Hollow Knight: Stairway To Heaven Chapter 1: A Wandering Vessel
By Bluestar076
Hello everyone by your Bluestar076 and welcome to my new story! As I said in the past I played and finished the game known as Hollow Knight and it became by far one of my favorite video games of all times. And for quite a while I had an idea for a story that originally was supposed to be a Fanfiction based on JoJo's Bizarre Adventure that should have been situated during the dark age, but after a while, I decided to swap the series to Hollow Knight, finding that it could have been an interesting idea! This game is a really masterpiece and I found out that it has only a few Fanfiction about it that have around about 800 words. So I decided to write a long story about it, hoping that you like it! Now since it's the first chapter, as always let me tell you the settings of this story:
- This story has the Hollow Knight itself AKA Pure Vessel as the main character and it takes place after the original game, to be more precise it's based on the ending "Enter The Void" of the Godmaster DLC, since it's the only ending where the Pure Vessel is alive (To make you remind, in this ending, The Radiance gets defeated by The Void in the Gods Pantheon and this causes the Infection to leave Hallownest and with that, the Pure Vessel comes back to normal).
- This story will not take place in Hallownest but in another Kingdom far distant from it.
- Unlike it happened in the original game and in Silksong, which will come out eventually, the Pure Vessel won't be alone in this game, but it will be supported by other five main characters.
- In this story, the Pure Vessel won't talk, since like the other vessels, it was generated by the void so it doesn't have a voice and it won't have a specific gender either.
- This story also could have main inspirations by other fantasy classics like The Lord Of The Rings and from The game series Final Fantasy.
- With this story I will also try to maintain the dark and mature contents that the original game had. So there will probably be hard scenes of violence and war. So this story is suggested only for mature people. Readers have been warned.
And now with no further do, let's dive in this new story! As always i hope you enjoy!
Note: I do not own Hollow Knight. All rights and characters belong to Team Cherry.
Chapter 1: A Wandering Vessel
[Hollow Knight OST – Birthplace]
"No cost too great. No mind to think. No will to break. No voice to cry suffering. Born of God and Void. You shall seal the blinding light that plagues their dreams. You are the Vessel. You…are the Hollow Knight."
These were the words that the Pale King, supreme lord of the old glorious kingdom of Hallownest said once he saw what was supposed to be the chosen one to stop a terrible plague that was spreading throughout the land. These words were referring to a small being. A vessel…the last of billions before them who felt…because unworthy.
For many years, these words filled the mind of the newborn warrior and became an instilled idea. And as the time went on, the day to fulfill their duty arrived. The little vessel was trained and brought to their adult form, in order to make a task other insects would have considered impossible: Seal a god.
With the help of three dreamers who accepted to bear the sigil on their backs, the Pale King was able to seal the threat of Hallownest, The Radiance, the forgotten light that created the infection.
Order was restored…and peace came back…or at least…this was what they thought.
After some time, the infection came back, and discord filled the land yet again. The Vessel that was known as The Hollow Knight, still remained there…inside the sacred Temple of the Black Egg, forced to feel on their own body the wrath of the forgotten deity, which was inside of them. Even though they couldn't feel pain or despair…there was still sadness in them…and guilt for what happened.
But then…suddenly…everything stopped.
One day, after hearing what it looked like a scream of incredible pain of The Radiance…the vessel could hear the infection…disappear from their body…and from the surrounding environment. The roots that were in there lost their orange color and turned back to black. A sensation of emptiness came back to be felt by the Hollow Knight…and the even the chains that surrounded their body shattered in thousand of pieces.
Due to his tiredness, it could not help but to fall on the ground. He could barely move their muscles, which were still feeling the pain of the position it was put in for many years and the chains that were holding them tight. The Hollow Knight stayed on the ground for a half an hour before they could stand up again, but even while standing on their feet, they still had to make big efforts to move correctly and they could still not see very well. But in the end, they managed to take their nail and leaded to the exit.
In the meantime, from outside the temple, there was someone waiting. A small insect wielding a nail with some silk on it was watching the enviroment, wondering why the infection was starting to disappear. Her name was Hornet, daughter of Herrah the Beast, one of the three dreamers that held the seal for the Temple. After the kingdom fell into ruin, she became the guardian sentry and always protected it with all of her strength. She was also known as the 'Gendered Child'.
At one point, Hornet felt some steps coming closer, and when she looked down, she saw them. "What!?" She exclaimed. She could not believe that what was standing in front of her was none other than the Sealed Vessel itself.
Once the fallen knight saw her, they held his nail tightly in case it had to defend himself. Hornet was standing on guard as well, but then…she looked closely and noticed one important detail: Their eyes seemed normal. She expected for them to have orange eyes, since they were the vessel who held The Radiance, so the infection itself. But they had regular eyes instead…like they came back to normal. Like they were…a Pure Vessel. Also, she noticed that they didn't attack yet. "What…what is happening?" She wondered.
The Pure Vessel stared at her for a couple of minutes…and then fell on the ground, senseless. Hornet came closer and looked at them carefully. She still held her nail tight. Despite the vessel looked normal, she still didn't trust what she was seeing.
Ten minutes passed, and the vessel was still fainted. Hornet took a deep breath and looked around. Somehow, things were more calm and empty. Everything was so confused. "…Even the Little Ghost isn't here…" She said before turning again to the Pure Vessel. It was certain now that they, somehow, came back to normal. At this point, without even knowing, the battle was over. In the end…Hornet decided to take her sibiling with her. Of course, the Temple wasn't a nice place, so she decided to bring them (Even if they were heavy) Somewhere else, somewhere more secure and calm.
The Next day…
[Hollow Knight OST – City of Tears]
After a while…the Pure Vessel softly opened their eyes and raised their head up. Looking around, they noticed they were in a different place and that they were standing on a bed. The room itself looked like a studio with a table and a telescope at the end. Despite all, the knight found the place…familiar somehow. So they got off the bed and started to explore it. First of all, they noticed that near the bed there were some candles, like the bed was more a coffin. But it didn't care at all. It then went to the telescope and looked in it.
