Hollow Knight Stairway to Heaven Chapter 3: The Meaning of Pain
By Bluestar076
Hello everyone! Bluestar here with the third chapter of this story! It has been a while, right? I know, and I'm sorry for it. During these two months I worked a lot on the chapters of the various story, and maybe in this month I can upload them. How did you pass your Easter? I hope well! And now we are ready to continue with our stories! You know, for this one, I've actually got inspiration from two different series: One is the old game Klonoa Door to Phantomile (For the setting) and the other one is Fullmetal Alchemist (For the mood). Speaking of which, I've started to watch Fullmetal Alchemist a while ago and I was really enjoying it! Too bad I've been busy with other things. I'll continue it when I can! Anyway, prepare yourselves for more sadness incoming (Since melancholy is actually one of the themes of Hollow Knight). Enjoy!
Note: I do not own Hollow Knight. All rights and characters go to Team Cherry.
Chapter 3: The Meaning of Pain
[The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess OST – Hyrule Castle Tower]
Duloc.
One of the two kingdoms that rules half of the whole land of Zarudia. It has been five years now since they started a war with the other kingdom known as Nepherius. It all started from an assault caused by some soldiers of that same Duloc. Why that happened? Even after the war had been active for so long, no one could give an explanation. The beginning was fully shrouded in mystery.
The capital of the kingdom of Duloc was known as Farland: A big city guarded by a giant circular wall. Every zone of the city was kept under control by the knights of the castle, who acted on behalf of the king. The citizens were free to do their activities, but only if they declared to do so in the name of Duloc and their lord, praising him as the most perfect insect in all Zarudia. It was a reign ruled by propaganda and a monarchy that wanted to make sure who made the rules in there.
The war with Nepherius only made the production even bigger in the kingdom. The citizens were forced to pass more days at work in exchange of money and food, in order to enforce the soldiers that went on war. And of course, the ones who worked more were the nailsmiths, who had to create nails and other weapons in bulk for the army. Some advisers of the king were even sent outside the kingdom to find more supporters for Duloc. They were trying to find every possible way to win the war and have the total control over Zarudia. Due to the continuous situations of tie in battle, they needed to become more stronger if they wanted to struck down Nepherius.
In the center of the city…stood a giant castle. It was all built in a white marble and had a squared form with four tall towers on the four sides. The majestic palace had only a few windows and only on the tallest floors for unknown reasons, probably because the ones living and working at the castle were too busy to see outside. On the top of the four towers, apart from the flags with the emblem of Duloc, stood scouts soldiers, one of each tower, who had the duty of making sure that no one suspicious approaches the kingdom and advise the army if an intruder arrived. The same thing worked for the walls that surrounded the capital. Whoever dared to enter the kingdom without permission, had to be captured or killed instantly, just like any inhabitant who decided to violate a law. This was the life at Duloc: If you don't stay with the king, you choose between prison and death.
And…inside the castle…the sovereign was walking through the hallways. If possible, many would have said that his own persona was a paradox. It was strange to see such a gigantic castle…belonging to such a small insect.
His scarlet red color didn't pass unobserved to everyone. All eyes were on him, as the whole Kingdom moved under his iron fist. Belonging to a breed of insect that travelled through the world to find a suitable place where to die and born again in another form.
Just like the Pale King of Hallownest…this insect was a wyrm, only colored in a pure red color, like an apple at its best maturity. A small, yet powerful insect that could move the entire kingdom with only his word, like an overwhelming god. He…was Lord Farquaad, the lord of Duloc.
The small sovereign walked in the corridors of the castle, saluted and praised by his fellow knights, who put themselves at attention in sign of respect. Farquaad looked at everyone with a satisfied smile, pleased to see such reverence from his soldiers. Duloc was for him the perfect kingdom he always dreamed about, even though there was still a nuisance that had to be eliminated: Nepherius. To think that there was another kingdom preventing him from having complete control over Zarudia was the most annoying thing he could ever find in his life. The war wasn't showing good result, and this gave him only more pression. But he still went on, determined to destroy the enemy kingdom.
At the end of the hallway there was a door guarded by two giant insects, who moved away once they saw Lord Farquaad, who opened the door.
Inside, there was a torture room. A zone where the prisoners were put and forced to answer questions with force. The tortures varied from knockouts to immersions of the head in various liquids. Every type of torture from physical to psychological. Sometimes, the king came to see if the prisoners finally decided to talk, and this was the case. Lord Farquaad, wanted to meet one of them, a recent one.
In the room, there was a muscular brown scorpion with the upper part of the body fully exposed, who was attached at the walls with iron handcuffs. The scorpion was getting punched repeatedly at the belly and at the face by another knight who had the duty to take care of the intruders and the prisoners who didn't want to talk. Judging by the injuries on his face, the traveler must have been punched for some minutes by now.
"Enough!" Suddenly, Lord Farquaad ordered. "Let's see if he will talk."
The knight immediately stopped and moved away to let his lord see the face of the scorpion. Farquaad seemed delighted by the sight, as he came closer to him with a smirk. "Well well well! If it isn't our dear sheik who decided to have three days of full torture. I suppose your body really likes to get hit that much!" The wyrm said with a grin on his face.
Before he could talk, the sheik scorpion spit blood from his mouth and looked at the small king with a furious stare. "You've got some guts for treating strangers like this! Surely, tourism isn't one of your specialties!" He exclaimed. "Well, you should know how this kingdom works. We are in crisis times, and when there's a war approaching we cannot lose time to greet new people! Especially when they're not from here. So you better answer, are you a spy from Nepherius?" Lord Farquaad answered.
"Listen, you've got it all wrong! I just entered this land from the east entrance, how could I know how you operate here? I've entered in this kingdom only two days ago! I don't even know what you're talking about!" The scorpion retored.
"I see…we are quite insistent here, aren't we? Unfortunately for you, I cannot afford to waste time with a stranger like you, so you'll tell us everything about you know or we'll make you do it by force!" The king said, but the scorpion wasn't afraid. "BITE ME!" He shouted before spitting on Farquaad's face, making all the knights in the room gasp and look furiously at the sheik. The king had a disgusted face as he took off the saliva from the face. "You disgusting arachnid…I've tried to be kind for you but now my patience had reached the limit! Tell us everything about you, now!" He exclaimed.
