Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

No mind to think.

No will to break.

No voice to cry suffering.

Sad, is it not? Or it could’ve been, if they would’ve been able to feel sadness. Or any other emotion, if we talk about it. They felt no joy when they were making new friends. Felt no shame when their nail was piercing anyone who was standing on their way. Felt no anger when their shell was falling apart over, and over, and over again. They did not question who called them there or why they were following that call. And they did not know why, when they stepped into that kingdom, something started lingering deep inside. Like if they were there before. Like if… they didn’t want to be there. But at the same time, they knew this was the place they were meant to go. This contradiction didn’t bother them, though. Just like any other obstacle they were stumbling upon, nothing could bother them. They were moving forward, wherever their destination was going to be. Nothing could bother them. Or stop.

“Higher beings, these words are for you alone.”

Were they supposed to read that? Were they allowed to read that if they weren’t a ‘higher being’? Or maybe the sole fact that they could read these words meant that they were indeed a ‘higher being’?

What was that, in any case? An egg? It hardly looked like one, especially with that brightly glowing spot with words that they didn’t even know they could read. But what did they even know about eggs?

“Your great strength marks you amongst us. Focus your soul and you shall achieve feats of which others can only dream.”

Maybe they were the one those words were meant for, after all. They were strong indeed, and even though their nail surely knew better times, no bug could stand against it. But a ‘higher being’? No way. There were hardly any bugs that were smaller than them. And those that were, were mostly harmless little creatures. But maybe…

The little bug didn’t exactly know what ‘focus your soul’ was supposed to mean, but they figured out that if they really were who these words were meant for, it would come to them naturally. And they were right to assume that, because as soon as they concentrated, the white power engulfed their body and healed the crack in their mask that they were so reckless to obtain.

Could they… do this the entire time..? Though, while dwelling on this thought was a reasonable thing to do given the situation, they did not, and moved on forward along the road.

That thing could’ve been an egg, after all, or maybe some sort of hardened cocoon, as they found another one that looked exactly the same, though the words were a bit different. While it still addressed whoever those ‘higher beings’ were, it seemed to be more of a welcoming note. “The land of King and Creator”. “The eternal Kingdom”. Is this their destination? Hallownest…

The giant door was the only thing separating them from that kingdom. So big, that one could only wonder if there was a creature alive that would need this door to be that big. Nothing that they had seen in their life was quite as big so it would be tall enough to reach even halfway through. Though, it was not quite right to judge anything from their experience, as they seemed to not hold memories for long. Maybe they had seen someone who would not fit in this doorway at all?

The door, which pattern depicted a bug with six wings and a crown, seemed to be sealed, but looked so old that just a few strikes of the nail seemed to be enough to break it. ‘Just a few’ appeared to be a bit of an exaggeration, as it proved to be more sturdy than one could expect. But not sturdy enough, because the more slashes of the rusty nail it took, the more cracks appeared on the stone, and the more soft light peeked through them. And with enough patience, the door was fated to eventually fall apart. And patience was the Knight’s second name, even though they lacked first.

If there was something they were exceptionally good at, it was jumping off cliffs. And if it led them to some town, who would even complain?

Though the town seemed to be a little… empty. Not something one could expect to see in the ‘eternal Kingdom’. All the houses were sealed shut, and only one old bug was standing near the bench, listening to the song of the wind. 

“Ho there, traveller,” he said as they approached him. “I'm afraid there's only me left to offer welcome. Our town's fallen quiet you see.” It was really quiet indeed, unless you’d consider the wind to be your best pal. Which could be the case if the town was abandoned a while ago. “The other residents? They've all disappeared. Headed down that well, one by one, into the caverns below.” The little bug looked around and sought the well that the old bug just mentioned. So that’s where they would head next… 

They sat on the bench and stretched their little bug legs. The two of them have come a long way and could use a bit of rest. They looked at the Elderbug.

He obviously took it as a hint to keep talking, and who could blame him? When you’ve been alone for so long, you will use every opportunity if there is someone willing to listen. “Used to be there was a great kingdom beneath our town. It's long fell to ruin, yet it still draws folks into its depths. Wealth, glory, enlightenment, that darkness seems to promise all things. I'm sure you too seek your dreams down there.”

Dreams… The little bug did not dream. And none of the things that the Elderbug mentioned interested them. Still… There had to be something that was drawing them there, in this forgotten kingdom. 

“Well, watch out. It's a sickly air that fills the place. Creatures turn mad and travellers are robbed of their memories. Perhaps dreams aren't such great things after all…”

The Elderbug fell silent, looking up. The little bug did the same. The wind was howling. They weren't afraid to lose memories as they had nothing to hold onto. But so there was nothing there that they wanted to obtain. So why were they going to go there anyway?

“Do you hear that too?” They looked at the Elderbug. He was looking up. “Sometimes, through the song of the wind, I can hear a different song breaking through… Might it be that you can hear it too, traveller?” The little bug listened. There was nothing but wind. Maybe the loneliness did play its tricks on the old bug. “Ah, it’s gone. Who could it be, singing so stunningly?”

“Hello there! How delightful to meet another traveller on these forgotten roads!” 

The little bug nodded. They did not expect to meet anyone so soon, especially not someone sane, as all bugs outside this temple seemed to be… not. They were very different from the bugs outside the kingdom. While those weren't very intelligent either, the bugs that they met on these crossroads were… exceptionally aggressive. As if… something was making them be this way? 

This guy sounded much more lively than the old bug in the town above. Maybe it had to do with him being a traveller too. After all, sitting in one place for so long is very boring indeed, and what fun can there be in that dark misty town? But to everyone their own. 

This bug was tall and carried a nail with him, though he had no cloak. But he had a mask on the top of his head, though it was strange that he wore it this way. Shouldn't you cover your face with the mask? 

“You're a short one, but you've a strong look about you," the bug said. Was that a compliment of some sorts? "I'm Quirrel," he finally introduced himself and got his eyes off the little knight. "I have something of an obsession with uncharted places. This ancient kingdom holds many fascinating mysteries, and one of the most intriguing of them is standing right before us.” 

And this was something they wouldn’t argue with. Whatever this place was, they knew that was the place they were traveling to. But… They were there. What now? 

Quirrel raised his hand and touched the black stone before them. “A great stone egg, lying in the corpse of an ancient kingdom,” he continued. “And this egg… Is it warm? It certainly gives off a unique air."

Unique, to say the least. There was something inside, they were sure of it. Something? Or… someone..? 

"Can it be opened?" Quirrel pondered. "There are strange marks all over it…” 

Maybe this was the answer. Maybe whatever was calling for them was inside this black egg? 

Quirrel looked at the Knight once again. “I do so love a mystery… And who knows what other marvels lie even deeper below us… Or above! Did you happen to hear a song up there? I wonder who that voice belonged to… It felt… really sad...”

Maybe the old bug didn't go insane after all? This, or there were two of them who went crazy in the same way. Which is highly unlikely, probably. 

The further they went, the more bugs they met that were affected by the strange infection. Or whatever it was that made them lose their mind and attack anyone who came close. But it wasn’t like it was something especially strange. No, in reality, it was pretty common for those who operated only based on instincts. But no bug that they’ve met before coming into this kingdom had those glowing orange eyes, and certainly no one was blowing up with a weird orange juice upon being slain. It was definitely not something very nice, and it burned the Knight's shell as if trying to melt through it to get inside.

And it seemed like every creature on these roads was affected by it. Even those that seemed to be leading a normal life and didn’t have the orange shine in their eyes, were blowing up with this Infection after death. Were there different stages of being infected?

This theory was proved to have the right to exist when the Knight stumbled upon the abandoned village at the end of the road. Or not abandoned but rather… infected? The houses were sealed shut and only the infected shells were walking back and forth. They didn’t attack each other though. Did they attack only those who weren't infected like them? Or did they have some kind of deep grudge against little knights?

After making sure these shells wouldn’t run around bumping their heads into walls anymore, the Knight found out that there was one house with an open door. They looked inside. There sat a fly as small as the Knight themselves, quietly chanting something. “...ugghh, Oro you oaf... You wield your nail... like a club…” His rather big compared to the rest of his body eyes weren’t fully orange but rather covered with the orange haze. “...Esmy... how much deeper do we have to go…” the bug chanted again, and it appeared that he was dreaming. Maybe that strange infection hadn't taken his mind over just yet? Ready to draw their nail if needed, the Knight slowly touched the bug’s shoulder. “Oh!” the bug immediately woke up, and the orange haze instantly disappeared as if it wasn’t there just a second ago. “What?! Who are you?!” 

It looked like his first instinct was to instantly grab his nail, though it was nowhere to be seen, or maybe that was something entirely different. The Knight let go of their nail: there was no enemy before him.

The bug looked around. “...I see. This old village. What a strange dream, to have led me down here! If you hadn't found me, I don't think I would've ever woken.” 

That was a strange thing to say, for sure, but given the situation and what they’ve already seen, it actually made sense. Was the Infection destroying the minds of bugs through their dreams? Was this what the Elderbug meant when he said that dreams are not such a good thing? No, even if the Infection had to do with dreams, he probably wouldn’t know…

“I'm Sly,” the bug introduced himself. “Usually, I live an uneventful life up in Dirtmouth. The air in these ruins doesn't agree with me, so I'd best be getting back."

It was the second time that something weird about the air was mentioned. And even though the Knight themselves couldn’t tell, it clearly had to do with the Infection. Pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together. Was this Infection the reason they were called there? Were they meant to find a way to stop it?

This was the easy answer. But it was clear that the puzzle was much broader than it might’ve seemed initially, as soon as the Knight entered the Greenpath. And even though the area itself was pretty interesting in how different it was from the Crossroads, it wasn’t what caught the Knight’s empty eyes.

They didn’t know what was that about that girl in this wavy silk red dress, but the second they saw her, they knew to follow her. Was it the needle she carried with her that just looked like it belonged to a skillful fighter, which made the Knight crave to fight her, or the sole fact that she was running away from them was making them want to chase, either way, there was something about this girl that the Knight couldn’t have explained even if they were able to speak.

They were running after her ignoring everything else, taking detours only where they couldn’t jump across too wide of a gap. She stood there as if waiting for them to come close only to jump deeper into the green bushes, as if trying to lure them somewhere. To lure… but for what?

The answer to this question came itself as they finally caught up to her deep in the greens. She wasn’t alone. And the one with their own nail piercing through their chest… looked strangely too much like the Knight… 

She looked back at them and as if to show off, stepped on the body of the dead bug, making it fall on the ground. “Come here and you’ll join them,” she was saying without the need to say a word. But if there was a challenge, the Knight was the first to face it head-on. And so they jumped down.

The girl raised her needle at them. “Come no closer, ghost.” Ghost? The little bug wasn’t a ghost, though sometimes it was definitely hard to tell if they were there or in some entirely different place. “I've seen you, creeping through the undergrowth, stalking me.” Though she wasn’t wrong, it wasn’t like the Knight was trying to hide their interest. And in the end, were they a stalker, or were they actually a prey that was lured into the pit too deep for them to be able to get out on their own? “This old kingdom…” She lowered her needle and looked up. “A terrible thing awakens. I can smell it in the air…” She looked at the Knight then and squeezed the handle of her needle harder. “I know what you are. I know what you'd try to do. I can't allow it…”

Would’ve they turned back if they knew what kind of an opponent they were going to face? Unlikely. They didn’t know the pain of death and didn’t see the problem in trying again if they failed. Although their shell shattered under quick and precise attacks of the needle, and the emptiness inside was set free, they just found themselves waking up on the bench, ready to return and try again. And it didn’t seem like it surprised the girl when the bug she’s just slain came back to fight her again. And again. And again. Getting quicker with every attempt. Dodging her attacks a little bit better every time. Finding more and more opportunities to strike back. Learning to better use the spell they’ve obtained just before entering the Greenpath. Falling and coming back anew. Until, eventually and inevitably, she has fallen.

She retreated, but there was no taste of victory in the Knight’s heart. It had always been like that. It could not have ended any other way.

Now that she was gone, they had a chance to look at the one she had slain before them. Their shells were just different enough to be able to tell they were different bugs, but they… were so similar! As if they were…

...siblings..?

Suddenly, the ground shook, staggering the Knight. The light shone upon them, and they heard the ethereal voices.

“Would it seek to break the Seals?”

“They cannot be undone.”

“They must be undone.”

“Let us sleep, little shadow. Return to your darkness. Allow us our peace.”

The light engulfed everything, and the Knight lost sight of their surroundings and control over their own body. And somewhere within this light they heard a different voice.

“Oh, my… It’s been a while since I…” It silenced for a moment, and then spoke again, suddenly changing from soft to sharp tone. “What a joke. They’re not even united in their purpose. No wonder she was able to leak through.” Whoever this voice belonged to fell quiet for a moment as if considering what to do. When it spoke again, the voice was soft and sweet once again. “Wake up, little ghost. This world is not for those of your kind. And take what used to belong to your kin. They won’t need it anymore anyway. Don’t let them be forgotten.”

The light slowly faded away and the Knight found themselves waking up right where they… fell asleep? The little corpse was still laying there but now… It seemed like their cloak… faded? It became darker and dirtier for sure. On the contrary, the Knight’s cloak… As if woven from a moth’s wing, it shined whenever the light touched it. And it felt much lighter than before…

The Knight got up and looked around. What a weird dream that was…

They went further through the green and they felt like if the wind itself was carrying them forward. It was going through their cloak, so thin and light now, and they easily flew over the gaps they would not had been able to jump over before.

Maybe dreams were not such a bad thing after all?

Chapter Text

Stumbling upon a forgotten Stag station wasn’t surprising anymore. They found the first one back in the Forgotten Crossroads, where they met the Last Stag for the first time. He said that there’s a number of tunnels connecting all of the Hallownest, and if the Knight were to find the stations, the Last Stag would be more than happy to assist them with travelling. So, the Knight made sure to find them all.

But this one wasn’t just a platform with a bench and a bell; it was a big station, and even though it was long abandoned and forgotten, it looked interesting to say the least. Overgrown with the moss, flowers, and vines, much like the path that led there, it had a very unique feel to it. There were several platforms, and though some of them were crumbled and fences broken at places, the butterflies inside the lanterns still lit the place up. It even felt peaceful, despite dead bugs laying here and there. It was easy to imagine this place being busy, the bells constantly ringing, the bugs running around, carrying packages to transport with the Stags, though none of that was left anymore. The place was quiet now, apart from the stones falling from the crumbling platforms, and the clatter of the blue sign plates in the breeze.

And it appeared as the Knight wasn’t the only one to wander there: sitting on one of the platforms, there was Quirrel, resting after a surely long adventure.

He nodded at the sight of the Knight who came closer and sat next to him, letting their legs rest before moving further down. Quirrel had already warned them that descending with the state their nail was in was quite dangerous when they met by the lake that they found deep in the green forest. And now he reminded again that the Knight should seek a smith or he’d have a hard time further down. Though it wasn’t quite clear how would Quirrel be so sure about that, there was no reason for them to doubt his words.

They were meant to meet again very soon, and it felt almost concerning how their paths would go along. Maybe they had the same goal, even?

The Knight had always been drawn to the challenge, and when they found out that there’s a tribe of mantises that were left untouched by the Infection while challenging for a fight anyone who came to their lands, the Knight didn’t see any other way to go but seek the Lords of that tribe and challenge them.

They found Quirrel in the Mantis Village once again, and he warned the Knight to not do it as they might not be ready, but they didn’t want to go the easy path. Going the easy path meant taking a detour, and that was not something the Knight was too fond of. And so they jumped down, stood before the thrones, and drew their nail. 

It's been a while since they were challenged the last time. Since someone made it as far as to challenge them. Actually, this occurred only once before, but it was so, so long ago… There were still four of them back then… 

Now, the fourth throne was broken as their traitorous brother was exiled from their lands, and the one standing before them didn't shine with a bright light, but they accepted the challenge just like before. 

They stood up, and one of the Lords jumped down to fight the challenger. Her moves were swift, her spear - sharp, and the little knight's nail could only make one laugh. But it was only making things interesting, as the Knight was not only able to stand against the mantis, but be a worthy opponent to her. It was awakening pleasant memories. 

She wasn’t coming to even visit anymore. They didn’t blame her, she had to go through a lot. They did too, though they never faulted her for that. They dared not, not after she’d been protecting them for so long. And since the Infection had not come into their village yet, she still was. And even though it’s been a while since they saw her last, they understood. Fighting them wouldn’t be her top priority anymore. They just hoped that the day would arrive, and she would come to challenge them once again.

That little knight… Though small, they were quick, and wielded their nail masterfully. That old rusty nail of theirs, though not that sharp and deadly, in the hands of its master became a dangerous weapon. Although they could not even stand near her who was the first to challenge Mantis Lords, they strangely reminded them of her. Of those sweet times when no infection was known to bug, and she was a frequent visitor of their village, always welcomed but never gone without a fight. 

