#I really loved the headcanon that Xero used to be one of the Great Five Knights

[mayashesfly]

When Xero first entered Hallownest, he was the only one that had been gifted with the Pale King’s ability to summon Soul Nails with ease. Making the other bugs impressed by his newfound ability. Not only that, but Xero is talented with the way of the nail, having been trained back in his home Colony in battle.

Being revered for his ability to summon Soul Nails and his affinity with battle, he became a one of the Great Five Knights. During this time, only Dryya, Hegemol, Ze’mer and Isma was around. And he was able to do amazing feats in his time as one of the Great Five Knights.

He was an king and outgoing fellow, if not a little loud and bold with his decisions. But even then, in his presence a single group of squabbling bugs can turn into an outstanding team. Rally bugs to work together as one. The units that he commanded on the behalf of the Pale King worked flawlessly together.

However, he also had his own flaws.

When it came to battle tactics, he was not the brightest of bugs. Being used to be noble foot warrior and not a commander in his time. While he was good at getting bugs together and making them listen to his orders, those orders of his are not the best.

It was his greatest weakness.

Or maybe, his true greatest weakness was his bonds with these foot warriors.

The times he allowed himself to talk and know these warriors.

So when the Battle of the Black Wyrm arrived, he grieved all that he lost.

The weak and the strong. The smart and the dull.

All those who was under his command that he learned to care for, dying at his foolish hands that did not know how to save them from their untimely death because of his weakness.

If only the person who was leading them were smarter. Better. More competent than he.

Maybe they wouldn’t have died.

The battle was only saved when a humble beetle rolled in, taking the command and leading the remaining bugs to victory with his exceptional tactics. Throwing the enemies by surprise with his magnificent laughter.

When the battle finally ended, with the Black Wyrm dead. That was when Xero accepted he was not befit of his title as one of the Great Knights.

Willingly shedding his title and telling his King that he was ill suited for his and his people’s needs, he recommended the humble beetle to be a Great Knight. And with Hegemol’s backing, his wish was granted.

Even though he was now a simple bug, with no title of his own he could proudly say. He still stayed in the force, helping those in need in his humble shadow. Awaiting for the time he could truly pay for all those who lost their lives because of him. And move on happily, knowing that they as well are happy in their next life.

But Then The Light Came.

#may asher rambles #may asher writes #hollow knight #xero #hk xero #hollow knight xero #I really loved the headcanon that Xero used to be one of the Great Five Knights #and later got 'replaced' by Ogrim #it's just such a great headcanon to play with!! #it also makes me wonder if PK and Xero were close before he got killed #the angst #it didn't get mention in the post but even after retiring from the Great Knights #Xero still visits the graves of all the comrades he lost from the battle #he even gifts them flowers and talk to them sometimes #I love Xero so much