"Are you idiot or something? I just said that I have nothing to do with this place!" The prisoner answered back. Farquaad was at first frustrated by seeing this behavior, but then made a pleased face. "Fine…then we shall operate like we do with people who dare defy me or my perfect kingdom. Tomorrow, you shall be executed at dawn in the public square." He said, as he turned around, shocking the scorpion.
"WHAT!?" The sheik answered, but Farquaad didn't want to hear nothing more at this point. So he snapped his fingers and gave the order. "Bring him back in prison."
The knights nodded and took the scorpion, who tried to struggle but in vain. "Ngh! Let me go!" In a matter of minutes, he was out of the room, while Farquaad walked back to his throne room. "Tsk. Stupid stranger…disrespecting me in such a manner. But I'm sure everything will come to an end soon. Once I'll win this war and become the king of all Zarudia, a lot of things will change! Every insect living here will know to respect and praise me! And there won't be that cursed king of Nepherius to block me!" He spoke before turning to one of his advisers. "By the way…how are we going?" He asked.
"There had been a war at the dam, but it ended up with a draw, my liege." The advisor answered. "Dammit! To think that the enemy would have resisted against me all these years…well…what about the Great Knights of Nepherius?" The king then asked.
"We heard that Frodus is doing an inspection at the Beheaded Logs, sir." The advisor answered. Farquaad put a hand under his chin, seeming to like the idea. "I see…a Great Knight all on his own…if we take him down we could make the enemy weaker. Call Achilles and tell him to go there and take that knight down!" He then ordered.
"As you wish my lord." The advisor said while kneeling down. He then left. Farquaad remained there, sitting on his throne. "I've got sick of this situation. Even if I have to use the most terrible of ways…I'll destroy Nepherius…and then all Zarudia will be mine…I'll assure it…"
[Seven Deadly Sins – Netsujou No Spectrum]
*On a night sky, many shooting stars fall down, while some pieces of papers representing Pure Vessel, Amabe, Lybelt, Tecumpsa, Saluk and Jubei.*
(Of love i will scream, echoing eternally! I hold everything i can, and it's slipping through my hands, but at last we found a light to guide us!)
*The screen zooms at high speed towards Pure Vessel and Amabe, who are leaned on each other's back*
(Never wavering, our emotions flying free! Living on the edge of hope, toward your light 'll always go, cause the dream we've always shared...)
*The Pure Vessel and Amabe now are holding each other's hands, looking at the sun rising, as the title appears*
(LEADS TO YOU!)
*The devasted land of Zarudia is seen from high*
(One day soon with you, i know that we will bring to life a new beginning warm and bright...)
*The Pure Vessel and Amabe are layed on the ground. While Amabe is sleeping, Pure Vessel is awake and makes a jump to rise up*
(Cause your gentle voice could change the world and i know it would only take a single word...)
*The Pure Vessel and Amabe are seen walking through many dangerous zones of Zarudia*
(No one can do everything alone, not a single soul can do it on their own)
*Tecumpsa is seen waking up in a foggy enviroment, Saluk is seen standing up inside a prison with his body full of blood and Lybelt is seen flying above a road full of crystals*
(But together as one i know we can!)
*After a thunder, Achilles is seen making his lance rotate and attack, while Pure vessel is seen behind a rock with the shadow of the void king on the rock and then a giant explosion*
(We can fly, come on let's try, just take my hand!)
*Pure Vessel is running along with Amabe, Lybelt, Tecumpsa, Jubei and Saluk*
(Of love i will scream, echoing eternally! )
*The group is sitting near a fire while drinking beverages and laughing*
(No one knows more you than i, like two planets we collide, and the light that shines within will guide us)
*In a rainy battlefield destroyed, Frodus is holding his nail tight, while the Pure Vessel is approaching him*
(Never wavering, our emotions set us free!)
*The Pure Vessel and Amabe are seeing watching the land of Zarudia while standing with the others on a giant trail insect*
(Living on the edge of hope, towards your light i'll always go, cause the dream we've always shared...LEADS TO YOU!)
*The opening ends*
Pure Vessel, Amabe and Lyebet were standing at the exit of the tunnel and looking at the shining palace of the sea that was standing in the distance. "Seadus, the palace of the sea…the ant from before told us that an helper of the king of Nepherius lives there, right?" Lyebet asked to the others. "Yes. If we go there and find him, maybe we'll have a hint on where to go! Don't you think?" Amabe answered. "Marvelous idea, Amabe! What do you think partner?" Lybet said while turning on the vessel, who…seemed distracted by something. "Partner?" The bat asked, but the knight didn't seem to hear, as he was looking up in the sky.
[Hollow Knight OST – White Palace]
In that moment…the Hollow Knight was…attracted by the giant orb that was standing up in the sky. That orb, that was giving light to the world…and heat. What was that orb exactly? And why it fell so…pleasant to watch? The vessel…really didn't know what to say…that sphere also reminded him of the light of The Radiance…but it was at the same time different. This light wasn't hurting…it was…really comforting for them. The vessel, a creature who lived in the darkness for all their life…was now feeling the pure light for the first time…on their skin.
"Are you ok, Pure Vessel?" Amabe asked. The vessel pointed up as an answer, making the other two look up. "That? Well…that's the sun!" The white witch said. Of course, the vessel didn't know what that was. So they moved the head a little bit to the right, confused. "You…don't know what the sun is?" Amabe said.
"Well…it's natural. If they come from the same place where my father created me. I still remember that fallen kingdom that was built underground…" Lyebet said. "Oooooh…I see…so you've…never seen the light of day? Well…then let me explain to you." Amabe added while pointing at the sun. "The sun is a burning star that is miles away from us. It gives us light and heat! It makes plants grow. It's an essential element to the life of every living being. If it wasn't here, we would probably cease to live." She explained. The vessel seemed to listen closely to the explanation, as if they were really interested in it. This made the white witch smile (?), as she found their reaction cute. "It seems that you like the sun, do you?" She said. The vessel simply nodded. And they were sincere. Somehow the vessel found the sun…one of the most beautiful things they had ever seen. They were feeling like it could be a pleasant presence that could watch over them in any time. A creature made of void…that was meeting the light of day for the first time.