Eventually, the mantis was defeated. But that was where the challenge actually began. As the Lord sat back on her throne, exhausted after the fight, the two other mantises looked at each other and jumped at the Knight together. 

Their moves were as swift and spears as sharp, only now there were two of them. And that wouldn't be as much of a problem if not for their amazing coordination. The attacks were raining down onto the little bug, barely giving them enough time to catch a breath. Whenever one mantis was left open for an attack, the other one was appearing out of nowhere to cover her. Every mistake was punished, and the Knight had no opportunity to recover. Their only option was the game of endurance. Carefully watch and study ladies' movements, only striking when certain they wouldn't be punished, and dodge, dodge, dodge. 

The fight was long, and it was only meant to come down to who would get impatient first. The Knight was the most patient bug out there, and was not afraid of losing that battle, but that's where the Ladies really showed just how good of the fighters they were. They didn't get impatient, didn't try to finish the battle faster, didn't try to do something reckless to get rid of the Knight. After all, they did not try to banish them from their village. They were in a long awaited fight, and they were savoring every second of it. 

They did not give the Knight the pleasure of being underestimated, and there were no mistakes they could be punished for. It wasn't even as much of a battle as it was a dance. Beautiful long dance, and Mantis Lords would've been damned if they interrupted its flow. 

Though small and not as graceful as the long-legged moth, the Knight granted the Lords a unique in its nature dance, and they had absolutely no problems with their defeat. One after another, they had to sit on their thrones, exhausted but incredibly happy. They missed this kind of feeling. And, having nothing but respect for the worthy opponent, the three of them stood up and bowed to the Knight. The gates were open, and although they promised to keep the creatures of the Deepnest out, they were willing to leave that post if going through these gates was what their new little friend craved. After all, did they even need to keep that promise if the one they promised it to was gone? 

Though, although the Knight was interested in trespassing that door, they also were interested in another door. Before, the mantises did not let them pass through, but although they couldn't ask the Mantis Ladies if they were allowed to take a look at whatever they were hiding in there after they were not an enemy to their tribe anymore, they seemed to be allowed to go there anyways. 

When the Knight returned to the village, the mantises did not attack them anymore. Every single one of them already knew that they were recognized by their Lords. They were willing to accept the challenge if the Knight was willing to test them, but unless that was going to happen, they were going to show nothing but respect. 

And as they entered, the guardian did not shut the door like he did before, only bowed to the Knight and watched after them as they went further into their sacred place. 

Although the place was not easy to go through as the spikes on the walls and the floor were present there too, it felt peaceful in there. Peaceful, warm, and the place was unusually bright. The Fungal Wastes, where the village was situated, were not a dark place like the Forgotten Crossroads or the cliffs they entered from, but something about this room just felt different. 

The mantises seemed to not mind the Knight borrowing one of their claws earlier to grab onto the walls, and it was really helpful ever since, especially in this room. There were two chests, though they were not filled with those shiny little stones, Geo, that everyone else seemed to value. It was not surprising: clearly, the mantises valued combat much more than any physical goods. 

That's why it was surprising to find an altar there. A gently carved statue of a bug with four thin wings like those of a butterfly, with a dress that seemed to be imitating fur, long legs and two pairs of arms with a unique pattern carved in them, raising her long nail up in a brave stance, seemed to be emanating a warm light. 

"Do not get the wrong idea. We do not worship any God." They turned to see one of the Lords come to them and sit before the statue. She looked up at the creature, and there was something like sadness in her eyes. "This is the Dream Child. The mightiest warrior we've ever had the pleasure to be challenged by." She looked at the Knight. "You do not look like her, but we did have the same feeling when we were fighting you. We do not usually let outsiders in there, but you are welcome to stay here for as long as you feel the need to." She got up. Her movements weren't as sharp as they were during the battle anymore. She looked at the statue again. "We do not know where she is right now, but we do hope she will come back, eventually." She started leaving, but paused and looked at the Knight one more time. "We never interfered with the outside world. And we do not intend to. But if you would like to return and challenge us again, we will accept your challenge."

She left, but the Knight stayed by the altar for a bit longer. The statue actually looked pretty rough, especially around the head. It probably wasn't even accurate. But for a tribe that was all about fighting, they probably worked so damn hard on it. Did the Dream Child even know they did something like this for her? Did she have any idea just how much did they respect her? 

And who even was this Dream Child? And where could they find her to challenge for a fight?

Quirrel was always where the Knight went, but just one step ahead. Who would've thought they'd meet even in this hellish pit that was filled with the most creepy crawlers, in one little island of peace that was this hot spring? 

This water was definitely something special. Since the Knight left the Mantis Village, it was nothing but constant fighting, running away, and trying to not get lost without a proper map. Their body was exhausted, and their mask was damaged so hard that the emptiness within was already trying to break through the cracks, and it felt like it would break apart if they even just as much as stumbled over a broken twig. But as soon as they fell there, and the water took them in, filling their body with warmth, the mask was immediately restored to its best state, and the pain in their little body was gone. 

They took awhile to rest there with Quirrel. He didn't talk much this time, and neither did they, for obvious reasons. There was a bench nearby, and Quirrel's nail rested against its back. They both knew that outside this little peaceful place was a hellish pit, but being there and then… It didn't feel like it. Like none of that even existed there. Like they were in a completely different world… 

They were going to move forward. Even though they were probably not ready to face whatever lied ahead. But they were going, even if just because they could. 

Another tram station. They saw one back in the Forgotten Crossroads. But this tram didn't seem to be working either. What a shame. There didn't seem to be a Stag Station in this spider haven, and any sane being would prefer to be literally anywhere else but there. Including the Knight, as much of an emotionless shell they were. Was there, perhaps, a way to make this machine work?

They looked around. The platform, the tram itself, even the gates were all in the same symbol. The one they saw for the first time on the giant door at the entrance to the Kingdom. The winged bug in the crown. Since then, they saw it everywhere across the Kingdom, so it was reasonable to assume it was this kingdom’s brand. Did that mean the King was the one to build these tramways?

The tram was hung on a long pole which was probably meant to transport the cabin. But it was way too massive and heavy for the Knight to even slightly move. The door wouldn’t move either. But there was a thin slot that looked like there was something that could be used as a key to open the door. Not a key itself, but more like some kind of a card. A card… Maybe a tram pass?

Perhaps their sufferings through this hell did pay off, as they did find a tram pass along the way. Honestly, who would even think that building that thing in the middle of spiders' and others creepers' nest was a good idea? Probably, the King of this kingdom. Well, as stupid as this idea was, it gave the Knight a free tram pass, so they were not going to complain. And it worked perfectly: as soon as the pass went into the hole, the lights inside the tram turned on and the door opened. The Knight took their tram pass back and stepped inside. 

The tram looked sad, much like the rest of this kingdom. Abandoned clearly a while ago, the seats were dirty, and there were dead dirtcarvers on the floor. Little lamps on the ceiling with the pale butterflies inside barely illuminated the cabin. Still, it felt peaceful in there. Almost warm. Almost…

It felt like they were close. They didn’t know close to what they were, but they knew that whatever it was, it wasn’t much further down.

There was a button on each side of the tram, clearly placed there for the purpose of activating its movement to either direction. Though only one of them had a glow indicating it could be pressed. The Knight pressed it and sat on the one seat that wasn't as dirty as others and wasn't going to fall apart under the weight of the smallest of bugs. The tram started its movement. 

Though it started roughly, it was moving much smoother than travelling with the Last Stag. But something within them was rising the farther the tram went. Something like… concern?

Though the tram stopped, and the other button started glowing, indicating that the tram could go back to the Deepnest anytime, the button that the Knight pressed previously didn't lose its light, which meant there was still where to go. 

They roughly drew on their map a general direction of the tram’s movement, and wrote a note to come back there later, before pressing the glowing button once again and moving further. And as they moved farther from that second station, the concern was slowly fading away.

The tram stopped, the door opened, and the light on the button faded. This was the end stop. The Knight came out. 

The place was dark though rather calm and quiet, unlike Deepnest, though some of its creatures did find their way in there. The Knight took a note of a giant Hive, but didn't try to find their way in; they moved forward, looking for something particular. Or rather, someone particular. 

And they found him. As they reached the acidic lake and platforms going up in the sky, through the wind up above they heard a familiar song. They heard it so many times already, and always knew: if there is this song, Cornifer is nearby. 

Cornifer was a cartographer, and his work saved the Knight's little bug ass not once during this journey. He and his wife lived in Dirtmouth, the small town above the well, and he was traveling all over Hallownest drawing its map. And if there was anything that the Knight needed the most in that situation, it was a map. 

Following the song and the sheets of paper that Cornifer so recklessly kept throwing around, they found him, and for the small price of Geo, obtained a rough map of this region. 

It was called Kingdom's Edge, and… seemed to be so far away from any other region they’ve been to so far. Did they really travel all the way across to the farther side of the Kingdom from where they entered it?

They went up. The higher they went, the stronger the wind was becoming, and the more snowy it was getting. Snowy? No, the white particles that were carried with the wind could hardly be confused for the snow. No, it wasn't snow, it was… 

Ash..? 

Chapter Text

It was so nice to be back. Somehow this little peaceful town felt like home. And it became more lively since: Sly had returned to his house, the Stag station opened once again, and Cornifer's wife, Iselda, took one of the houses too. 

After successfully escaping the den of kamikaze birds, the Knight found themselves at the King's Station and didn't waste a moment before ringing a bell, jumping in the Stag's seat and making their way back in the Dirtmouth. Finally, they could take a breath. 

Iselda was willing to sell lots of accessories to help the Knight complete Cornifer's map, and Sly was happy to free the Knight's pockets from Geo, giving quite useful stuff in return. His prices were not that much nice, but Geo held no value to the Knight, so they were not against giving it away to get some of that stuff. 

Like that lantern, for example. What can be more useful for going into the darkest parts of the Deepnest? 

Or that one tunnel in Forgotten Crossroads that was too dark for the Knight to go in before… 

Those crystals were anything but normal. 

Even after being infected, all the miners still kept trying to mine these crystals. They probably used to cost quite a bit back in the day, but it was unlikely there was anyone willing to buy those in the current state of the kingdom. Sure they were shiny and made quite a melodic sound upon being broken, but that was but the only value they had left. Still, all the infected miners seemed to still be obsessed with mining those: the melodic clatter of their picks was echoing through the place endlessly.

Although there was no one left sane, the conveyors worked still, transporting the crystals to no bug knows where. They were either scattered across the floor to be later gathered in the casks, or were going into the massive tubes that were going somewhere deep down. To the capital, perhaps?

The husks were fighting like if they tried to protect these crystals from the Knight. Like if these crystals were all they had left. Which, probably, was not far from the truth. 

Inspecting these mines, it was not hard to imagine what it was like when they were still operating. Barrels filled with crystals everywhere, rail tracks to transport them, and… whatever those giant golems were used for. There were several of them that the Knight encountered, though all of them seemed to be broken. Either this, or they were turned off. Which was more likely, because the Knight did find one with a still active core. 

And this was where things started to get a little bit bizarre. Because if getting a new cloak and learning to dash was understandable, and using a mantis claw to grab onto the wall at least made sense, whatever happened between their body and the golem's core wasn't natural. 

Responding to the core's high energy, black tendrils emerged from their body, ripped off the crystal core and consumed it inside of the Knight's body. 

Something like this had never happened before, and anyone else would be shocked or maybe even terrified, but the Knight got a new ability, and they were not about to complain. Or ask questions. No one could answer them anyway. Even if they would've been able to ask… 

Did I mention that the Knight was very fond of jumping into nothingness? Yes? Well, I'll remind you, just in case: the Knight was very fond of jumping into nothingness. And if they stumble upon a giant hole with no visible bottom? They jump. As simple as that. 

No measurement can measure the pure strength of those little bug legs. How many of those falls did they take and only came out stronger? Those numbers are not known to bug, especially such as the Knight, who either did not know counting or just never bothered to count. 

An extremely long fall led the Knight to the graveyard, as it seemed. Amongst the simple gravestones, there were those with statues, some of them depicting simple bugs of this Kingdom, others - the Kingdom’s Brand, crowned six-winged bug. And there were those that were not the complete statues, but not as simple as the gravestones either. One of them even had a tablet on it. It said, “Cursed are those who turn against the King.”  

It was quiet and peaceful there, in contrast to the never-stopping crystal song in the peaks. The Knight looked up. No, there was no way they'd be able to get back the same way they came. They had to inspect the graveyard and figure out where it is on their map. Would they find Cornifer in there? Stag station, perhaps? 

But what they did find was neither of those. Rather, it was three statues in the midst of the graveyard. If, of course, one dares to call those old stones with masks on them statues. It was more like… a memorial of sorts? Three masks, looking similar by shape, but different by the amount of eyes they had. And they were definitely something that the Knight had seen before. But… where? 

As soon as the Knight neared the statues, the barrier of the pale light circled the memorial. The tablet in front of the statues said, " To protect the Vessel, the Dreamers lay sleeping. Through their devotion, Hallownest lasts eternal ." So those were the Dreamers. But it wasn't quite clear what exactly the 'Vessel' was. And why was there a barrier, wasn't clear too. Though, this mystery was about to solve itself in just a moment. 

The ground shook the same way it shook that time in the Greenpath, the same light shone upon the Knight as the barrier disappeared, and the same three voices fell upon them. "Go no further, little shadow," they said. "What compels its climb out of the darkness? What compels its return to this sacred kingdom?" 

They seemed to be talking to the Knight, but as if they were not right there. Or rather… as if they were not a living being? 

The memories still lingered. There was a call. That's why they came here. The call was from inside that giant egg in the temple. But that was all the Knight was aware of. 

As if heard that, the Dreamers responded, "A call from beyond the Seals? By the Vessel, or by the captive light?"

So the Vessel was inside that black egg. And possibly what called for the Knight to come. Still wasn't quite clear what it exactly was, but that was something. And wasn't clear at all what the ‘captive light’ was supposed to mean. But it was possible to guess that a Vessel should contain something, and the Seals hinted that it was meant to stay contained. So whatever that ‘light’ was, it was probably imprisoned inside that egg. Was the Knight there to break the Seals and set it free? Or for something else? 

"Would the Seals break? They cannot be undone," the Dreamers said. "But the Vessel weakens. That plague springs anew. They must be undone."

Was that ‘light’ the one responsible for the Infection? And even though sealed, it managed to break free? Was the Knight… meant to become a new Vessel? 

"Yet still our Seals remain. Our duty holds. It must be cast away. Our duty holds. It shall be done." The light fell onto the little bug's body, consuming them. "Fade away, little shadow." The light engulfed their body, as if trying to destroy it. "Fade away, and let us sleep in peace." The light hit the Knight one last time, from all directions, and they finally lost consciousness. 

"Oh. It's you again. To be honest, I did not expect to see the same little shade twice. Interesting. Oh, I'm sorry, I cannot show myself to you. My powers are very limited right now. But I'm grateful with what I have. Not so long ago I was not able to do even as much."

The light was everywhere, but it did not hurt anymore. The Knight recognized the voice, though they did not know who it belonged to. 

"I'm not the only one who noticed your arrival. She wants to try to redeem her tribe, even though it is hardly possible anymore. But I still will hope you'd choose to help her, little ghost. And if you'll be able to go with this through to the end… We will definitely meet again."

The voice disappeared, and the light stepped back, releasing the Knight from its shackles. They got up. This place was nothing like any place the Knight has ever been to. Too bright. Air too light. Everything too ethereal. It didn't feel real. Nothing there felt real. Not clouds below, nor the floating platform they were standing on, not even the grass growing on it. It almost felt like they were… in a dream? 

A figure of a pure light appeared before the Knight. It was some kind of a creature with big beautiful wings, but only a vague shape. It looked at the Knight, and then flew away, leaving a clear path for the Knight to follow. And they did. They jumped from one platform to another, traveling higher in this dreamy world. When they caught up with the light creature, it flew away again and again, but the Knight kept following, until they reached the statue of a moth creature. There, the creature allowed the Knight to get close, where the seal of bright light shone from the ground. 

"What a terrible fate they've visited upon you," it said. "To cast you away into this space between body and soul." The voice was nice and gentle, almost a melody ringing through that endless dream world. "Will you accept their judgement and fade slowly away? Or will you take the weapon before you, and cut your way out of this sad, forgotten dream?"

The light silhouette fell apart, leaving just one little piece of light behind. The Knight stepped closer. They were given a choice. To stay there forever, or to get out. Illusion of a choice, that was. Because if they had a weapon to tear through this prison's walls, there was no chance they would not use it. So they reached their little dark hand up and grabbed onto the handle made of light. It responded, and formed a nail made of pure light. The Knight swung it, and everything got enveloped in thick light. And then - gone. Into complete darkness. 

When the Knight woke up, they were back in the real world. They were not in the graveyard anymore, though the air here felt the same. They got up and found themselves inside some sort of the house, warm and cozy, with its owner sitting next to them. It was a moth. 