From the telescope, a city could have seen. It had long towers and many insects walking by or flying. An incessant rain bathed that majestic city. Other memories flashed inside the vessel's mind. But in that moment, their attention got caught by someone who entered the room. It was Hornet.
The other insect was holding some bandages on her hands, as she looked the Hollow Knight standing still. "I see that you're awake." She simply said. The vessel didn't answer, after all, it couldn't.
"…So you're mute? Right…you're made of void…at least, could you lay down for a moment please?" The gendered child then asked gently. The Pure Vessel kneeled without not much problems, making Hornet coming closer. She took the bandages and wrapped one around the crack on the knight's head. "You really are messed up. After staying sealed in that egg for so long." Hornet spoke while she was fixing the bandage. The vessel didn't do anything, it seemed that they weren't annoyed. "…If you're wondering where are you right now…this is the observatory of Lurien the Guardian, one of the three Dreamers that held the seal on you. After you passed out, I thought you needed a secure place to get recovered. And Hallownest surely is full of dangers. So this seemed the more ideal zone. There." Hornet explained while she ended up with the bandage. "How do you feel?"
The vessel simply nodded. "…So you really turned back to normal…the legendary Hollow Knight. The one who sealed the cause of the infection…and the vessel chosen by the king of Hallownest." Hornet said. Hearing those words made the Hollow Knight look outside, even if the windows were soaked by the rain. "…The king is gone. He probably died a long time ago…do you…want to go outside?" Hornet asked, before heading towards the exit. "Follow me." The vessel simply did so.
After exiting from the tower, the two of them walked through the city and observed all the insects that were looking around confused. For them, it was like waking up after an endless dream. But at least…like the Hollow Knight, they turned back to normal. Even Hornet was confused by this. "It appears that The Radiance is dead. This brought an end to the infection that tormented Hallownest for all this time." She said while walking. Along the rain, the voice of the confused people could be heard. After the crisis, many questions remained. Many bugs were wondering if the king was going to help them, many wondered if this was really the end. Some of them were even shocked to see the Hollow Knight itself walking by. But the adult vessel didn't care at all.
In the end, the two of them stopped and looked to an important monument. The Pure Vessel had its eyes wide open for a moment after seeing it. It was a statue of it, surrounded by the three Dreamers: Monomon, Lurien and Herrah. Down the statue there was a written.
"Memorial to the HOLLOW KNIGHT. In the Black Vault far above. Through its sacrifice Hallownest lasts eternal"
[Hollow Knight OST – White Palace]
Even if it was a creature of the void, many memories came back to the mind of that same Hollow Knight. Back when they were chosen by iheir own father, when they were brought to the palace and trained. And in the end…when they saw their father…for the last time. After everything they said to them…they believed everything was coming to an end. But that same thought…was what made The Radiance come back.
"…Yes. That's you. After you've been sealed inside the Temple of the Black Egg, everything went normal to Hallownest for some time. The people of the kingdom started to praise you as their hero. Some of them even went to the temple and prayed there. You and the Dreamers were described as the savers of Hallownest...before the plague came back." Hornet explained.
The Pure Vessel looked down while the rain was touching his shining armor. Indeed, it could feel some emotions. And most of all what they felt was a little bit of guilt for what happened, even if it wasn't entirely its fault.
Hornet then turned on him and grabbed its arm, even if that wasn't typical of her. "You tried your best. Now there's nothing to worry about. It's all over." She said.
The Hollow Knight looked at her and then at the rest of the town. This was what made Hornet ask her next question. "…What will you do now? The Pale King recognized you as his child. Technically…you are the one who should go at the throne." She said.
But…despite the fact that it could be the next king of Hallownest…the Pure Vessel felt like…that wasn't their destiny. Not anymore. It was like…their duty was over. What was it the truth? Nobody could say it, but the vessel looked at the opposite side of the city.
Even without words, Hornet immediately understood what was happening. "You…want to leave Hallownest? Are you sure of it?" She asked.
The vessel simply nodded.
"I see…so you are giving up the title…fine. After all…I can't force you. If that is your decision, that's fine for me. Surely Hallownest will find a way to get restored." The gendered child said before going inside a building. "Let's go to Dirtmouth. There's the exit." She spoke.
The vessel looked at the statue for one last time and then followed Hornet.
[Hollow Knight OST – Hollow Knight]
After taking a shortcut through the last stag of the kingdom, they reached the forgotten village of Dirtmouth, which was the last entrance to Hallownest. Even the people of the place was stunned at first to see the Pure Vessel, but they accepted it.
In the end, Hornet and the Elderbug were looking at the Hollow Knight, who was watching towards the exit of the city. "This is the exit of Hallownest. If you pass it, you'll travel through the outside world." Hornet said. The vessel turned to Hornet and nodded.
"…One last question…where will you go?" She asked. But the vessel simply shook his head. "You don't know…"
"No one knows what's in the outside world. I'm sure you'll find a place one way or another." Elderbug said. In that moment Hornet came closer. "Before you go…there's something I want to give you." She said, showing to the Hollow Knight what looked like a charm resembling a red bat. "It belonged to the vessel that travelled through the kingdom to find you…and presumably put an end to The Radiance…please…keep it for good." Hornet explained.
The Pure Vessel looked at the charm and put it inside a pocket of his armor. Their journey through the outside world was beginning, but first…it kneeled down to Hornet and stroked her head, making the Gendered Child embarrassed a little…but at the same time…moved, even if she didn't show it. Back when she was little, she and the Hollow Knight already met, and that time, it stroked her head and played with her for a while.
Hornet made a deep breath. "…This is it then…goodbye Hollow Knight and…good luck." These were the last words Hornet gave to it before heading to the old water well of the village that led to the kingdom.
The Hollow Knight looked at her…and turned around, moving towards the exit. Now…the siblings were separated and both of them were going to follow their path. But..what would have happened to the one made of void? Only time was going to tell it. Only time…
After climbing a mountain…the vessel could hear the wind moving his cape…and they turned around to see the small city of Dirtmouth in the distance. They thought of all that happened in there and wondered if they would have ever came back…and then left definitely. The outside world was waiting them. They definitely left their house.