"Such an interesting reaction…the perfect example I could take from giving my future audience…a powerful emotion in the theater…oh yes…such beautiful!" Lyebet said, praising the vessel's emotions, making the other two confused. "Anyways…it is time for us to move on. All we have to do is to pass this rocky path and we'll arrive at the palace of the sea." The bat then said.
"Right! Shall we go, Pure Vessel?" Amabe asked. The vessel simply nodded again. And so the travel continued.
[Klonoa Door To Phantomile OST – Beyond the backyards waterfall]
Since they were starting from the exit of the tunnel, the small group had to make a long descent that included jumping between some mountains and a waterfall. They started by jumping on rocks that were making a bridge between one peak and another. The travelers didn't have difficulties on jumping in them. They just had to be careful on the length they had to use on the jumps to avoid a possible fall. Once they've reached the other side, they had to walk a simple road of the same altitude of the other mountain. Until now, everything was normal and there weren't dangers approaching. At the end of the road there was a small tunnel, one dig inside the mountain where the exit could have seen. When they entered, they were amazed to see inside of it.
On both sides and on the floor, there were tons of precious stones of various colors. Their brightness was what made the small path clear inside that tunnel. "Wow! Look at these!" Amabe said in awe. "Indeed…it's beautiful!" Lyebet said before coming closer to one of the stones, a ruby. He took it from the ground and gave a better look at it. "This one is red and marvelous, just like me! Truly, there isn't better stone that could be similar to me!" He said while he was seeing his reflection on the stone. But right in that moment…a strange molecular creature was moving on the ruby. "What the-" Lyebet was wondering what was that, but before he could end his line, the creature jumped on the bat's face, attacking him. "ACK!" He shouted, while moving backwards, unable to see anything.
"Lyebet!" Amabe exclaimed. Lyebet moved around the tunnel for some seconds before he could remove the creature from his face. When he had it in his hand, he made a flame in it which burned the creature. Then he took some breath to recover from the surprise attack. "I'm losing hits today…" Lyebet commented.
The Pure Vessel remained there and looked the scene, but they didn't know that another molecular creature climbed on another precious stone and tried to attack them from behind. Luckily, the vessel heard the creature coming closer in time and swung his nail to eliminate it. "Pure Vessel! There was another one?" Amabe asked. "Then that means only one more thing…" Lyebet added, looking around.
What the neo troupe master thought was right. It was just a matter of seconds before thousands of those molecular creatures appeared and started to attack them. "Ack! There's too many of them!" Amabe shouted as she was covering her face. Then she used her magic powers to release a small shockwave to remove all the creatures on her body and around her. Lyebet on the other hand cut through them with his wings, using them like two sabers and the Pure Vessel gathered energy from the souls to release their barrier attack and destroy the creatures in a matter of seconds. Luckily, the tunnel didn't suffer many damages, but some stones ended up being broken, despite the light still bright. "I wonder how many creatures like this wait us in this land…" Lyebet said while sweating. "Remember that it's only the beginning…" Amabe answered while the Hollow Knight cleaned his coat from dirt.
After that small episode, the small group came out of the tunnel and went to the other side, where there were a bunch of spiky rocks standing in front of them. The spikes were disposed like the back of a porcupine, and there were several groups of them, all close to each other. This made the route much harder to pass. Even moving sideways was a challenge due to the spikes close to each other. Even the smallest of the errors would have killed them.
"This is…going to be kinda hard…" Amabe said. "Well not for me!" Lyebet said with a smile as he started to fly to the other side, making the witch annoyed. "Seriously!? Again!?" She exclaimed. "It's not my fault that I have these!" Lyebet answered by opening his wings. The witch sighed. It was now clear that there was no reason to try argue with him. "Well…what do you suggest to do, Pure Vessel?" She then asked to her other friend, who was looking at the spikes carefully. Then…they remembered of the strange ability they used during the battle with the sea monster at the tunnel. In that occasion, that ability made their body become like shadow and made them possible to pass through the attack. And that was the moment when they thought of it. What if…that ability would have made him pass even through those spikes? They wanted to make a try…so the vessel looked straight…and used the ability again. And in the end…it worked. The vessel became shadow-like and passed like a lightning on the other side without getting hurt, with the surprise of both Amabe and Lyebet. "Bravo, my friend! It seems that your ability worked again!" Lyebet said while clapping his hands. "Good work! Well…I guess that's my turn now…" Amabe said, looking at the spikes. She thought on how to pass, but then she remembered the easiest way. "Oh right! Silly me! I can do this!" She then said before shooting a straight beam that destroyed all the spikes, leaving the road clear.
"Phew, done!" The witch said. "Even though you two could help!" She then said, pointing at the vessel and Lyebet. "What matters is that you made it as well, right my dear Amabe?" The bat asked with a smirk. Resigned, Amabe sighed and proceeded, followed by the others two.
The group then saw a road that went downhill, meaning that they arrived at the end of the mountain and they had to go down to move on the next one. After passing through the road, they walked on some sort of bridge made of rock that connected the mountain they just passed and the one they had to climb. But that was not all. While they were there, the travelers could see a waterfall in front of them. It was one of the many wonders of nature, and the three of them were fascinated by that sight. "Wow, amazing! So this is what a waterfall looks like!" Amabe said in awe, implying that there weren't waterfall where she lived. "Such a splendid sight is worthy of appearing in the great show of my life!" Lyebet added. Even the vessel was surprised to see such sight. In the lands of Hallownest, there were several places filled with water, such as the City of Tears, which was always soaked in the rain, the Blue Lake and even the Royal Waterways. But there wasn't something like a waterfall, at least they didn't remember this. So even for them was the first time. And they found such phenomenon beautiful.
But they couldn't lose much time there, so they resumed the path. Once they passed the bridge, they were at the base of the next mountain. The group could notice some boulders where to jump in. That was the way to reach the top. While Lyebet flew directly at the top like always, the Hollow Knight and Amabe started to jump on the rocks. The climbing went all right, except for a moment when Amabe stepped on a rock that collapsed and had to use her magic to get attached at the mountain in order to not fall.
At the top of the mountain, they saw another entrance, which meant that they had to pass through another tunnel. But when they entered, they found out that the environment looked more like a cave. Like the passage they passed before, this one was illuminated by crystals with a cobalt color and more glitters of the same color. At first, the cave looked empty, but judging from what they've seen earlier, the three travelers knew that they couldn't trust what they've seen, so they started to walk with caution.
