Hollow Knight Stairway To Heaven Chapter 2: Family Career

By Bluestar076

Hello guys! Bluestar here with the second chapter of this story! In this episode, another one of the main characters will appear and also we shall see at the beginning someone who shall have a key role throughout the whole story. The new protagonist that will appear was created by a dear friend of mine, so all credits go to him. Plus, have you heard of the recent Silksong news? I've really got excited to see what new type of story Team Cherry had prepared for us and there's also the possibility that this game might be even bigger than the first game. I can't wait the release! But for now let's dive into the chapter, and as always, enjoy!

Note: I do not own Hollow Knight. All rights and characters go to Team Cherry.

Chapter 2: Family Career

[Metroid Prime 3 Corruption OST – Dark Samus in the heart of Phaaze]

It was situated at the extreme east of the land known as Zarudia.

An environment where few lives were present. A place where the only sky known was pitch black. Darkness and loneliness reigned supreme. A strong wind that could move even big rocks, and the lightnings that could set everything in flames. A last tap for many travelers that could have been reached only after faced long and terrible situations. A place someone dared even to call a zone of the hell.

This…was the Pointed Mountain. A mountain at least 8000 meters high and placed at least 60 km away from the capital of Duloc. The ones who came to Zarudia mainly knew of this creepy place, for the rumors that spread around it about the mysterious being that lived on the top of the mountain.

The reason why it was known as Pointed Mountain was because the top had five long peaks that looked like a giant demonic hand. And between those peaks, there was what all travelers wanted to find: A dark and gloomy castle. It had a strange yet unique structure, since many of the towers were connected to various parts of it. Some of them were on the lowest floors, some in the middles and some towers were close to the higher one. In total, there were nine towers. The castle had a dark blue color, while the windows were illuminated by various lights.

And in the highest of the tower, an explosion could be heard. It seemed that a heated meeting was taking place.

"NGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" A giant insect was using his mace to try breaking a barrier created by his opponent, whose silhouette could be seen in the shadows.

Despite his power, the insect couldn't still break that magic defense and in the end, the other presence released a powerful counterattack from the barrier that fully hit the giant bug. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" The warrior fell on the ground, making a strong noise in the room. He was now dead.

The figure that defeated him made some steps forwards to come closer. This made his aspect visible. He was a being with two long horns on his head and the mouth that looked like a beak. His eyes were of a glowing blue and he was wearing a long purple cloak with three fuchsia lines on the middle of it. He was also wearing some golden gauntlets, suggesting that behind the cloak, there was an armor and was holding a long scepter with a globe suspended in mid-air.

This being sighed, looking rather disappointed. "So many souls to play with so little time. This is…starting to get boring." He said. "Still…" He then reached out his hand and from the body of the dead insect, a small white sphere came out of his body. It was his own essence, his soul. "Another piece of the collection is added." The strange individual said, turning around and putting the soul on a giant circular container of glass that was standing behind a throne. When the soul was put in, the container made a wide light for some seconds. After this, the being sat on the throne. "To think I even gave him the chance to come here and face me without having to battle the others. The warriors who come here are starting to become really weak." He said. In that moment, he could hear some footsteps coming from outside the room. "Hm?"

From the other side, the giant door was opened by another insect. A tall butterfly that had a black color, while her eyes and her wings were purple. This bug came at the center of the room and kneeled. "Forgive me for this disturbance…Great Lich Kether." She said, revealing the name of the being, who was none other than the legendary insect that could make miracles.

"Ah, it's you. There's no need to be worried, Malkuth. This…fight, is already over." Kether answered, making some pause before saying the word 'fight', because he wasn't entirely sure if it could have been called in that way.

"I came here to see if everything was alright, my master." Malkuth said, still kneeling. "Not even a scratch. He went down easily. He probably wouldn't have resisted even a second against one of you." The lich said.

"What about the soul?" His servant asked. "Already in the holy reactor. We are close, my dear…but tell me, Malkuth, how is the war between Nepherius and Duloc going?" Kether said.

"Still on a situation of parity. Some day ago, there was a conflict between the two armies at the dam, but they both had to retreat." Malkuth replied.

"So they're still ongoing, huh? I really expected more from two kings. But at the same time…seeing insects who strive to live…is an interesting show to see, even for superior beings like us." Kether said, before coming up from his throne and going forward a window, looking at the clouds under the castle.

