DISCLAIMER
RWBY is owned by Rooster Teeth and Monty Oum. Hollow Knight is owned by Team Cherry. I own NOTHING from either title.
A/N: And welcome back, everyone, to the second installment of "The Empty Little Huntsman"! Before we begin, I would just like to address one of my reviewee's reviews, because if I explain this it might clear some confusion.
"Yo! Student here!~ I guess it a good ending for Hollow Knight if it were to happen in the canon story line(Well it a fanfic). I just wondering how will Knight get to Remnant? Well the Hornet game Silk Song is a good excuse why she can't be with Knight, but Hollow Knight(the first one) reason not joining with Knight is needed. What I most concern is Knight going to change form?(Bug to Human) I like it more if Knight stay the same as it is(well knight have no gender), and I want to see how will the people of remnant categorizes the Knight(Grimm? Faunus? or something more?). Well that all, and keep up the good work~" (Guest called "Student", Ch. 1 Review)
First of all, THANK YOU for your very detailed review (and thank you to M1nhTre37 and ultima-owner for also voicing their thoughts). I think you asked a lot of questions in the back of everyone's minds here.
Now, "How will Knight get to Remnant?". Well, you will have to see for yourself. That is a spoiler-y question (Also, I apologize to M1nhTre37 for accidentally spoiling some side characters, I heavily misinterpreted your question!).
Also, to clear some confusion, I choose to refer to the Knight as "Little Ghost" just as Hornet addresses it, and The Hollow Knight will still be called The Hollow Knight, THK, or simply The Knight just to simplify it. Hopefully enough people bother to read the Author's Notes so they see this. I don't want to have to explain it mid-story and ruin the flow of the story. Yeah, I will keep any and all commentary to the beginnings and ends of every chapter.
"Is Knight going to change form? (Bug to Human)?" No, they will not be. Its appearance will remain the same as it has in canon HK. They will not magically change species, for there is not a single spell in Hallownest that changes your species, nor is there a semblance for that in Remnant, and I would also like to keep it that way.
I WILL, however, give Knight's stubs hands, fingers, feet, and toes (though I will not describe in detail the toes, nor will I describe any detail that will make this fanfic NSFW) for the sake of convenience. They, however, do not have nails. Think Troupe Master Grimm's hands. No nails, all carapace. Sorry it this disappoints you.
That also means I am NOT going to put pairings in this story, AT LEAST not ones with Ghost. (I support Arcos don't judge me)
Though come to think of it, PK didn't change species when he molted, did he? I hope not, otherwise that refutes my point.
Finally, "How will the people of [R]emnant categorize[s] the Knight(Grimm? Faunus? Or something more?)". At first glance, the general public will see it and think of it as a Faunus, and not a Grimm. This is because unlike the Grimm, Ghost does not possess the red cracks, eyes, and markings that the Grimm possess, so they will assume that it is some type of Faunus. Though, in reality, we all know about the Vessel's true nature, and the people of Remnant will never come close to guessing the cruel and horrible truth that wrought these things into existence. Oh my, dramatic irony!
"Keep up the good work!" Well, thank you!, Oh, and of course I will keep up the good work! There's nothing but my best in here!
With that out of the way, here's your chapter!
To my beta reader: Same thing as last:
In Hornet's POV, she will refer to Vessels as "they".
In 3rd POV, the Vessels are "it".
Thank you for your hard work!
The Empty Little Huntsman
3rd person POV, limited to Ghost, 1 month after Hornet and The Hollow Knight's duel
Today is just going to be the usual day for Ghost. It woke up (even though it did not need sleep at all), it "ate", or more appropriately "consumed in Void", breakfast with big sister Hornet and big Sibling Knight, then it took a shower while scrubbing its mask thoroughly inside and out, got dressed, packed all of its traveling gear, summoned its step-child by wearing Grimmchild (Grimm has yet to send child support Geo, Wyrmdamnit) so they could help with today's tasks as well as gave them exercise and bonded with them, bid Hornet and Knight farewell, and left the house.
Ghost then departed for the Colosseum of Fools, fought tooth and nail and the other Nail in the ring for Geo, made the slow but sure trek back to Dirtmouth, and greeted Elderbug. The wise old bug was Ghost's best friend.