"It surprises me to see all these crystals…I wonder if the one living at the palace knows about them…" Amabe wondered while she kept on walking. "Probably. Maybe this whole area is of his property. Having all these crystals could be such an advantage. They could be used as minerals to forge powerful weapons or could be sold to have easy money." Lyebet said.
Nothing could be heard inside the cave. Only the echoes of footsteps. But they didn't know that those echoes weren't made only by them.
Once they reached the other side, suddenly they could hear something heavy coming down right behind them. The three travelers didn't say nothing, but they could feel the pressure getting higher. Judging by the sound it made, it must have been something really big.
They started slowly to turn around…and then…they saw it. A thing that they could never imagine.
A giant creature stood up, looking at them, but it wasn't something normal. It looked like an amalgamate made with parts of various insects. It had the muscular body of a beetle, the wings of a bee, the head of a spider, the legs of a centipede and four paws, one of an ant, one of a fly, one of a mosquito, and one of a ladybug.
[Hollow Knight OST – Nosk]
The creature released a powerful roar that even made the whole cavern vibrate. "O-Oh my god…w-what is that!?" Amabe exclaimed. "It can't be something of this world…it just can't!" Lyebet exclaimed. Even the Pure Vessel looked at the being with their eyes wide open. They remembered all the strange creatures that surrounded the White Palace back when they were in Hallownest, but never they could imagine something like this.
The amalgamate then raised one of his arms with the intent to crush the three. "JUMP, QUICK!" Lyebet shouted before starting to fly. The others two jumped away and the creature hit the ground. The impact was violent enough to make even some of stalagmites that were on the ceiling fall down. The bat had to fly zig zag to avoid them. "Take this you fiend!" He then shoot three bats of fire at the back of the creatures. The attack didn't do much, with the exception of some burn on his back. "Its carapace is solid!" Lyebet thought, but he couldn't have the opportunity to make a second attack that the amalgamate jumped backwards to crush him on the wall. "AGH!" The bat could feel some of his bones crack, due to the impact between the creature's back and the wall made of rock.
Amabe then created some chains made of magic and wrapped them around the amalgamate's body to stop its movements. But for it, this was but a mere child's tool. All it had to do was to move a little to break the chains and be free again. "What!?" The white witch exclaimed. The creature didn't lose time and released a green breath that attacked Amabe, making her recoil.
The vessel tried to attack the creature with his nail, but it could block their swipes with his paws that seemed to be sharper than they thought. The vessel then realized that despite being some sort of abnormal creature, it had a mind and knew how to defend itself. It then gave a strong punch on the vessel's belly and raised it up, making them slam to the ground.
The Hollow Knight stood up by using the nail. Due to the punch, they could feel their body much weaker. Yet they had to do something about this horrendous creature, or else it would have killed them. The amalgamate then roared again and started to roll, due to its beetle body. The vessel defended themselves by blocking it with the nail, but they had to recoil. The body struggling against the blade even made some sparks. By turning around, the vessel could see that if they wouldn't have done anything, they would have been crushed to the wall, just like what happened with Lyebet. In a second, the Hollow Knight used the shadow dash to pas through the amalgamate's body, who got stuck in the wall. The vessel started to run away from it for precaution. They then turned their arm into void energy and released three tentacles that hit the creature. In that moment, the vessel could hear a yell of pain coming our right from that creature. The vessel thought of that moment. Maybe they found out its weak point. The monster came out of the wall and started to run towards the vessel, who tried to stop it by shooting small nails of light from their hand. All that the monster had to do was putting its arm in front of itself to block the nails. Then it, gave another strong punch, this time on the vessel's face. The Hollow Knight got hit and fell to the ground.
They could feel their body much weaker, but now that they discovered a possible weak point, they couldn't die. The amalgamate started to roll, but in that moment, a white magic hold it still. When they turned around, the vessel could see that it was Amabe who held the creature with his magic. "I guess you discovered how to attack it, huh? Then you know what to do!" She said. The vessel nodded, dashed towards the creature and gave it a strong hit with the nail, making it recoil. The monster roared and released another green breath to attack both them and Amabe, who started to run away to avoid the attack. Suddenly the creature could feel something attacking it repeatedly from above. When it raised its head, it could see Lyebet that was shooting fire balls from his body. "I hope you didn't forget of the star of this show!" He said.
The Pure Vessel took the opportunity and stabbed the creature on the neck. This one yelled with pain and sent the vessel away with a punch. But this gave Amabe the opportunity to charge a white beam and shoot it on the creature. The attack succeeded and the amalgamate ended up in pieces.
Everyone could take some time to recover from the intense fight. "Are you alright?" Amabe then asked. "I think not…I feel like I don't have a back. I had to make an effort to fly and use my attack…" Lyebet answered. Even the Pure Vessel could barely move.
Amabe then used her white magic to cure her two friends, so that they could walk again. Even though before continuing the journey, the thought on the battle they just had. What was that thing? Was it really a bug like them? Did it belong to this world…or was something that was brought by a superior force? Maybe this was another one of the many mysteries that lived among the land. Maybe they would have found the answer later. Either way…they had to continue if they wanted to find out.
Once they came out of the cave, they could see another road going down, but this time, they could see land at the feet of the mountain, and not only that, they could even see the palace of the sea down there. They were finally arrived. "I see it! That's Seadus!" Amabe said. "Finally. This means that we can know where to go." Lyebet added. The vessel was focused on the palace. This for them was the first important destination. They could take small information, but they could still be important for the sake of the purpose of their journey.
[Pokèmon Mystery Dugneon 2 OST – Hidden Land]
Once they came down from the mountain, they were in a more tropical environment. The sun was shining above the blue and clean sea, which was touching the sand with gentle waves. Around the beach, there were some grass and palm trees that had coconuts on their leaves. Right in front of the beach stood the palace, that was connected with the beach through a bridge made of marble.