[Kingdom Hearts Chain Of Memories OST – Castle Oblivion]

"For years…I've stayed here on this mountain…watching from above the life of all the forms of life in this world. I saw their births, their evolutions, and even their deaths. As a lich, I'm a form of life far superior of all the common bugs that live in Zarudia and in the other lands, but still…these insects…manage to interest me…they attire me…making me…wanting them to become one with me…" The lich spoke.

"And…where this interest came from, if I ask?" Malkuth asked after listening to her master's words.

"Funny question, If I have to be honest. The insects made me curious various time after managing to do even the most impossible tasks. An example…is a recent fact that hit me more than other times. Something even I thought couldn't happen." Kether answered. "And…what is it?" Malkuth said.

"It appears that around a month ago…the forgotten goddess of light and dreams, known as The Radiance…was destroyed." The lich replied, making Malkuth got stunned.

"T-The Radiance destroyed!? That's unbelievable! How could a deity…!?" She asked. "Your shock is understandable. Yet it still happened. Nothing could tell it could have happened, but it still happened. And it was one tiny empty soul, that managed to do this. Apparently, an insect called 'Godseeker' went to the land of Hallownest to pray and seek gods. And her prayer made The Radiance reach her perfect form. And after that, the deity battled a tiny empty vessel. What the Godseeker didn't predict was that her prayer powered even the little vessel, that was able to destroy The Radiance and kill the seeker herself. How foolish…devote yourself too much to the gods could bring you to an end, because you could ever know…what you could end up doing for them." Kether explained.

"Unbelievable…" Malkuth simply said. "This surely is a big change not only for the people of that forgotten kingdom, but also for the history itself. And…there's a part of me that thinks that this event will change things even here…I'm sure of it…" Kether continued. He then sat on his throne. "Malkuth, here's your new task."

Malkuth quickly came back at the center of the room and kneeled. "Yes, my master?"

"I want you to move around Zarudia and look after the actions of the Great Knights of both kingdom…and see if there are other travelers that wish to come here. That's all." The lich ordered.

"It will be done." Malkuth replied, before standing up and leaving the room.

Kether remained there, sat on his throne and looking at the reactor behind him. "I can feel it…before long…this war will finally have an end…" He said, making a sinister and silent laugh.

(Author's Note: Even for this story I've made an opening! This time I've made it on my own but I've asked to star eyes pendulum dragon if they could do something to improve it. What you're about to see is the version I've come out with. Then in the future we shall see if we can make it better. But for now, let me know how does it look like. Enjoy!)

[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*

It was another cloudy day on the land of Zarudia. By now, a week since the sun shined through the whole land last time. The darkness took over everything once more, but the insects that went there didn't care of this, since their major priority now was to survive these hard time. A new day had begun, especially for two travelers who had just started their long journey.

The Pure Vessel was sleeping inside a small cave. After leaving the Muddy Village, he and the white witch called Amabe started to go across the large hill that would have led them into their next destination. But, after a few moments, they've realized that it was starting to get really late and thought that going outside in the middle of the night would have been more dangerous. So they went to find a place where to spend the night. After some minutes they found a small cave and slept in there.

When the Hollow Knight opened their eyes, they saw Amabe, who was already standing outside the cave looking at the dark horizon. It was a matter of seconds before the vessel reached her. The strange insect turned to them and made a smile (?). "Good morning, Pure Vessel! Did you sleep well?" Amabe asked. The vessel nodded. "Good! Before you woke up, I've took some food that is boiling right now! It should be ready in a moment." The witch added. The Hollow Knight looked down and saw a small pot with a soup and some small bugs in it.

A few seconds later, the meal was ready, and Amabe served it in two small plates and gave a wooden spoon to the vessel. "Here."

The Hollow Knight looked at the meal. They could feel a spicy perfume coming inside their nose. So they took a sip and over all…it was good. So they turned to Pure Vessel and nodded. "Glad to see you like it!" Amabe said before starting to eat as well.

Despite the gray sky and the desolated plain they were standing in, it was over all a calm breakfast. Both of them were able to eat in peace and calm, until they finished the meal. Amabe washed the plates by using a small water source that was placed close to them. "To think we ended up resting in such a comfy place!" She said, while the vessel was standing behind her. "Say…Pure Vessel…how do you feel about this land?" She then asked. The Pure Vessel tilted their head.

