Follow on AO3: archiveofourown.org/works/79033856

(3/3) A brief look into Lace’s mind! She is so very, very normal, and coping in healthy ways. We also learn a little more about what Hollow has been up to since the end of the first game… (They didn’t mean to wake her, but they weren’t expecting her to perceive them either.)

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Lace from Hollow Knight Silksong, and the Hollow Knight (called Hollow) from Hollow Knight. Lace collapses to her knees, the environment now a dark void. However, her breakdown is interrupted by a hand extended, offering a glowing delicate flower. Lace looks up to see Hollow. For a moment she is stunned, before erupting into peals of laughter at the ridiculousness of the situation. Lace: …. Lace: …pft. Ahahahaha!!

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Lace from Hollow Knight Silksong, and the Hollow Knight (called Hollow) from Hollow Knight. Lace converses with Hollow, who has both eyes functional and speaks directly to her in the dream. Lace indicates that she is aware that she is asleep and dreaming, but has no control over the dreams itself, before resigning herself to nightmares until waking. Hollow asks if she would like to leave, and the moment that she agrees the void dissolves in a burst of light and dream motes. Lace: This is a surprise! Now even the sibling has deigned to haunt my sleep. Hollow: So you are aware of the dream? Lace: Of course. I’m not a real person, you see. I need neither food nor rest– To sleep is a choice, as is to dream. Hollow: So this dream is as you desire? Lace: I never said that. Lace: I may choose to dream, but I have no control over what those dreams entail… as evidenced by your intrusion here. Why am I even explaining this to a figment of my unconscious mind? Hollow: My apologies. Lace: Hm. Well at least you’re polite about it. Lace: Sigh. Nothing for a bad dream but to let it run its course. Perhaps next I’ll see my mother’s severed arm! Hollow: Do you wish to leave? Lace: Of course! But since when does what I wish–

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Lace from Hollow Knight Silksong, and the Hollow Knight (called Hollow) from Hollow Knight. Confused, Lace turns to ask Hollow how they managed to change the dream. She is met with them in godly regalia: a long flowing robe, a more complex mask pattern, and six translucent wings. Lace startles awake at the sight, in turn startling Hornet awake. Lace then attempts to get information from Hornet, calling Hollow the God of Dreams, which Hornet confirms before immediately going back to sleep. Lace: How did you– Lace: !? Lace: Gasp! Hornet: !? Are you well, child? Lace: They’re the God of Dreams? Hornet: Ah. Yes. Lace: But– What– Lace: Hey!! don’t go back to sleep!!

(2/3) To Bind Our Echoes That We May Be Whole

A Hollow Knight Fancomic

Chapter 5: Nightmares and Gods

#HollowKnight #Silksong

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Hornet, the Green Prince, Lace, and Shakra from Hollow Knight Silksong. The party travels through the howling wastes, fighting against heavy winds. Hornet warns the party to stick close, as the winds are picking up, but Lace is blinded momentarily by a sandy gust. When she regains her sight, she is alone. Hornet: Winds are picking up– Stay close. Lace: Ack! Lace: …!?

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Lace and Phantom from Hollow Knight Silksong. Lace, lost and alone, runs frantically through the wastes, calling for Hornet. She seemingly spies her silhouette on the horizon. However, when she approaches, it is revealed to be Phantom instead of Hornet, to Lace's shock. Lace: Spider!? Lace: Hey!! This isn’t funny! Lace: There you are! I was beginning to think you meant to leave me behind. Lace: !

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Lace and Phantom from Hollow Knight Silksong. Phantom, more ghostly mist than tattered silk, floats before Lace, Hornet's needle jutting from their chest. They taunt Lace before shrieking like the wailing creatures from The Mist, before dissolving before Lace's eyes. Lace looks on in stunned horror. Phantom: What’s wrong dear sister? You look as though you’ve seen a ghost.

(1/3) To Bind Our Echoes That We May Be Whole
A Hollow Knight Fancomic

Chapter 5: Nightmares and Gods

#HollowKnight #Silksong

Follow on AO3: archiveofourown.org/works/79033856

Side Note: This comic does not ship Hollow with anybody. They are not flirting, and do not see gifting flowers as a romantic gesture, nor is it received as such. However, Lace is likely the only recipient to kind of grasp the value of the gift.

(3/3) At long last, Hornet arrives home, welcomed by the White Lady and her elder sibling. We finally get to see Hornet’s softer, more playful side. Introductions are made, gifts are given, and Lace rapidly learns that the spider has little patience for insults to her sibling.