The three travelers stood in front of the sea, looking at the horizon. Just like the waterfall, they were amazed by the incredible sight. The Pure Vessel in particular was attracted. They had never seen so many water. "This is the sea. It's the giant water that surrounds most of the world…and is surely one of the most beautiful things that you can find in your life." Amabe explained for the vessel, that looked at the light reflected on the waves. "Indeed…this is also a magnificent sight to treasure on the script of the great show of my life. I almost want to take a bath…" Lyebet commented. "Yeah…me too. But we can't lose time…" Amabe said, turning on the palace. "Come on. It's time to go inside." The other two nodded and followed her.
Once the small bridge was passed, the three travelers were in front of the palace of the sea. To their surprise, it was already open. There wasn't even a door, but the inside seemed to be dark, like the windows had not been opened for a long time. They entered inside, and just as they thought…it was completely dark, and the windows were entirely barred. They could see barely what was in front of them, making them wonder why the palace was in that situation.
What they could see was a white floor, covered in a long carpet that had three parts, two that went to the others zone, and the last one that went for a staircase that brought to the upper floors. The stairs seemed to be white, but due to the conditions of the palace, they became of a rotten grey color. The rest of the zone seemed to represent the decay of the place as a whole. Some spiderwebs could be seen at the angles of the ceiling, and almost every tile was either cracked or completely broken. There were some tents that covered more windows, but they were torn, making some rays of light come inside the mansion.
"Oh dear…" Amabe commented as she looked around. "…Are we sure this place is inhabitated?" Lyebet wondered. Even the Pure Vessel was confused. They heard that this palace belonged to one of the greatest supporters of the king of Nepherius. Judging by that description, they expected someone to live in wealthy and rich conditions. So why the palace was at this state?
"So…what do we do?" Lyebet then asked. "Ok…at this point we should look for all the palace and see if we find someone…" Amabe suggested, but right in that moment…a voice could be heard.
"Oh don't worry. You don't need to."
The three travelers turned towards the staircase and saw a small light. It belonged to a candle placed on a small golden plate, held by a small shrimp, wearing a cloth jacked and some glasses. "Forgive me for my sudden apparition…but…It has been a while since the last time I had guests in my house." He said.
"Oh…no problem…sir." Amabe gently answered.
"Greetings then, travelers. This is Seadus, the palace of the sea. Or at least…this is what's left of the place…these are hard times…even for an old shrimp like me. I am Carpedour. The owner." The shrimp then presented himself.
"Oh…hello, sir. My name is Amabe, I'm a white witch. These two are my friends Pure Vessel and Lyebet. As you guessed, we are travelers that ended up here in Zarudia." Amabe then said.
The shrimp fixed his glasses and looked at them better. "Yes…you indeed look like foreigner. Oh…how sad that you would come here in a time like this. But…let's not think of it for now. Tell me…would you like a cup of tea?" The shrimp then proposed. "You must have travelled a lot today, and the sun is starting to go down. You can be my guests for the night."
"Really? Why, thank you, gentleman. We would love to accept your request." Lyebet said, making a little bow. "Very well then! Follow me. The living room is in this way." Carpedour then said, going to the right. Amabe and Lyebet followed, but the Pure Vessel hesitated for some seconds to follow them. They thought that…something was wrong. The palace seemed to be in terrible conditions…but for some reasons, Carpedour seemed ok, even if he was melancholic. They looked better at the room they were standing and noticed more details: On the ripped tents…there were signs of what looked like…scratchs…did someone used claws on them? And the tiles had signs of…punches? What…happened in there? The Hollow Knight kept in mind all these details, as they followed the others.
[Undertale OST – It's Raining Somewhere Else]
The kitchen was on the superior floor, and its conditions weren't different from the entrance of the palace. There was barely a table with some chairs. The three travelers sat in there, as Carpedour came with some cups and a kettle. The shrimp proceeded to serve the cups at everyone. "It's made with some flowers that grow near the beach. It's very good." He recommended them.
The three of them took their cup and drank. They could feel a sweet aroma coming down their throats. "Thank you again for the tea…" Amabe quietly thanked. Even Carpedour drank and then answered. "You're welcome. At least…I can still have some company after so long. Even though…I would have wished if you didn't see me at this state."
"Yes…this is indeed a question we had. We heard that you were in contact with the king of Nepherius. But if that's so, what…exactly happened here?" Lyebet then asked. The shrimp made a sad looked while looking at his cup. "As I said before…these are hard times for everyone in this land…you probably saw it for yourselves…but…this war…had practically destroyed most of the resources of Zarudia…and the agony still doesn't stop. Despair…surrounds this place. And many insects…end up using the most rude and brutal ways to survive. Like…plunder others properties…" He explained.
Amabe put her hands in her mouth. "Does that mean that…?" She asked. Carpedour sadly nodded. "Yes…one day…a large group of bandits came in here…destroyed most of the place…and stole me many of my money. Luckily…I had still most of them in a secure safety deposit box…but still….what I've lost was too big to compensate what I held safe…my wife and my daughter…ended up getting killed that fateful day…"
"Oh…I'm…sorry." Lyebet said. Even the Pure Vessel felt sad for him. That was probably the explanation for all those damages they had seen. "It must have been painful for you to see all of that…" Amabe added.
"Yes…it was. But…I needed to move on…and live for another day. That's what probably they would have wanted…in a war…you need to do everything in your power…to survive." Carpedour answered. The vessel understood what he meant. They remembered all the doubts…the worries…and the pain…the population of Hallownest had to feel during the infection caused by The Radiance. What the whole land of Zarudia was feeling now was indeed similar, even if for a different reason.
"And what about you? What brings you here?" The shrimp then asked. "Oh…we've started a long journey here. We're trying to reach the Pointed Mountain." Amabe explained.
"Oh, I see. So you wish too to search for the Lich and ask a wish. Well…it's quite far from here…do you think you can handle it?" The shrimp asked. The vessel nodded. "Understood…well…in that case…you'll have to make many pauses and rest in various towns before reaching your destination." Carpedour answered.
"That's the reason we are here. We wondered if you could tell us where to make the first stop." Amabe then took the chance to ask what they wanted to the noble shrimp.
"Oh! Then you asked to the right person…" Carpedour answered. "Probably for you…the best stop you could make for now is at SEED Town." He then said, mentioning the name of a city. "The SEED Town?" Lyebet asked. "It takes its name from the fact that it's a city situated inside a giant dome that looks like a seed. Even though, it's easy to pass by, and it's big enough to encounter various insects and gain more informations. I could say that…it's a good place to check during your journey." The shrimp explained.
