurien's body is guarded by his Knights."

“Uumuu,” Quirrell said simply. His voice, unlike normal, was low and somber. His teacher's mask adorned the top of his head.

“Uumuu?”, asked Seokjin.

“Intelligent being that guard the inner chamber of the Teacher's Archives.”

“Oh.”

They said goodbye just like that, sad. There were no hugs or no promises that one day they would see each other again. It was clear that they had no hope that there would be a reunion.

“So... where are we going now?”, Jungkook tried to smile, but he was still emotionally shaken.

"My homeland. Deepnest.”

“Ugh,” said Seokjin. “Do we really have to go there?”

“That's where Herrah, the Beast, is,” the spider shrugged. “This is going to be fun,” he chuckled humorlessly. “The Spider Tribe hate the Pale King and the royal family, I doubt very much they will accept dying for our cause.”

Jungkook blinked a few times. “But, didn’t you say that with your kidnapping…”

“For the last time, darling, I have been adopted.”

“With your adoption,” he rolled his eyes exaggeratedly. "Haven't things gotten better?"

“Yes,” he nodded gracefully. "And that's why I'm on this mission and not my father."

“Ah, yes,” laughed Seokjin sarcastically. "Because, really, if it weren't for that the Pale King would travel all this forsaken kingdom to chit chat with insects he probably thinks are inferior."

“Hey!”, Jungkook stepped on the butterfly's foot, as loyal as ever. “The Pale King gets his hands dirty from time to time.”

“From time to time, you mean never. That bug…”

“Your Majesty,” interrupted the warrior.

“Your Majesty,” the singer corrected in an amused tone in his voice. “Yeah… How do I put it in a non-backstabbing or offensive way?”

“Well then, don’t say anything!” the warrior groaned. “How could you say such a thing in front of His Royal Highness?”

“I don't mind at all”, in fact, the heir would even join Seokjin in badmouthing his father.

“Yes, you do. Come on, little guy”, Jungkook gave the knight his hand. “We have a long way to go.”

  “Where do you think you're going, Jungook?”, asked the prince, entertained, with the map in his hand. “You don't even know the way.”

Stopping in mid-stride, he looked back in some embarrassment. “Oh.”

“The path to Deepnest is closed,” Seokjin informed. “For the Sisters of Battle.”

"Ah, that's all I needed", sighed the spider, he started to walk out of that terrible area. “Did it have to be them? It is always those mushroom insects...”

“How are we going to get past them?”

“The only way I see it,” Seokjin followed the prince. “It is challenging them to a battle. The Sisters and Mantis are not infected.”

The warrior perked up and his steps turned into little jumps of joy. “Oh,” he chuckled. “It's been a while since I've had a good fight. No blood or death, just adrenaline, euphoria, and Nails.”

They passed through that whole foggy area again. They got as low as they could. However, when one of those beings full of tentacles burst, an explosion was too close to the group.

“Fuck!”, shouted the prince when he felt his skin being burned.

Jungkook was breathing heavily and Seokjin couldn't stand up. Even the knight seemed to stagger and get tangled up in their own legs. That explosion was closer than they were comfortable with. They were still shaken by parting and fighting; those explosive things didn't help at all.

With some desperation, Taehyung opened the map and looked for a rest area. His arm was burning like torture. White blood soaked his shirt sleeve. “Come on,” he said through gritted teeth. “The Queen's Station is close, then we go to the Fungal Wastes.”

They passed a small bench, with a nice little lady sitting on it, but they didn't even notice. Jungkook gave a small goodbye and moved on, wishing he wasn't so tired that he could talk to her. It was rare to see uninfected bugs around, he wished he knew a little about that survivor.

Hobbling, the group sat down on the bench with a sigh. Throwing themselves onto the cold metal, everyone took a deep breath, filling their lungs with clean air. They began to clean the wounds, with bandages and water. Using his soul reservoirs and masks, the mage nursed everyone back to health slowly with the utmost care.

The beetle was the least injured insect, its heavy armor had held the damage. His carapace was heavy. But, he was the last to sit down. He had to secure the perimeter to relax better. After seeing that there weren't any infected insects around, he felt himself in the middle of everyone. He wanted to feel the warmth his fellow travelers exuded.

“Ah”, Seokjin murmured, laying his head on Jungkook's shoulder, feeling a little better. Being able to breathe without pain. His black eyes swept over the unkempt spot. “I remember this place. I used to come here all the time when I was little.”

“It's as abandoned as the rest of Hallownest,” Taehyung said bitterly, “My mother would be disappointed to see the state of her station."

“It was never empty here”, laughed the singer, closing his eyes. “Always there was movement, always full of bugs.”

