A/N- Hey, back with chapter 2.
I must admit I'm a little disappointed with the response this story is getting, but I understand given how low-key a game like Hollow Knight is. I just hope I get more readers as time goes on.
As I stated in the previous chapter, a lot of the backstories and such is me just giving an identity to something that has none, if that makes any sense.
I hope you like, and be sure to leave a review.
Disclaimer- I OWN NOTHING!
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"When we are dead and gone, nothing more than a memory to those who remain, we will be remembered not for what we did, but for what we chose not to do."
- Ze'mer
(-)
The Pale King let out a sigh of relief once the process was over. They had been successful in escaping to another world, one where She could not reach them. While the process was not very taxing upon the King himself given the nature of the part he played, the Dreamers along with his wife were winded from the affair.
"Ahh, a magnificent performance, if I do say myself."
And of course, Grimm barely had to lift a finger. All he did was contact the Nightmare Heart and relay the plan to it.
Herrah scoffed. "You say that as if you actually did something."
Grimm turned his head up and looked down on her. "It is the duty of the troupe master to orchestrate the performance, not take part in it." he said as he drummed his fingers against each other. "Only at the climax of the show, will the master reveal his grand finale."
The Beast growled low, but didn't respond.
"Well, I suppose it's safe to say we succeeded?" Lurien spoke up.
The King nodded. "Yes, we have finally escaped Her clutches."
"Perhaps this calls for a celebration?" asked Monomon.
"No." answered the King. "We are now in uncharted territory. Though we have escaped one danger, we know not what awaits us out there." he gestured towards the caves exit.
"Indeed." agreed the Queen. "We must deploy a scouting team as soon as possible, and ensure our defenses are sturdy."
"Speak for yourself." spoke Herrah. "My part in this mess is over. I will be returning to Deepnest, where I will remain, not to be disturbed ever again." she put emphasis on the end part of her declaration.
"But," came the rough voice of the circus bug. "I will remind you all of the deal we made."
Herrah waved off the bug as she turned to leave. "Your deal was with the King, not me."
"Ah, but that is where you are wrong."
The Beast turned and glared at the bug. "Watch your tongue whelp, lest I rip it out."
"As amusing as your threat may be, I must remind you that Deepnest is part of the Kingdom of Hallownest, whether you are willing to admit it or not."
Herrah narrowed her eyes. "What are you getting at?"
Grimm smirked. "The deal was as such; A kingdom for a kingdom. If you do not provide, then I will be forced to take... drastic measures, to ensure your cooperation."
"Is that a threat?" asked the Pale King.
A sneer worked its way across the bugs face. "A respectable gentleman such as myself would never stoop so low as to make a threat." he held out his hand and a scarlet flame appeared. "A promise however, is another thing entirely."
The troupe members behind Grimm all snapped their heads towards the group, their eyes burning red with flames.
"I think you'll find that, despite its somewhat hands-off approach to most things, my master can be just as fearsome as Her."
"... This may take some time." the King finally responded.
The flame in Grimm's hand fizzled out. "Of course, I don't expect my payment to be ready overnight." he then turned and headed back towards his troupe. "I can smell it on the breeze... The faint, smokey embers of kingdoms past, lingering in the air. They should sustain us for awhile."
The troupe became docile once more, and began playing their instruments again.
"Twenty years. In twenty years time, I shall return to collect what you owe me." he then raised his hand up and pressed his fingers against each other. "Until then; I bid you farewell."
With a snap of his fingers the entire caravan was engulfed in a bright scarlet blaze, temporarily blinding everyone present. As the light died down, the group looked to see that the troupe was gone, not even a trace that they were ever there to begin with.
As the reality of the situation set in, Herrah turned her gaze to the Pale King. All six of her eyes fiercely glaring at him beneath her mask in an attempt to burn a hole through his head. "I hope you're happy." she said with obvious disdain. "You managed to get us out of the grasp of one monster, only to put us on the chopping block for another!"