"Oh, thank you, Carpedour! And where is it?" Amabe then asked, happy to have more clear indications. "You have to go to the east from here. You have to pass through the Beheaded Logs and the Foggy Swamp first. If you depart tomorrow morning, you will be able to reach the city in a matter of…at least a day." Carpedour said.
"We thank you, kind mister Carpedour…your informations are such a great help for us. I'll make sure to mention you in the great show of my life!" Lyebet thanked him. "Happy to help, young ones. It's the least an old shrimp like me can do. Maybe it could even be of a help for the king of Nepherius" Carpedour answered back.
"By the way…speaking of the king…what kind of insect is he?" Amabe then asked curious. Even the Pure Vessel wanted to hear more of it. He was the second king they ever heard of, since the first one was their father itself.
"Oh yes…the king. If I have to talk about him…I would repute him as one of the most magnificent insects that this world has ever seen. A king…among the knights…full of courage…and without regrets. For all these years…he always supported everyone on this kingdom…and did his best to win this war. I'm sure that in the end…he will strive victorious at the final battlefield…raise his nail up and finally say…'this war is over'. I still wish for that day to come. But I'm sure…that day will come. No matter how long it will take…but it will come!" Carpedour answered, started to praise the figure of the king of Nepherius. The three travelers were surprised by such words, even the Pure Vessel, who reminded of the ways their father was praised. Those words were quite similar, with the only difference that this lord wasn't considered higher than the gods. "Since your journey…you'll probably meet him, and trust me when I say this…when you will lay your eyes on his face…you will be fascinated by such beauty." The shrimp continued. "Oh, sorry…eheheheh…I ended up saying another one of my praises. It's starting to get late, isn't it? The bedrooms are in this floor. I hope you will sleep well."
"Oh…sure…" Amabe answered. Then, Carpedour stood up and made a little bow. "Very well…goodnight young ones." He said before leaving the room.
The three travelers remained on the table, looking at him while he was exiting the living room. "He's kind indeed but…don't you find him a little bit…weird?" Lyebet asked to the others. "I understand him…he went through many suffering in the past…and he's feeling the effects of the war. He probably isn't the only one like this." Amabe commented. The Pure Vessel continued to look to the direction where the shrimp went. They heard his story and his thoughts. But…they didn't understand why…they still had that feeling that there was something wrong with him. But maybe they were just stressed for the long travel they had made before coming at the palace. Maybe they just needed a little rest.
A few hours had passed…Amabe and Lyebet were getting ready to go to bed, but the Hollow Knight had no sleep, so they decided to take a walk through the corridors of the palace. The only light they could see was the light was the light on the moon reflected on the window, that made the vessel's armor shine. The rest was in the darkness. As they walked, the vessel could see more damages on the walls. Many paintings sliced in half, other signs of claws and cracks. The Pure Vessel remembered that Carpedour said it was all the work of a group of bandits. This made them remembered of Forshkigal, the criminal they faced the day before. Since they've saw it with their own eyes, they could believe what the shrimp said. Because of the war, the actions of criminals raised exponentially. Probably, what did this was the work of someone similar as Forshkigal, and there was the possibility that they could have met them in the future.
This made the vessel think more. They remembered of the day when they left Hallownest. They just got free from a suffering that lasted for years. Everything was over back there, but they felt sick. They needed some time away from that kingdom. So they left to make a travel with no destination. And just the day before, they reached Zarudia…and found out that even in this land there was a crisis and that they would have seen more suffering. Did they do the right thing to leave Hallownest? Was their journey justified? What was the real purpose of that journey? But more importantly…would they have found a new purpose to exist?
So many questions…with still no answers. But surely, they knew something. These questions would have found an answer. But there was just one way to make it so: push forward…and continue this journey. Only at the end, the solution would have been found.
Then…the attention of the vessel was caught by something that they saw while they were walking: a yellow light that came from the right. Was someone still awake apart from them? Maybe there was someone else inside the palace apart from Carpedour?
Moved by curiosity, the vessel walked toward that direction. In the end…they reached a room different from the others. This one was all covered in pipes and there were many capsules. It looked like…some sort of laboratory. Another important fact was that this room seemed intact unlike the rest of the castle. Why? And what was the secret of this room?
To know more, the Hollow Knight came closer to one of the capsules. They could not see well due to the dust, making them deduce that the capsule wasn't observed for a long time. So they had to clean with their hand. But…they soon regretted to make such choice.
The vessel had their eyes wide open when they saw what was inside the capsule: a creature…made of various parts of different insects. It was just like the monster they fought on the cavern. Another horrendous sight. What was a creature like that inside that capsule? Why right there? Inside that palace? They couldn't believe what they were watching and ran to see the other capsules. But the result was the same…horrifying.
Even more of those creatures were inside the capsules in a dormient status. The vessel made some steps backwards, as they felt a terrible fear on their back. Then…they slowly turned their head to the right…and they saw him.
Carpedour was there, looking at a bigger capsule while holding something in his claws. The shrimp heard the noises and turned around to see the Pure Vessel. "What the-? You should be sleeping now…" He said. When he turned around, the Pure Vessel could see that Carpedour was holding a strange serum. The shrimp started to sweat. "D-Dammit…to think that I would have been busted…but…it doesn't matter right now. I'll have your pieces as well…and I'll form another mutant. Since I can't kill you in a soft way…I'll have to crush you directly." He said, before he pulled a lever on the capsule he was watching.
[Super Metroid OST – Mother Brain]
Once the capsule was open, another beast was released…much bigger than the others. This was made of giant insects, like some of the guards present in the City of Tears back in Hallownest, it could be considered an amalgamate of more beetles all united in one. The creature released a powerful roar that made the whole room vibrate. The Pure Vessel looked at it with high pressure. "Kill that knight!" Carpedour exclaimed at the mutant, who raised its punch and tried to smash the vessel, who jumped in time to avoid it. After that, the vessel started to run towards the exit. That creature was an existence that had to be stopped, but before that, the vessel knew that they had to advise Amabe and Lyebet. Their friends still didn't know of the danger, and the situation could have been fatal for them.
"Chase them! Don't let them leave! I need their pieces!" The shrimp ordered to the mutant, that started to run towards the vessel, and its footsteps were big enough to be heard through the whole palace.