This…was the goodbye to Hallownest.
[Prince of Egypt OST – The Burning Bush]
The Hollow Knight made a long walk after it left Hallownest…but they didn't know what awaited them. First…a rocky route with a heavy wind blowing up. The vessel had to make some extra effort to pass it. The road ahead was mostly blind, but they still proceeded.
Then…they came across a long desert. Luckily, this one was only a long travel that occurred them a whole night. And it was also in that moment…that the vessel who only knew the dark and the ceiling of a palace…saw for the first time the stars of the night. The magnificent sight that accompanied the world for so long. It was a creature of the dark that first saw a light…one that didn't hurt. After crossing the desert, the vessel rested inside a small cave.
After the desert…another mountain showed up…then a giant lake…
The travel occurred many days…a travel without destination after all. But despite it, they preserved.
And in the end…They reached a field covered in a deep mist. They could barely see…but after keep going…They saw something it didn't see for a long time.
A sign.
The Pure Vessel came closer and looked at it. It was shabby, but legible. This was what it said.
"To Zarudia"
The sign led to a road that presumably brought to what looked to be…a new land. A sense of curiosity made the vessel go in that direction.
But…the Hollow Knight didn't knew…that the same sense of curiosity would have led them to an experience…that would have changed their existence.
The road continued with a deep mist that made uncertain the path made. Only the grass below could be seen, and only the sound of a soft wind could be heard. What was beyond the fog? Only by going forward, the answered would have came.
The Pure Vessel continued their road with calm and without showing sign of fatigue or anxiety. Much like the vessels that preceded, they were used to this type of quests. After being sealed for years, nothing could have scared them more.
In the end, they reached a point where the fog was lower and could see what was in front of them. The vessel could see some houses in the distance. Was that the entrance of this Zarudia?
Without thinking twice, the Hollow Knight came closer and entered inside what turned out to be a small village. When they came, it could see a small sign that was saying 'Muddy Village'. Presumably it was the name of the location.
[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders OST – The Plot Lurking in the Mist]
Muddy Village was a small location that counted only a few number of houses. It only had a straight way, one entrance and one exit, which leaded to a plain. The ground was dirty and muddy, like the name suggested. And the houses weren't at the best of their state.
The Pure Vessel walked through that unique village and caught the attention of the local people. A mother with a baby, three insects who were sitting on a bench, one who was playing a sad melody on a violin and two workers. These two in particularly noticed the armor they were wearing. "Who the hell is that dandy?" One of them said to the other. "Usual tourists…they think we are an attraction…tch." The other answered, before taking a box.
The vessel looked at them but then proceeded. They didn't care at all. By looking better, they noticed that apart from the house there weren't much places, there were only a bar and a small church. Surely someone could say that this was only a passage zone, where travelers pass on to have a break and then continue their journeys.
Then, the attention of the Hollow Knight was caught by someone screaming. They turned around and see that a bee was tormenting a smaller ant, by grabbing him on the neck and the bee seemed pretty annoyed. By coming closer, the vessel could hear their conversation.
"I told you to give me back 300 Geo, and you only have 67!" The bee exclaimed. "I-I'm sorry! This was all I could gather from work!" The ant answered scared.
"Listen here, you small ingrate, last time I spared you from beating you up, but if you don't give me those Geo right now, I'm gonna- AGH!" The bee was going to start punching the weaker insect, until he felt something stabbing him. When he looked down, he could see a long nail on his belly, and turning around he saw the Pure Vessel, the one who stabbed him. They took off the nail from the bee's body, who saw the knight in horror and fell to the ground dead. The ant was shocked by the sight, while the vessel remained neutral. Then the young boy came closer shaking and kneeled. "O-Oh thank you, might knight…h-here, these are yours!" The ant then wanted to give his Geo to them as a thanks, but the Hollow Knight simply shook their head and left. "Who…who is that guy?" The young ant wondered.
From that little experience, the vessel now knew that like in Hallownest, the money used in that kingdom were the Geo, so if they needed they could have used them. They also remembered that before leaving, Hornet gave them an acceptable amount of Geo, even if she didn't knew they could be useful, but just in case. Not knowing where to go, the Pure Vessel decided to get inside the bar to see what was inside.
[Bud Powell – Un Poco Loco]
On the inside, the bar looked like a regular one, with many tables, some lanterns on the ceiling to make light and many insects that were drinking, talking or playing cards. There was even a small band on the angle that was playing a jazz melody. To the vessel, this was almost a new place, since there weren't many inns back in the kingdom of Hallownest. They came closer, noticing that the mood of the insects inside the bar was different than those of the village. What could mean? Either way, the Pure Vessel came to the bench and sat down, near to a mosquito that looked quite drunk. He made a deep breath, meaning that he just ended drinking. "Hey barman! Another blood red wine!" He said, putting some Geo on the bench. The barman came and gave him a red bulb that the mosquito drank with pleasure. By looking at the bulb, the vessel had a little shriek on his back, since it was similar to the bulbs of the infection. So they tried to not look at them much.
Then the barman, a large cockroach with a white dress looked at them. "Oh, didn't notice you. Welcome, there's the menu. What would you like?" He said, showing to the vessel a small piece of paper on which were written the food and drinks of the place. The vessel made a good look and then pointed at one meal. "So…lettuce's meatball?" The barman asked. The vessel simply nodded. "Very well, what do you want to drink?" He then asked. The vessel looked back and pointed at one of the drinks.
"Honey brandy? Got it…it's gonna be 125 Geo." The barman said. The Hollow Knight simply took the money and gave them to him. "Thank you. I'll come back with all in five minutes."
While waiting for the ordination, the vessel turned around to see the other insects sitting at the bar. There were insects of various species and sizes, but most of them were of large dimensions, unlike in their homeland where there were more smaller insects. And most of them had weapons on their back, just like them. It was probable that many of them were travelers from other places.