When they first stepped into Hallownest since it could recall, he has been very welcoming of his company. Kind, gentle, warm, and polite, Elderbug greeted any and every traveler that happened to pass by Dirtmouth. To Ghost, he is a great example to kindness. Ghost has not met any other bug that possessed his limitless hospitality. But just like any bug, however, Elderbug has his limits.
For you see, Elderbug is an unfortunate old bug. In his long lifetime, he has been forced to watch the inhabitants of Dirtmouth come and go despite his silent pleas for them to just stay for his personal (and understandably slightly selfish) wishes. Then, he was forced to watch as his oldest friend, the local Gravedigger who has stuck to his side since they were but small children, passed away by the cruel and unrelenting passage of time, a force that not even the highest and most fearsome Wyrm (an example portrayed by Ghost's deceased Father) can ever dream to control.
By his death, Elderbug fell to a depression. At the loss of a loved one, one would have to be cold and uncaring to be unscathed by such a grievous event, and that is not the case of Elderbug.
But Elderbug is just that, a simple, humble bug. What can one, such as he, do to prevent the inevitable?
And so, with much hesitation and reluctance, he accepted that this is what life truly is, cruel, unforgiving, and unfair to any. For long agonizing years did Elderbug silently carry his own personal burden for the sake of his home town, obscured by the cloak of this death-defying night.
If no one wishes to stay and keep this town company, then he shall do it.
This is the fate that he has subjected himself to, a fate that he so completely accepted, but not without taking its toll on his resilient mind.
That is why one day Ghost decided to put his elder's demons to rest. As Ghost was exploring (and clearing away the Plague that desecrated the tombs and memories of the undead bugs), it came across one of the valiant Five Great Knights of the Pale King. She is covered in elegant robes that retained their color since her time in the circle, concealing her facial features. On her head are 4 thin drooping black antennas that reach down to what Ghost assumes is her abdomen.
As it enters her domain, it catches the attention of the Grey Mourner, or according to Ogrim is Ze'mer.
Her title is not there simply for show. For an unknown amount of time, she has been mourning the loss of her lover, the descendant of a certain deserting mantis, and really wants to pay her respects. However, she is bound to this small structure and therefore cannot leave.
When she took notice of him, Ze'mer, in a desperate attempt to put her troubles to rest, requests that Ghost, a complete stranger, deliver a very special specimen of flora to her lover's grave. This flower is a white and grey flower down to the stem. Its petals grow brightly in the darkness where not a spark of light can shine. Behind that small, delicate frame is a foreign power that Ghost cannot make heads or tails of, save for the fact that this flower is not to be toyed with.
This flower was a perfect gift to Elderbug to make his day. The bad news is that this flower was not meant for him, and therefore must honor the request of Ze'mer. The good news is that once Ghost has carefully laid down the flower by the grave (after the umpteenth attempt at delivering the flower safely and not returning to Ze'mer for another chance at gaining her trust whilst hanging its head in increasing shame), the flower was simply absorbed by the ground.
This was followed by the spirit of the late mantis silently thanking the Knight for its efforts, and once again retreating to the land of dreams. Then, to Ghost's amazement, the flower returned and quickly multiplied around the grave.
It was a beautiful sight to behold. After appreciating the beauty for just a bit more, it finally gained the willpower to take a flower and leave for Dirtmouth for a quick stop. The whole way, Ghost was still astonished by this flower's capabilities.
When Ghost gifted the flower to the Elderbug - a task made exasperating by those bloated cursed flies! - he was very much elated and grateful for the little wanderer. He looked as though a heavy weight had been lifted off his aging (and, though Ghost would never say it in front of the wiser of the two, creaking) shoulders.
All the negativity simply disappeared from within Elderbug, and for once in what felt like eternity he felt peace. Peace… Elderbug has not had this luxury since he was young, naïve, and carefree!
Ghost was truly a life-changing blessing in a tiny package to Elderbug.
Right now, Ghost is conversing with Iselda and Cornifer to catch up on them since they have not spoken in ages. The two make for a very lovely, very loving, and mutually beneficial couple, a relationship. A relationship that, according to Hornet, was hard to come across nowadays. Ghost could not help but notice that big sister Hornet had a slightly envious tone to her statement, and it could tell she was trying hard not to show it. Perhaps Hornet is feeling lonely?