“I got lost from my mother here, one day”. Jungkook drank in every detail of the place as if he saw himself searching the crowd for his mother. From wilted flowers, weeds, and boards that swayed even without wind. Nothing there remained the same, completely infected by death. “I remember crying and crying, not knowing what to do. I felt abandoned by her… Exactly like this place is today.”

“But, she found you in the end, didn’t she?”

The warrior's humorless laugh echoed through the empty halls. Haunted by a ghost of a memory. “It was me that found her,” he whispered into nothingness. “I found her,” he repeated regretfully, then swallowed hard. He didn't want to have any negative feelings toward his mother, but it was so hard. She had chosen that life, locked inside a dream, a utopia. Choosing never to look into her child's face again.

“She loved you”, Seokjin patted his head, trying to cheer him up. "Do not forget that."

“Loved is a nice way of putting it,” he chuckled. “Maybe, one day, who knows?” he shrugged. “I went to say goodbye to her when we were leaving the Dream Realm, and she wouldn't even look at my face. Fake smiles and sweet words.”

Taehyung took the canteen of water and drank it all in one gulp. “You know what court life is like, darling. Second intentions, false cordiality, putrid smiles, flattery… All the rotten and the worst.”

"Don't even tell me," growled the court singer. The only friendly ties he had in the White Palace were here at this moment.

“I hate this,” Jungkook spat on the ground. “I hate not seeing behind the dirty little game everyone in that place plays. I expected my mother to be better than that.”

"White Defender wasn't like that, though."

"Yeah, your mentor was nice."

The warrior's aura softened slightly at the mention of his teacher. It was impossible to not remember Monomon and Quirrel. What a sad ending. “I wanted to know how he is.”

“We can go a little way out of the way and look for him,” offered the prince, so kindly.

“We have time”, agreed Seokjin, so fragile.

Jungkook felt completely overwhelmed. A million feelings invaded his chest. Good, bad. Everything was a lot and mixed. Taking a long gulp of air, he thought: Now or never.

Closing his eyes, he ran a hand over both of their cheeks. It was an affection full of love, sadness, and care. Filling himself with courage, Jungkook quickly placed his lips with the lips of the other two. First Seokjin, the oldest, then Taehyung. It was something fast, it was over in a matter of seconds. But still, he tried to put all his love into a simple lip seal.

Upon seeing the display of affection, the knight looked to the side and withdrew from the site to explore the station more carefully. If they could, they would sigh. So much drama and feelings.

Both insects were in shock. Completely still, their breath caught in their throats.

"Jung… Kook?", the butterfly blinked slowly, dumbfounded. "What?"

"What the fuck was that?"

"Sorry, sorry," his shoulders rose and he tried to pull away. "I know we're friends, best friends, but…"

However, neither of them let the warrior get away from that approach. The prince took his hand and kissed the tips of his fingers. "I always feared I was the only one."

All of Seokjin's tension drained away. He wrapped his arms around both of their waists. He leaned over and kissed the two insects. "We are three fools."

"Fucking idiots."

"It's just that," Jungkook laughed, melting all over. "You guys are always here for me and… I didn't want you to think I was confusing friendship with romantic love."

"Well," Jin sighed with warm eyes. "Wanting to kiss you two until I run out of breath isn't exactly platonic."

"Hum…", satisfied, hummed the prince. "Tell me more about it, darling"

Giggling, Jungkook gave the singer a soft kiss on the temple. "We're in the middle of nowhere, please, we can't get carried away by good feelings. There is an infection, guys."

"We're going to die anyway," Taehyung snuggled in the warm embrace. "Affection won't change that."

"I'm in favor of never leaving here," he trailed kisses down the beetle's neck.

"Guys," he chuckled, feeling ticklish. "We really have to get going. We're better now, no injuries."

"Speak for yourself," the singer placed his hand on his heart. "My heart hurts and can only be healed by love and tenderness."

Not holding back, Taehyung burst out laughing. "You are so ridiculous."

"Perhaps", his smile was sly. "But, I'm ridiculous for you."

"Ridiculously in love", completed Jungkook laughing.

The other two tensed. They opened their eyes and their eyebrows rose.

"Love?" they said in unison.

"Well, I mean..." the warrior got shy and bit the corner of his mouth. "It's love, isn't it?" he was unsure.

A silence settled in the place. Neither Taehyung nor Seokjin had words.

The butterfly let out a laugh. The ones that only he gave. So loud and loud. Then, the singer threw himself once more and kissed Jungkook with all the love he had. One of Taehyung's hands squeezed both of them and it was the prince's turn to attack the warrior's cracked mouth. They kissed until they lost their breath.

"I love you," Jungkook whispered against the heir's mouth.

"We love you too," they said together, so gentle and fragile.

The world could be ending. It could have death, destruction, chaos, and infection. But at least they were together. At least they had each other.

The three were complete. The three loved each other.