The Beast raged as she lay into the King with her unrestrained fury. "We're still in the same predicament as before! How was this plan supposed to help us?!"
"Calm down Herrah." advised Monomon.
"Please, we must not allow the situation to get the better of us." added Lurien.
Meanwhile the King unclenched his fist beneath his cloak. "Twenty years." he said after a moment. "We may not be out of danger just yet, but I have bought us some more time."
"That you have." spoke the Queen.
"I swore that I would protect this Kingdom, no matter the cost. Even if I just buy it a few more years, I am certain it was worth it." he then turned and headed towards the caves exit. "Regardless of the price that must be paid, I will ensure that Grimm gets what he wants."
As the rest of the group followed the King outside, they were greeted not by the turbulent and frigid air that constantly assaulted the Howling Cliffs from the Outlands, but it was much calmer and lacked the cold bite of before.
"It will be impossible to go back on our deal. Grimm is the only connection to the Nightmare Heart, and he won't reveal himself again until the deadline." opined Monomon. "So we can't attack it directly or seal it away."
"Then... that only leaves us with one course of action..." spoke Lurien.
The Pale King nodded. "We have twenty years to bring a Kingdom of the new land to ruin." he said solemnly.
"Dear, are you okay with this?"
The King took a deep breath. "Whether or not I am okay with our new goal does not matter." he held out his hands and looked down at them. "Morality was the first casualty of this affair. Damned as I may be for the blood on my hands, I am prepared for whatever fate awaits me in the end... So if I am already consigned to Hell, then it no longer matters to what lengths I must go. What sins I must commit."
"My Lord..." Lurien spoke somberly.
"To regret my actions and stop now, would mean that all that I have done up to this point was in vain. That my actions were without purpose in the end... And that is something I cannot allow." he said as he steeled his resolve. "So regardless of what I must do next, I will not stop until I have succeeded, or die trying."
Lurien and Monomon bowed in respect, while Herrah merely crossed her arms.
"We shall follow you to the Gates of Hell, my Lord."
"And embrace the fires even as our bodies turn to ash."
The King grunted in affirmation before continuing towards the Stag Station.
"Wait," Lurien called out as he gazed towards the horizon. "We have visitors." he stated.
Lurien wasn't known as The Watcher for nothing. It was rare for something to escape his sight, so if he says that something is out there, then he's most likely correct in his statement.
The King's eyes followed the Dreamer's gaze and eventually landed on a group of strange-looking bipeds. Lacking the shell of a bug, their outer layer looked to be comprised of a softer substance, similar to that of the denizens of the Fungal Wastes. They were also clad in colorful cloth with no uniformity to be found. Not to mention they were armed with strange weapons. There were seven in total, three of which looked to be non-combatants.
As the King watched two of the creatures break off from the group and make their way towards the base of the Howling Cliffs, he knew his next course of action.
"Monomon, inform the citizens that something has happened to the Overworld, but assure them that nothing is worth panicking over. And be vague about it."
"As you wish King." the Teacher responded as she took her leave, Herrah following behind to head back to Deepnest as she had no business with the King's plans.
"Lurien, head to Hallownest Crown and get a lay of the land. I don't want any surprises coming at us."
"Your will be done, my Lord." Lurien bowed as he left to carry out his orders.
"And what would you have me do?" asked the White Lady.
"Go to the White Knights. Have Hegemol ensure our borders are secure. Tell Isma to prepare a scouting party, I want to know what's out there. And send for Dryya, I want her and a small contingent of guards here to defend our borders as soon as they are able. As for Ogrim and Ze'mer, have them remain on standby."
Bowing her head slightly, the Queen headed back to the Stag Station, leaving the King to face his 'guests' alone.
(-)
Summer Rose had absolutely no idea what was going on. The third year and her team were assigned a rather simple escort mission. All they had to do was protect a group of surveyors while they finished getting the last details of the region known as Mountain Glenn, a location that the Kingdom of Vale had interest in expanding its borders to. Up until a few minutes ago, everything was going fine. Raven was brooding as usual, Qrow managed to keep his snarky comments to himself, and Taiyang even managed to go five minutes without sneaking a glance at Raven's ass.