"Here I am." The barman returned with a plate that contained the lettuce meatball and the honey brandy. "Enjoy the meal." He said. The Hollow Knight took a bite of the lettuce, even if someone couldn't know if they had the mouth or not. They found it over all good, so they continued to eat it, and after that, they took a sip of the brandy. They could feel a sweet taste going down on their throat. So the vessel made a nod for showing that they liked it.
"You like it? Thanks. But…tell me…why don't you talk?" The barman then asked. The vessel of course didn't know how to answer, but turning on the left, they saw some papers and a pen. So they grabbed them and wrote something. After finishing, they gave the paper to the barman who read it. " Let's see…'I don't have the gift of speak'…so you can't talk. It's really bizarre…but after everything that happened here in Zarudia I can find it even normal." He said before looking better at the Pure Vessel. "And that armor…are you from one of the capitals?" He asked, but the vessel shook his head. "I see…you're another stranger. Where you come from?" The barman then made another question. But this didn't bother the vessel, that took another paper and wrote the answer. "Hallownest…huh…never heard of that place before…" The barman said once he read the paper. "Well, surely you must have travelled far. Take the time you need to rest and…play with other insects? I don't know."
The vessel then heard someone behind them. Turning around they saw three insects playing poker. A ladybug (It was male), a stick insect and a strange insect that had four long and black antennas. It was tall and looked like a big veil put to someone. It remembered a silverfish. (Author's note: This character is the same species of Ze'mer of the Five Great Knights). The insect also had a pointed hat on the head.
"Aaargh! It's already the third time you win! How can you do that!?" The ladybug exclaimed. "What can I say? It's only a matter of luck if I have the right set of cards!" The insect said and by hearing the voice, the vessel could know that it was a female. "Well good for me! I've got tons of Geo that I will need of through this journey!" She added while standing up and going towards the exit. The ladybug and the stick insect looked at her a little bit offended, since they still lost their money.
But just as the strange insect was about to leave, an insect rushed inside the bar out of breath, showing that he came there in a hurry. "THEY CAME HERE AGAIN!" The insect shouted, making everyone in the bar, including the Pure Vessel turn to him. "What do you mean?"
"Forshkigal and his gang of bandits! They attacked the village again!" The insect replied, making everyone in alarm, even if most of them didn't came from there.
"Seriously, bandits!? I can't believe it, I didn't know they were here…" These were some of the reactions of the clients of the bar. The strange insect was horrified by the news. "E-Excuse me." She said, before exiting the bar to see what happened. Even the Hollow Knight came out and what they saw was horrifying.
[Deltarune OST – Legend (Orchestral cover)]
Some of the houses of the village were almost destroyed, dead bugs could be seen on the ground and mostly there were many chests, boxes and carriages empty and messed up.
"Oh dear…this is….terrible." The strange insect said, with her eyes wide open (?). The vessel was beside her and looked in silence. While looking, they also saw the female bug who looked at them before trying to comfort her little daughter who was crying.
Even the Barman came out and sighed at the sight. "It always happen at this point…" He said. The strange insect turned to him, wanting to have informations. "I don't get it, who is this Forshkigal?" She asked.
"Oh right, you probably come from outside the land, so you can't know. Forshkigal is a bandit that leads his own gang. They usually come from village to village to take food, money and sometimes even women by force. They don't show mercy to no one and even kill to get what they want. Like today, they came many times in this village, taking advantage of its state to steal from the locals. Many tried to stop him, but he's too strong. The dead bugs you see are the proof of his tremendous strength." The barman explained. "H-How can they let this happen?" The strange insect wondered.
"Sadly, due to the ongoing war, there's no more knights or strong fighters left to defend. The cities and villages are left to their own." The barman answered. "A…war?" The strange insect asked.
The Hollow Knight looked at the scenario…and strangely, even if they were a being made of void…they still felt something. The sight of the desperate insects remembered them the ones from Hallownest that were crying out for help back when the infection was spreading throughout the kingdom. The same duty to defend them came even this time. Even if that wasn't their kingdom, they felt a strange sense of defense. They needed to do something at least. So they took a step forwards, catching the attention of everyone. The vessel then took his long nail.
"W-What?" An insect asked. "Wait…do you intend…to help us?" Another one demanded. The vessel turned the head for an inch and nodded. Soon, the desperate faces of everyone turned to happy one. "Oh, thank you, mysterious knight!" A third insect said, bowing to them.
It was incredible that even if they didn't know them, the insects put so much faith in the Hollow Knight. What made them so special? Whatever the answer was, this made the strange insect interested as well, as she made a decision. "And they won't be alone. I'll go as well!" She exclaimed.
Soon, the insects of the village started to clap and exult to them. "You really wish to help us?" The barman asked. "Absolutely! As a witch of the white magic, I cannot stand here and let devilish people like them do whatever they like. I'll stop them! Of course, with the help of this knight." She answered, pointing at the vessel, who nodded. "So where did they go?" She then asked to a bug. "They went to the exit!" The bug answered, pointing at the other side of the village.
The strange insect nodded and thanked him. "We have a destination then! Let's go!" And so, the two of them headed to the exit, with one simple target. Forshkigal. They were ready to stop his misdeeds once and for all.
The barman looked at them with his arms crossed and a smile on his face. "They sure look strong. Maybe they really can do this. In that case…good luck!" He said.
[Super Metroid OST – Lower Brinstar]
The Hollow Knight and the witch headed to the plain that followed the Muddy Village in order to follow Forshkigal. The sky was dark and full of clouds and the plain was empty and desolated. An environment full of sorrow, but this wasn't new for the vessel.
"So…that bandit went through this direction…the first thing we have to do is to find something that is associated to him." The witch said, looking around before she remembered to ask one thing. "Oh right! We haven't introduced ourselves yet! My name is Amabe! I'm a witch that practice the white magic! In other words, I use it to make good! What's your name?" She said, presenting herself and revealing her name and then asked to the vessel, who took a piece of paper and a pen (Which they took from the bar) and wrote their name on it.