Noticed the Knight's awakening, the moth spoke. "Ahh, you've returned! Welcome back to the waking world." Her voice wasn't as melodical as it was in the Dream, but it was clear that it was the same creature. "Those figures, those Dreamers… They reached out with what little power they still have and dragged you into that hidden place. But that talisman you now wield, that Dream Nail… It can cut through the veil that separates the waking world from our dreams. Even the Dreamers themselves cannot hide from such a weapon."

The Seer proceeded telling the Knight about the Essence, and why would they need to collect it. She called the Knight ‘Wielder’, and one could only assume if this had anything to do with ‘redeeming her tribe’ or anything that voice had said. 

But while collecting the Essence to strengthen their Dream Nail was a task worth fulfilling, the Knight's physical nail still needed some refinement. So, they held their way back into the City of Tears, where, if they were to believe Quirrel, they were going to find a smith. 

The Seer was watching over the Resting Grounds, where the Knight fell during their exploration of the Crystal Peaks. There was not much to look at, but they did find a tram station that was connected to Forgotten Crossroads, and also a Stag Station. And that meant they could hold a safe trip back to the King's Station in the City. 

The City of Tears was filled with the infected bugs. Everyone, from guards to rich bugs obsessed with Geo, fell victim to the orange plague. They did not attack each other, but were ready to use everything at their disposal to cut the little knight's throat. As if they had big red letters all over their mask saying ‘KILL ME’.

Made their way through the city, not so much killing anyone who stood on their way as running away from them, the Knight came across a big fountain. It was still working, water flowing over the sides of the statue. The statue depicted the Dreamers standing around someone else. That figure was tall and looked like it was someone from the royalty. Was that the King? 

A familiar sound cut through the air as the needle that met the Knight's face way too many times thrusted between the stones of the pavement close enough to the Knight to make them flinch. The thread that was attached to it carried its master along, and the girl in that silky red dress jumped to the fountain, returning her needle in her slim hands. Though, she didn't seem to be seeking fighting this time around. 

"Again we meet, little ghost," she said. Her voice was calm and steady. "I'm normally quite perceptive." She shook her head. "You I underestimated, though I've since guessed the truth. You've seen beyond this kingdom's bounds. Yours is resilience born of two voids. It's no surprise then you've managed to reach the heart of this world. In so doing, you shall know the sacrifice that keeps it standing." She looked up at the figures of stone, then at the Knight. Then she looked at her needle, tightening the grasp on the handle, as if debating deep inside if she's making the right choice. She turned around, maybe wanting to leave, or maybe just trying to hide her emotions. Hesitated just a moment longer, she looked at the Knight over her shoulder. "If, knowing that truth, you'd still attempt a role in Hallownest's perpetuation… Seek the Grave in Ash, and the mark it would grant to one like you." With this, she jumped and was out of sight in less than a moment. 

‘Resilience born of two voids’, ‘the sacrifice that keeps this world standing’, ‘Hallownest's perpetuation’... If only the Knight could know what any of those were supposed to mean! They came closer to the fountain and read the inscription. 

So that figure wasn't the King. It was the Hollow Knight. "In the Black Vault far above. Through its sacrifice Hallownest lasts eternal." Was the ‘Black Vault’ referring to that big black egg under the Dirtmouth? Does that mean that this ‘Hollow Knight’ was the Vessel the Dreamers were talking about? 

‘Its sacrifice’. Not their. Not his. ‘Its’. As if this creature wasn't even looked upon as a living being. As if its sole purpose was to be sacrificed. And who else did Dreamers refer to as ‘it’?

Were they also… A Vessel? Were they actually meant to replace this current one that started falling apart? And if so, just how many more were out there? 

But the Knight wasn't the type to dwell on thoughts. They knew what the ‘Grave in Ash’ might've been referring to - they've been in a place with the ash - but there were some things they needed to do first. Like finding a Nailsmith, for example. Which didn't take them too long from then on. 

Right next to the Fountain Square, the Knight found the Relic Seeker Lemm. He was willing to trade some relics for Geo if the Knight happened to come across some things that had no value for others, but were extremely valuable for bugs like Lemm. And the Knight had a bunch - they've come across a few journals of poor travelers that happened to die during their exploration of these lands as well as a few amulets made in the form of that same crowned bug that seemed to not have any magic in them, therefore absolutely useless for the Knight, but if someone was willing to buy them, who were they to complain? According to Lemm, they've never held any power, and were only used as a symbol of the King. Which only proved them to be absolutely useless even back in the day they were used. 

Though, Lemm did share a bit of his knowledge regarding those with the Knight. It seemed like those were worn by the King and his five Knights whose names were forever lost to history. However, he did mention that there was a statue that could’ve depicted one of them by the entrance of the city, but the Knight was yet to make their way there.

Noting to come back if they find more useless crap, the Knight went on to the western parts of the city per Lemm’s advice. And it finally paid off as they came across the Smithy. There, the usual rueful site of the City being flooded by the water running down from the above was slowly blending into the bright scenery of the Fungal Wastes, clearly hinting those were close. 

The Nailsmith still kept working, though it was hard to imagine anyone still needing his services. But it seemed like the infected husks still came to him to polish their nails, because before looking at the Knight, the Nailsmith did confuse them with those. Or was there someone else that kept coming to him still?

The Nailsmith did not offer much talk, but he was more than glad to get an opportunity to treat the Knight’s old nail. It was indeed in quite a sorry state, but just a few masterful swings of that hammer worked wonders. The blade became smooth and sharp, much more so than it had ever been.

The Knight made sure to lurk into every single hole of this city with their new-found nail. Honed by the master, it was going through their enemies like through honey. Still, there was a way to make it better. 

Seeing the Knight heated to go out and try it out on those mindless shells, the Nailsmith only mentioned that he could do more if the Knight were to bring him something called the Pale Ore. It seemed to be a very rare metal, but it could make their nail outstandingly deadlier, so the Knight made sure to make a note to search for those.

Unluckily, although they made sure to look everywhere they could, they didn't find anything of the sorts in the City. They found something better, though. And that was Quirrel. Of course it was Quirrel, who would've even doubted they'd be sitting on that bench together, listening to the sound of the rain outside. 

Quirrel did not seem to be willing to go deeper into the city, and he was not certain whether it was fear that kept him away, or was it something else. Either way, that was where their ways were meant to part, though the Knight guessed they would meet soon either way. 

Although the Knight seemed to lurk into every corner, it felt like they were missing something. Like if there was something more to this City that the Knight still couldn't grasp. 

They descended to the Waterways, but it didn't feel like that was it. Still, they explored it too. No Pale Ore was found, but the Knight did come across someone… quite peculiar. 

Her name was Isma. She pledged loyalty to the Pale King, and was willing to fight for him till her last breath. She was different from the other Knights, but they've never even known about it. And they didn't need to. 

But one of them seemed to be able to see through her disguise. The way he looked at her, the way he talked to her… She knew he was loyal to the King just as much as she was, and still… Something about how he acted towards her was… different. And she couldn't say she disliked it. 

If only they had more time. 

He always knew how to cheer her up, and he stayed positive no matter the situation. He always joked and laughed, and it was making her want to laugh too. She found herself happy whenever he was around. 

If only they had more time… 

She never judged his decision. She never judged the King's decision either. But when he was gone, something changed within her. Like if she lost something important. And after that, everything suddenly started falling apart. 

"...Ogrim… there's no time…"

Was she dead? Or just sleeping a never-ending sleep, living through her memories over and over again? Did the plants eat over her body, or did she transform into one big plant in her sleep? Was this tear a gift, or was it a mere coincidence that it fell into the Knight's hands? They didn't have answers to any of these questions. But they lowered their head in respect before taking the tear and… 

Tendrils came out of their body, ripped the tear off the stem it was growing on, and consumed it into the Knight's body. 

It was getting weirder and weirder with every new ability they got. Sure, it was nice to have all this new magic, like the Desolate Dive, and shooting out darkness instead of the usual Vengeful Spirit, and now also the ability to swim over the acid… But just where was it all leading to? 

Chapter Text

Eternal Emelitia. Though she acted highly haughtily, as if the Knight was no more than the dirt on her shoes, it was her house that was straight up connected to the sewers down below. But she seemed to be the only one left sane in this city, and even though it was hard to understand what exactly made her think she stands so far above the Knight, they did not mind her arrogant behavior. But of course, it was the Knight we are talking about.

Whatever happened between her and her former friends, now consumed by the Infection, she was locked in her house which saved her from the air outside, and now she could only laugh at the irony. She was there, locked, but sane, while they were free, but lost their minds. And of course, she did not intend to leave, although the Knight unlocked her door. And why would she? To become just like them? No, she was fine sitting there and, though quite twisted, but having her own joy.

Her house was just outside the King’s Station, though that was not where the Knight held their path. On the other side, before going up to the Fountain Square, there was another path, down. The sign seemed to be telling that there was some kind of structure that way. The Palace, perhaps?

The place did not seem to be actually used to descend, though. At least, not anymore. They would later find the broken elevator on the bottom of this shaft, but the shaft itself did not look like it was ever even used as such. There probably was a Stagway leading down there, but they needed to get there first to open the Station.

The acid transported through the tubes reminded the Knight that they actually saw this place briefly while lurking out of the Waterways. And they were not wrong, as through the hole in the wall they made earlier they were able to return to the most shitty place in the entire Kingdom.

Though it was so smelly that most of the bugs would not want to spend even a split second there, the Knight did not find this place to be that terrible. Besides, the fellow living there seemed to be quite a charming one.

As the Knight approached, he jumped out of the pile of shit, hoping to give a friendly scare to the little bug, but it did not have quite the expected effect. He then apologized for attacking them earlier, though the Knight really did not mind at all. Their fight was fulfilling, and it was all they could ever wish for.

Though the bug did not say his name, calling himself but a Dung Defender, the more he talked, the more it was obvious that there was so much more to him than he was trying to show. But he was starving for a conversation, so he told almost everything himself. And the more he talked with his cheerful voice, the more sad his story became.

Those five Great Knights Lemm had mentioned, he was one of them. He seemed to lead many great battles along his friends, until the Infection happened. “We knights defend against the physical,” he said, “but a formless enemy… How to defeat such a foe?” Those memories were clearly not the most pleasant ones for him, but he didn’t seem to be able to stop the flow of hurting thoughts. “Our King tried in his own way. A cruel means it was… And still, eventually, we were brought low. I… I did believe her, but… There was not much I could do for her on my own.” He looked down, sad. Then he suddenly snapped out of it and put his cheerful mask back on. “Bah! I shouldn’t be so morose. You’ve invigorated me. Tis’ truly a delight to meet one whose strength can match my own!”

Though the bug did not go back to his past anymore, it was clear now that he wasn’t just some dude tending the sewers, or protecting the grove below. The Knight found their way deeper, to his little home of shit. There were five very rough dung statues he made of himself and his friends. And one more, standing lonely aside. There was a little pale idol laying next to eat. Was it of… the King?

The air here was very different from everywhere else. The Infection did spread there, in fact, it was more prominent there than literally anywhere else, but there was something else. Something… familiar? But the Knight didn't know if they liked it or not. 

Made their way through spitting orange goo enemies with lots of teeth, the Knight stumbled across a big egg. It wasn't as big as the Black Egg above, but still massive and also black. It was cracked, and they noticed something shining through the crack. They carefully extracted a shining white fragment and looked it over. It was some kind of metal, and it was emanating a weak pale light. It wasn't hot to the touch, though it still gave out some kind of warmth. Was it the Pale Ore the Nailsmith was looking for? There was only one way to find out: show it to him. But only after they are done here. 

Just above, they met Cloth again. The first time they met, it was in Fungal Wastes. She looked like a mighty warrior and seemed to find liking in the Knight. She seemed to be carrying a strong spirit. But none of that was left when they met again in the Deepnest. And she could've hardly been blamed. That wriggling pit would suck out any kind of courage from anyone, unless there's no courage to begin with. But now… 

Cloth was hiding. This big mighty bug with a huge club in her hands got scared of a few teethy bastards. It could've been funny, if it wasn't so sad looking at her lost all the courage and faith in herself. Though neither of those feelings would've helped Cloth now, and was she lucky that the Knight was able to feel neither of them. They were just standing there, offering her a silent support. And it seemed to be the one thing she needed, to get back on her feet and return her bravery. She decided to take example in how fearless the Knight was. Oh, if only she knew the truth… 'Cause one would not fear anything if they are not able to feel… 

The deeper they went, the more infected this place became. The Infection was so strong there that it was forming into the living beings like little orange ghosts and tiny seeds with little legs to run around. It wasn't quite clear why was it so strong there, if we consider the core of this Infection to be so far up above. But every mystery had its own time to unravel itself. 

Finally, the Knight reached some kind of structure. Clearly long abandoned, but the black metal of the pillars still held very well, and patterns didn't lose their beauty. It seems that the Palace was located somewhere around these parts after all, so maybe that used to be a part of it. Or maybe it used to be a part of a completely different structure. 

The pillars lead the Knight to a big hall. There was nothing they've ever encountered that was as infected as this place. The Infection was so strong that it took a physical form, though not aggressive, but definitely alive. And among all the Infection, there was a body. 

Whoever this shell used to belong to, was long dead. Its eyes were empty, mask not just cracked, but completely destroyed. Still, something about it felt… familiar. It had a nail and a long cloak that looked exactly like the one the Knight wore. Were they..? 

The Knight moved closely, and immediately jumped back. The little seeds of the Infection started jumping out from the balls of the Infection, running to the corpse, and… possessing it? They were jumping inside its mask, filling the cracks and transforming into infection, until the eyes of the corpse lit up with the orange fire, and it came back to life. 

Was it really just like the Knight? Were both of them just Vessels that were made to contain this Infection? Just like the Vessel up above? Or maybe the Hollow Knight was the only Vessel there were meant to be? And the Knight was supposed to die, just like this one over there? 

It moved awkwardly. Infection, even though making its body move, was not able to heal its injuries. It couldn't even stand up and only crawled and jumped around. Even its right arm was broken, making it awkwardly swing its nail with his left one. All it could do was try to hit the Knight while spitting the Infection all over the place. Truly a sad sight. If the Knight would've been able to feel, they'd surely feel bad for it. But since they could not, all they could do for it was save from this torture. And as the last hit of the nail met the broken shell, it stumbled back, the Infection sprayed around, and then it fell, empty, finally free from the Infection. But just before its eyes fell blank and its body lost the last bits of life left within it, it looked up at the Knight. Looked up, as if in the final moments it recognized them, and it reached its hand for them, asking, begging for help, before finally losing control and falling, its eyes blank and lifeless. 

And it shook even the Knight. They had no mind, and could feel no emotion, and yet that did something to them. Something that they couldn't have explained even if they could speak. So instead, they just sat next to it. Said nothing, thought nothing, just paid silent respects to this creature, who they felt strange affection towards. 

When they finally got up and looked around, they noticed that it was like there wasn't as much infection anymore. Or maybe it just seemed so as it became so quiet. The Knight moved forward, knowing that there had to be something much deeper. And they were right. 

Above the big pedestal, right in front of a big statue of the already so familiar Hallownest Brand of a crowned six-winged bug, there was a little amulet floating. Little pale bugs were flying around it, looking almost ethereal. The Knight jumped up to grab it, but it slipped out of their reach, flew around them and merged with their cloak, making all the little pale bugs follow it. 

How much more weird was it going to get? 

Coming back, the Knight realised that they dropped down way too far, and they could not get back how they usually would. And that was where they figured out what that amulet was. Mid-air, their cloak split into two halves, each of them transformed into a wing and flapped, getting the Knight much higher in the air. Landing onto the ledge that seemed to be unreachable before, the Knight slowly processed what just happened. And that was when they realised that now they could actually reach all those places that they marked on their map as "unreachable".

Passing by the Broken Vessel, they stopped for a moment, and bowed to it, although it was clear that it wouldn't be able to know they did that. 

The first marked place was right there, in the Ancient Basin. And it seemed that the signs were sure that that's where the Palace was. Though, when the Knight made it past the long bridge…

There was nothing. No, not even the ruins of the Palace. It was clearly meant to be there, there were even broken gates and a dead guard… But that was all there was left of the Palace. As if it was wiped out from the face of the world completely, down to the last stone. What could've happened there? What happened to the King? To the Queen? To everyone who was close to them? 

When the Knight returned to Dirtmouth using the new-found Stag Station right next to where the Palace was supposed to be, they remembered where else they could use their new wings. As they took some time relaxing on the bench, the Elderbug suddenly gasped, "Ah! Again. Can you hear it now?" The Knight listened. And indeed, with the howl of the wind, they heard a voice. It was carried from far, far above, so quiet that it was hard to catch the melody, but it was definitely a song. There were only two places higher than the Dirtmouth: the Crystal Peaks, and the cliffs where the Knight originally came from, and judging by the direction of the sound, it wasn't going from there. Indeed, there were some places in the Peaks that the Knight missed because they fell into the Resting Grounds. So maybe it was the time to finish what they started. 