Amabe and Lyebet could feel the vibrations from their bedroom. "What happened!?" The white witch said, as she get off the bed. "This loud noise…maybe Pure Vessel and Carpedour are in danger!?" Lyebet exclaimed. In that moment, the door was opened by the Pure Vessel, who looked at their friends with panic. "Pure Vessel! What's happening!?" Amabe asked. Since they couldn't talk, the vessel pointed at their right, indicating to their friends that there was something wrong indeed.
When Amabe and Lyebet looked at that direction, they saw it as well and paled. The giant amalgamate was just a few inches far from them. "OH MY GOD! It's similar to the one we met at the cavern!" Amabe shouted. "We can't fight here! We don't have much space! We need to drag him to the entrance where we have more space!" Lyebet told the others as he shoot many bats made of fire to distract the mutant. The creature got its sight clouded by the small flames. This gave the chance to the three travelers to run downstairs.
"T-This doesn't make sense…why is a creature like this here?" Amabe wondered, bewildered. "Maybe…this is its house…" Lyebet said, shocking the witch. "What!?"
But there wasn't enough time to think about that, since the creature jumped from the stairs, destroying a good portion of the floor. It looked at the three travelers with eyes devoid of any emotion and roared.
"Get ready!" Lyebet advised his friends while the mutant tried to punch them. The three friends jumped in time and tried to attack its arms with various attacks: the Pure Vessel released some nails of light, Amabe created some spheres of lights and Lyebet shoot more bats of fire. The arm of the amalgamate had some explosions, but there weren't serious damages. It didn't feel any sort of pain, so nothing prevented it to stop him to give another punch, this time successful, and the three travelers ended up getting crushed against an angle of the wall.
"G-Gh…its power is twice as strong as of the one we faced before…" Lyebet said, trying to stand up. "Then we need to prevent its movements!" Amabe exclaimed. She then raised her hands and summoned some magical chains in order to block all his body, but to her surprise, the giant monster grabbed the chains with its hand, lifted them and used them to make Amabe slam all over the floor. The white witch could feel his body getting repeatedly damaged by the structure of the place, it was like someone was welding a blade on her body.
The Pure Vessel planted their nail to the ground, this made a giant nail get summoned right under the amalgamate, impaling it on the belly, making it release Amabe, that fell down. The three travelers looked at the creature with deep attention. The monster stood still for ten seconds…and then its eyes started to shine, while it released another roar. Then it swiftly moved its hand and destroyed the nail with its cut before shooting two orange beams from its eyes, making its trajectory go on fire. Lyebet then flew directly towards the creature's head, attacking him with firing cuts from his wind. The bat proceeded with attacking it and flying around, in order to confuse it. The strategy worked well at first, but then the creature give an upper cut with its horn. Luckily, Lyebet was distant enough in that moment to get terribly stabbed and his skin was simply touched, and the bat fell down.
The Pure Vessel then concentrated the energy of the souls in order to generate some explosions around the amalgamate, who got hit and started to wobble, but even this wasn't enough. The monster shoot more beams from its eyes towards the vessel, who ran around it to avoid the attack. They were starting to feel the fatigue and the previous wounds on their body. This creature seemed to be invincible, but the vessel knew that it wasn't like this. Just like the one they faced before…this creature surely had a weak point…they just needed to find out. They knew that the giant nail they used before made a big effort on taking it down, now they just had to end the job by finding it weakness.
The creature then raised his fists up and tried to smash the vessel to the ground. But luckily, Amabe shoot a beam on its legs that made it lose balance and fall. The amalgamate tried to stand up, but it seemed to have difficulties to do so. It was then that the Pure Vessel realized it. Thanks to their friend, they discovered the key to stop that monstrosity. The monster's weak point…was being without balance, so if it was on the ground, it would have been its end.
The Hollow Knight didn't lose time and used their nail to cut both of its legs, giving to the monster zero possibilities to get up again. The battle was done. All that was left to do was to finish the creature. So the Pure Vessel dashed towards it and attacked repeatedly until all that was left were tiny pieces.
"U-Ugh…" Lyebet stood up while holding his belly that was bleeding. "W-We did it…" Amabe said, as she stood up. "No…NO! IT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" Suddenly, they could hear a shout from the staircase. When the three of them turned around, they saw Carpedour, with a face of bewilderment. "How…I've give so much time creating that mutant…it was my strongest work…how are you that strong!?" He exclaimed.
The Pure Vessel looked at the shrimp with rage, a feeling they showed for the first time, as they dashed towards him, grabbed his neck and slammed him to the ground. "GHA!" Carpedour was unable to do anything against them.
"PURE VESSEL!" Amabe exclaimed, worried. But Lyebet seemed to understand their sudden reaction. "Don't tell me…you…created that monster!?" He exclaimed, shocking Amabe as well.
"Y-Yes...they're…all creations of mine…every single creature that lives around the palace and inside the mountains…it belongs to me…" Carpedour answered with a choked voice. "No way…so…even that monster we met…and all those little creatures…" Amabe said before looking around. "Even all these damages…these were not caused by bandits, were they!?"
"N-No…it was all a lie…the…damages you see…are all caused by the texts made on the mutants…in order to text their strength…and control them…" Carpedour confessed. "Then…your wife and your daughter?" Lyebet asked. The shrimp looked away in regret. He was trying to hide something. "Speak. Now." The bat ordered.
"F-Fine! Fine…i…i'll tell you everything…the truth…" The shrimp couldn't hold on forever…and decided to confess.
[Hollow Knight OST – Pale Court ]
"I've built this palace many years ago…thanks to the precious stones on the mountains…I was able to become rich…and have everything someone could ever ask…a big house…many servants…money…a loving family…support from the king…my life…was perfect…but then…it came. The war…the war that destroyed everything on this land. A cursed war that took away all of our hopes for a happy future…even if I was well…I could feel all the suffering that the bugs of Nepherius…were feeling because of this stupid conflict! I…I tried to help the armies of the king as best as I could…but nothing…no important victory…no result…nothing…the war…is still on a stalemate. There was nothing I could do…I thought of many days…about a way to make us win…and then…I remembered…I used to have high knowledge in the anatomy of bugs…I knew well how their bodies work. So…I decided to make something no one has ever done before…I started to take some of my servants…and bugs that passed by…and used their bodies…to create the mutants of different forms and dimensions, from the small ones that looked like molecules to the giant ones…many of them are in the laboratory…others are around the palace…I've gave them orders…I've trained them…waiting for the moment they could be ready…and be used by the king, who still doesn't know about them…" The shrimp explained his story.