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Hornet, the Green Prince, Lace, and Shakra from Hollow Knight Silksong; and the Hollow Knight (called Hollow) from Hollow Knight. Hornet is distracted from the reunion by Lace clearing her throat to get her attention, and hops down from Hollow's embrace. She almost sheepishly introduces them as her elder sibling, a former knight and the current keeper of the Queen's Gardens. She then introduces her new allies: Lace glares silently, Shakra greets with a typical "Poshanka!", and the Green Prince bows politely. Lace: Ahem. Hornet: Ah! Hornet: Hup. Hornet: *cough* Allow me to introduce my elder sibling: Hollow, knight emeritus and keeper of the Queen’s Gardens. Hornet: And these are my… allies. Lace of Pharloom. Lace: …. Hornet: Shakra-wielding-rings. Shakra: Poshanka! Hornet: And the Green Prince of Verdania.

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Hornet, the Green Prince, Lace, and Shakra from Hollow Knight Silksong; and the Hollow Knight (called Hollow) from Hollow Knight. Hornet is distracted from the reunion by Lace clearing her throat to get her attention, and hops down from Hollow's embrace. She almost sheepishly introduces them as her elder sibling, a former knight and the current keeper of the Queen's Gardens. She then introduces her new allies: Lace glares silently, Shakra greets with a typical "Poshanka!", and the Green Prince bows politely. Hollow (signing): Friends? Hornet: Allies! I said allies! Hornet: Hollow! Stop giving me that look! Lace: I must admit… I never expected to see the spider so… undignified. Shakra: Dondakku! It is an honor to meet one so esteemed by Hornet-wielding-needle. Lace: Well, they certainly cut an impressive figure. Lace: Though I have my doubts–GYAAAH!?

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Hornet, the Green Prince, Lace, and Shakra from Hollow Knight Silksong; and the Hollow Knight (called Hollow) from Hollow Knight. Lace takes the delicate flower, seeming to recognize it. Shakra, who has received her own flower, muses that it appears to be a gift. Behind her, Hollow offers yet another flower to the Green Prince. No further clarification is offered about the significance of the gift. Lace attempts to probe for information, asking Hornet why her sibling would have given up the title of Knight to do menial labor. Hornet visibly bristles, attempting to shut down Lace's line of questioning, protective of Hollow and their privacy. Lace diffuses the situation, reframing her ask about whether the delicate flowers are meant for a grave, and if so, whose. Hornet cryptically explains that Hollow grows them for their own grave, while the camera pans to their old nail, in disrepair and grown over by the delicate flowers, clearly undisturbed for years. Lace: This is… Shakra: A gift, it seems. Lace: … How strange your homeland is, that a knight should willingly lay down their nail for so menial a chore. Hornet: Do not insult them thus. Their scars are not a spectacle for your entertainment– Lace: Relax. I mean no offense, nor anything so grotesque. I’m merely curious… whose grave do they adorn with so tender an offering? Hornet: …. Hornet: …None but their own, child. None but their own.

(2/3) To Bind Our Echoes That We May Be Whole
A Hollow Knight Fancomic

Chapter 4: Living is a Funeral to Self you Buried

#HollowKnight #Silksong

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Hornet, the Green Prince, Lace, and Shakra from Hollow Knight Silksong; and the White Lady from Hollow Knight. The scene opens on the lush greenery of the Queen's Gardens, which are noticeably lacking in thorns. Hornet stands before the White Lady, who towers over her adopted daughter, free of her bindings. The White Lady welcomes Hornet and her allies home to Hallownest. The White Lady: And so our sentinel returns to us. The White Lady: Even as your power bloomed in foreign soil, you rejected your silken birthright to stand again before me. Pride of Deepnest, Protector of Hallownest, and daughter of my Heart. The White Lady: Rest safe within my branches, for this land will always offer haven to you and your allies. The White Lady: Welcome home.

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Lace and Hornet from Hollow Knight Silksong; and the White Lady and the Hollow Knight (called Hollow) from Hollow Knight. The White Lady pauses in her welcome speech to lock eyes with Lace, who silently glares back at her with no explanation. The scene transitions to Hollow, plucking a delicate flower from an unspecified section of the Queen's Gardens. They stand serenely, holding the flower, an aluba resting on their shoulder, only to perk up upon hearing Hornet call out to them. The White Lady: …. Lace: …. The White Lady: But for all my joy… this is not the only reunion, long-awaited. Hornet: Hollow! Hollow: !