They stretched one more time, checked their amulets, and decided to visit Salubra on their way. 

Salubra was living by the abandoned village where the Knight found Sly for the first time. She wasn't infected, and seemed to be a very nice woman. She offered to trade with the Knight for magic amulets, and they just couldn't say no to such a charming woman. Literally couldn't, even if would've wanted to. 

But the Knight faced a little problem in reaching her. That problem being… While they were down, the Crossroads… changed. Just a little bit. 

The Temple was flourishing with the Infection. It was almost liquidy, flowing out of the egg. What they saw in the Ancient Basin was in the Crossroads now, but much, much worse. And it surely enough affected bugs. The little annoying Vengeflies were just as annoying, but now they grew up in size more than ten times, and their corpses were blowing up with the Infection so concentrated that it was almost completely shattering the Knight's mask. And almost every bug there carried as much Infection in them. Mindless wandering husks now were bombs that blew up on a slight touch, and leaping husks were just overcome with the Infection so hard that they were just splashing it around like acidic orange rubber balls. In such an environment, was Salubra even still alive and sane? 

Luckily, she was. And she acted like if she didn't even know what was going on outside, while it took the Knight several attempts to get to her. But it was fine as long as they got what they came for. But when they were ready to go for the Crystal Peaks, they found out that there were still more surprises the Infection had for them. 

It blocked the path up to the Stag Station and, consequently, to the Peaks. 

It clearly was aiming to make the Knight's life living hell, but luckily for them, they did not care a bit. They just took a small detour, and entered the Crystal Peaks without too many problems. 

The Infection didn't seem to spread past the Crossroads, but it wasn't the reason to relax: they clearly were running out of time. They had to do something about it as soon as possible, before those who were still sane fell victim to this Infection. 

The Knight was going higher and higher, until they reached the top. There, on the observation point, they once again found Quirrel. "I'm holding my way to the Fog Canyon now," he said. "But I wanted to find whoever I heard singing there. Though this is as high as I can go, they seem to be much higher." He sighed. "I suppose that's where I give it up. If only I had wings…"

But there was someone who had wings amongst the two of them. And they heard the song now much more clear. Now they could tell that it was sad, just like Quirrel was describing it. 

The Knight was determined to find whoever was singing up there. 

When they made their way to the very top, they found themselves in a peculiar place. It looked like a village, though abandoned, houses sealed and crumbled, with lots of shiny signs all over the place, but they could not read them. The wind was howling there stronger than anywhere else, but the song was just as strong. 

"Oh bury their mother, pale and slight, 

Bury their father with his eyes shut tight… 

Bury their siblings, two by two, 

And then when you're done, let's bury me too…"

On the edge of the village, there was an old broken statue, and next to it, there was a figure. The voice singing the song must've belonged to her. It sounded really sad but beautiful. 

"Oh bury the knight with his broken nail, 

Bury the lady, lovely and pale… 

Bury the priest in his tattered gown, 

Then bury the beggar with his shining crown…"

The last line sounded different. Angry, almost poisonous. Then it went on soft again. Soft, sad, almost shaking. 

"Bury my body… Cover my shell… 

What meaning in darkness? Yet here I remain. 

I'll wait here forever… 

Till light blooms again…"

The Knight stepped on something that cracked extremely loud, which scared the girl, and she sharply turned around and raised her nail at the Knight. Her hand was noticeably shaking. "Who-" the words got stuck in her throat as she saw who disturbed her, and she seemed to recognize them. "Oh." She relaxed and hid her nail. "Forgive me. I did not expect to be found. I thought one of the husks somehow wandered up here." She turned back to the chasm before her. 

She looked like one of the bugs of this kingdom, yet somehow different. More… royal. Her legs and the hand they happened to see were white instead of black, with a prominent curly pattern. Her cloak also was extremely white, more white than anything white they've seen in this kingdom. And it shimmered, much like the Knight's cloak, as if they were made of the same material. Compared to that, her mask looked almost too normal. 

Though this pattern on her legs… Did they see it somewhere before? 

"I did not foresee you'd come so far, little ghost. Your arrival here is truly a surprise to me. As a respect to that, let me introduce myself. My name is Ray, though I doubt there's anyone left who remembers this name." She looked at the Knight. "So you did decide to accept the Seer's gift? I have to thank you for that. Though nothing can fix the mistakes that were made, I would be happy if she dies feeling like she did everything she could to redeem herself and her ancestors. And for that, I have to ask you to carry it on till the end." She looked back down and silenced for a moment. "Even being there, I can feel it. The Infection is spreading, isn't it? Yes, and my powers grow proportionally." She looked at the Knight again. "What are you going to do, little shadow? Keep the will of your father? Or let it grow and bloom? Ah, but I know who you are, but do you remember that? No, I suppose not, that's how they made you be. But would you, knowing the truth, follow the same path?" 

She turned to the statue and looked up at it. The Knight didn't know why, but they felt like they had to challenge her for a fight. Something about her screamed that she was a strong opponent. And so they drew their nail. 

Caught the movement with the corner of her eye, she turned back to the Knight. "Are you… challenging me, little ghost? How intriguing! It is usually I who is the one to challenge." She paused for a moment. "Very well. I shall accept your challenge, little shadow. Show me how ready you are to face what lies ahead of you." And she jumped out of sight. 

The whole place lit up just slightly, the Essence particles appearing as if they entered a dream, and a few platforms appeared up above. Ray jumped onto one of the platforms, and the Knight stood on the one opposite. She elegantly bowed, and the Knight bowed too. Ray hummed pleasantly and jumped out of sight again. 

The platform the Knight was standing on lit up, and they jumped down just in time to dodge the white spikes that appeared there. Ray appeared almost immediately above them, and dropped down, jumping out of sight almost immediately after. 

Her fighting style reminded the Mantis Lords: she was fast, appeared quickly and disappeared just as quickly, and often clinged to the side of the platforms. But additionally she had spikes to appear on the floor, shoot her nail at the Knight occasionally instead of attacking straight up, and sometimes was shooting light spheres at them. 

The Knight was holding really well, but she gave them not that much opportunity to strike back, and soon they found themselves just one hit away from death. Their mask was cracked, and the black substance that was filling them started to leak out. And just before the next attack connected with their shell, Ray stopped, jumped back, and bowed. 

"Thank you for a good fight," she laughed. "You've got a long way to go still. But you're young, and it'll come to you eventually." The Knight's mask restored fully, and the amount of Essence they had on them doubled. And they had quite a bunch of it! They did follow Seer’s advice, collecting the Essence from Whispering Roots and lingering memories left in the Kingdom, and they already had much more than Seer asked of them, but now the amount was quite ridiculous. "Consider this to be my last present to you. I want to hope we won't meet again, although this thought saddens me." She walked back to the statue. "Follow Hornet. She'll be a great ally to you. I'll be watching your dreams, little ghost."

And as the Knight was leaving, Ray started to sing once again, but much quieter. 

"Bury the knight, with his broken nail… 

Bury the lady, lovely and pale… 

Or maybe… 

Bury my mother, my sisters and brothers… 

And then bury me, amongst millions others…"

Chapter Text

Quirrel was where he said he would be: in the Fog Canyon, right in front of the massive building. If not for the Isma's Tear, the Knight wouldn't have been able to get there, so how exactly did Quirrel do that seemed to be meant to remain a mystery. The building wasn't quite like anything that the Knight had seen in this kingdom. On the front door there was a mask, looking exactly like the one Quirrel carried on top of his head. 

As soon as the Knight approached, he spoke, "Doesn't this kingdom just abound with surprises? A building atop an acid lake." He was looking the building over and didn't seem to be able to look away. "Despite the sight, I can't help but feel… familiarity? Something stirs in my mind, though I can't yet tell what…" He looked down at the Knight. "I'd thought it my lust for discovery that led me here but now there seems something else. This building beckons me." He looked back at the building, and mumbled, "I can feel it calling… Dare I head in?"

Whatever was calling for Quirrel, it was calling for the Knight too. They didn't mean to stop by there, but now they just had to enter, just to see what was it that was calling for them. And be there just to be sure nothing bad was going to happen to Quirrel. 

"The Teacher's Archives…" Quirrel pondered as they were making their way inside. "Though much of my memory is blank, this place I recall. Within these chambers the Teacher sought to store the Kingdom's knowledge, and at its core, she stored herself."

The Teacher. Monomon the Teacher. One of the three Dreamers. Those same Dreamers that sealed the Knight away in the Dream to make sure they won't break the Seals. And now one of them was calling for them to come find her. But… why? 

The Knight was a lone bug, but it felt damn nice to fight alongside a friend. Knowing they have your back. Ready to protect them if needed. This big Jellyfish just didn't stand a chance against their duo! And so, defeated the Monomon's guard, they were just above her chamber. 

The Knight stopped at one of the tablets, hoping to be able to grasp just a bit of the sacred knowledge that was stored in here. But they were not too lucky with that. The letters were familiar but they didn't form into a coherent text. Maybe it was just encrypted, and they just didn't know how to decipher it. 

"OF-ABSENCE-THIR-ABUNDANCE-SHELL-OUTER-O-INNER-PLACE-IN-ABSENCE-THIR-VOID-LIQUID-SUBSTANCE-O-WEAVE-ABSENCE-INNER-O-SHELL-OUTER-THIR-MATER PEER-CH-VOID-VESSEL-ABSENCE-ALL-OUTER-CONTAIN-"

It clearly meant something, and something important, maybe even about the Knight themselves since the ‘Vessel’ was there, but right now those were just words, and they meant nothing on their own. Especially to the Knight. They weren't really all that smart either way. 

Finally they found a big storage tank, shining from the inside. As soon as they got close, Quirrel caught up with them. 

"Did she call you too then? I realise it's no coincidence we arrive together." The Knight looked at the tank. Was this… Monomon? "To save the Hallownest, the Teacher willingly became a seal, but upon herself she enacted an additional protection. Though I cannot recall this happening, I played a part in that feat. She called me here, now, to reverse that protection. All in aid to you."

Quirrel took off the mask on his head and put it up in the air, toward the tank. It lost its physical form and transferred inside the tank, revealing Monomon's shell behind that light. None of the statues depicted her true form which was a beautiful jellyfish. She was slowly floating inside the tank, and didn't seem to react to anything happening around her. Was she still asleep? In this case, the Knight had just the right weapon. They took out the amulet they got from the Seer, and hit the tank with their Dream Nail. Everything went white, and the Knight entered the Monomon's Dream. 

She was there, floating like a jellyfish she was. She reacted to the Knight's arrival, but did not say anything, just silently watched them come closer. As they did, another figure appeared. It was made of pure light, almost like the Seer was in that Dream, but it had a different shape, though it seemed to be a moth too. But as it spoke, they recognized the voice. It was the same voice that spoke to them both times they were trapped by the Dreamers. 

"Monomon the Teacher. The one who could make all your efforts useless. If she didn't call that boy back, you would never had any way to break the Seals. And yet she was the one to betray others."

"I did not betray anyone," Monomon replied. "And you know that better than anyone. If the Seals stay, the very thing we tried to prevent will happen."

"Lurien does not seem to agree with you there."

"Lurien is blind," Monomon interrupted. "If the King was there to tell her that keeping the Seals is a dumb decision…"

"But he's not. And will never be."

Monomon fell quiet. "The Seals must be broken. The Vessel must be replaced. This is the only way to stop the Infection."

The light creature looked at the Knight. "Do what you must. I will not stop you."

The Knight took their nail and hit Monomon. She did not fight back, only flinched at the pain. Another hit. And one more. Finally, the light sprinkled out of Monomon, and the Knight sucked it in, the same way they would heal their mask, but this time around what it did was them consuming the Dreamer. 

Monomon's mask fell. And shattered. Up above, in the Temple of the Black Egg, one of the Seals broke, and a scream of pain came out from deep inside the egg. More Infection started leaking out. But the Knight could not know that.

"I don't know… what to do…" the light whispered as the Knight was returning to the waking world. "I just want… to see her again…"

Seer was surprised to see the amount of Essence the Knight had gathered. She did believe they would be good at finding Dreams, but that was far past anything she could have expected. While, yes, the Dream Nail was far from being at the peak of its power, gathering that much Essence in such a short period of time was mind-blowing. It was almost like… Something interfered with them?

“No, this cannot be right,” she mumbled. “Why would she…” She looked at the Knight, and there was something like an awe in her eyes. “You must be the Wielder my Tribe had been dreaming about. You must be, there is no other explanation. If she gave you her aid…” Seer paused, looking up. “Keep going, Wielder. Gather more Essence. Seek the Dreams she hid from anyone, those sacred memories she does not want to be seen. But you! You shall see them. The part of this Kingdom that was lost to the time, you shall receive. Gather them, Wielder! Ahh, do you think she watches us even now?”

The Blue Lake was where the rain in the City of Tears was coming from. It was just above, and it was the one place Quirrel wanted to visit before leaving the Hallownest. 

But after his role was fulfilled, he realized he won't be leaving the Hallownest, ever. Courageous young traveler yesterday, now he felt his real age weighing on him. But he didn't regret anything. Sitting there, before this lake, with a faithful friend by his side, he finally felt at peace. 

"Twice I've seen this world," he pondered, "and though my service may have stripped the first experience from me, I'm thankful I could witness its beauty again." He fell silent for a bit, then turned to the Knight. "Hallownest is a vast and wondrous thing, but in as many wonders as it holds, I've seen none quite so intriguing as you." They looked at each other for some time in silence. Then Quirrel giggled and looked in the distance. "Ha. My flattery returns only silent stoicism. I like that."

It was quiet and peaceful there, and only crystal-blue water was splashing against the shore. 

"I like that very much."

Going down from the King's Station through the abandoned Stag Station with a broken bench, exactly how they got there for the first time, the Knight returned to the Kingdom's Edge. Was the ‘Grave in Ash’ that Hornet mentioned really there? It must've been, considering just how much ash was flying and laying around. It was as pale as the snow, but lacked the coldness. What could've been the source of so much ash in one place? Something big must've happened there, on the edge of the world. Hornet probably had the answer. 

Going down to the bottom, where the acid pool could no longer harm little bug, they found their way further away from the capital. The wind wasn't as strong there, so it seemed like there was even more ash laying on the ground. It was hard to judge if it was an illusion, because the amount of ash was certainly getting bigger the further the Knight went into this forgotten place. 

Or was it forgotten? After all, the bugs the Knight has not seen during their adventure so far found their home in these deserted lands. Little harmless hoppers, big not-so-harmless-and-actually-kinda-scary hoppers, and the-bane-of-existence as well as the-nature's-mistake primal aspids. 

No, those were not your little cute bugs, flying around carrying a bag of Infection, spewing it on you from time to time. Those were merciless monsters whose only reason to live was to make your, and I repeat, specifically your life absolutely miserable, extremely painful, make you regret every decision you've ever made, and leave you so frustrated you would end your own life before they can take it themselves. 

But those little annoying pieces of absolute disgrace did not bother the Knight too much. After all, what could they even do to someone who can neither feel pain nor anger? Sure, they could kill them a dozen of times, but does it even matter if the Shade returned to its owner every time, and they were pushing through once again? And maybe for the first time in their lives, those aspids were the ones to feel frustration. If they still remembered how to feel, that is. 

But those unholy creatures weren't the only ones to find their home there, on the edge of the world. Deep within this cave the Knight was trying to explore, they stumbled upon a hut. Yes, a hut, there, where no sane bug was left. It must've been abandoned. No one could possibly live there, amidst those creatures from the depth of Hell. 

But it was warm and actually kinda cozy inside. And there was a big bug sitting inside. He was covered in a warm coat, but underneath it was a crimson armor.

As the Knight came closer, the bug suddenly raised his head and sharply looked at them. They instinctively grabbed their nail, but there was no orange light in his eyes, nor he seemed to be wanting to fight or even move from his place, so the Knight loosened their stance. The bug looked at the Knight attentively and huffed. "And how did you even find me, down here, where the world ends? It doesn't matter, I suppose. I know why you're here. You came to learn a Nail Art from the legendary Nailmaster Oro." That actually wasn't the reason why the Knight was there, but if they were offered a way to get stronger, they were not going to pass. Especially if it was for free.  "It would be 800 Geo." Oh. It wasn't for free after all. Which is fair, and even though the Knight could never understand why would Oro want that pile of useless shinies there, where there's no one to even talk to, it was reasonable to want a payment for teaching. And so, got his Geo, Oro got up and drew his nail. 

Two nails clashed: the big polished one and the small but incredibly strong and sharp one. This sound was the most pleasing for a warrior. It would've made their blood boil if they had any blood inside their shell. 

The Dash Slash. It was releasing the kinda power the Knight never thought their nail could reach. Quick, sharp, dangerous, it now belonged to the Knight. They did not just copy Oro's movements - they took this Nail Art and made it theirs, shaped it to be fitting for them. And, like clay, it took the form perfectly. 