"Ah, so you have finally succeeded in mapping out all of Hallownest, have you? My short friend, one of these days you must simply share with me your secrets for your unyielding energy!" Cornifer congratulated. "Cartography is hard work, you must know this. Not only on your body, but your mind as well!"
"It definitely was. The task was only made harder by the constant Infected, forcing me to only update the maps on a bench," Ghost commented.
"Well, it was refreshing to talk to you again, Ghost! Thank you for visiting, and take care!" Iselda called out to Ghost.
"As do you, lovebugs!" Ghost winked. At this, the lovers simply laughed. Ghost has referred to them as such for so long that it has become an endearing name for them.
For a minute, as Ghost stood in the town square, it considered paying Sly a visit. Just like Iselda and Cornifer, it has also been a while since it last checked on that clever bug…
Ghost decided against it and headed home.
Then, right when Ghost was about to go on the trail back home, Ghost sharply turned all the way around, and headed straight for Sly's sold-out shop. How could he disregard its Nailsage just like that?
When Ghost first met Sly, it simply thought of him as your usual merchant. Thank goodness it decided to check the "abandoned" houses in the forsaken village deeper in the Forgotten Crossroads. Sly would have been stuck in his light-induced delusions until the day of his death.
However, as Ghost slowly became a regular in his shop, Ghost picked up on an interesting slip-up from Sly.
"A nail is an extension of ourselves, it is the instrument by which we shape the world around us. It's a sacred duty to keep its edges sharp...Heh, sorry. I shouldn't ramble on like that. Let's talk Geo instead!"
Ghost can't imagine a simple shopkeeper saying such things.
As Ghost got to know him more, its assumption was right. When Ghost visited the shop once more at a time long after he has learned all the Nail arts that the three Nailmasters taught it, Ghost found Sly in the basement of his shop. There, when the Nailsage learned of Ghost's new accomplishments as a fellow Nailmaster, Sly bestowed upon it a very special charm.
"Wear it proudly, Nailmaster. You shall be the last to receive its like," Sly said.
The charm was of a reddish-brown metal, the lower plates overlapping the other. The "head' was made of an elegant ivory with three horns shooting out from the top. It looked as if one of the three Nailmasters had been reduced to a simple trinket.
It was called the Nailmaster's Glory.
When Ghost put it on, it was assaulted by memories that weren't its own. Memories of ancient Nailmasters and their breath-taking techniques flashed before the Vessel's eyes, of their feats, their accomplishments, their triumphs, and most of all their true understanding of the Nail arts.
Ever since then, it has never left Ghost's left breast of their cloak, huddled together with Unbreakable Strength, Mark of Pride, Quick Slash, and Sprintmaster. Together they made Ghost's go-to loadout on its every expedition and exploits.
When he entered Sly's shop however, he was nowhere to be found.
"Must be swimming in his pile of 'fairly-traded' Geo…all from my Geo pouch," Ghost chuckled to itself.
It's a mystery to Ghost how the sorcerers of the City of Tears created an endless pouch that could fit unimaginably more than 500,000 Geo inside it all at once. Seriously, a mountain like that has got to be enough to cover the town square, and then some.
Knowing that Sly simply does not want to be bothered during his leisure hour, Ghost then walked back to its home.
So much for showing appreciation to your superior.
"I'm home!" Ghost yelled as it walked in through the door.
There was a loud thud from upstairs, and a string of very colorful words from Hornet.
Whoops.
"GHOST! I'm trying to sleep! Do you have any idea how late it is!?" Hornet angrily yelled back.
Ghost did not realize how long it has been spending outdoors. It often forgets how to keep track of time, and that Iselda and Cornifer are both basically nocturnal seen as they are rarely ever seen awake in the usual waking hours. Traveling long distances does that to foreigners.
However, that was not what Ghost was most concerned about.
"Hey! You don't use that language around Cherry!" Ghost protested, as it frantically covered the Grimmchild's auditory organs.
There was a short pause, and an exasperated whimper.
Hornet entered the room in her usual clothes. Has she ever worn anything other than that admittedly pretty cloak? "I'm sorry Ghost, I've just had a stressful day today. Hollow Knight felt burned out the whole day and I was forced to do all the chores by myself," Hornet croaked out, an apologetic look on her face, and then afterwards glaring back upstairs with a barely audible growl.