"Pure Vessel…the Hollow Knight…is that your name?" Amebe asked. The vessel simply nodded. "I see…you surely are an unique one. Well, pleased to work with you!" She added.
After walking for a few minutes, Amabe noticed something on the ground. "Oh! Look at this!" She said, lowering her head. Small dots could be seen there, which could only meant one thing. "These are footprints. And…judging by the fact that almost no one passes through here, these must belong to Forshkigal and his minions!" She said. The vessel could notice that the witch was really smart and careful to every inch of detail. "All we have to do is to follow them, Pure Vessel, follow me!" She said, starting to walk towards the direction of the footprints with the Hollow Knight following her.
"You know…I never thought that I would have came here and already done something for this land. It's strange, but surely exiting! After all, it is my duty to fight against the injustice!" Amebe said, wanting to have a chat. The vessel moved their head a little bit to the right. "Oh, you're probably wondering what do I mean. You see…I'm not from here. I come from a place known as 'Lands Serene'. It was a calm place that also had these strange flowers that were very delicate! It was over all nice. And after I became a veteran witch, I started to wander through the world to do my job." Amebe explained.
Hearing the place 'Lands Serene' and the strange flowers…made the vessel remember something he heard from his father, the Pale King, a long time ago. He was mentioning one of his fellow knights that came from the same place and that she brought some particular flowers from her birthplace. The peculiarity of those flowers was that they were extremely fragile. One touch and they would have been broken. So Amebe was coming from the same place as that knight?
But that question was soon forgotten when they saw something, a reason why they went quick. "Did you see something?" Amebe asked while following them. She then saw that the vessel stopped, pointing at something with their finger. "What did you- Oh…" The witch stopped as well when she saw what they saw: The entrance of a giant cave. Amebe looked down, and noticed that the footprints they were following stopped right there. "Do you think what I think?" She asked to the Pure Vessel, who nodded. "Forshkigal probably came here. Probably for spending the night and then go away by tomorrow morning. Either way, we have found the hideout of our bandit! Good shot, Pure Vessel! Let's keep going!" The witch then complimented the vessel for finding the cave and went through the entrance. The Hollow Knight took his nail and went to the cave as well.
[Kingdom Hearts II OST – The Underworld]
After entering the cave, they could see that it was darker than the usual. This was probably a place someone should have been after taking a lantern. "Man, sure is dark here, right?" Amebe commented. "But don't worry! I know how to deal with this!" She added before making a strange symbol with her paws. "Es werde Licht!" After saying the phrase, her whole body started to shine of a pale light that made everything more clear, like she became a living torch. The vessel was surprised to see her, since they never saw someone doing that, despite having a similar technique.
"Like it? I can make spells of every type and every form! With this, the road will be much easier." Amebe said, moving while still shining.
For a while, the road proceeded calmly. The cave seemed to go downhill, and aside from the rocks, the only things they could see where some mushrooms and small bugs that looked like bats flying over the place. "So far, so good…this cave is longer than I expected to be! It's like we are on a different world now! We could be even underground!" Amebe commented again. By hearing underground, the vessel remembered of Hallownest that was a kingdom built underground, but then they heard something not right. After making a step forwards, they heard the ground trembling which meant that the earth was fragile there. Feeling it as a danger, the Pure Vessel quickly grabbed Amebe and jumped away. As soon as they jumped, the earth crumbled, showing some spikes hidden.
"Woah…you saved me. Thank you!" Amebe said, while going down. The vessel then threw some white arrows at some parts of the ground, which crumbled showing other spikes. "Oh! I see! They're a trap after all! You look expert with these types of things!" The witch added. The vessel simply nodded as always. Their training back at the White Palace made them prepared with every type of situation (Especially after how hellish that training was).
The knight and the witch then proceeded by jumping in order to avoid the spikes, of course while being careful not to fall to other points where the earth was fragile.
But then, their attention was caught by a strange groaning noise they started to hear. "What was that?" Amebe wondered, looking around. The Hollow Knight already took their nail for precaution. "You say there's something dangerous right here?" The witch said. And the thought of the vessel wasn't wrong.
There were some minutes of silence and then…
[Final Fantasy VII OST – Let the Battle Begin!]
A giant and long worm-like creature came out of a wall and headed through the two of them with the mouth wide open. Both the Pure Vessel and Amebe jumped away in time to avoid it, and the vessel proceeded with attacking the creature with their nail, impaling them at the back. The worm made a strong yell of pain and then slammed the vessel to the ground by giving them a strong hit with the tail. But this didn't stop them from standing up. Furious, the worm roared at them and started to charge.
"Watch out!" Amebe advised them, but the vessel knew how to deal with them. Their free arm became shadowy and when the worm was coming closer, the arm became three giant tentacles made of void that disintegrated the monster immediately. "Wow! Incredible!" the witch said, amazed, but then she heard another groaning behind her and in a matter of seconds, another giant worm creature came out from a wall and tried to attack her.
Amebe moved to the left in order to avoid it. "I guess it's my turn now." She said. She then opened her arms and above them, four magical spheres appeared and went against the monster, making it explode.
[Final Fantasy VII OST – Victory Fanfare]
"Target destroyed!" Amebe said happy while the Hollow Knight put away its nail. "You surely are strong and fast! I can clearly see that you are a veteran warrior." The witch then complimented with the vessel, who nodded.
By proceeding forward, they met even more obstacles like ravines, broken roads and more entrances in one room. All obstacles that the Pure Vessel and Amabe surpassed easily.
After an hard road, the two travelers reached the end of the cave. The ground was sandy, and by looking at it, the same footprints of the plain could be seen. This only meant one thing, Forshkigal was close.
At a certain point, the Hollow Knight and Amabe could hear someone talking and laughing. "Did you hear that?" The white witch asked. The vessel nodded. "Let's move slowly…" Amabe added. So the strange insect started to move her paws very slowly in order to not make any noise. The vessel did the same. Helped by the fact that his legs ended in a pointy way.