Oro sighed and huffed, but this time it was rather satisfied huff. "I must say, you are an excellent pupil. Your skill with the nail, and your thirst to become stronger… you remind me of my brothers."

Were there more Nailmasters like Oro willing to teach the Knight other Nail Arts? Who was that Great Nailsage Oro mentioned? And why did Oro's name sound like if the Knight had heard it before? 

She was standing all alone in this white desert. For how long was she standing there? Hours, days, or maybe even longer? The wind here was stronger than anywhere else, but she could not be bothered. She stood her watch, waiting for the Knight to find her here. She knew they would come, as she held the answers to every question they might've had. Some she could not give herself, but she definitely could show where to look for them. 

Her waiting was rewarded, as the Knight did come to see her, even though it was not easy to get there. Hornet nodded at him, and ran deeper into the ashdrifts, the Knight following after her. 

All that ash… was coming from one single rotting corpse. It's been rotting for a while now, but the carcass still held - that's how majestic of a creature it used to be. In fact, this entire kingdom was the product of this creature's death. But the Kingdom wasn't the only thing the Wyrm gave life to. And if the Knight wanted to go deeper to find the truth, they needed to start with this corpse. 

And it had to be one hell of a truth because Hornet gave her all to make sure the Knight was strong enough to handle it. But easily defeated, she got out of the Knight's way, letting them see for themselves what lied beyond. 

The insides of the corpse were all gone, and the carcass looked like it was being held together by the holy spirit alone. But there was something still inside. An egg. A pale egg, broken, but it still was glowing just a bit. The Knight approached, and they saw that there was a seal around the egg. A strong seal… A pale seal… 

And when the Knight hit it with their Dream Nail, they were transported to the Dream Realm. 

It was different though. At first, it looked no different from what they usually saw in there, but when they reached the core of this Dream, there were two figures inside. They did not seem to notice the Knight, but when they watched more attentively, they heard them speak. 

The figures weren't clear, only shapes of two creatures. They shone brightly, one - warm and bright, the other - cold and white. 

And when the brighter being spoke, the Knight recognised the voice. It was the same voice they heard both times they got trapped inside the Dream. It was ethereal, and by their experience with Seer, they guessed that their voice would sound differently in the Waking World. 

"This is fascinating!" The voice sounded excited. "I had never seen someone changing their appearance so drastically!"

"You must've not seen a lot of higher beings then."

"You are not wrong. The only one I know is my mother, and she doesn't do that."

"We are all different. Your mother wouldn't go against my plans, would she? After all, you do find liking in what I did, yes?"

Her voice trembled. "Ah- Y-yes, of course! I'm sure she would find your work fascinating too!"

"That's good to hear. I would not want my kingdom to fall apart because of some silly plague."

The irony. The irony! Or was it that the King knew that this is how it was going to end? Some did say that it's believed that the King had some kind of foresight. Did he know from the beginning that his eternal kingdom was not meant to last forever? 

The figure that emanated a pale light certainly belonged to the Pale King. The other one… Was her mother the core of the Infection? If so, what made her start spreading it? Did she not like that the King built his Kingdom here? Or was there more to it? And this moth, her daughter… If her mother was actually the one sealed by the Dreamers, why was she left alive? Or where did she hide to not be found by her mother's enemies? And who was she? 

The light faded, and the Knight awakened. They were still before the white egg in the Wyrm's remains. And as soon as they got up, a bright white mark burned itself into their shell. The King's Brand. That's what Hornet was talking about when she mentioned ‘the mark it would grant to one like you’. But why? What was so special about the Knight that they were among those who would be able to obtain this mark and become the new King? What did they have to do with the Pale King? 

The Knight didn't remember. Didn't remember anything before they heard that call for the first time. And they did not care. Memories meant nothing to them. But now… Now it felt like they did matter after all. Just who were they? Where did they come from? 

They've seen this mark before. Yes, down in the bottom of the Ancient Basin, there was a door sealed by this symbol. The tablet next to it said, "Higher beings, these words are for you alone. Our Pure Vessel has ascended. Beyond lies only refuse and regret of its creation. We shall enter that place no longer." But maybe that was exactly what the Knight needed to do. Maybe the regrets would be the ones to answer their questions. 

The shell shook. The Knight looked around and jumped away from the egg just in time to avoid getting hit by a boulder. The mark on their shell, the egg's seal disappeared, and it seemed to be the only thing that was holding the carcass together. With it gone, the Wyrm's shell started falling apart, and whatever it held above started falling through. The Knight ran, and the sound of falling boulders was closer and closer. But they saw the light, they almost made it out of the shell. 

A large boulder fell right on them, making them stuck between it and the bottom of the Wyrm's stomach. If not for Hornet, that would've been it for them, but, luckily, she jumped in right in time to yank the Knight from under the stone and zoom out as far as possible before the whole place got buried under the ash. And before she would be thanked, she was gone with the wind. 

Chapter Text

The Knight was right. Now that they had the King's Brand, the seal at the bottom of the Ancient Basin fell apart as soon as they got close. But even when the door was no more, they were still hesitant to enter. 

It was too dark. Too alluring. Too familiar. 

But they didn't hesitate for too long and eventually came in. It was dark, but not Deepnest kind of dark. No, it wasn't hard to see at all, but there was dark substance in the air, and no visible bottom. And… a corpse down there? 

The Knight got close. Yes, it was a shell, an empty shell. It looked like that one bug they borrowed their cloak from, or the broken one up there, or… 

Or the Knight. It looked exactly like the Knight, only its horns were a different shape. Its mask was broken, its shell empty, but… 

The Knight looked down. There, another one. Different horns, but everything else… They looked further down. One, two, three… 

Avoiding the spikes, they were descending, and the deeper they went, the more empty broken shells they saw. Until they reached the bottom. Or was it even the bottom? There was nowhere to set their foot, that's how many corpses were there. Every single one unique and different, even if just a bit in the shape of horns and size, but not a single one alive. Not a single one. 

As they carefully stepped onto the bodies, a shade emerged from under the shells. It wasn't the bottom. There were so many more… The shade wasn't the one of the Knight. It looked different. Did it belong to one of these shells? It looked like… Like if it was torn away from its shell. Did not emerge from it, but rather… Tried to break free? 

Cut by the nail, the shade returned to the ground, but another one emerged just a few steps away. Was there… just as many as there were shells? 

‘Pure Vessel’. Could it be that all these shells were the product of creation of such a Vessel? Were they all created to choose only one? And the rest was thrown in this bottomless pit to die? 

Were they one of the Vessels too? Were they just lucky to escape along a few more? Were they lucky to escape and run away as far as possible? Were they not a ‘chosen one’? Were they not meant to replace the Vessel to contain the Infection? Were they just lured back to this cursed land they tried so hard to run away from and forget about? 

Familiar. That's why it was so familiar. But now… What do they even do? 

Wandering aimlessly, the Knight found themselves at the giant sea of Void. The tendrils were emerging from it, ready to catch anyone who dares to come close. The Knight sat and looked at it for a while. Those tendrils looked familiar too. Like the ones that emerged from their own body. Was this entire place really their home? But then, why did it not accept them back? Why did the Siblings attack them? Why did the Void want to tear their shell apart? Did they spend too much time outside that even this place did not accept them anymore? 

Outsider in this Kingdom, outsider beyond its borders, and even their home did not want them… Where did they even belong? 

Beside them, there was a big lighthouse. There was no light in it to shine in this Abyss. There shouldn't be. But if the Void was not willing to accept them, they might as well go against it. So they went up to try and see if they could turn it on. 

The Void clearly did not want that. The Siblings were gathering around, trying to stop the Knight from reaching the top, but that was the Knight we're talking about, and so there was no force that could stop them. 

At the top of the lighthouse, there was a large reservoir that was supposed to contain the light, but it was empty now. There was one bug sitting by the lever, left there to make sure it would not be turned on, judging by his last thoughts. But judging by those same thoughts and also black Void marks under his eyes, the Void made him eventually turn it off. The Knight hit the lever, and the light shone upon the sea of Void once again. 

It calmed. Under the pale light, tendrils hid under the water, and the black sea calmed, making it possible for the Knight to fly over it. And it wasn't for nothing, because that sea did hide something else further in. 

Made their way through the cave avoiding gaps with the void tendrils ready to tear their shell apart, the Knight came across a big creature. It wasn't alive, but it wasn't dead either. They were holding a bowl filled with the Void. Trying to get a better look at the creature's mask, the Knight jumped onto the edge of the bowl, but slipped, and fell into the Void. 

And got stuck. As much as the Void seemed to be liquidy, it was wrapping the Knight's body, not letting them move. They struggled to break free, but the more they struggled, the faster the Void was consuming them. Until it rushed up their shell and consumed them wholly. And then faded away. And suddenly, they were free. Could it be that it wasn't the Void trying to consume the Knight, but rather it was the Knight who consumed the Void? Could it be that the Void was actually willing to accept them back? 

The Siblings did not accept them as one of them, and tendrils still tried to grab onto them, but merged with their shell, the Void allowed the Knight to disintegrate their body into the Void and, even if for a brief moment, gain an invincibility. But now… If the Void was willing to accept them, what did it want them to do to be fully accepted? 

The Void could not answer this unspoken question, so the Knight needed to figure it out themselves. So they decided to return to Hallownest. There were still places they were yet to visit, and maybe they'd find the answer there. 

Made their way back to the top, they found Hornet by the entrance. "Ghost," she nodded at them. "I see you've faced the place of your birth, and now drape yourself in the substance of its shadow." She hesitantly looked down which made her shake and step back just a bit. "Though our strength is born of similar source, that part of you, that crucial emptiness, I do not share." She looked back and grasped her needle. "Funny then, that such darkness gives me hope. Within it, I see the chance of change."

They were alien to this kingdom, but it was Hornet's home. They ran away while she protected it even as it was falling apart. She wanted to save it. And if she saw the Knight to be capable of doing that… They will find the way, even if only for her. 

"A difficult journey you would face, but a choice it can create. Prolong our world's stasis or face the heart of the infection."

The heart of the Infection… What can it even be? And how does the Knight get to it? 

They were about to leave, when they noticed something about the tablet at the entrance. That tablet that said about the ‘refuse and regret’, it gave out just a bit of Essence particles. Were they always there? How did the Knight not notice it earlier? Either way, they hit the tablet with the Dream Nail and entered the Dream. But… Whose Dream it was? 

There were figures of light again, hardly forming particular shapes. There were two pale ones, smaller and bigger, and one brighter one, a bit away, as if not associated with the other two. 

"What are you doing..?"

This was that same voice. That same voice that belonged to someone who was talking to the King in the Dream they accessed in the Wyrm's carcass. That same voice that was following them before. Was this her Dream? 

"No cost too great," the King replied, emotionless. 

"You cannot be serious right now. I do not care how much either of you hate each other, there's no good reason to do something like this!"

"No cost too great," the King repeated. 

"They're your children, Wyrm! You're just throwing them there to die!"

"That is the point. This is the only way to create the perfect Vessel."

"But how many others will die trapped in there?!"

"No cost too great."

"Yes cost too great! Especially since there's another way! Why wouldn't you listen to me?!"

"I have no reason to listen to my enemy's child."

"But I'm not your enemy, Wyrm! I want to help! I want to stop the Infection too! It's still not too late…"

"No cost too great."

"They haven't done anything. They're innocent children who you're sending to their deaths. And for what? For something that would not even work! Nothing can contain the Light, and you don't need me to tell you this!"

"No cost too great."

The two pale figures faded away. 

"You know you will not succeed. So why? Why are you murdering them, Wyrm..?"

"NOW YOU SEE." There were no new figures but the light shining from the above. "WYRM DOES NOT CARE ABOUT HIS PEOPLE, DOES NOT CARE ABOUT HIS OFFSPRING, AND HE DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOU."

"Still… It doesn't mean all these bugs have to suffer…"

"THEY ARE NOT SUFFERING. I AM SIMPLY RETURNING THEM TO HOW THEY WERE MEANT TO BE."

"Mother, please! It doesn't have to be like this! There is another way!"

"I AM SORRY. WYRM DOES NOT SEEM TO SHARE YOUR BELIEFS."

"I won't give up."

"I DID NOT EXPECT LESS. YOU HAVE MY BLESSING. I DO NOT BELIEVE YOU WILL SUCCEED, BUT I DO WISH YOU WOULD."

The Knight was sitting on a bench, looking through their map. It looked complete, apart from just a few roads they had not finished. Still, it felt like there was more. It didn't feel like that was it. Like if there was an entire area missing. They had an idea where could they have missed the path, so they got up, sat on the Last Stag, and held their way to the Queen's Station. 

That last Dream was certainly unique, and the Knight finally understood Seer's words. Whoever it belonged to did not want it to be seen by unwanted eyes. They did not know why it was them who had been granted a pass to those memories, but they could definitely tell them more. 

They were certain now that the moth that kept appearing in the Dreams was no other than the Dream Child, whose statue was present in the Mantis Village. Whatever she was, she had the ability to invade the Dreams of others, and probably even twist them. That was probably the reason she was given that name. And it appeared her mother was the one behind the Infection. 

Though, having to listen to her voice was painful. Loud and ethereal, it burned the Knight from the inside. It was making their whole being twist, awakening something deep and ancient within them. It was making the emptiness within them boil with something they could not even comprehend. They could barely stand those few moments she talked to her daughter, and the look on Hornet's face when they awoke was the one of terror. She clearly wasn't as emotionless as the Knight, though it did seem like that at the beginning. And she had to feel some kind of affection towards them. Or else why would she care? 

The Stag stopped as they reached the Station. Bowed to him, the Knight held their way into the Fog Canyon. There were still a few places they’ve never ended up going. 

There, the fog was getting thinner, until it faded away altogether. The place started reminding the Greenpath more and more. No wonder, it was just above. Though there were more flowers, almost like if the knight was entering… a garden? Those flowers were big, so big the Knight easily could make one of those their house with everything they might ever need. They were not going to, though. They could only be thankful the flowers did not try to eat them. 

After the acid pool with the charged lumaflies flying around in clusters, they reached the Overgrown Mound. Deep inside, they found a dead snail shaman. Or were they dead, with the plants growing through them? And if so, how did they manage to grant the Knight with the voice? Of course, it didn’t allow them to talk, but that howl was much more powerful than any they had ever heard.

Going down from there, the Knight found themselves by the gates. There were two, on either side. The right ones were locked from the other side. The left ones, however, looked different.

Though the metal parts of it seemed to hold the Kingdom's theme, the rest was made out of the Void. It was repelling the Knight upon touch, but dissolved their body into the void, they were able to pass through. Of course, literally no one else would've been able to pass. Why were these gates placed there? What were they supposed to protect? 

Looped around, the Knight pushed the lever to open the other gates. Not like they needed that anymore, but they did anyways, even if just because they could. 

The place they entered seemed to be the Gardens indeed. They belonged to the Queen, if the Knight were to believe Cornifer. They looked just like the Greenpath, if it was swarmed with mantises, that is. 

But those mantises looked nothing like the mantises from the village. They did not bow to the Knight when they were approaching, and their eyes were glowing bright orange. Yes, those mantises were infected, and they were so much deadlier than their kin from the village. Stronger, faster, and much more aggressive. It was no wonder that Mantis Ladies did not want them anywhere near their village. But why were they infected? Weren't mantises protected from it or something? 

Found the Stag Station and the place where the Queen's Gardens connect with the Greenpath, the Knight ended up in front of another shadow gates. There had to be something hidden deep inside, something that was hidden behind two of those unpassable gates, something that was not meant to be discovered. Something that the Knight needed to discover. 

Made their way through the thorns, the Knight was greeted by mantises. But as they started the fight, the old friend arrived to help. From the bushes above, she dropped with her club directly on the mantis's head, squishing him against the ground. 

The Knight expected to meet Cloth again. They saw her as they were entering the Gardens, determined to defeat the mantises they were about to face in just a second after talking to her. It almost seemed like she doubled back on her words, as the Knight did not find her in the Gardens. But there she was, roaring excitedly as more mantises jumped on them. The Knight found themselves excited too. The last time they fought alongside someone, it turned out to be amazing. Besides, they were anticipating the upcoming battle. They knew they were about to face the one who used to sit on that broken fourth throne. 

And there he was. Dropped from the above, he screamed, ready to tear both of them apart with his claws. 

No, that couldn't be. That creature could not be their brother. He was massive, even gigantic, his big eyes glowing bright orange. He wasn't as mobile as the Ladies, though still incredibly fast. But his strength was incomparable. If the Knight happened to take the hit, it hurt them so much that their mask, though strengthened a lot since they entered the Kingdom, was ready to shatter there and then. And dodging was almost impossible. If not for the shadow dash they were granted by the Abyss, defeating that monster would've been impossible. Is this the true power of the Infection? 

Not once. Not twice. There were so many more times the Knight had to go through those gates, over and over again, trying to live through the first ten seconds of the fight, learning to dodge, trying to get as many hits as they could, failing and trying again. Their nail was as strong as it gets, and there was no reason for them to not be able to defeat the Traitor Lord. Still, it took a while. But eventually, even his life was meant to be cut short. 

