Hornet noticed immediately when they entered the range of the bee Hivemind.
The group had just barely left the tram station when a change came over the three bees that they were travelling with. Where before they were quiet and fearful, now they buzzed with energy and life. As one, the three bees swooped in front of Hornet and the Crusher, and spoke in a single voice.
"Come. She is waiting for you."
Hornet felt the hairs on her abdomen tremble before she forcibly calmed herself. Despite spending much of her childhood in the Hive, she had never grown used to the synchronized speech the bees used when they were completely in tune with the Hivemind. It creeped her out like nothing in Deepnest ever could.
She ignored those feelings and nodded to the bees. They turned and began flying off in the direction of the Hive.
As they travelled, Hornet couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. She hadn't seen Queen Vespa in many years, not since the Hive had sealed off the passageways into their domain. While the Queen Bee wasn't her birth mother, she considered her just as much a parent as Herrah or the White Lady had been, and more of one than the Pale King had ever been.
More bees came into view as they came into view of the Hive walls. Hiveling worker drones like the three she travelled with made up the bulk of the swarm, but she also spotted a few Soldiers and Guardians patrolling an opening in the Hive walls. The Hivelings were busy at work, bringing in pollen and nectar from the plants of Kingdom's Edge. Hornet was gladdened by the sight; she hadn't seen a single bee since they sealed the Hive off, and had worried that many had starved in their isolation. If there were this many outside of the Hive, there must still be hundreds within.
As they moved to cross into the Hive, two soldiers moved to block their path.
"Only the Princess may enter. This Fool must remain outside."
Hornet turned to the armoured bug, who huffed in annoyance.
"I grow tired of being left behind, but very well." The Crusher said. He sat down on a section of hardened propolis and rested his nail on his legs. The two Soldiers moved back into position but kept their eyes pointed towards the Fool.
Hornet grunted and moved into the Hive. Her last remaining companion would be fine on his own. He'd repeatedly demonstrated that he had a level enough head to not cause trouble.
The journey through the Hive ignited strong feelings of nostalgia in Hornet. While the rest of Hallownest had fallen in disrepair and despondency, the Hive looked exactly the same as it had when she came here for her lessons under Vespa and the Hive Knight. There were slightly less bees buzzing around, and the honey stores were lower than she'd ever seen them, but the Hive seemed to have endured the Infection remarkably well.
It wasn't until she entered Vespa's chambers that Hornet realized that that was a lie.
Hornet gave a cry of anguish and rushed over to Vespa's corpse. She'd had years to come to terms with Herrah's eventual death, and the White Lady still lived (even if she seldom visited). However, she'd never expected this.
Hornet turned to the nearest bee, with fire in her eyes, and wrathfully asked "I thought you said she was waiting for me!"
The bee backed away from her, but did not flee. Instead, it buzzed in agitation before settling down, and there came a voice that echoed from every bee in the Hive.
"She is waiting for you."
A Soldier bee approached Hornet with a honeycomb chest held to their thorax. They placed it in front of Hornet and looked at her expectantly.
She opened the chest. Within were several items. A Nail, much smaller than her own needle and intimately familiar. A grey cloak with strands of silver and black woven into the fabric. A Lumafly lantern, a tram pass, and a stone journal. A collection of rolled up silkpaper and a quill. A strange bronze device that pulsed with power. A box for collecting charms. And finally, the Dream Nail that had been used to break into the mind of Hollow and kill the Radiance.
Hornet picked up the Pure Nail that her Sibling had wielded and looked it over.
"How...how did all of this end up down here? Last I remember, the little one's possessions still lay within the Temple of the Black Egg. I had planned on returning to retrieve them at some point...but, well...so many things have happened since then that I forgot."
The bees didn't respond. The Soldier bee reached into the chest and grabbed the Dream Nail, then held it out to Hornet. She put down the Pure Nail and grabbed the offered item, then looked at the Soldier.
"She is waiting for you."
Hornet understood then, and she raised the Dream Nail in front of her. A blade of light burst forth from the hilt, and she brought it down onto the head of the Soldier before her.
. . .
Zelda breathed in the morning air and smiled. The grass was speckled with dew, and there was a pleasant breeze coming in from the west. Today was shaping up to be an excellent day.
After Link had finished delivering his report, Zelda had had a quick meeting at night with the Sheikah elders to give them the news, and to tell them that she and Link were leaving Kakariko in the morning. There had been protests, but Zelda had put her foot down. The appearance of this kingdom of bugs was a pressing issue that could not be ignored. Moreover, she still needed to visit the Zora personally to pay her respects to Mipha and to show the general population of the Zora that she would not be one to rule from a distance with an iron fist.
The elders had relented at her words, but had insisted on sending additional protection with her. Three Sheikah warriors were riding with her, while the Rito Fyson was keeping an eye on the surrounding area from the sky.
Honestly, Zelda thought it was overkill; Link had proven time and again that he was more than qualified to guard her, but the elders had insisted, and Fyson had volunteered. As the Queen (even if she hadn't been crowned yet), her life was quite literally the most important in the kingdom. If she died now, while Hyrule was at its weakest, then the kingdom would likely fall.