And by coming closer, moving their head behind a rock, they could see a giant dragonfly turned around looking at something with the help of smaller insects. They quickly presumed that dragonfly was Forshkigal himself. And from staying hidden in the rocks, they could hear their discussion.
"Ahahahah! This is the tenth robbery this week, boss!" One of the minions said with a smirk.
"Indeed. A great loot. I should really be grateful to that dwarf of Lord Farquaad. With his consent hidden as 'actions of war', attack and steal from the local villages has become more easier. He gets satisfied with the attacks to the other kingdom of this land and I get satisfied with what we get. Truly, this is the greatest work someone like me could have! Don't you agree boys?" Forshkigal answered, accompanied by the laugh of his minions.
"Oh really? And you think you can go unnoticed with this?" A voice from behind them said. This immediately alarmed the bandit who quickly turned around to see the Pure Vessel and Amebe. "Who are you? Are you soldiers from Nepherius?" He asked, looking at them menacingly while holding six sabers on his arms.
The vessel moved their head to the right, not knowing what he was talking about. "Nepherius? We don't know what that place is. We only came here to take you on! Give back what you stolen from the Muddy Village at once!" Amabe exclaimed.
Forshkigal at first looked at them in silence…but then started to laugh, like he was mocking them. "Really? Two outsiders that want to help a tiny little village? What is this? A fairy tale? Try to grow up! What good do you think this will give to you?" He said.
"Oh really? Then what do you think what you're doing will give to you?!" Amabe asked, starting to get annoyed by his words.
"The power we need in times like this. Someone who comes from another land wouldn't understand what we are all passing. But this is what happened when two kingdoms are clashing in a titanic war. Everything gets destroyed. And the weaklings and the ones who live in the shadows can only do two things, hoping for luck to find what you need to survive, or steal from the others. This is the only way you can survive here on Zarudia!" Forshkigal answered.
[Kingdom Hearts Chain Of Memories OST – Face It]
Those words made the Pure Vessel even more curious about what was going on this new place they had found. They were used to know what was like living in a crisis, after all what happened with the infection of Hallownest. But this time, the situation was slightly different. A war between two kingdoms? What was going on? Why that? Too many questions that now weren't going to have an answer. Yet…the Hollow Knight still proved anger towards the bandit. Even if he was saying the truth, that couldn't justify a mean act like his. So they took their nail and get prepared.
"Really? Even after knowing how things work here, you still wish to beat me, puny knight?" Forshkigal said, looking at them. But even Amebe started to charge her magics. "I don't know what they're thinking. But if they wish to fight you, they're doing the right thing. Just because you are facing a critical situation doesn't mean you can take advantage of the weaker ones!" She said.
At this point, the dragonfly knew that it was pointless to talk with them. So he sighed. "Ok. If you insist…we'll take on you. But seriously…what's so good about fighting for a land that's not even yours!? Accept it! THIS IS THE REALITY! KILL THEM!"
[Hollow Knight OST – Mantis Lords]
The minions of Forshkigal started to run towards the Hollow Knight and Amebe, but the two of them were prepared for this. Once they got closer, the vessel quickly swinged their nail and impaled one of them. Then they threw the dead body over another bandit, who clashed against a wall and kicked away a third one.
"What the!?" Forshkigal exclaimed. The minion who fell on the ground stood up and looked at the Hollow Knight angrily. "YOU'LL PAY!" He shouted before charging against them. The vessel held tightly the nail and then attacked with hit. In a matter of seconds, they were behind the bandit, who stood still with his eyes wide open before getting cut in half. But four more of them were trying to jump on them. "GET THEM!"
In that moment the Pure Vessel clashed their nail to the ground, and under the bandits, four giant nails impaled them. "He got rid of them so easily…just what the hell is that knight?" Forshkigal wondered with a drop of sweat coming down from his head.
Meanwhile, other bandits were trying to kill Amabe, but the witch already created a magical chain that went against them fast like a snake that saw his prey. Soon, the bodies of the bandits were reduced to tiny pieces. "STUPID WITCH!" Another bandit tried to attack her by using a barrage of punches, but Amabe quickly moved to the right to avoid him and cut his head with her sharp paw. Still another insect tried to attack her from above, but he soon found himself getting disintegrated by a beam shoot by Amabe.
Forshkigal was shocked to see the pieces of all his minions in the ground. "U-Unbelievable! How can you two be so powerful!?" He exclaimed, still shocked.
The two travelers, after cleaning themselves, looked at the chief bandit. "If those were your bodyguards, I wonder how they survived for so long." Amabe ironically said. The Pure Vessel was still standing on guard, preparing themselves from an attack.
Forshkigal at first looked at them angry, but then made a giggle. "Ok, now I know that I don't have to underestimate you. I have to say it, you're both pretty good." He said, before making a grin. "But you still don't know that you messed with the wrong bug." The dragonfly then held tight his six sabers and looked at the vessel, first. "Let's start with you…" He said before starting to run. "I'll show you WHY THEY FEAR ME SO MUCH!" He then started to attack with all of his sabers, with the Hollow Knight defending themselves with his long nails.
Forshkigal continued impetuous, using both strength and speed, but the vessel didn't hold anything back and started to attack as well, even if the bandit was able to block the nail easily. The two warriors continued to give attack until they gave a strong one that made their blades clash and make a loud iron noise that could be heard from every part of the cave. "Anf, yes, indeed you are powerful, nameless knight! To think that you would have been able to keep up with my sabers! But remember that people like me…are not loyal! NOT EVEN FOR AN INCH!" Forshkigal exclaimed, making his wings move fast so that they could generate a strong vibration that could paralyze the movement of the vessels. Even Amabe had to cover her ears. "Aaaaah! It's to noisy!" She exclaimed. The Pure Vessel had to let go the clash to cover their ears as well. "AHAHAHAH! Do you like this, you stupid dandy!?" Forshkigal was already feeling victorious, but he didn't knew that the Pure Vessel knew how to counterattack. Soon, they started to concentrate the souls inside their body, and the two of them were surrounded by a circular barrier.