"Hmmm, Knight's getting lazier lately. I need to have a stern conversation with big bro," Ghost thought. "It may be older than I am, but this cannot continue, poor big sis has been working herself to the bone lately,". Ghost took a breather and replied, "It's okay, just… don't ever do that again, Cherry's far too young to learn those words. She can barely speak," Ghost then slowly let go of the sides of Cherry's head. With a goodbye and a kiss on the forehead, Ghost unsummoned its step-child and placed their charm in a specially-crafted cushioned scarlet box on the side table right by the window.
Both Ghost and Hornet have calmed down now and are preparing for bed.
"Ghost, is there something wrong?" Hornet inquired, tilting her head to the side. "Lately you looked… down,"
Ghost paused, and shortly let out a sigh. It didn't want to admit that to either Hornet or Hollow Knight. It didn't want to break their hearts with its selfish desire. But… it had to get it off its chest.
"Hornet, there is something I need to tell you. I hope that you do not think of me as heartless when I say this," Ghost started. Hearing this, Hornet slowly straightened up and put on a look of concern. "Just what does Ghost have to say that they would give me such a warning?" Hornet thought to herself.
"I'm bored," Ghost admitted. "I've already seen everything there is to see in this dead kingdom. There isn't anything left to see, or do. Just the same old thing that we basically treat like a ritual for the past month. It depresses me. I want to go out and explore the world, see things that cause my… Void to really flow!" Ghost continued. The whole time it closed its eyes in fear that Hornet will react violently.
Ghost's sister is a very terrifying force when she is agitated.
To its surprise, Hornet simply… chuckled, and those chuckles slowly evolved into laughing? "Why would you be laughing? Are not upset that I wish to leave you both?"
"No, no! Of course not! It's just that… well…"
"I also happen to want to travel too!"
~Line Break~
The next day, at around noon time
This was it. Ghost and Hornet are now both packed and ready to depart. Last night, they were both planning together what they wanted to do for their adventure. Ultimately, they concluded that they would rather travel alone. Despite being family, it is simply what they are more comfortable with. Old habits die hard.
Hollow Knight learned about their plan earlier. Hollow Knight refuses to accompany either of them. Its body is still very weary from being imprisoned for so long. Knight just does not have the strength to travel that far from its home.
Of course, it was saddened that they are leaving so soon, when it spent their whole life living torture in Her hands, but… if it is what they both wished, then…
Comforting Hollow Knight took up a big portion of their morning.
Hollow Knight refuses to accompany either of them. Its body is still very weary from being imprisoned for so long. Knight just does not have the strength to travel that far from its home.
Once they finished packing up, the siblings informed everyone in Dirtmouth so that they may say farewell one last time for a long while.
"Remember to come back rich so you can buy my stock upon your return!~" Sly said in a sing-song voice. Then, Sly leaned in on Ghost's ear, "And remember your training, my pupil,"
"Of course, master," Ghost quietly replied.
"Oh, how I wish I could accompany either one of you!" Cornifer cried, "But, I think Iselda and I are content right here in Dirtmouth. Perhaps another time!"
They were all happy for the two adventurous bugs, commending their bravery for venturing out to the Howling Cliffs of all places they would start. Sure Bretta may have beaten them to it, though her reasons were rather foolish and she lacked any training in self-defense, but it was a brave decision and the townsfolk congratulated them for it.
However, one bug was not so enthusiastic about their little friend's departure.
"Y-y-you're leaving already?" Elderbug deflated, his voice hinting that he is on the verge of tears.
"…I'm sorry for leaving you like this, Elderbug, truly I am. But… we-"
"Oh, I will not hold this against you… This is not the first time I have ever been in a situation like this, you know that. It's simply not easy to let go for me. You mean that much to me, little Ghost.", interrupted Elderbug.
"We promise this will not be the last you will see of us! We're just traveling, not migrating," Hornet added, slightly easing Elderbug.
"I hope you keep to that promise,"
And with that, the two guardians of Hallownest set off for the adventures of their lives.
The Empty Little Huntsman
The Howling Cliffs, beyond the border, afternoon, long since the duo split
Ghost does not have much to note about the things it has seen so far, walking in this direction. For the sake of convenience, Ghost decided to only walk in one direction away from the cliffs and has not made any degree of change to it at all. It's easier to remember your path that way.