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Hornet, the Green Prince, Lace, and Shakra from Hollow Knight Silksong; and the Hollow Knight (called Hollow) from Hollow Knight. Hornet stands ahead of her allies while loud footsteps rapidly approach. Lace is spooked by Hollow's rapid approach, only to be further startled when they barrel into Hornet, snatching her into a tight embrace. Hornet returns the hug, vocally assuring them of her return, while they tremble silently. SFX: TMP TMP TMP Lace: What. Is. That. SFX: SNATCH Hornet: It’s alright, Hollow. I’m here. I’m back.

(1/3) To Bind Our Echoes That We May Be Whole
A Hollow Knight Fancomic

Chapter 4: Living is a Funeral to Self you Buried

#HollowKnight #Silksong

Thank you!! <3

Yeah! Gods that entire page was extremely self indulgent, but I couldn't imagine any other way to portray Hornet returning home.

She hasn't been away for overly long so much as it's been a long time since the events of the first game... but it's always a relief coming back to somewhere familiar.

Ehehehe that's one of my fav little details too. Comic's never gonna explain where it came from, but... well, we all know, don't we?

Follow on AO3: archiveofourown.org/works/79033856

(3/3) Hornet is greeted by familiar sights and familiar faces. She’s been gone a while, but her involuntary sojourn to Pharloom wasn’t nearly the length of time that Ghost has been missing. Things have changed in their absence, but there are still people waiting for them to come home.

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Hornet, the Green Prince, Lace, and Shakra from Hollow Knight Silksong; and Mato, Cornifer, and Iselda from Hollow Knight. Nailmaster Mato emerges from the General Store, alerted by a commotion without. He wanders over to a now-elderly Iselda, who informs him that Hornet has arrived home with companions in tow--including another cartographer (Shakra). Mato jokes about Iselda's positivity about a potential business rival, which she shuts down good-naturedly, in the process implying that Mato has taken over the General Store from his former master, Nailsage Sly. As they talk, Hornet can be seen introducing Shakra to a delighted Cornifer, while Lace and the Green Prince look on. Mato: ? Mato: What’s this commotion? Iselda: Good news for once. Miss Hornet has apparently returned to us… with a new cartographer in tow. Mato: You seem awfully cheerful about another business rival. Iselda: Oh hush. You aren’t nearly the money grub your old master was.

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Hornet, the Green Prince, Lace, and Shakra from Hollow Knight Silksong; and Mato, Cornifer, and Iselda from Hollow Knight. Mato and Iselda continue their conversation, wherein it is implied that Sly has long since passed away, and that she and Cornifer are both getting to their older years, with Cornifer's memory beginning to suffer as a result. Mato implies that his continued relative youth is an aspect of his species, which grant him a longer lifespan than most insects. Cornifer calls Iselda over to look at Shakra's maps and wares. Mato: Still begrudging an old fly his retirement? He wasn’t blessed with the lifespan of Great Bugs like myself. Iselda: Believe me, I am aware– More with every passing season now that Corny’s memory is going. Iselda: It’s why I can hardly be upset by this new “map enthusiast.” This is the most energetic I’ve seen him in ages. Cornifer: ! ! Cornifer: Iselda dear! Come look at Miss Shakra’s maps! Cornifer: They’re made of dried shellwood pulp, and her pins are beautiful! Iselda: It seems I’m being summoned.

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Hornet, the Green Prince, Lace, and Shakra from Hollow Knight Silksong; and Mato, Cornifer, and Iselda from Hollow Knight. Cornifer, demonstrating the memory problems Iselda referenced in her conversation with Mato, asks Hornet whether she has seen the "little wanderer" (Ghost), lately, implying that they were seen recently despite many seasons having passed since their last visit. Iselda's response seems to imply that this is a relative common discussion point, while Mato turns away from the conversation, clearly haunted by reference to his long-lost student. He is startled out by Hornet's affirmation that she has, indeed, encountered Ghost recently, and that they are alive but still unable to return. She then turns to Mato, speaking aloud her intention to finally call them home, while Mato looks on in shock. Cornifer: By the way, Miss Hornet… have you seen the little wanderer lately? Iselda: Corny… Cornifer: They usually stop by the shop every few turns, but we haven’t seen them in at least a cycle. Cornifer: Iselda and I are starting to worry something has happened to them. Hornet: Yes, actually. I encountered them recently. Mato: ! Cornifer: Oh! So they’re alright? Hornet: I can offer no certainty… except that they live… though seemingly bound to circumstances difficult but not dire. Hornet: … I make no promise, but know this: If it is at all within my power… I will bring them home.