Feeling like he's losing, the Traitor Lord made the last desperate attack, piercing his claw through the Cloth's body. No one expected that to happen. But, gathered the last bits of strength left in her body, she smashed her club against the Lord's head. 

That was too much for both of them. The Traitor Lord stumbled, and then both of them fell, raising the clouds of dust. 

Cloth was excited about how the battle went. She was chanting so happily to the Knight that she did not even notice her own body laying on the ground. Dead. The Dream Nail cut her in half, dissolving her into the Essence. Finally, she could see Nola again… 

As the Knight went further, they noticed that there was no one to stop them. There were a lot of traitorous mantises, but they all were dead. They didn't just die - they were slain. And the Knight soon found out who did that. A knight in a shiny white armor, sitting by a massive cocoon made out of roots? The Knight has never seen anything like that before. The knight was long dead, probably trying to protect whatever was inside that cocoon. 

Thick pale-white roots were coming out of the cocoon, as if it just couldn't contain them inside. There was an entrance, so small that there barely was someone who could get through it other than the Knight. Or was it made specifically for them to be able to enter? 

It seemed much bigger inside than it looked from the outside. In fact, it was so big that the Knight almost got lost in the labyrinth of the passages. But made their way deep inside, the Knight found her. 

The Queen. They instantly knew it was her, it was the same creature that stood beside the King in that last Dream they've entered. It seemed like her shape was not clear back there, but looking at her now, they understood that the shape was pretty clear. She was big and majestic, even bound and sealed there, her roots spreading all over the place. Who sealed her there? And why? The Knight looked up at her. They knew. Yes, seeing her now, they knew. She was their mother. 

She slowly opened her eyes. She did not look exactly at them, her eyes shining but empty, only a bit to the side. As if… she couldn't see them. 

"Oh! One arrives. Far it walks to find me. Did it seek my aid? Or did the path carry it by chance to so pertinent a place?"

‘It’. There it was once again. But now the Knight knew. They were but a Vessel. Even their mother did not see them as a living being. Or did not want to see? Did not want to admit just how terrible was what she took a part in? 

"It is true. True, that you were awaited. No. Perhaps that is inaccurate. True one like you was awaited." Were they really? Did she really expect to see again one of those that were trapped in the Abyss to die? Or was she hoping that they would find a way to escape, because if they would not, there would be no one to stop the leaking Infection?  "I have a gift, held long for one of your kind. Half of a whole. When united, great power is granted, and on the path ahead, great power it will need."

From the pure energy, a little piece of an amulet fell on the ground. Was this what they needed? Find the other part of this white amulet, and… But where can it be? 

"Within my roots, the weakening of the Vessel I plainly feel. Only two obvious outcomes there are from such a thing. The first is inevitable on current course, regression, all minds relinquished to that pernicious plague. The second I find preferable, and would seek your aid in its occurrence, replacement. I implore you, usurp the Vessel. Its supposed strength was ill-judged." Ill-judged? Was it… not pure? All that for it to not even be perfect? "It was tarnished by an idea instilled. But you. You are free of such blemishes. You could contain that thing inside."

An idea? The Vessel could not contain the plague because it was… obsessed with something? 

How were they different though? 

It did not matter. They were not going that way. To replace the Vessel meant to prolong the stasis, and probably fail again. She said: the Light cannot be contained. So they were willing to take the harder path. Hornet believed they could take it. For her, they were willing to try. 

"Oh, she… The Dream Child is… Confused? Astonishing. Wyrm never gave her a chance. I am saddened by that, if I am being honest. Perhaps with her aid we could've avoided all of this. She was willing to help even when she was aware of what we were planning to do to her mother. But I had thought she would turn on us after the deed was done. However, it seemed to be able to shake her determination. I wonder, what will she choose in the end..?"

The Dream Child? That Dream Child whose statue the mantises carved to put in their village? Is White Lady saying that the Knight was the one to confuse her? But how? And when? They have but seen her in the Dreams. Or... have they... met her? Have they...

...fought her?

Chapter Text

There was no way to go but deeper. The plants still there, it was getting darker and darker. And slowly there were less and less plants, and more cobwebs. Until they figured out that yep, they did make their way to the Deepnest, as spiders started jumping out of nowhere. And right there, right under the Queen's Gardens, they found a massive egg bound with chains. 

The long passage led to a small room deep inside the egg. There, they found a big spider creature among tons of different masks. It wasn't hostile, it just was sitting there crafting and painting masks while humming something cheerful. 

As the Knight came closer, the creature did not seem to pay attention, though it spoke, but it was hard to say if the words were meant for the Knight, or it was just rambling. "Is it a mask or face upon the creature? In Hallownest, a difficult thing it can be to decipher." The Knight looked down and touched their mask. It was their face, but what a face of a bug if not a mask? They looked back at the spider. "A wonderful thing to have, a face. Not a thing with which we all are blessed. For this kingdom's faceless, I shall provide."

It wasn't probably the nicest thing to not have a face. So this guy was helping those who weren't born with one? It was nice of him. 

The Knight looked around. There were a lot of masks: one eye, two eyes, six eyes, and so many different shapes. The Knight didn't need a mask though… 

Something caught their eye. A mask, buried among all others. They reached for it and got out of the pile. They've seen it before, and they knew where they've seen it! 

"To change a face; to conceal it fully within another... A powerful protection that is, but one with sad consequence. The original mind is destroyed, though those of striking will may still retain a sliver of that concealed self." The Knight looked up at the Mask Maker. "What? Did she manage to keep it all? That does not surprise me one bit. Her shine never did yield to the Wyrm's. Though she never was my usual client; she had a face of her own. It was a shame she decided to hide it, but I never questioned it."

The Knight lowered their head and looked at the mask again. Yes, Ray had that very same one. It… wasn't her real face? Was she… hiding it? But… why? 

The answer was right before them, waiting to be grasped. But they did not turn away from their route. They knew that even if they go up there again, they would not be able to ask the question bothering them. 

Deepnest was still the same. Dark, confusing, and disgusting. The creatures with way too many legs were jumping out of nowhere. But the Knight still made sure to check every corner and not just zoom through that crawling hole. 

Finally the path led them to a village. Of course, it was a spider village, but the things were still really calm there. Was it abandoned? Even by spiders? 

The webs everywhere, lots of cocoons, but not a single living creature. Why? Where were those that used to live there? 

One of the bigger cocoons had an entrance. Quite a pretentious one, too. The Knight entered. 

Inside, there were a bunch of bugs sitting in a big room. They weren't attacking the Knight and seemed friendly. They offered the Knight to rest on a bench, and this exactly what they needed right now the most. The bench was covered in cobwebs just a bit, but that didn't bother the Knight. They sat and relaxed just for a bit. Though, this bench wasn't comfortable at all. That was disappointing. But as the Knight was about to get up and leave, they realized they were stuck in a web. When the bugs noticed them struggling out of the web, they started slowly approaching them. Maybe the Knight shouldn't have sat there.

When the Knight awoke, they were trapped in a cocoon in the caves. They were not sure where exactly were they dragged to. Struggled just a bit, they cut through the web and set themselves free. 

These caves were filled with spiders once again, though the Knight wasn't quite sure if they've been there before or not. Unlikely though. 

And that proved to be the case as they came across a bedchamber, with one of the Dreamers soundly sleeping there. Her name was Herrah the Beast. 

"Give all… for her…"

She didn't even pay attention to the Knight as they entered her Dream. All she thought of was her daughter. Apparently, she was the one to make Herrah agree to become a Seal. 

The spiders have never accepted the Pale King. They did not allow him to even build the tram through their lands, and there must've been a good reason for one of them to sacrifice herself like that. And, apparently, it was for a child. And the Knight had an idea who could that child be. 

"Gendered Child" as the White Lady called her, the product of the bargain between the King and the Beast. Herrah agreed to become a Seal, if the King would allow her to have his child. The only child of the Wyrm that was not a Vessel. The one to have a similar nature as the Knight, while not sharing their emptiness. The Gendered Child, Hornet. 

She was sitting by the empty bed as the Knight woke up. Didn't look at them, but didn't try to hide. "So you've slain the Beast… and you head towards that fated goal. I'd not have obstructed this happening, but it caused me some pain to knowingly stand idle." She looked at the Knight, and inclined her head to the side. "What? You might think me stern but I'm not completely cold." She looked away and up. "We do not choose our mothers, or the circumstance into which we are born. Despite all the ills of this world, I'm thankful for the life she granted me." She looked at the Knight and immediately looked away. As if it pained her to look at them. "It's quite a debt I owed. Only in allowing her to pass, and taking the burden of the future in her stead, can I begin to repay it."

The Knight was about to get closer, to sit next to her, to make her feel better, not so abandoned, not so alone, but she stopped them. 

"Leave me now, ghost. Allow me a moment alone before this bedchamber becomes forever a shrine."

No, there was no use. Hornet knew. She knew they could not feel for her. She knew they could not understand her pain. Pitying her now… would only hurt her more. 

The Knight left, leaving her to her grief, continuing on their path. Only by getting rid of the Infection could they help Hornet. Help… their sister. 

Apparently, spiders did not only refuse to allow the King to build a tramway trough their lands, they also did not particularly like the Stag Station that was built in their village. Everything in the cobwebs, the bench broken, but the bell seemed to be fine, so the Station was meant to work again, even if not for long. 

The Last Stag came to the call, like he always did, but this time was different. The old bug was excited. 

He was old, and much of his memories became dull, but the more stations the Knight found, the more they traveled together through the stagways, the more the Last Stag remembered. And thus, when the Knight opened it all, he finally remembered that place he wanted to visit for so long. The Stag Nest. The place where he was born and raised. The Knight agreed to accompany him there. 

Per expectations, the place was abandoned. All the stags were dead, elevators did not work anymore, but there was just one hatched egg. And it gave the Last Stag hope. Hope, that he's not the last one. That there's someone else. They might have left the Kingdom, but they're alive, and so the Stags will not disappear from the face of the Earth. 

The Knight remembered those cliffs. Yes, they've been there. This was where they first came to the Kingdom from. It seemed to happen so long ago…

They took their time to explore this place. Back then, they were thoughtlessly following the call from within the Vessel, not concerned by anything else. But since then, everything has become so much more complicated… 

His name was Mato. He was the other Nailmaster. He looked exactly like Oro, and it was fair to assume that the two of them were brothers. But they were completely different. While Oro was selling his knowledge, Mato deemed it the greatest honor to be able to pass his knowledge, especially when it came to someone as capable as the Knight. 

But there was another one. Another brother, the best out of the Great Nailsage's pupils. Mato was wondering how he was doing, they had to be separated for a long time. From his words, the Knight learned where to find the last Nailmaster. They knew exactly where to look for the 'green kingdom of thorns'. 

His name was Sheo. And he was nothing like either of Oro and Mato. First of all, it was impossible to expect to find someone living there, hidden and protected by thorns and acid. Only the Knight's determination to shove his little ghost face into every hole, even ones that seemed to not be suitable for this, and a bit of Dream Nail work on Mato, led them there. And second of all, Sheo didn't look like a Nailmaster at all. He did look similar to them, but his nails were dusting in the corner, and he switched his armor for an apron and an easel. It appeared, he abandoned the way of the Nailmaster to try something more suitable for him. And even though he was drawing really well, that wasn't what the Knight craved. And Sheo did not reject them what they wanted. 

Sheo's training was different from Oro and Mato's. Instead of training them with his nail, he showed the Great Slash on the canvas with a brush. And it was surprisingly effective! 

Unlike Oro, Sheo did not mind the Knight staying, and even offered them a paint, but they were not interested in art if it wasn't the Art of the Nail. So, bowed to Sheo, the Knight continued their path. 

It led them back to Dirtmouth. From there, they were going to go to the top of the Hallownest's Crown, but stayed just for a bit to rest and get rid of all that Geo weighing their pockets. And there was only one bug that did it better than anyone. 

Though, when the Knight visited Sly's shop, he wasn't there. Instead, there was a door to the basement open. The Knight descended. 

That basement was large. But among all the boxes and chests, most of which were empty now, Sly was sitting on the floor, in front of a giant nail on a fancy pedestal. 

"So, another would join our group." He got up and looked at the Knight. "I have a gift for you, warrior. As a shopkeeper, I admit parting with it for free is rather difficult. But as the Great Nailsage…" Wait a moment, as the what ?! "As the Great Nailsage I must recognise your skill. You have mastered the arts of my remaining pupils." Pupils… "Now tradition decrees you too may hold the symbol. Wear it proudly, Nailmaster. You shall be the last to receive its like."

The Knight accepted an amulet Sly give them, but they were still having a hard time processing that this little bug, so little it was smaller than the Knight, this little Geo-obsessed fellow, was the one who taught the three brothers Nailmasters. Could he actually wield that nail that was over five times bigger than him? Of course, if he could, the Knight had nothing but respect for him. 

They needed to visit Nailmasters again. 

Mato was the closest one. So the Knight decided to visit him first. 

He was happy to see the Knight. It was strange to see someone forming such a close bond with them, but it was comforting in a way. They felt at home in this hut, and it had nothing to do with the house itself but with how Mato treated them. He invited the Knight to meditate with him, and they sat in silence for a while. 

Finally the Knight got up. Mato raised his head. "Leaving already? Feel free to return whenever you like. Your company-" The Knight showed him the charm Sly gave him. "That charm..! Could it be?! Only the Great Nailsage himself could have bestowed such a thing!"

That was truly shocking. Sly was the Great Nailsage! Who could've thought that such a small bug… 

On the other hand, the Knight themselves were as small of a bug, so they were not about to doubt Sly's capabilities. Especially since Mato confirmed his words. 

"Your achievements humble my own, my pupil," Mato said. "I myself have sworn never to lay eyes on the Nailsage again. Not until I have truly mastered his teachings. But… if you see him again, please... let him know that I am forever grateful."

Though the Knight got their answer, they decided to visit their two other teachers anyway. Oro was meant to be the next. 

He was still there, in his hut on the edge of the Kingdom. "You've returned, though you were not invited." Though he and Mato looked exactly the same, their attitude was completely different. "Hmm… So you've met my brothers? How fortunate of you to train under Sheo. Yes, he was the mightiest of the Great Nailsage's pupils, far outshining Mato and myself. My brother and my master loved him very much. He was always aloof, but... not unkind. When we last spoke, he said he was going to teach himself something completely new. I wonder if he achieved that goal."

He sure did. So Sheo was the best out of the three? And still decided to venture a different path? Interesting. 

"What?" Oro asked as the Knight kept staring at him. "Oh, Mato? Tell him to be patient. He'll be waiting a while longer before I give him what he wants."

Mato never mentioned Oro. Could their relationships have not been that great? Did something happen between the two? 

Though it did not concern the Knight. They could try to help the brothers, but Oro did not look like the one to appreciate such a deed. So they moved on, to meet Sheo again. 

Surprisingly, Sheo was not alone in his hut anymore. And though it would forever be a mystery how the Nailsmith made their way there through all those thorns, he was the one to be keeping Sheo company. 

They had met the last time in the Smithy. The Nailsmith refined the Knight's nail for the fourth time, making it his finest creation. The only thing he wished for from then on was to feel the strike of that nail. To die by his best creation. 

He was mad the Knight refused him this wish. It was the work of his life, and he thought that he at least deserved that one wish to be fulfilled. But stumbled upon Sheo's and spent some time with him, he had found something else to live for. 

Now, they were sitting there together, crafting little figurines from clay. "Building these models takes patience and a light touch," Sheo said, noticing the Knight's sparkling interest. "It's worth it though, seeing the grand old Knights of Hallownest come to life before our eyes. Mighty Hegemol was always my favourite. What a towering figure he was, though surprisingly soft spoken for one so large. They were all impressive in their own right, of course. Fierce Dryya, kindly Isma, mysterious Ze'mer... erm, and the other one."

The Knight knew who that other one was. They met him, though it wasn't quite clear why Sheo didn't want to say his name. It didn't seem like he didn't remember. Maybe it has to do with Ogrim's exsilium, or maybe Sheo just didn't like the scent. 

Though, it was quite interesting that Sheo knew all the King's Knights. How long ago was it? Could he know where did the Palace disappear to? 

The Knight's eyes wandered over the table. Among the materials, there was one finished model. The winged creature seemed familiar, though the Knight was sure they had never seen it. Sheo caught their interest. 

"Ah, this one? I still keep it, hoping one day she'd visit me again. Erm… What was her name? A mighty warrior, and just as skillful creator. She was the one to show me the Path of Art. Oh, but what was her name? Forgive me, it was so long ago, I seem to have forgotten. This model is of her mother, though it appears she could not show it to her. But she said that it came out highly accurate! I keep it still. Maybe she would return and be able to show it to her mother. She loved to talk about her. I wonder where she is right now…"

The Knight took the model in their little hand. It was very detailed, up to the pattern of the creature's legs. For some reason, it reminded them of Ray. 