But that didn't mean that she had to like it.
She'd accepted the presence of the Sheikah guards and Fyson's assistance with minimal grumbling, and now, they were off on the road again. The Rito messengers had been sent out in the morning as well, carrying messages detailing all of the news, and inviting every major population center to send a representative to Kakariko Village for a meeting in exactly three weeks, on the 28th day of the month.
Zelda looked out over the vibrant grass plain of Sahasra Slope as she thought about the immediate future. It'd take them four days to reach Zora's Domain from Kakariko Village if they didn't ride the horses too hard. She wanted to spend a full day meeting with the Zora and King Dorephan. Then, there'd be another four days of travel to get to Tarrey Town and Hallowed Nest. That was nine days until she'd set eyes on this bug kingdom.
That was...too long for her tastes. While Link could visit Hallowed Nest whenever he wanted, he could only teleport himself, and Zelda knew better than to ask him to go without her. Even with the Sheikah Guards and Fyson to look after her, Link would never leave her side while they were outside of a secure location.
"Link! Could you ride alongside me for a moment?"
At her call, Link spurred his horse forwards, and was soon matching pace with Zelda. She turned to her knight and smiled.
"Link, I want to arrive at Zora's Domain as soon as possible, without hurting the horses. Are we still able to take the shortcut through the Lanayru Wetlands, or are those bridges gone?" Zelda asked.
Link let go of the reigns and signed {They're still there, or at least enough of them are to cross the Wetlands. That would save us a half day's worth of travel time, but it won't be pleasant. I'll need to clear out several encampments of Lizalfos as well, but that should probably be done anyways. With Ganon gone, I can kill them for real now, and it'll make the region safer.}
Link paused, scrunched up his face in thought, then signed {There is a small village of Zora who still live near Inogo Bridge. We should be able to make a deal with some of them to carry us to Zora's Domain along the river. That would shave off a full day's worth of travel by road. The switchbacks eat up so much time, and the Zora are fast swimmers.}
Zelda hummed. Two and a half days of travel versus four days of travel, and she'd only have to sacrifice her comfort and dryness. It was an easy choice to make (she'd never travelled on a Zora's back, her father had found the idea improper).
"Yes, I think we'll do that. We can leave our horses at Inogo Bridge, I'm sure the local Zora will be able to look after them until we return."
Link nodded, and behind her, Zelda heard quiet grumbling from the Sheikah warriors. She turned slightly in her saddle and smiled sweetly at them.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry, are you three alright with the travel plans? I wouldn't want to make my stalwart protectors uncomfortable."
The leader of the Sheikah warriors pursed her lips at Zelda's question and said "Of course we agree Princess. We will follow and protect you wherever you go."
Zelda's smile widened, and she responded "Of course."
Beside her, Link gave her a look, and Zelda stifled a giggle. Just because she'd accepted their presence didn't mean she couldn't have a little fun at their expense. It'd taken her weeks before she'd stopped trying to get rid of Link, and weeks longer before she'd truly accepted him as her bodyguard. If they were so determined to dog her every step then they could learn to deal with the consequences of that.
. . .
The dream she found herself in was similar to the Hive she'd left behind, but also very different. Light streamed in through gaps in the walls, and errant golden essence symbols floated in the air. The floor was made of old brown stone, and great cracks and holes tore into it. She saw a great many bees milling around, but they kept their distance from her.
Hornet looked around at the ruined expanse before her eyes found a sitting form, and she nearly dropped her nail.
"Vespa?"
The old Queen, so much smaller than she was in life, inclined her head.
"Indeed, my child. Come. Sit with me. We have much to discuss."
Hornet came over and sat down next to Vespa in a stupor.
"But...you're dead. I saw your body in the Hive."
Vespa chittered in amusement and said "Yes, I am dead. I have been for quite some time. I was already old when the Hive was sealed, child. When the Old Light began to come to me in my dreams, I resisted as long as I could, but even if the spirit was willing, the body was weak. The exertion of protecting the dreams of the entire Hivemind took its toll, and I passed on. All of my subjects were subsumed after that."
Vespa turned her eyes on Hornet and patted her claw. "Oh, but there is a bright side to this sad tale. As the entire Hivemind was subsumed at once with so little resistance, most of my children survived the ordeal. Despite the toll of the Infection, the bees will live on."
Hornet looked at Vespa and said "I am glad. That doesn't answer why you're here, or why you wanted to talk to me, or why the Hive has all of the little Knight's possessions!"
Vespa gave Hornet a look of admonishment that she was well familiar with, and Hornet nearly ducked her head in embarrassment.
"Patience, little spider, patience. I was about to get to that. In order, I am still here because the Hive has refused to let me go." Vespa's pedipalps rustled in agitation and she continued "I have tried to tell them repeatedly that I am dead and that I need to move on, but they do not accept my words. Until there is a new Queen, I am stuck here. Thankfully, with the death of the Old Light, it is now safe enough for a new Queen to be born into the world. There are eggs in storage that I birthed long ago; I will direct you to them through the Hivemind once you leave this dream."