'Seriously, he's gonna get his throat slit one of these days. I don't care how much he insists that she's a tsundere. Whatever that means...'
But that all changed when a storm, quite literally blew in out of nowhere. The sky crackled, the earth rumbled, and the wind was like a hurricane. Things had gone, as Qrow would put it, from fine to fucked up.
Once the storm finally relented, the group looked to see that the entire topography of the land had changed. Where once there was a simple mountain range, was now an immense crater with a ring of mountains in the center. Just what was going on?
Seeing as how something that defied explanation just occurred, it was in their best interest to at least scout it out and get an initial observation of it. So here Summer was, jogging across the no-mans-land that was the crater, with Taiyang at her side.
"Any idea what that was all about Lightning Rod?" asked the blonde.
Summer rolled her eyes at the nickname. 'You spill one vial of Lightning Dust on the first day, and suddenly you're Lightning Girl for three years.'
"No clue." she eventually replied. "Unless someone dropped enough Gravity Dust to clean out the SDC inventory, then I don't know."
Taiyang whistled at the thought of that. "That would be quite the impressive explosion."
"You can be impressed by theoretical explosions later. Right now we need to figure out what happened."
Approaching the mountainside quickly but cautiously, the duo took a moment to examine the strange landmass. A dusting of snow and ice covered its base, despite the warm temperature. It was almost as if it was part of an entirely different biome. As a result, the apparently frigid ground was slowly thawing in response to the climate change.
Taiyang kicked a piece of ice over. "Looks like someone didn't get the memo that winter is over."
"Tell me about it." Summer replied in agreement. "This is more than just weird."
"Weird? No, weird is when you find the remote on the opposite end of the room from where you left it. This is downright freaky."
As Summer continued to examine the ground, she heard the clack of rocks tumbling down. Looking up, she was greeted with a strange sight.
At first glance, she had no idea what it was. Standing roughly seven feet tall, the individual standing above them was dressed in a flowing robe of white that concealed their entire body. Their face was obscured by a mask of sorts, not unlike those that adorned the faces of Grimm. However the lack of glowing red eyes tipped her off that the being before her was not of their kind. But the fact that it wore a similar mask was still unnerving. Although the being's mask reached upwards and formed something resembling a sharp-edged crown, adding another foot and a half to its already tall stature.
"You there,"
His voice, while not booming, still emitted a sense of power. The weight of his words were enough to cause Summer to falter, and his very presence seemed to make the air thin.
"Who are you that dares to trespass into the Kingdom of Hallownest? State thy name and intention, or begone with you."
Summer took note of how Taiyang was slowly inching his way towards her. "Sum, something feels off about this guy." he whispered.
"I noticed." she replied.
"Well?" the white being spoke, not having the patience for any foolishness.
"W-well we're students of Beacon Academy." Summer finally managed to answer. "We were sent to guard a team of surveyors who were plotting the land."
"Hmm..." the being hummed in thought, trying to work something out in his head as his gaze swept across the landscape. "Be that as it may, you are now entering the territory of the Kingdom of Hallownest. Return from whence you came and leave us be. But if you choose to press onward," he left the sentence hanging for emphasis.
"You will find that intruders are harshly dealt with."
If before the air felt thin from his presence, now it felt like it was pressing down on them, trying to crush their bodies under its weight.
"W-wait! We aren't here to cause any trouble!" Summer spoke hastily. "We just wish to know what this place is."
The white figures eyes were fixed on Summer for a few moments, before his head inclined and chose to respond.
"Beyond these earthen walls lies the land of King and Creator. Upon stepping across this threshold know that you are relinquishing yourselves to our laws. Ours is the land of Bug and Beast. The eternal Kingdom that has withstood the test of time and will continue to do so until time itself is nothing but dust."
The figure spread his arms outward from within his cloak, revealing white arms covered in what looked like chitinous armor, as well as clawed hands.