"You can take it if you want. You have better chances of meeting her, I think. Oh, I know! The Moth Tribe! I don't know if there are any of them still alive, but if there are, they would certainly know who I'm talking about and where to find her."

Chapter Text

There was only one moth left, the descendant of the Moth Tribe. The Knight returned to her once again. 

"Ah, the Wielder!" she greeted them, excited. "I've been awaiting your return." The Knight imagined that learning from Seer what they needed would be rather hard, as they could not ask the question itself. But being there in her house now, it seemed like she would give the answer without a question. The Knight got closer, and she gasped. "Yes! Yes! Just like she said, you have obtained one half of the Pale Soul. I was instructed to help you find the other half. Allow me to take a look at your Dream Nail." Much like Sheo said, Seer definitely knew the answer. But would she give it if there's no question? But that other answer, the one she was planning to give them, would've satisfied the Knight just as much. They drew the blade of light. "Yes. The time has come. The Dream Nail... And you as well, Wielder. It is time for you both to awaken. The Essence you have collected... The hope that still remains in this old Kingdom. Pure potential! Let it course through you and into the Dream Nail."

The Knight looked at the Dream Nail. They could not tell the difference from when they took it for the first time. The blade was just as bright as back then in the Dream they were cast away to by Dreamers. But they've become much stronger since then. Their - old and rusty once, sharp and deadly now - nail grew much stronger. Their mask has become much more sturdy than before. They got a lot of new abilities, abilities that merged with their shell to become their reliable companions in this journey. And of course so did the Dream Nail. Maybe they could not see it with their empty eyes, but Seer did. And if to move forward the both of them needed to awake... 

The Knight raised their Dream Nail, and as they did, Seer raised her head up. The light shone on the Knight from the above. And it... whispered. The Knight could not understand the whispers, but they knew that those did something to them, and to the blade. And although they felt nothing, the Essence they've collected coursed up through their little body and through the Dream Nail. There, it broke through, and the light blade got longer, sharper, and brighter. Now the Knight could tell the difference.

"No dream can hide itself from you now. You can peer into the darkest places... You just need to find the right crack." The Knight put the Dream Nail aside and looked at the Seer. "Hmm... You crave for the answer, don't you, Wielder?" got a short nod in response, Seer continued. "This charm is a part of a very powerful soul. It was separated between the two, one is hidden within the one he loved and trusted the most, and the other one he took with him. The question is… where? The Palace is gone from the Waking World, but with the power of your Dream Nail you can reach it."

So was the Palace hidden in the Dreams? That would explain why the Knight was not able to find it where it should've been. But... why?

"It's still there, where it used to be. Go there, and let the Essence guide you. Let her guide you. And behold the tragic truth."

Looks like the Knight needed to find the answer on their own.

As they were leaving, they overheard Seer say, not to them, but maybe to no one at all, "My promise is fulfilled now. May the crimes of my tribe be washed away in time, like the rest of this Kingdom's..."

They returned to the Palace Square. The Palace was not there still, but now they noticed that they could access the Dream of the dead knight. The dead knight, sitting by the entrance of the no longer existing in this world Palace. The void was sipping through the white armor. As if... not trying to get inside but... The other way around. Trying to get out of the empty armor, spread around. The knight had never seen anything like this, or even those knights, to be fair. Were they even... living beings? And if not, why were there the Essence particles around them..? There was no use in hesitating though, so the Knight hit whatever was left of that Knight with their new Awoken Dream Nail. The shell fell apart, but the Knight did find themselves in front of the White Palace a few moments later. 

This Dream was different from any other they've been to before. Everything was white- pale. And even the Essence floating around. It felt cold although not in the literal sense. But it was the home of their father, was it not? Shouldn't they be welcome there?

But made their way across the bridge, they found out that the knight, the very same one that they came in through, was not very friendly to them. But it was hard to say how time worked there, in the Dream. Made their way into the palace, they found out that the servants of the King were not only not hostile to the Knight, but were even bowing to them as soon as they approached, cutting of whatever talk they had. 

"My King… All for us…"

Could they recognize the Knight? Or did they think that they were the King? Or maybe... someone else that looked extremely similar..?

Did they know where they were? What their King did? 

But soon the Knight figured out that no, this place did not welcome them at all, after all. Finding the Pale King in his Palace ended up being close to impossible. Who in the everloving Hell covers his own damn palace in spikes, thorns, and buzzsaws?! Apparently, the Pale King, because that's exactly what he did to his palace. Who did he put all of this for? Not for the Knight, that's for sure. It was not a test for them. It was designed to not let anyone pass through. But who was he even afraid of there, hidden in the Dream? 

But when the Knight did reach the Throne Room, it looked like there was someone the King feared. And no amount of deadly obstacles stopped them. 

All the King's guards were dead. The Void was leaking out of their bodies, overcoming the Throne Room. The King was sitting on the throne. He was dead, the bright nail, giving an unusual warm for this place light, piercing through his chest. And as soon as the Knight approached, the place lit up with the pale light, revealing what happened there. 

The King was sitting on the throne, still alive, though not as grand as his servants depicted him. Someone giggled behind the Knight. But it didn't sound sweet or cute, rather, it sounded toxic. They turned around and saw a familiar now bright light. The figure was much more prominent now, though still not clear. But it was possible to tell that it was a moth being. 

"Wyrm, Wyrm, Wyrm. Did you really think that hiding in a Dream from me is a good plan?"

The Pale King was silent. 

"You made her followers turn their backs on her. Didn't work. It only led to her making herself being remembered by force. Then you tried to turn me against her. Didn't work. You tried to lock her away. Didn't work for long. You ordered your knights to dispose of me. Didn't work. Then, when you realized that you can't stop the spread of the Infection, you hid here. Abandoned your people, left them to be consumed by the Light. Didn't you, oh mighty Pale King? I'll tell you. They're out there, crying for help, asking, "Where are you, our King? Please, save us, our King!" But no one answers their prayers. Is this the Kingdom you dreamt of? Why even give them sentience if you knew it would be ripped away from them like this?"

The King spoke. "You will never understand."

"Yes, I will not. I will never understand how could the Universe allow such a heartless monster like you to be brought to life. You left your people to fall victim to the Light. You threw your children to die in the Abyss. The one you took in is rotting in that egg, waiting to be consumed by my mother. Your wife took all the responsibility for your deeds and locked herself up in her gardens against her own will. Your knights are wandering around, trying to find you, begging to serve you. And you just hid here, sitting on this throne of yours. Because you knew I was coming. You knew I would crave revenge. And it terrifies you."

"You are in it with me. Do not act holy. The Moths turned to me after you. And you were the one to want the spread of the Infection to stop, maybe even more than me. So why are you unhappy?"

"Why am I unhappy?" She raised her voice, enraged, so hard her voice distorted. Distorted so much that it hurt the Knight to hear it, much like with her mother's. "WHY AM I UNHAPPY?! Yes, I didn't want Mother to spread her plague, but I DID NOT WANT HER TO DIE?! I turned to you, because I adored your work, and I was ready to work with you to stop the Infection, and Mother was ready to stop IF ONLY YOU COOPERATED!" She silenced, trying to calm down. Her voice was still shaking. "You took everything from her. And then you took everything from me. And even if nothing can redeem myself before my Mother, I can at least do what I needed to do a long time ago."

The King did not answer. The moth screamed, and the light filled the Throne Room, returning the Knight to the King's corpse. A huge amount of Essence twirled around and merged with their Dream Nail. 

The ethereal moth figure appeared beside them. It looked at the King, then it looked at the Knight. "This is all the Essence I have for you, little ghost. Seer's purpose can be fulfilled now." It looked at the King. "Complete his Soul once again. Then take it down there. To your birthplace. To your grave. Only by regaining your memories can you be accepted by it… Our greatest enemy. The only thing that is able to put an end to my mother's reign. I do not want that. But maybe…"

"No cost too great."

They were falling one after another from the above to their death. More and more shattered shells were covering the bottom of the Abyss. The Knight dug out from under the corpses and looked up. Far, far above was the gleaming white light, and the Vessels were trying to make their way up, falling, and if able, getting up and trying again. The Knight started climbing up too. 

"No mind to think."

They were getting higher and higher, falling and getting back, hitting the spikes, recovering and going up again. 

"No will to break."

The light shone from the above, like a beacon to the little ghost. 

"No voice to cry suffering."

They were going up, and Vessels were falling down still, to die, to rise, and try again. 

"Born of God and Void."

They were right there. One last jump, and they grabbed onto the ledge. 

The King was there, emanating a pale light. One of the Vessels stood before him, the first one to make it to the top. The King turned around and walked out, and the Vessel followed them. Desperately, the Knight tried to rise, tried to reach for the Vessel for help. It stopped and looked at them. Empty. Emotionless. And left after its Father. 

The Knight slipped and fell down. As they were falling, they heard the Pale King's voice from the above. "You shall seal the blinding light that plagues their dreams. You are the Vessel. You are the Hollow Knight."

They woke up deep down, before their egg, surrounded by the Void, empty shells, and Siblings' shades. They did not attack them anymore. The King's Soul got consumed by the Void and merged with the Knight's shell. 

Shades were not attacking them anymore, and the tendrils did not rise from deep below anymore to grab the Knight. They were accepted. They were welcomed. 

They spent a while down there, among their siblings. They could not talk, could not share stories, could not share pain they could not feel. Still, it was comforting. They were safe down there. This place was truly their home. 

But there was someone to talk to them. The Void kept whispering. The Void wanted them to return up once again. The Void wanted them to kill the Light within their Kin sealed in the Black Egg. The Void promised them the long awaited peace once it is done. 

They were going to do that. Not just for the Void. For their Siblings. For Hornet. For the one deceived by their Father to be locked one on one with their mortal enemy. For every bug of this Kingdom that still kept fighting against the plague.

"So much Essence... So bright... You truly are the Wielder my tribe so long has dreamed of."

Seer lowered her head. 

"The folk of my tribe were born from a light. Light similar to Essence, similar to that powerful blade, though much brighter still. They were content to bask in that light and honoured it... for a time. But another light appeared in our world... A Wyrm that took the form of a King. How fickle my ancestors must have been. They forsook the light that spawned them. Turned their backs to it... Forgot it even. And so this kingdom was born from that betrayal. But the memories of that ancient light still lingered, hush whispers of faith... Until all of Hallownest began to dream of that forgotten light. Ah, but what's done is done. And so am I. The Wielder has at last appeared and I've held the memories of my tribe for long enough. It is time for us to be forgotten too."

She looked up. 

"Don't remember us, Wielder. Don't honour us. We do not deserve it…"

The Light shone on her from the above. 

"Aahh... I'm sorry… Light... Radiance… I... remember you…"

Seer dissociated in the light into the Essence and it flew up. 

And a different voice, shaking, spoke, and they recognized it, finally. "Thank you, little ghost… Thank you. I will not forget this. At least Seer… will return home."

No will to break. 

No voice to cry suffering. 

No mind… Mind… To think… 

Father… 

Soul of Wyrm. Soul of Root. Heart of Void. They were meant to be the Hollow Knight. The Pure Vessel. Ascended from below, they were raised to seal the Light. 

They will fill their hollowness with the Light. They will take the Seals upon themselves. They will stay like that forever. To preserve the Light. To save the Kingdom. And Father will be happy. And Father would be proud. Their sacrifice… For Father. 

Father… 

OH POOR CHILD. 

HE LOCKED YOU UP HERE, WITH ME. LEFT YOU. ABANDONED YOU. 

No… 

BUT YOU KNEW. YOU KNEW YOU ARE NOT COMPLETELY HOLLOW. YOU KNEW, AND YOU HID IT FROM HIM. 

I… 

AND FOR WHAT? TO ROT HERE WITH ME? WHO WILL COME TO SAVE YOU NOW, WHEN MY LIGHT BURNS THROUGH YOUR SHELL? 

Father… 

YES. CALL FOR HIM. CRY FOR HIM. BUT HE WILL NOT COME. HE DOES NOT CARE WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU. BUT SCREAM. SCREAM SO LOUD HE HEARS YOU. I WANT HIM TO KNOW YOU SUFFER. I WANT HIM TO HEAR YOUR PAIN. AND THROUGH THAT, I WANT HIM TO FEEL MY PAIN. THE PAIN I FELT WHEN HE TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME. I WILL DO THE SAME TO HIM. EVEN IF FROM INSIDE THIS PRISON, I WILL TAKE EVERYTHING HE WORKED SO HARD ON, AND THERE IS NOTHING HE CAN DO ABOUT IT.

HE TOOK MY CHILDREN FROM ME, SO I WILL USE HIS CHILDREN TO SPREAD MY LIGHT. HE DECEIVED AND HURT MY BABY, MY LITTLE SHINING RAY, AND I'LL BURN EVERYTHING HE LOVES AND CARES ABOUT. HE IMPRISONED ME, AND I WILL MAKE HIM RUN AWAY, BUT THERE IS NO PLACE FOR HIM TO HIDE FROM MY ANGER. 

SCREAM, SHADOW, SCREAM! YOU CANNOT HOLD ME HERE FOREVER. I WILL BREAK FREE, AND EVERYTHING WILL GO BACK TO HOW IT WAS ALWAYS MEANT TO BE. 

EVERYTHING WILL BE BACK TO HOW IT USED TO BE, MY DEAR. EVENTUALLY. JUST BE PATIENT. YOU WILL BATHE IN MY LIGHT AGAIN. THEY WILL NOT SEPARATE US. THEY WILL NOT DIM OUR LIGHT. WE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. 

The last Seal was broken. Deep within the Temple of the Black Egg, chained and sealed, the Hollow Knight stood its guard. The Infection had completely overcome it, and the only thing keeping it sealed now were those chains. It was waiting. Waiting for them to come. The one who responded to its desperate call for help. But the Hollow Knight did not want them to come anymore. The Infection spread too much. If those chains were to be broken, the Radiance would be freed. 

The Knight came in and looked at their chained sibling. It was not like other Vessels, though the Knight felt their kindred. The Sealed Vessel watched them with its orange eyes, blooming with the Infection. It could not tell the Knight to stop, to not break those chains, to not release it, so all there was for it left was to trust that the little Knight would be strong enough to kill it. 

The chains broke, and the Vessel was free of its Seals. It broke the last bindings that were straining it and dropped down. 

They were taller than any Vessel, or any bug of the Kingdom, really. Their mask was cracked, and the Infection was spreading around. In this egg, even the air was orange. The only way was to kill the Hollow Knight and take its role upon themselves. If the Knight were to fail, the Light would be set free. 

The Hollow Knight took its nail and screamed. And so the battle has begun. 

The Vessel was surprisingly skillful with their nail, and the Infection multiplied its strength. With every hit it received, more and more Infection splashed around, and the Vessel grew in power. 

Finally, the Infection overcame it so hard it started forming bubbles of Infection on its shell. And the Hollow Knight… started trying to get rid of it. It stabbed itself, again and again, trying to reach deep inside, to make it stop. But it was only pitiful to watch, because of how useless it was. It could not reach her from the outside, not with a physical weapon, and only helped her, spreading the Infection even more every time it hit itself. And it got worse, because it lost control over its body, giving the Infection the means to throw its shell around as it pleased, sprinkle itself out of it like a fountain, even go as far as releasing pillars of the Infection from the ground. It looked pathetic and terrifying at the same time. And when the Hollow Knight screamed for the last time… 

A needle flew over and got stuck right in the crack of its mask. Following a silky thread, Hornet flew in, and with a few deft movements bound the Hollow Knight, making it fall on their knees before the Knight. "Ghost!" she yelled. "Do it!"

The Knight looked at their sibling. Orange fire still in its eyes, it looked exhausted. It looked up at the Knight almost pleadingly. It was time to end its sufferings. 

"What are you waiting for?! It is strong, I won't be able to hold it much longer!"

The Knight nodded to her, and bowed to the Vessel before striking it with their mighty Dream Nail. 

The place was bright, even for the Dream Realm. Essence floating around, bright feathers falling from above, it felt amazingly peaceful in there. If the Knight did not know, they would not assume this was a prison for a God. They jumped on the upper platform and drew their weapon, challenging her for a fight, wherever she was. 

It was quiet for a bit. Until they noticed that the sun in the golden sky… grew a pair of bright wings. Then it disappeared, but only for a moment. For a moment before she appeared in front of them, in her shining beauty. The Forgotten God. The one whose statue was rising above the Kingdom on top of the Hallownest's Crown. The one who the Moth Tribe used to serve to. The Moth. The Mother. The Radiance. 

The light burned. Her scream burned. It burned far more than the Infection ever could. Just a weak manifestation of the Radiance's power in the Waking World, the Infection could not even come close to the true power of the Light. 

The Radiance's attacks were quick and deadly, she barely gave the Knight time to recover, yet alone strike back. Rays of light, balls of light, nails, and even spikes, and every mistake could cost the Knight their life. But there was no foe that the Knight had not overcome. So what if she was a God? Did it make her special or something? 