"You know…a land that has an ongoing war for such a long time…a Lich that knows everything…don't you find it strange? I mean…this world is full of magical creatures like us, so I shouldn't be surprised at this point but…I don't know…I think…there's something else…something that goes above a common type of comprehension." Amabe explained.

Even the Pure Vessel thought about this for a moment. It's true, since they had lived in the land of Hallownest, there was nothing that could surprise them anymore. But…there was actually something that went directly in their mind.

The last words of the priest.

What did he meant by their wishes finally come true? Did he knows something more than what he said? But most of all…how did he knew…that the Pure Vessel had some wishes they wanted to grant? But most of all…did they…really had a wish?

The white witch looked at her friend, worried. "Uhm…are you ok?" She asked. By hearing that, the Pure Vessel blinked their eyes and shook their head. After that, they nodded. "Maybe I've made you tilt…sorry about that!" The witch said, before getting her stuff. "Come on! Let's move!" The vessel followed her. They decided to leave those questions for another time. Right now, they had a long journey to think about it.

[Deltarune OST – Field Of Hopes And Dreams]

A whole plain was waiting the two travelers. Before going to sleep, the two passed only a small part of it. Now that it was day, the journey officially started in those fields covered in the darkness.

"So…we actually have a small problem. The priest said that the Lich lives in the Pointed Mountain. And that in order to reach it, we have to pass to all the land of Zarudia. But the problem is…we don't know nothing about this land…and I don't know how much the inhabitants of the Muddy Village could tell us. How do we move?" Amabe said at a certain point. It was surely a big problem, but the Hollow Knight didn't look worried or something else. They looked at the witch and pointed forward. The white witch seemed confused by that.

"Hm? What do you want to say?" She asked. "Wait…ooooh! I understand what you're trying to say! For now let's pass this plain, so maybe we'll found a place where we can ask for. Is that what you're thinking?"

The vessel nodded. "Nice, Pure Vessel! I'll trust you!" Amabe replied, starting to move. "Oh, and another thing. Don't worry, if we stay together, Nothing will scare us!" She added with a smile (?). The vessel kept that in mind and proceeded with her.

The plains were completely green, with still some water flowing through the grass and there were even some Vengeflies flying through the place. Despite the destruction caused by the war, it seemed that there still were some untouched places that kept their beauty (Even if it was cloudy in that moment).

The Pure Vessel and Amabe kept walking and looking around. Another thing they tried to see was some other insect to interact with. They didn't know how much time they had to spend there and what lied beyond the plain. So seeing someone of the place that was passing there before heading to the next 'checkpoint' wasn't a terrible idea.

And then…they actually found someone. A small group of ladybugs was sitting near them. They had dots of different colors and were all wearing a hat on their heads. The group of those bugs were talking between themselves and laughing for some reason. Hearing those laughs didn't make the Pure Vessel so convinced, but Amabe wanted still to talk to them. "Come on! Maybe they know something!" She said, before coming closer to them. "Uhm…excuse me."

By hearing the voice, the five ladybugs stopped laughing and turned on her, making a little yell. "AAAH!" Amabe was confused and worried. "Oh sorry! I didn't mean to scare you!" She apologized, but those insects still didn't answer. They only looked at her and at the vessel, who was standing behind her. "Uhm…" Amabe tried to get attentions, but the ladybugs turned around and whispered among them.

"Who are these guys?" One of them asked to the others with a strange accent. He was probably from one of the cities of the land. "I don't like the way they are dressed. Too white and shiny, are they guards!?" Another one said. "Calm down, my buddies. Everything is alright…just act as always, and we'll even get out of this situation with something back." The third one ended the discussion with his smooth voice. Judging by his clothes who were more clear than the other bugs and by the fact that he gave orders, this ladybug in particular was the leader.

In the end, the five insects nodded and turned back to Amabe. "Uhm…we didn't mean to scare you, gentleman. We intend no harm." She said.

"It's all right, signora. It's just that we didn't expect it. Please, tell us what you want. We'll listen gladly." The ladybug replied.