"Here lieth the Kingdom of Hallownest."
"Kingdom of Hallownest?" parroted Taiyang. "I've never even heard of such a place."
The being retracted his arms back into his robe. "Your ignorance aside, we have laid claim to this land, and as such, I hope you take that into consideration should you approach again." he said before turning and beginning his ascent back up the mountain.
"For the time being we wish to be left alone. Perhaps, in due time, we may grant a representative of your people an audience with us. Until then, begone."
As the figure made his way back up the mountain, Summer and Taiyang were left without any idea on how to proceed.
(-)
Returning to the sanctity of the White Palace, the Pale King was greeted by the sight of bustling activity. News had already spread across the breadth of the Kingdom about the recent developments, and his subjects were doing their best to keep things orderly and under control.
"My Lord!" called out an approaching bug. "While I do not know the exact reasons for this... shift, that you have enacted, I must inform you that there has been some backlash as a result."
The King gestured for the adviser to follow as he made his way through the halls. "Speak."
"Well, we have already received a missive from the Mantis Tribe, stating their intention to send their own scouting party to the surface."
"If they go out now they'll just start trouble with whatever they encounter. Send Ze'mer to their Lords and have her try to stall them. She's the only one who has any pull with them."
"At once my Lord." the bug answered as he readied a message to be sent. "Also, the bugs of the Deepnest seem to have retreated somewhat back towards their home. I believe they are on guard in case something happens."
Nodding, the Pale King was approached by another bug who was holding a piece of parchment.
"My King, we have received word from Sir Hegemol that the Kingdoms Edge barriers are still holding strong, although the Hive seems to be increasing activity."
"The Hive does not concern us for the time being. Vespa prefers to keep to herself. In all likelihood they are simply bolstering their defenses." responded the King. "Anything else?"
"Yes, there has been some erratic activity detected beneath the city. Something is happening down in the sewers, and according to initial reports, it sounds rather disturbing."
Already knowing the cause as a result of his vision, the King knew it would be best to nip the parasite problem in the bud before it spread. "Deploy Ogrim to the waterways. Tell him to expect heavy resistance."
With that, the second messenger left, leaving the King alone with the first once more.
"One last thing my Lord." the bug said in worry, his eyes shifting about to see if there were any listeners.
"Yes?"
"That place has begun to stir." he spoke, instantly putting the King on alert.
"What do you mean?"
"We are not quite sure. The Seal is still holding strong, and only you have the power to open it... But it seems as if it is reacting to something on the surface."
"Reacting how?"
The bugs head dipped down. "Unknown. Unless you wish to open the Seal and see for yourself, all we have to go on is the disturbance detected by the Soul pylons."
Mulling the information over in his head, the King decided it would be best to focus on more pressing matters for the time being. So long as the Void wasn't trying to break the Seal, then it wasn't an immediate problem.
"Keep an eye on it and report back to me if anything changes. Right now there are other things that must be attended to. If you feel it necessary, then you may setup a Soul Light in case of emergency. But I want two bugs manning it at all times."
Giving a bow, the bug scurried off to complete its tasks.
Proceeding through his palace, the King's thoughts were monopolized between keeping his Kingdom safe from the outside world, as well as dealing with any problems that may sprout up inside. One of them being a certain Soul Master. He was shaken from his musings when Dryya came into view with her contingent of soldiers.
Ever serious and steadfast Dryya, both her prowess in combat combined with her unwavering loyalty and ability to make snap judgement had earned her the honor of being the leader of the White Knights. Born a caterpillar, when she metamorphosed into a butterfly her wings were feeble and incapable of flight. Despite such a setback, she sought to prove her worth, and in an act of resolve, chose to sever her own wings so they would not hold her back. From that one act of determination, a Knight was born. She spent her entire life training to be a strong, noble warrior. A master of the pin-blade, no bug was a match for her in one-on-one combat. Her speed; unmatched. Her strength; unrelenting. Her will; unbreakable. Though she only had basic training in the use of Soul, what little she did pick up was able to raise her up to even greater heights.
