My Post Infection AU [Hollow Knight]

Part 9: Burnt Honey

As they finally reached the gap just in front of the hive, Vessel gestured to the structure with incredible grandeur.

"Ta da!" Vessel says, "We finally made it!"

"Yay! Less walking!" Cheers Ellie.

"Um, I'm still not sure I'm ready for this..." Beth says nervously.

Ellie looks up at her, "Well with that attitude, you'll never be!"

Beth nods, "Are you sure I'm the one you want to ask?"

"Oh, I've asked a lot of people," Vessel admits, "But I'm not the one who makes the final decision, just the one who makes recommendations."

Ellie laughs and says in a sarcastic manner, "That's hopeful."

"Well, yes, but clearly Beth knows a lot more about these things than I do." Vessel shrugs, "I just don't want to feel responsible for all these guys dying down here."

"Hey!" A little bee flies over to them, "You're back?"

"Yep," Vessel nods to the little soldier, "Attempt number 'I've lost count.'"

"Right." The little guy nods, "I'll be right back."

They fly into the hive across the water.

"We're waiting to be let in, right?" Ellie asks.

"Yes," Vessel nods, "Intruding on a hive is a terrible first impression."

Beth nods, "It prompts the first line of defense to question your motives towards the colony."

"That makes sense." Ellie shrugs.

"Tell that to my siblings." Vessel jokes.

"What?" Beth asks.

"Nothing." Vessel looks away nervously.

"You have siblings?" Ellie says amazed.

"Did you seriously ignore everything I told you about Hallownest on the way here?" Beth asks upset.

"I mean, I paid attention to the parts about food and cool places..." Ellie says nervously.

Vessel laughs, "I would do that too."

"But this place has such an incredible and deep history! It's full of ancient—!" Beth starts to rant.

"Oh look, they're back." Vessel cuts the bee off.

A few bee soldiers were gazing at them from across the water.

There's silence as they stare at the odd trio.

"Hi." Vessel waves.

"Sup." Ellie nods.

Beth is too nervous to say anything.

There is silence for a moment, before the bees come and get a closer look at Beth.

Ellie and Vessel ensure that they can get a better look at her, seeing as Beth was trying to hide behind them.
Vessel even had to push Beth up to the soldiers.

"H-hi." Beth waves.

The two soldier stare at each other for a moment, then head back to the Hive.

Beth let's out a huge breath and Ellie shrugs, but they were cut short by Vessel's reaction.

"That's new..." Vessel says thoughtfully, staring after the two bees, "Usually if they refuse they hiss and start to attack."

"That's very comforting." Ellie says.