(2/3) To Bind Our Echoes That We May Be Whole
A Hollow Knight Fancomic

Chapter 3: Less Like a Promise, More Like a Vow
#HollowKnight #Silksong #SilksongSpoilers

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Hornet, the Green Prince, Lace, and Shakra from Hollow Knight Silksong. The four companions travel the Howling Cliffs, a mountainous path lit by dim street lamps. From the clifftops, they can see a town glowing in the gloom. The entire sequence directly calls back to the opening animation of the first Hollow Knight game.

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Hornet, the Green Prince, Lace, and Shakra from Hollow Knight Silksong. The four travel companions make their way through the town sighted from the cliffs, which the title text identifies as Dirtmouth: The Beacon Town. The town is well lit and relatively lively, with common bugs milling about their business and paying little attention to their adventurers. Lace finds the place "a dump," but before she has the chance to elaborate, they are distracted by the sound of humming. Approaching the source of the tune reveals an older Cornifer, sitting on the iconic bench from the first game, lit by a streetlamp. Cornifer offers them a generic greeting, but is startled from his script after recognizing Hornet. Title Card: Dirtmouth: The Beacon Town Lace: …What a dump. SFX: [Music, implied to be humming] Cornifer: Hm? Ah hello there! Come to explore these beautiful cav– Cornifer: Oh!

(1/3) To Bind Our Echoes That We May Be Whole
A Hollow Knight Fancomic

Chapter 3: Less Like a Promise, More Like a Vow
#HollowKnight #Silksong #SilksongSpoilers

Thank! I'm glad the title's working as intended, otherwise I was being word pretentious for nothing! XD

As for the story right now, Hornet's heading home and bringing some friends! We're kicking off the individual character arcs, but Hornet's at least is about finding a way to bring Ghost home.

Thank you!!!

To Bind Our Echoes That We May Be Whole [Comic] - Chapter 1 - fireflysummers_ao3 - Hollow Knight (Video Games) [Archive of Our Own] An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Follow on AO3: archiveofourown.org/works/79033856

(3/3) Checking in on the hell roadtrip! Given the personalities at play, there was no way they wouldn’t come to blows at least once.

I don't think she was apologizing to the Green Prince there, though...

Hornet meanwhile is desperately patting Lace like, “Is this how you do a comfort???”

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring the Green Prince and Lace from Hollow Knight Silksong. The Green Prince informs Lace that he will not be provoked further by an angry child. Lace is furious at his refusal to rise to her challenge and his belittling framing of her, returning to insulting him with increasing viciousness. The Green Prince: …Perhaps. But not so pathetic as to be provoked into further violence by an angry child. Lace: …How dare you. How dare you look at me like that?! Lace: You weak, worthless creature…!

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring the Green Prince, Lace, and Hornet from Hollow Knight Silksong. Lace continues to lash out at the Green Prince; however, her insults are a clear projection of her own self-hatred. Hornet steps in and calls her out before she can spiral much further, leading her to collapsing to her knees. Lace: do you not realize that it is your fault that everybody you loved is dead!? That it would have been better if you had never been– Hornet: Lace. Lace: …! Lace: …. The Green Prince: …?

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring the Green Prince, Lace, and Hornet from Hollow Knight Silksong. Lace bursts into tears, sniffling and hiccuping while she apologizes. However, the apologies do not appear to be addressed to the Green Prince, nor does he take them as such, turning away uncomfortably while Hornet attempts to comfort Lace. He gently touches the pendant (a repurposed Pristine Core) around his neck. Lace: *hic* *sniff* Lace: *sniff* I’m sorry. *sob* Lace: *hic* *hic* Sorry. I’m so sorry. The Green Prince: …

(2/3) To Bind Our Echoes That We May Be Whole
A Hollow Knight Fancomic

Chapter 2: Fighting Our Reflections in a Fun House Mirror

#HollowKnight #Silksong #SilksongSpoilers

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Hornet, the Green Prince, Lace, and Shakra from Hollow Knight Silksong. The four traveling companions sit in a cave in the wastes, sheltering from the howling winds while they plan out their route to the light of a couple lamps. Shakra and Hornet consult their map, Lace idly watches, and the Green Prince stares out of the cave despondently. Upon hearing confirmation that they are approaching their destination, Lace complains about her discomfort traveling through a sandy environment, only to be scoffed at by the Green Prince for a supposedly sheltered upbringing. Hornet: We are approaching Hallownest’s borders. I expect to reach the Howling Cliffs before the end of the next cycle. Lace: Good. My Threads weren’t meant for this much sand. The Green Prince: Tch. Lace: What. You have something to say? The Green Prince: Not too you. I’m merely unsurprised that one of the citadel’s spawn is unaccustomed to hardship.