"What the!?" Forshkigal exclaimed, looking around, while Amabe looked amazed at what the Hollow Knight was doing. "That's…a spell! I get it, they used the souls they accumulated from the bandits to release them into that attack!" She thought.
In the end the barrier became a small explosion that fully hit Forshkigal, making him slam against a wall. "GAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" The dragonfly stood up while still feeling the pain from that dangerous attack, but he was scared to see that five smaller balls were around the area, ready to explode. Forshkigal could feel the fear growing stronger, so he started to fly in order to run away, but he ended up inside one of them, which exploded in that same moment. "AAAAAAAAH!" The bandit was laying on the ground again, groaning for the pain. When he looked up, he could see the Hollow Knight and Amabe right in front of them. "IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIH! OKOKOK I GET IT! I-I LOST! I'M SORRY FOR WHAT I'VE DONE!" The bandit quickly started to excuse to be spared. He then pointed at the stolen merch. "T-Those are the stuff you wanted, right? You can take it! It's all yours! You can give it back to the Muddy Village, but please! SPARE ME!" His voice also started to become ridiculous.
The Pure Vessel and Amabe looked at each other for a couple of seconds. Then, another magical chain started to wrap around the dragonfly, blocking his arms and wings. "Try to make something dirty and you'll regret it." The witch simply said. Then, she and the vessel started to gather all the goods stolen. But Forshkigal had not given up yet. He managed to take off two of his wings from the chain and made a small vibration that was enough to break them. Then, without getting noticed, he took his six sabers and then…"How stupid you are…in a place like this…THERE'S NO PLACE FOR MERCY!" He exclaimed. Forshkigal then flew fast, trying to stab them from the back. But then…
Amabe quickly turned around and used another magic, a psychokinetics one, which blocked the stunned Forshkigal in mid-air. "W-What!?" He exclaimed.
"We advised you. Do you really want to die that much? You don't know how this makes me sad but…your wish has been granted." She said. The vessel's hand started to shine, and from it many small arrows started to stab Forshkigal in the chest. In the end, the bandit fell to the ground, and this time, dead.
Amabe made a deep sigh and looked down. "I really don't like when I have to do this. I know that as a white witch, I have to stop evil but…killing another insect…is just sad. It's about breaking another life. Yet…I know how this goes." She said, explaining her ideals about fighting. The Pure Vessel understood what she meant, even if they couldn't speak. They could tell that she was a good-hearted individual. So, to comfort her, they leaned their arm to her back. Amebe made a small smile back (?). "Thank you, Pure Vessel…come on! Let's give this stuff back to the village!" She said, as they started to take back all the stuff.
[Deltarune OST – Friendship]
The return to the village took some extra time due to the transport of the merch, but the Hollow Knight and Amabe managed to return to the Muddy Village. The people were amazed and stunned. For so long they had seen Forshkigal getting away after doing a massacre with no one being able to stand against him. But now, something was changed. The bandit that brought despair in that tiny village was no more.
After some moments of silence, the inhabitants of the village started to cheer the two travelers and ran fast to get their stuff back. Many of them thanked and kneeled. Their sign of gratitude was immense and made Amabe smile. "Well…at least we brought some hope to these people!" She said. Even the Pure Vessel was feeling satisfied. And for a moment…they remembered all those times they were praised by the people of Hallownest, as they described them as their hero. In that moment, the vessel could hear someone touching their cape. When they looked down, they saw a small girl holding a flower. She extended her arm and said "Thank you, great knight!"
The Pure Vessel looked at the flower in silence and then grabbed it. They then stroked the little insect's head, who giggled and came back to her mother. Even the barman came closer with a smile. "To think there was actually someone strong enough to defeat someone like Forshkigal. Thank you. This village owes you a big favor." He said.
"Don't worry! We are glad to see that everything went good! Plus, it was a piece of cake. Right, Pure Vessel?" Amabe said to the vessel, who nodded.
"I see…so there's still some purity in this world…but seriously…if there's someone I can do to repay you, all you need to do is ask!" The barman said.
In that moment...Amabe thought of something she had heard from the bandit before. A question that both her and the vessel wanted to know something about. "Now that I think of it…there is something we can ask. Back to the cave, we have heard that in this land there is an ongoing war. What is happening exactly?" She asked.
The barman made a more serious stare and sighed. "So you've heard of it as well. Yes…there is a war right now. But unfortunately I don't know that much. But someone in this village actually does!" He said. "And who?" Amabe asked.
The barman then pointed at a direction. When the two turned around, they could see a church that was standing near the exit to the village. "Did you see that church? The priest knows many things about what is happening. You can ask him. But be careful, he's…weird." He said.
"Oh! I see. Thank you so much." Amabe told him, bowing her head. "Come on, let's go!" She then started to move towards the holy building with the Hollow Knight following her.
The night came over to the land when the two reached the church. The holy place was small and white with two blue glass windows on the front side and a small tower where the bells were placed. A mere coincidence caused that once the vessel and Amabe came closer to the door, those same bells started to ring, announcing the change of hour. "Woaaaaah…if I have to be honest, this place gives me creeps…don't you think?" The witch asked to the vessel, who remained silent. "Well…whatever…" She added, before slowly opening the doors of the church.
Once they went in, silence reigned all over the place. They could even hear the echo of their own footsteps.
It was the moonlight that went through the windows that illuminated the place. The church looked like an average one, with many seats, a red carpet on the floor, and a small altar with a book on it.
The Hollow Knight and Amabe looked around to see the place, finding over all, calm and mysterious. "Interesting…from where I come there weren't many churches…" Amabe said in a low voice in order to not disturb. Even the vessel remembered that back in Hallownest there wasn't any church or place where to pray the gods, since their father, the Pale King, was the only being praised in the entire kingdom, once he took over all the land. "So…where the-" Amabe was going to ask the vessel another question but then…
"I see that there are more people who seek the help of the gods."
Suddenly, a voice could be heard from behind the altar, which made Amabe get scared. "Iiiih!" She exclaimed, before quickly turning the head towards the direction of the voice. The Pure Vessel did the same.