The white witch was happy to see that they were apparently kind. "Oh thank you. My name is Amabe, and this one here is Pure Vessel. We have actually started a long travel through this land. But we actually don't know where to go. Could you give us some indications?" She asked. Somehow, this question made the five ladybugs interested, since they came up with "Oooooooh!" with a smile on their faces.

The vessel stared at them more carefully. Their suspects were growing only more bigger. "This is our chance…" The leader of the small group said in a very low voice to his minions. He then looked at the witch. "Oh! Two poor and lost vagabonds! You should be very cruel to not help someone like you! Of course we shall give you informations…but not for free!"

At this point the Pure Vessel made a sceptic face. Those words were kind of hypocritical. But Amabe didn't notice it and sighed. "I suppose it's fair." She said, before checking on her pocket and took some Geo from it. "Here, 500 Geo."

The ladybugs made a large smile and took the Geo quite fast before bursting into laugh. "AHAHAHAHAHAHAH! Thank you for being so stupid! Farewell!" They said before running away with unexpected speed. Amabe was there, shocked. "Wait, HEY! COME BACK HERE YOU THIEVES!" She said before starting to chase the small group. The Hollow Knight looked at the scene before shaking their head. They couldn't believe she didn't notice the obvious trick those Ladybugs were doing, so they started to run as well.

[Deltarune OST – Rude Buster]

The ladybugs were running faster than an usual bug of their species, like they made a special training for this type of this situation. "We did it! We got more money!" One of them said. "Think of all the precious stuff we could buy with them! Ahahahhahahaha! We'll finally be able to get a life of luxury!" The leader of them already started to fantasize about the future, without noticing that they were being chased. "I don't think so!" A voice made them turn around, only to see that Amabe and the vessel were after them.

"Oh shoot, they are chasing us! Stop them!" The leader ordered. After hearing it, two ladybugs ran towards the two travelers. "Oh so you want to play it that way?" Amabe said, before using psychokinesis on one of the bugs, who was astonished of what was happening. "E-Eh!? Why can't I move!?" He exclaimed. It was then that Amabe used the magic to make him go higher and then throw him away. "Oh no! NononononononoNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooooooooooo…" The insect shouted before flying away. What was his end? Who would have known?

In the meantime the Pure Vessel saw the ladybug approaching them, so they took the nail in order to defend themselves. And when the ladybug attacked them, his fist slammed against the nail, making him recoil, giving the vessel the chance of doing a parry attack, cutting the thief in half. This view made the remaining ladybugs get a shriek on their backs and ran faster.

"Hurry!" Amabe exclaimed. The vessel ran again and jumped in order to reach the leader faster. But the two remaining minions threw themselves against them fast as two arrows. They hit the Pure Vessel with two punches on the chest, making them fall on the ground and while they were falling, the charm that Hornet gave them before leaving Hallownest came out and fell as well, but without any type of damages. The ladybugs took the chance to run away.

"Pure Vessel!" Amabe said, while reaching them. The vessel simply stood up and looked at her. "I'm sorry…it's my fault…I should have been more careful…" The witch said, but she noticed that the Pure Vessel was looking at the grass. When she looked down, she saw that charm that looked like a red bat. "What's that?" She asked, while the vessel grabbed it. "Is that yours?"

The Hollow Knight looked at the charm deeply, like there was a mysterious force that was attracting them. What was exactly that charm? Did it have some sort of secret power? Was it a dangerous or cursed item? The only way to find out…was to use it. And somehow, the vessel knew how to do it. They put the charm near their neck, like a valor badge. Even Amabe was curious to see what was that.

At first…nothing happened…but then…it was unleashed.

[Hollow Knight OST – Nightmare King]

A crimson flame surrounded the Pure Vessel, but it didn't burn them. An outstanding power could be felt by everyone in that area. A terrible magic that made the thieves stop and get frightened.

"W-Woah! What is this!? I can sense…an energy fully made of nightmares…as if in the charm…lives a strong creature!" Amabe said, amazed. And…she was right.

The charm flew away from the vessel and stayed in mid-air before getting surrounded in more flames, that transformed it…a shape…could be seen…and in the end, a terrible shockwave was released from that form that expanded through the whole plain. Even insects that were afar from there heard it.

The flame extinguished and the figure that came out from it…gently descended to the ground. Everyone was speechless in front of him…of this creature.