Vespa paused, then said "This leads into your second question. I asked to speak with you because I want you to raise the new queen, at least in part."
Hornet chirped in shock.
"Wha...me? I'm not-I can't become a mother, I have a kingdom to run!"
Vespa tilted her head slightly to the side and said "Really? It never stopped me, or Herrah."
Hornet crossed her forelegs and grunted, then said "Still. I'm not ready to raise a child. Hallownest stands on the brink of destruction. We're in an unknown land, full of unknown threats, and we are barely starting to organize. I already renounced my claim to my birthplace because I don't have enough time to govern both Hallownest and Deepnest."
Vespa shook her head.
"I understand, but I did say that I only wanted you to raise my daughter in part. You were the child of three Queens, you know that it is possible to split the work of raising a child between many parents. And I desire for the new Queen of the Hive to learn of this outside world from you, to better prepare her for the future of the Hive." Vespa rustled her wings and continued "Please, Hornet. As I once did for you."
Hornet released a deep sigh from her spiracles, and nodded.
"Fine. I will raise her. In part."
Vespa buzzed in satisfaction and said "Thank you...as to your final question, we have the possessions of the small Vessel because they gave them to us."
Hornet froze.
"...what? But…they're dead."
"Oh, child, they are not dead. Not in the slightest. They ascended." Vespa gave Hornet a patient look and said "You saw their battle with the Old Light, did you not? They became the Void given Focus. They became the Lord of Shades. They became a God, and left their mortal shell behind."
Hornet felt the world spin around her slightly.
"But then...where are they? Why haven't I seen them? Why did they deliver their possessions to you?"
Vespa hummed in thought.
"As to where they are, I cannot say for certain, but if I were to guess, I would wager that they dwell in the Abyss now. They are one with the Void, dear. As to why you haven't seen them, I truly have no idea. You'd have to ask them. Perhaps they needed to rest after defeating a goddess. However, as for their possessions, that I do have an answer for."
Vespa stood up, looked out over the dream of the Hive, and said "They appeared here in this dream some time ago. I'm not sure why they chose to visit me over the White Lady; perhaps they knew that you'd visit the Hive before you saw her? The gift of foresight is one that the Pale King possessed, after all. They dropped off all of their possessions in my chamber, and they gave me a message to give to you, then left."
Hornet stood up as well, and asked "What was the message?"
Vespa turned and slowly said "They wanted me to tell you...[Give out my charms to good bugs. Give my nail to the smallest of the new Great Knights. Give my cloak to your daughter. Keep the Dream Nail, it will be useful. Trust the Zelda. She is nice and knows many games. I will be watching, but I cannot intervene directly. The rules are different here.]...That was all they said."
Hornet struggled to contain her shock at the sudden Voidspeech-that-she-could-hear. Somehow, Vespa's voice had become another's, one that she'd never heard before. This dream she'd found herself in seemed to manifest Voidspeech with actual words and not-sounds, in a way that she chose not to dwell on. She'd go mad if she tried to understand what had just happened, and she focused on the meaning of the words instead.
The first four requests were easy to parse. They wanted their possessions to go to other bugs to be used (Hornet ignored the fact that her Sibling had somehow known that she would agree to raise Vespa's daughter). Less clear was who Zelda was, and why her being nice or knowing games mattered, but the little Knight had been rather childlike. Regardless, Hornet resolved to trust the bug when she met them.
The last part of the message was the most concerning.
What rules were different? Who was imposing rules on a God so that they were so limited?
Hornet didn't know. It worried her.
Author's Note:
Oh boy, I hope people aren't too upset with what I'm doing with Ghost/The Little Knight. I'll explain more later in the fic, but this is really an excuse to not have a super powerful God of Gods on call who's able to bitch-slap all of Hallownest's problems. It's an established mythical/literary device in certain series that the more powerful a being is, the less they can interact with the setting, and I'm keeping to that. Disagree with me if you want, but I want this to be a relatively grounded fic.
Anyways. On to the exchange rate.
As stated in the previous chapter, I figured the best way to calculate an accurate exchange rate was to figure up the average cost of 1 days worth of food for an average being from each kingdom. This is fairly easy in Breath of the Wild, food is a big part of that game. I settled on 200 Rupees; this is a good mid-range amount that can easily buy 2k-4k calories of food if you're smart about it. Hollow Knight is much harder though. We only have one food item, the Rancid Egg, and it's one that the Knight can't eat. It can be bought from Tuk for 80-100 Geo and sold to Jinn for 290-450 though, and it seems to be a delicacy for Jiji considered she's willing to do her dark ritual in exchange for a single stinky egg. I'm just gonna settle on 100 Geo being the amount necessary to buy the average bug 1 days worth of food. It's the price of opening a bank account or buying a single egg off of Tuk, it's the best I'm gonna be able to do.
So, yeah. 1 Geo is worth as much as 2 Rupees. Or, in other words, Geo is twice as valuable as Rupees are. Cornifer and Iselda paid way more for their maps than Granté paid for his maps. I don't think Cornifer minds though.