After some seconds of silence, some footsteps could be heard and a figure…came out from the shadows.
[Fate/Stay Night OST – The Church on the hill]
A tall prayer mantis with large horns, wearing a typical uniform of a priest, reached the two travelers. For some reason, his presence made the two of them uncomfortable.
"Please, you don't need to be scared." The figure said. "R-Right…sorry…" Amabe answered, getting back to a composed position. The vessel looked at the mantis deeply. They thought that this figure hid more than meets the odd. "Are…are you the priest?" Amabe then asked.
"Correct. My name is Eleison. It is I who call upon the higher beings to ask for mercy and salvation to this little place." The mantis answered, revealing his name.
"Well…my name is Amabe. This knight here is called Pure Vessel. You see, we come from distant lands, and we ended up in this land after a long journey. But recently we have heard of a war that is running through this place. They said to us that you could know something more." The witch then explained.
"I see…even if you're not from here, you get worried about the place. The world is surely made of interesting bugs." Eleison said, looking up with a strange smile, which made the Pure Vessel more confused. "Anyways, you came here for answers and I'll give you those, as my job. Please listen well, as I tell you the tale of the tragic conflict that is destroying this land."
Despite the behavior of the priest, this was the fact that mattered the most for the two travelers. And now they were about to know the whole situation.
"You see…unlike other lands…this one is divided by two great kingdoms. The kingdom of Nepherius and the kingdom of Duloc. They both possess one great portion of the land. The border between the two kingdoms is marked by the Forest of Bewilderment. Due to this war, whoever surpasses the border and enters in the other kingdom is automatically considered an intruder and has to be dealt with if ever discovered." Eleison started to explain.
"And how this war began?" Amabe asked.
"It all started around five years ago. When Nile, the capital of Nepherius got suddenly attacked by an army coming from Duloc. The attack was stopped after a couple of hours, but this action made the king of Nepherius quite…irritated. Before that, the two kingdoms never communicated before, but this attack changed everything. After some research, it turned out that Duloc was planning to make a surprise attack to Nile and kill the king. It was clearly an action of war. The whole kingdom of Nepherius found it outrageous and decided to answer. This…is where all started." Eleison continued.
The Pure Vessel was silent, but they still were caught in those words. A situation they never lived before. "Strange…I've never heard of conflicts like this. How is it possible that this war is not over yet?" Amabe then asked.
This made the mantis giggle. "You clearly never experienced a war closely. What made the situation still ongoing to this day, is that when it comes to war force, the two kingdoms are at the same level and no one manages to prevail on the other. The armies are indeed strong and both kingdoms have a special order of knights at their service. Many speculated that this is destined to become an infinite war. While others said that only an unexpected event could turn the tables."
It was in that moment that the Hollow Knight came closer to Eleison and looked at him much deeper. The two looked at each other for some seconds with Amabe not knowing what was going on.
Then, Eleison spoke. "Your silence tells more than a thousand truths, wandering ghost. You're asking me what is the reason of this war. Or maybe…you're asking me…how to stop it?"
This made Amabe gasp. "You…understood him?" She asked.
"Of course. I can read the mind and soul of the people. I can see their thoughts and true will. And this…vessel is seemed to be guided by a strong will free of emotions. And those two questions is what they told me." Eleison answered.
"Amazing…" Amabe simply said.
"But unfortunately…I don't know about the answers. They had never revealed the reason behind the attack to Nile. And as I said before, no one knows if this war is ever going to end. Even though…there is someone that maybe knows the answer." The priest continued.
This made the Hollow Knight more curious and willing to know what could be done. "And who?" The witch asked.
"Far from here, in the far east, on top of the Pointed Mountain, lives a Lich. An omniscient being that it said to have received his powers directly from the gods and that knows everything and can even makes wishes come true." The mantis replied.
"A Lich…I read something about them…they are between the strongest wizards in the world." Amabe said. "Correct. You see…you are not the first travelers that came here at Zarudia. Many before you tried to cross the whole land in order to reach the lair of the Lich. But all of them met their demise…killed by the forces of the two kingdoms or by the inhabitants of this land." Eleison told them before turning to the Hollow Knight. "And yet…will you try to make this…impossible quest?" He then asked.
Even if they couldn't talk, the answer was pretty obvious. Even if they didn't know why, the Pure Vessel still wanted to do something for this land. Maybe they could have found the answer during the journey. So they nodded.
"I thought so. In that case…a long journey awaits. If you want to reach the Lich, you'll have to travel through the whole land and even cross the two kingdoms, who will no hesitate to strike you down, if you turn to be opposed to them." Eleison said.
"Don't worry! They're not alone! I'm going with them! After all, I'm a white witch! Facing dangers is my job!" Amabe said before looking at the vessel with a smile (?).
"I see. In that case, I've told you everything that I know." The priest concluded. "Thank you so much for your availability." Amabe replied. The vessel bowed their head in sign of gratitude. And in the end, the two headed to the exit.
Amabe was the first one to come out from the church. But before the vessel could go…the priest said this.
"You should rejoice, empty knight. At last, your dreams will come true."
The Hollow Knight moved their head for an inch and then exited as well.
After getting all the information they had to take, the Pure Vessel and Amabe exited from the Muddy Village and looked at the plain in front of them.
"So…it looks like we are going to face a long journey. I…don't know what await us…but…" Amabe said, looking at the vessel.
[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Golden Wind OST – Squadra]
"We both are strong fighters who want to know the truth of this land shrouded in mystery. If we stay together, we shall be able to take out every obstacle we shall face! Don't you agree?" She said. The vessel simply nodded. "Very well! Then let's go!" The witch concluded, starting to walk.
The Pure Vessel looked at the vast plain that was waiting them. An old hero of a distant and forgotten land now found themselves on a new quest to find something else on their life. Finally, they found a purpose to their journey. And they were going to complete it. So they took their long nail, and started to walk as well.
This…was the beginning of the Hollow Knight's journey.