Upon seeing him approach, Dryya clenched her hand into a fist and beat it against her chest. "My Lord."
"At ease my Knight. How goes the preparations?"
Dryya relaxed her body ever so slightly but still maintained a respectable appearance. "I have just finished rounding up my forces. We are now ready to proceed to the surface."
"Good. I want you to establish a perimeter around the Kingdom and ensure no hostiles are able to breakthrough. Isma will be leaving soon to scout the area so we have a better idea of what's out there. I have also encountered some strange bipeds who were investigating our borders. It would seem that our arrival had caused quite a stir."
"How should I deal with these creatures?"
"If they remain docile then leave them be. No need to antagonize a neutral party. But if they become aggressive or try to force their way into our Kingdom, deal with them as you see fit."
"As you wish, my Lord."
Taking her leave, the King was once again making his way through the palace on his own. His destination was his personal study where he would begin planning for the future. Grimm had given him twenty years to essentially destroy another Kingdom so he could harvest its burning remnants. While he was aware of the ethical controversy of such a deal, he still had to hold up his end of the bargain, lest his Kingdom be destroyed. And when it came down to it, he would always value his Kingdom over another.
Sitting in the chair at his desk, he allowed himself a momentary respite so that the events of the day could finally take effect on him. The coming years would once again test his resolve, his determination, and the lengths to which he would go. Sin upon sin had already piled up, so what's one more in the grand scheme of things?
He knew that destroying a Kingdom would be just as grave an undertaking as staving off the infection. The main difference now being that the force he must fight is an external force, rather than an internal one. Nails and claws have no effect on the mind, but the body is another thing entirely.
The creaking of his door opening alerted the King to the presence of another. Although he already knew who it was. It shared a special connection to him that would forever remain.
"Come in." he spoke softly as he turned his chair towards the door.
Standing in the entrance was an unusual bug. Garbed in a grey cloak, the entirety of its exposed body was black in color. Even counting the horns on its head, the figures height only reached half of the Kings. But what stood out most about it was its eyes. Devoid of expression, the pools of black were not unlike the abyss from which they had been born from.
The small bug pushed the door close behind it and made its way over to the King.
"Hello, my son." the King greeted as he rested his hand on the Hollow Knight's head for a moment.
Born without a voice or will, the Hollow Knight was little more than a puppet. He only did as it was told, and when he was without orders, he would fall back on the commands ingrained in his 'mind'. At least, that's what he was supposed to be.
Like with all parents, the King formed a bond with his son, as unintentional as it was. The Hollow Knight was created to follow the King's orders without argument. Anything he was told to do was absolute, and he had no way of resisting. And that is where the King had failed. The Hollow Knight was the culmination of all his horrible experiments, the one, perfect child to survive his tests and live up to his expectations. He felt pride in him, joy, love. He came to regard the Hollow Knight as not the weapon he was, but as his child.
The King could still remember that fateful conversation where he made his mistake.
"My son, you have triumphed where all others have failed." the King said as he looked out over the Palace grounds.
The Hollow Knight sat beside him, his gaze facing the same way.
"Know that you are destined for greatness. You shall be the one to seal the Light that plagues their dreams."
The small bug's gaze did not shift at all.
"I am proud of you. I wish it didn't have to be like this." the King then turned to face his son. "I love you,my son."
At that moment, the Hollow Knight's gaze shifted to meet with his fathers, and a flicker of will was born. A tiny spark in the vast darkness of his mind, the Hollow Knight wanted nothing more, than to make his father proud of him.
"I am sorry, my son. But your destiny has been stolen from you."
The Hollow Knight looked downward in sadness.
"But you must not despair." the King said, having the Knight raise his head. "I told you that you were destined for greatness, and I will make it so."
Rising from his seat, the King gestured for the Knight to follow.
"Come along, we have much work to do."
'A mind to think. A will to choose. A voice to speak. I care not how long it takes, I will give you a proper life.'