The three travelers were terrified to hear such testimony. How could someone go this down? Just for the sake of the war? They were sure now that this situation was far more serious than they could ever expect. The Pure Vessel looked to another direction. This situation reminded them of a similar situation. Even back at Hallownest, there was a scientist who sacrificed countless lives of many insects to help a king to come out of a situation of crisis. How many similarities they were going to find?
"Then…what happened to your wife…and your daughter?" Amabe asked. Carpedour silenced. This time he didn't have the courage to tell them. But his silence was all they needed to understand what was their fate. The white witch had her eyes wide open. "N-No…don't tell me…" She said, shocked. "You…you used them as well…" Lyebet added.
"That's the truth…they were among the first ones texted…I was…so desperate…to make it all end…I was ready to use everything I had…to make this horrendous situation end! I…ended up using them…as an experiment…but they weren't strong enough to resist it…and they ended up dead…I ended up killing my own family…I destroyed the last sparkle of love that remained in my soul…all…for the sake of war…" Carpedour answered…as he started to show tears in his eyes.
The three travelers looked at him in silence. Fate had been too cruel to him…and to this land. Why did this happened? How did this war led Carpedour down to insanity?
"H-How fool of me…only now…I comprehend the stupidity of my actions…i…I could have done it in so many different ways…but…I ended up being a monster myself…and a killer…yet…I still hope…" The shrimp continued.
The vessel looked at him. Hope? What did he meant? "I…I still hope…that the king will do it right…I believe in him…I always believed in him…his bravery and chivalry…is what this land needs…I'm sure of it…one day…he will defeat the kingdom of Duloc…and stop this madness…it is this hope…that made me wanted to live another day…all I want…is to believe that there is still a chance for this fallen kingdom…" Carpedour said. "…If…if you want to kill me…I accept it…I've done something no one should ever do…therefore…I'll accept my punishment…I'll even see my family again…and apologize…"
The Pure Vessel was surprised by this act. Was he offering his own life? Was this…regret? They found it strange…only a few moments ago he was willing to kill them but now…he found himself full of guilt. He may have done horrible things…but the Hollow Knight arrived to even understand him. He could feel all the suffering this shrimp had gone through. All the things he had lost…all the pride he threw away. Just like he said…he wanted to find safety…just like the vessel.
They let him go…turned around…and started to walk away. "U-Uh? Where are you going?" Carpedour asked. Amabe and Lyebet looked at them worried…but they understood immediately.
"…It appears that…they come to the conclusion that killing you was the wrong thing after all…I think…they felt empathy towards you…" Lyebet said. "Yes…and…they're willing to give you a second chance…please…think of all that you done until now…maybe…this will help you to find peace." Amabe added. With that…the two travelers followed the vessel…and left the palace.
All that was left now…was Carpedour…who looked at the night sky. "T-They…had mercy…over a monster like me…maybe…they are hope as well…" He said. He felt every type of emotions at the same time in that moment.
Sadness, regret but at the same time joy and commotion.
The shrimp felt into his kneels…and started to cry…as he never did in his life. "I-I was really a fool…if…if I only had thought of another qay of helping the king…o-oh…darling…my adorable daughter…I'm…sorry…" He said.
"You do feel sorry for them, don't you?"
"Uh!?" Suddenly Carpedour could hear a voice echoing in the house. He looked around. "Who…Who's there!?" He asked, starting to shriek. And then…
[Danganronpa 2 Goodbye Despair OST – Let Us Sing of a Hollow Victory]
From the dark…a tall insect arrived. The shrimp couldn't recognize it well…all that he could see…were his long hair. "You feel sadness in this moment…right? I feel it to…always." The insect said.
"Who…who are you?" Carpedour asked.
"My name is Netzach. And you don't need to worry. You'll meet your family soon." The insect presented himself before raising a hand towards Carpedour…and starting to charge a beam of black electricity. "What!? N-No…STOP! Carpedour exclaimed in panic, but there was nothing he could do…not anymore.
"And your experiments won't be in vain. They'll indeed change this world. Another soul…for the holy reactor." Netzach said…before shooting the beam.
"AAAAAAAAAAAH-!" It was only a matter of seconds before Carpedour was completely disintegrated…nothing of him was left. Only dust.
[Hollow Knight OST – Hollow Knight]
It was still deep night. Now, Seadus, the palace of sea could be only seen from the distance. The group listened to the indications of the shrimp, and once they exited the palace, they went east, where the environment started to look like a dark forest and the road was going uphill. Before moving on, they stopped and looked at the calm sea, which gently laid its waves on the distant beach and reflected the light of the moon.
They thought of when they came there just a few hours before…such a beautiful sight…now became melancholic. They still felt sad for Carpedour. "How cruel…his life ended up becoming a drama…" Lyebet commented. "I…I hope he will find peace one day…eventually…" Amabe added, of course, not knowing of the shrimp's fate.
The Pure Vessel looked in silence. This day had been hard and painful. They had learned how suffering could a war be, and how the inhabitants of Zarudia were living it. They also knew one thing…this was only the beginning. The journey had barely started. This was only a small part of the greater pain that afflicted the land for over five years. And knowing this…made the vessel hurt.
"…We…we have to move on." Amabe then said, turning around. "We need to find a place where to rest...then tomorrow…we'll pass through the Beheaded Logs and the Foggy Swamp…and reach the SEED city."
"…Yes. I think it's the best we can do…" Lyebet answered before turning on the vessel. "Come on, Pure Vessel…let's go." He then followed Amabe, and started to move with her.
The Pure Vessel remained there for a few seconds…still looking at the palace of sea. The palace that belonged to a powerful insect…that went down the path of loss and insanity because of the war. There was nothing to add...his story ended up like this.
If they could…the vessel would have sighed, but they couldn't. No voice to cry suffering. But they knew…they had to move on. Now…they had a new motivation to do this journey. This war had to end. The suffering…had to end. And so…after one last look…the vessel turned around…and followed their friends, disappearing in the forest.