The Knight hit the Radiance one more time, and she staggered and fell down. The Void rose from below, but before it could reach its tendrils for her, the Radiance flew up and screamed. Scream that was anything but holy, it made all the Dream Realm shake and all the Essence lose its slow rhythm of floating, gathering together into one lump of light. As it did, the Radiance disappeared, leaving only falling feathers after her. 

The light formed a figure, and as the light faded, the Knight recognized her. The prominent pattern on the thin white legs, a bright white cloak, and a mask she got from the Mask Maker. 

She looked around. "So this is where they've been keeping you… It's almost like I've returned home once again…" She looked at the Knight. "Hello again, little ghost. Do you still remember my name?" She raised two of her hands and slowly detached the mask. Her cloak started to unwrap around her body. "You might be the last one to remember it. I was more known as the Dream Child, the name Mantises gave me." The bright light shone from under the fake mask. The cloak turned into a pair of white wings, so thin they looked almost ethereal, revealing the fluff that was especially long and thick on her chest, two long white legs, and two pairs of thin arms. "My actual name was given to me by my Mother, of course. You hold it, but I will repeat it for you, just in case." She put the mask aside, revealing her real face. Two neat ovals of eyes, with a bright light shining from the inside, and three bright sparks of light on her forehead - one in the center being bigger and brighter. The Essence was coming out of the back of her head. "My name is Ray. The Brightest Ray of the Radiance."

The Radiance appeared once again. She looked at Ray, and her eyes glowed with love. It was so different from how she looked at the Knight. She held nothing but hatred for them, but Ray… She loved her. And Ray was looking back just as lovingly and happily. 

"I'm so glad I was given a chance to see you again… But…" Her eyes fell sad. She looked at the Knight and back at the Radiance. "I'm sorry, Mother." The Radiance screeched. That scream was full of rage, and Ray's eyes filled with pain. "Forgive me, Mother. If you ever can, please, forgive me. For everything I have done, and for what I'm about to do."

Chapter Text

Oh, little bug, you have wandered far.

What called you here? Was that a shining star?

Was that a call from those under the seal

That we were promised would lock the ordeal?

Oh, little shade, who on Earth lured you in

To this cursed land where the pain's all you've seen?

Was that a plea for help from your kin?

Or the wicked song from the Light that's within?

Oh, little knight, this path is full of pain.

And in the end you can't win; she'll remain.

But if you want to fight till deed is done,

Just be prepared - it will tear you apart.

Oh, little ghost, you're Void; I am Light. 

But we both know we must fight for what's right! 

And till the fire within hasn't died, 

I will be fighting along by your side. 

My egg hatched a long while ago. Before the Wyrm crawled into these lands, before the bugs of this Kingdom were sentient, before the Kingdom ever existed. 

Though, I was not there to witness my Mother's battle against the Void, or how she put an end to the bugs that lived there before, or how the new creatures filled these lands. But I was there before the Kingdom, and so I thought I had the ability to judge. 

Unlike my mortal siblings from the Moth Tribe, I was created directly from my Mother's light. She granted me a shell to walk through the Physical Realm, like my mortal brothers and sisters, and filled me with the Essence so I could walk through the Dream Realm, like her. That's why I was called the Dream Child, you see. 

I loved my Mother. And I still do. I often think about all the time we spent together, everything she taught me, everything she gave me, including her love. And I don't think I will ever forget. 

But I loved spending time in the Waking World too. And as much as I loved exploring these caverns, soon it became boring.  The Moth Tribe, with all my due love to them, were no fun to be around. Most of them were enamored with worshipping my Mother. And me. But I wanted someone equal to me. Someone to talk to. Someone to fight against.  Fungals were very conceited, but could not stand up to it. The shared mind they were so proud of, in reality, was not great at all.  Mosskin were like moths but for their own Mother. Spiders were not being too welcoming with strangers. 

But mantises… Oh, saying I was in love with them would be an understatement. We shared the same fighting spirit, and it did not take much convincing to make great friends with the Lords. I spent all my free time in their village, and no one could even tell just how many times have I fought the Lords, one on one and together. Have you seen it? They even carved the statue for me, something they never did not only for outsiders but for their own heroes! That might be my greatest achievement, haha! 

Oh, other bugs? They were nothing. They were operating only on basic instincts, living the circle of eat-sleep-breed-die. Quite like bees, but even they were more fun because they were doing that purposely, with the full understanding of what they're doing. 

And then your Father came. And shattered this peaceful little world we all lived in. 

I was fascinated. I really was. First with how he rebirthed himself, and then with how he granted sentience to all the bugs that lacked it. 

These bugs were not like anyone else I've ever seen. And by that I mean how creative they were. Creative in everything, starting with how they handled their nails and up to the buildings they constructed, the canvases they painted, and even the songs they were singing. This was something I felt the call for but could not share with anyone before. 

And apparently… Apparently, my fascination with the Wyrm and his work led to the Moth Tribe turning to his light after me. And oh how quick they were to leave Mother, forgetting her! Unable to manifest her presence in the Waking World, she only had me to try and turn moths back, but unlike her, the Wyrm had a very real presence, thus his light seemed to be much brighter to them.  And as the memories of her started fading, Mother started fading too, and so did I. You see, my powers are highly connected to her. If Mother gets weaker, so do I. And if she were to die, I would've lost all my powers forever.  I did not want that, obviously. So I decided to ask the Wyrm to help us. But when I said that my Mother was dying… He only was happy with it. He did not want to share his Kingdom with another Light. Even though he was the one to usurp these lands. 

And Mother was angry. Rightfully so. And while the memories of her still lingered in the minds, she started invading them by force. And while it did help her stay alive, that forceful invasion did not go unnoticed for the bugs.  Those she invaded were losing the sentience the Wyrm has granted them, reverting back to how they used to be, driven solely by instincts. Mother herself did not know that would happen as she had never done so before. No need occurred. But as she learned that is something she could do… 

You see, my Mother has always believed that if the creature was not born sentient, it does not deserve it. And the Wyrm granting sentience to those bugs was going against the natural course of things, as she believed. And this was something we could not agree on.

Due to my liking of those bugs, she did not stand against the Wyrm immediately, but seeing her kindness not being appreciated, she decided to teach him a lesson. And thus she started the spread of her Infection.  I understood her anger, but I did not believe that taking her anger out on mortal bugs was right. And so I came to the Wyrm again, offering to make peace. I believed that if we had bugs to worship Mother, to remember her, there would be no need for the Infection. And she was willing to comply if that was going to be the case. 

But your Father didn't even try listening to me. For him, my Mother was already an enemy, and me being her offspring made me the enemy in his eyes too. And the lack of his cooperation only proved to my Mother that she was doing the right thing.  Still, I tried. Again and again did I try coming to the Wyrm to convince him that there was no need to fight, and all of those attempts were futile. 

The Infection spread. At first, Mother only spread it onto those that were granted sentience by the Wyrm. She had no intention to harm anyone else. But… They came to her themselves. 

One of the Mantis Lords asked me if he could be granted the Infection. He did not care about losing his sentience to it as long as it granted him power. I did not want to do that. I hesitated for a long while. But he insisted.  Other Lords did not support him. But they said that they will leave the choice to him, and would not hold it against me if I decide to help him. So, eventually, I did.  He was deemed traitor among mantises, and he, along with everyone who followed him, was banished from the village.  Mosskin were the next to turn to my Mother's light. Their own Mother was sleeping deep within her lake, and with time, her strength has almost completely vanished. They were looking for someone else to guide them, and they found her.  Soon, the Infection spread even on fungals and deep down to the spiders' nest, leaving untouched only mantises I was willing to protect with my own life. But it wasn't needed, because Mother was willing to leave untouched anyone I personally liked. Which felt even worse, because it was like if they were left to be the toys for me to play with. 

And while I tried to convince both sides to end this stupid stand-off, the Wyrm came up with the solution of his own. You know the one. The one that brought you to life. You, and so many more, including the one whose Dream we are in right now. Brought to life, only to be killed. 

I deemed it terrible. My Mother deemed it terrible. And any sane being would deem it absolutely atrocious. And, what worse than anything, he knew it would fail. He knew, and he still threw all of you down into the Abyss. To suffer, and for what? 

He did not see any of you as living beings. You could not feel pain, sadness, or anger, but did it mean he could just throw you away like broken toys? Maybe you do not care. Or maybe you do. Who would give the answer? He did not even give you the ability to speak. Was it so your screams would not haunt him in sleep? 

Ah, forgive my ramblings. I hope you are not in a hurry? I would like to stretch this moment as far as I can, before it all is over. 

Well, the Vessel was chosen, and the rest was sealed in the Abyss to die. Yes, you were not meant to make it out alive, though you still did. But that is an accomplishment of your own, and only your own. Your Father did not forsee that happening. Or did he? Maybe he sealed you to make you find another way out, much harder, and that is the only reason you have made it this far? Or am I trying to find an excuse for him once again? 

I did not know when they were planning the sealing, but I instantly knew. In just one moment, all my powers evaporated. In just one moment, my shine faded. In just one moment, I became an empty shell, and I knew. It was already too late.  And only then did I understand. That in my desperate attempts to save everyone else, I failed to save one creature that cared about me most of all. That I cared about more than anything. 

I returned to what was once the village of the Moth Tribe, the only place her memories still lingered at. My pain was immeasurable. Have you seen the crystals below? They are the product of my sorrow. I heard the Wyrm was mining them. Harvesting my grief. My pain. 

The Infection was gone. All the bugs awoke sane. But, as I heard, the Traitor Lord had never been accepted back into the village. 

Me? The Wyrm ordered his knights to dispose of me. But one of them helped me escape. Wonderful bug he was, though he had to pay the price. And I had to hide. The Mask Maker did not want to make a mask for me, because, as you can see, I have the face of my own. But eventually, he agreed. The mask sealed my identity, as well as the power that started to return to me soon enough. 

Yes, it did not take long for the Vessel to start leaking the Infection. Even sealed with the mask, I felt my powers starting lingering inside. And I waited. And waited. And waited. When Wyrm realized that his Kingdom was doomed, he ran away. Hid, like a lightseed. Disappeared without a trace. But I knew. And as soon as I gathered just enough power to walk through the Dream Realm again, I went for him. How stupid one should be to try hiding in the Dream from someone who's quite literally called the Dream Child! 

Well, you've seen it. I should've done it from the beginning, and his death that way did not even change anything. It did not even make me feel better. But what's done is done. 

As Mother’s powers were sipping out of the Vessel more and more, I was starting to gain more strength too. At first, I could only lurk into dreams of others. But the longer it went, the more power I had, up until I started to be able to walk through Dreams again. I saw many bugs I used to know. Some I just saw maybe once, and some I knew as close as I happened to cross my nail with them. Like Markoth, for example. I was only happy to do so again! He used to be an exceptionally good warrior for the tribe he came out of. Not like I did not love the rest of them! I still do. Even after all that happened, Seer still tried to do the right thing…

But one after another, they started fading away. Which is not necessarily a bad thing! They were going back where they belong, after all… But I… Was not sure what I should do. Before you found me up there, on the Crown, I would’ve certainly said that the only way now is to leave my dreams behind and follow the Mother’s will. But that little fight we had… It reminded me of something. Something I used to cherish. Something I used to believe in.

Mother, no one knows you better than I do. No one even knows you nearly as well as I do. And if I know something very well, that is what you absolutely despise. Change. That is why you were so mad when the Wyrm came to these lands, when the Moths turned away from you, and that is exactly why you are so desperately trying to not be forgotten.

I will not change, Mother. I will not leave my beliefs behind, and I will not give up what I’ve started. I’ve been thinking of changing my mind and standing by your side but… Do you even truly want me to do this? To change and to stand by your side watching all I’ve done die in the fire of your Infection?

If I’ve started it, I must pull it through till the end. And if that means I shall raise my nail against you… I will believe this is the right thing to do. 

The Radiance gave off a painful screech and flew up. Ray looked at the Knight. "Go on, little ghost. This is your fight, but I will assist you with all I can. It pains me to see my Mother hurt, and even more so doing that with my own nail. But this is the path I chose to take. And it is the only right path."

The Void rose from below, and Ray jumped away. The Knight jumped higher too, reaching the Radiance. Now there was less floor to stand on, and the Radiance's attacks became even faster and deadlier. She did not give the Knight any chance to attack. This would've seemed impossible if not for Ray. She was jumping around the platforms, occasionally deflecting attacks that the Knight had no chance of dodging, and hitting Radiance which interrupted her attack and staggered for just long enough for the Knight to sneak in a few hits. 

Until Ray missed. Only once her nail did not connect with the nail sent by the Radiance. Slid, just a little bit lower than it should've been. And she had to take it on her shell. But just before she could get hurt, the nail fell apart into the Essence. Ray froze. The Knight had no time to wait, but she just stood there, slowly rising her eyes up to her mother. She kept sending attack after attack, but none of them hit Ray, even when they were supposed to. "Mother..?"

She looked at her. And those were the same warm and kind eyes she always looked at her child with. With love. With forgiveness. With understanding. 

"Why..? We are… enemies… I am… trying to kill you..?"

Those eyes. She was not angry. She did not blame Ray for anything. She knew. And she respected her choice. 

She accepted her fate. 

Ray lowered her head. "I'm sorry, little ghost… I… don't think I can keep… Forgive me. You will have to do it on your own from now on…"

The Radiance screamed after another hit and flew up, raining rays of the light from the above. The Knight came up to Ray and touched her hand. Gently, calmly. And suddenly the storm within her soul calmed down. She looked at them. They nodded. She nodded too. 

"Thank you. I do not want to see it. But I wish you succeed. Good luck, little ghost."

And she disappeared, leaving only Essence behind. 

The Knight started to make their way up, accompanied by the Void. Siblings were rising from below, following the Knight up. When they finally reached the Radiance, and she tried to attack them again, they did just one more slash, staggering her for the last time. The tendrils rose from below, grabbing the Radiance. She struggled to free herself, but from below, one more shade rose. Bigger than any other shade, with a bright crack above its left eye, the Hollow Knight grabbed Radiance's face, tearing it apart to the depth of her being. The Void within the Knight responded, breaking their shell into pieces. The tendrils grew from their back, and the Knight extended them to slap the light out of the Radiance. With every hit, more and more Essence was coming out from within of the Radiance, until there was a huge burst of it. And then she had no strength left to resist. Her body slowly sank into the Void, until it fully consumed her, leaving nothing but Essence fading into the Void. 

When Hornet finally woke up, she was alone. The egg was destroyed, the Infection was completely gone, and the only thing that was still there to remind that all that was real were slowly fading streaks of the Void. Hornet got up and looked around. She was absolutely alone, only a small broken figurine laying in the pool of the Void near her. 

The Light was gone. Consumed by its greatest enemy. And with it, the Infection was gone, and the Kingdom was starting to slowly wake up from its stasis. 

Deep below, siblings have finally found rest after their purpose was fulfilled. But quiet steps woke them up once again. She tried to avoid stepping on their shells as much as possible, but the deeper she went, the more there were, until there was nowhere to step but on the dead bodies. She didn't disturb the emptiness of the Abyss with her blazing light - there was no light left within her shell. The sparks that used to shine through her mask were gone, revealing empty cracks on her face. The Essence that used to follow her like a scarf, was gone, as there were no dreams for her anymore. Every time she put her pale leg on this empty land, the Void tried to grab onto it, and with every step it crawled higher, deeper, getting inside wherever it deemed possible, yearning to consume her too. Soon, she was overtaken by it so much that the Void crawled out of her body on the back of her mask, where the Essence used to pour out once, her cracks were overflowing with the Void, and black tears were running down her empty eyes. But even then, she did not stop. Did not turn back and did not fall. She walked, as if knowing where to go, holding the last precious thing she had left in her shaking hands. The Siblings were following her. Rising from the bodies, they guided her way deep within the Abyss, where no light could reach… to the Birthplace. 

She stood before the cracked egg alone, corrupted and broken. She looked down, at the broken shell she was holding, and then at the shade that was floating before her. "I brought you back," she said, "where you belong. To your home." The Shade bowed its little head. Ray put the remains of the Knight's shell inside the egg, and collapsed next to it. The Shade flew over to her. "It's okay. I knew it'd end like this for me if I'll make this choice. There's no place for me in the world I was fighting for." The Void has completely taken her over. Not only was she unable to move anymore, she could hardly gather strength to speak. "At least they up above can be happy. Like Sheo. Like Mantis Ladies. Like Hornet…" She looked at the Shade. It looked back, not a single emotion in its empty stare. "Oh the irony… I could've had everything I wanted. Many bugs and other creatures were willing to do impossible to be allowed to bathe in my light. And still… I happened to fall in love with the one creature that is not even able to return my feelings…" 

Her head fell onto her fluffy chest, and the Void stilled. The Shade flew over and laid in her arms. But she did not move anymore.