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring the Green Prince and Lace from Hollow Knight Silksong. Lace takes a moment absorbing the Green Prince's insult before bursting into laughter, reflecting his mockery and calling him a coward for failing to prevent the fall of Verdania or the death of his lover, while the Green Prince becomes increasingly furious the longer that he listens. Lace: … Lace: Ha~ Lace: Ahahaha! You cannot be serious. You. the disgraced “crown prince” of that backwater patch of marshland. What would you know of hardship? Of suffering? After all, it was your beloved whose shell cracked beneath the citadel… while you wasted away for an age in a filthy cell on Sinner’s Road… Like a coward.

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring the Green Prince and Lace from Hollow Knight Silksong. The Green Prince snaps, charging at Lace and slashing at her with his scythe-like forearms. She dodges easily, landing on her feet and continuing to mock him. However, rather than continuing the assault, the Green Prince pulls back. Lace: Ahahaha! Is that really the full might of Verdania? How adorably pathetic. The Green Prince: …

(1/3) To Bind Our Echoes That We May Be Whole
A Hollow Knight Fancomic

Chapter 2: Fighting Our Reflections in a Fun House Mirror

#HollowKnight #Silksong #SilksongSpoilers

Follow on AO3: archiveofourown.org/works/79033856

A fancomic that I've been working on! It's set to be very tonally different from the other comics I've done, and is an AU unpacking Silksong's aftermath once Hornet (and friends) have returned home to Hallownest.

Chapters usually run 3-6 pages each, and are published sporadically.

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Hornet and the Green Prince from Hollow Knight Silksong. Hornet approaches the Green Prince in the caves that once marked the entrance to Verdania--all that remains is the prince and the metal shell that once housed the soul of his lover. The Green Prince sits turned away from Hornet and harshly questions why she has encroached upon what he intends to be his tomb, scoffing at her supposed good news that the apocalypse has been averted, doubling down on his intention to die in this place. He remains turned away from her, facing the remains of the Cogwork Dancer, seemingly held in place by spiderwebs in the background. The Green Prince: Despite my wishes, pale hunter, you again disturb this tomb. Hornet: I beg pardon for my tresspass, tall bug. But this need not be your grave. The black threads have retreated… the citadel is fallen. The bugs of Pharloom build anew. The Green Prince: … The Green Prince: What care have I for this kingdom’s festering corpse? Let it rot. My life… My love… All died long ago. It is past time I joined them.

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Hornet and the Green Prince from Hollow Knight Silksong. In response to the Green Prince's intentions to waste away in the ruins of his homeland, Hornet vaguely shares some of her own past and empathizing with his survivor's guilt. She recalls sitting at her mother's bedside, as well as the influence of other she has lost--the Pale King, Queen Vespa and the Hive, her mother (again), the Weavers of Deepnest, and Garamond and Zaza. She ends the recollection thinking of the Knight, insisting that if there is a debt, it can only be repaid by continuing to live. Hornet: I understand. Hornet: I too have stood sentinel in the ruins of my home. For long, I believed my continued existence a debt that could not be repaid. It is a lonely damnation. And one wholly self inflicted. Hornet: To live on is not the debt but its payment. Burdened as we are with the ghosts that precede us.

A multi-panel black and white comic featuring Hornet and the Green Prince from Hollow Knight Silksong. The Green Prince, still turned away from Hornet, asks what she wants of him. She informs him that she wants nothing, but offers to have him accompany her back to Hallownest, along with a couple other unidentified companions. She then wishes him farewell and leaves. The Green Prince seems to think over her words before finally turning around, away from the threads that bind him to this place and towards the light. The Green Prince: What do you want of me? Hornet: Nothing. I come with an offer. Hornet: Soon, my companions and I will depart from Pharloom for my home caves. If lingering in this place weighs too heavy on your heart, consider joining us. The journey is long and perilous. The old kingdom fallen. But the land quickens. Life buds anew. Your strength would be a boon, foreign though it be. Hornet: Otherwise, I bid you farewell, green one. The Green Prince: …

To Bind Our Echoes That We May Be Whole
A Hollow Knight Fancomic

Chapter 1: You Must Gather Your Party Before Venturing Forth

#HollowKnight #Silksong

I'm pretty sure that was the first one that I drafted, though I finished them in a different order. The idea of Ghost sliming after Lace was just too good!!

Off to do Bird Crimes!!!

And then they clamber straight up the pole without hesitation

They'd probably eat them like the Crystal Heart, rather than equip them like charms. No idea what they would entail though!

(Ghost disappears for 36 hours, and reemerges the newly crowned King of Craws. Hornet is concerned they did a coup, but they’re not telling.)