Ghost expected to see marvelous structures it had not seen before, entire civilizations that contrast brilliantly from Hallownest. It never should have gotten its hopes up.
They've only seen bits and pieces of ruin buildings engulfed in the sand. Whatever their meaning, Ghost did not stop to inspect any of them. It just kept walking.
Ghost was seriously considering turning back and choosing an alternate route, when it realized something was… off about its surroundings.
What Ghost assumed was the endless sky, was now reduced to a ceiling arcing into the ground and forming a cone-shaped funnel just ahead of it. Ghost peered further, as far as its eyes could allow it to. After squinting just hard enough, its eyes immediately shot open from what it saw.
A warm-colored light shone from the end of the tunnel.
"That's peculiar. What kind of lantern shines that brightly?"Ghost asked no one.
Without another moment's hesitation, Ghost concentrated power into the Crystal Heart, and flew forward.
Ironically, the Ghost relied on this object a lot despite being a Voidborn. This pink crystal is actually a collection of Her power in a solid form, holding enough power to burn a bright flame for an eternity. It is protected by a metal casing so that whatever construct this relic once powered would not simply turn to slag from exposure to its energy.
That's right, it is using a relic made of the power of its mortal enemy. Ironic.
Ghost was nearing the exit of this cave now, the light growing ever brighter. Ghost was now really concerned. "What if She isn't the only one of her kind?" Ghost asked to himself, fear gripping its heart.
Ghost has now exited the cave. Once again, its breath was taken away by the scenery.
Before it stood a great and vast forest of the greatest trees it has ever seen, the canopy hiding away the ground. The sky was of a warm orange, its source a partially-sunken ball of light beyond the horizon. It is embellished by puffy white objects in the sky, varying in size. Are those what clouds look like?
"Is this what Father saw when He told us of that tale when He left all of Hallownest?" Ghost wondered. It's a glorious sight to behold! The folks at Dirtmouth will envy it when they learn of the sights this place has to offer.
Then Ghost thought to itself, "This place is beautiful! There is life wherever I look! But are there other bugs out here as well?". Ghost then focused its eyesight for any sign of civilization be it big or small.
There is always a pattern to be seen when it comes to society. Societies always have order, organization, and purpose to its every detail. These are traits that nature does not share.
When Ghost failed to spot anything in the forest, it instead looked towards the horizon. It panned left to right in search of anything that looks out place. It searched and scanned, and finally it found something reminiscent of society.
In the silhouette of the landscape, Ghost can barely make out what looks like great spires that if Ghost was closer would seem as if they are touching the sky.
Civilization.
Excited by this revelation, Ghost once again charged the Crystal Heart, and flew towards its newfound destination.
The Empty Little Huntsman
A/N: And that is it for the second installment of "The Empty Huntsman" brought to you by yours truly!
This… might have been a long and disappointing chapter to all of you, and I want you to forgive me for it if it did disappoint you! I admit I even got lazy at the end here. I did say in the last chapter that Ghost will finally be on Remnant, but I spent a lot of time putting detail into the characters of Hollow Knight that by the time I got to the part about Ghost finally entering the RWBY world, it is already late at night and I am very sleepy now. Next time, I promise I won't stretch out too much detail like this again!
Oh, and before you ask: Yes, by now Hornet has been abducted, and this is where Silksong starts for her, but Silksong will have nothing to do with this fanfic.
Now, if there's anything that needs clarification in the form of a review, I will answer. I will explain only details that I know my audience is confused about, so I will not stretch out this chapter any more than it already is.
Review Responses:
A Guest: I prefer if you left reviews as a user, it makes it easier to identify you. Anyway, I think Hornet actually is a sibling to both The Hollow Knight and Little Ghost because they all share the same father: the Pale King.
SPOILERS: If you didn't already know, PK cheated on the White Lady and made Hornet with Herrah, therefore making Hornet's father PK, and that would make Hornet the half-sister of The Hollow Knight and Little Ghost.
M1nhTre37: They may be darkness, but they are not of the same darkness, as Ghost will soon see.
Anyway, that is it for now! Adios!
DatMeeM
"Take life seriously, but not too seriously!"