A bat with an horny head, crimson eyes that was wearing a long black coat first looked at the Pure Vessel and the witch. "Who…is that?" Amabe thought. The vessel didn't do anything…they didn't even stood on guard. Somehow…they thought that everything was alright.

The figure then turned to the three thieves, who were trembling with an unspeakable fear like they saw the reincarnation of the devil. But they couldn't do anything. The bat already teleported in front of them. "AH! G-GET HIM!" The leader shouted afraid. The two minions jumped on him, but this creature had quick reflexes. He scratched the first one with his claws that looked like a long and sharp blade, killing him and shoot a small bat of fire that instantly incinerated the insect, reducing him into ashes.

The bat then looked at the leader, who was alone now. The small ladybug was trembling. He wished it was all a dream. But nothing could save him right now. "T-That…THAT'S A DEMON! HELP ME-" He shouted desperately before the bat grabbed him by the legs and started to shake him. "AAAAAAAH!" From the ladybugs's pockets, many valor items and the geo stolen from Amabe came out. And when the pockets were empty, the creature looked at the ladybug with a smirk and threw him to the ground.

The ladybug looked at the bat with full terror on his eyes. The bat instead…did nothing but just staring at him. Until he said only one word. "…Boo!"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" This was enough to make the ladybug run away in fear.

Then the bat came closer to the stolen merch…looked at it, and grabbed the 500 Geo.

Amabe didn't know what to say. She couldn't believe that a simple charm could hide such a powerful creature inside of it. "A-Amazing…" The Pure Vessel still looked at him.

The Bat then came closer to them. The vessel and Amabe didn't know what to do. He still did nothing but they knew what he was capable of. So what was the true? Was he a friend…or a foe? But the answer came out in that moment, since the bat raised his end with the Geo to Amabe. "I believe these are yours, lady." He said. His voice was deep and elegant, like some kind of lord.

[Hollow Knight OST – Accordion Brumm]

"Oh! Thanks" Amabe answered while finally taking back her Geo. The bat smiled and even made a bow. "Oh you're welcome. It will always be a pleasure to do any kind of favor for my partner." The bat said, pointing at the Pure Vessel. They tilted their head to the right, confused. "Partner?" She asked. "Of course. As the one who used the charm to free me, a contract was made between them and me. My future troupe will always have a great debt for you, since you made possible my future tributes to the Nightmare Heart." The bat replied, making elegant moves with his arms.

It seemed that for the vessel this was fine, while the white witch seemed interested in the words he just said. "Nightmare Heart? So that is why your essence is one made of nightmares. Who…are you exactly?" She then asked.

"Glad to hear that. I am the future master of the troupe that will serve the Nightmare Heart through my kin. My father Grimm travelled through many lands in search of the perfect nutriment for this. And then, through the contract with a vessel, just like my partner…I was born. I grew up along them even though…I still remember that I was only a cub a few time ago. Hmmm…could it be that the prayer of that weird Godseeker made me increase my power and reach my adult form?" He said, presenting himself.

At those words, the vessel lowered their head. He was clearly talking about the vessel that probably defeated The Radiance and stopped the infection. They couldn't believe that bat had a connection with the little ghost.

"Anyways…whenever they used the charm, I was summoned…a little and cute bat like me! Shooting small fire balls! And…getting the wrong aim…but…the last thing I remember…was them fighting a giant and bright moth…then everything went black and I turned back to the charm." The bat continued. Now it was sure…he was talking about The Radiance.

This made the Hollow Knight sad. They were happy that somehow, he got the chance to get safe…but…they didn't know what happened to that vessel. One of the many rejected ones because not hollow. At least…the Hollow Knight wanted to say thank you to them. But they couldn't think of it now, so they raised their head and looked back at the bat.

"I see…a rather interesting story…so…what are you going to do now?" Amabe asked.

"As the child of Grimm…my destiny is to take place of my father and lead his circus! Like him, I shall lead the greatest shows that the insects will ever see! And I will start with this land! I will even see if there is something I can offer to the Nightmare Heart! But don't be scared my friends…the experience I had with that little ghost made…good! In a certain way! I intend to give people nightmares through joy and happiness as a respectable living being! In other words, despite my looking, I'm not evil! You've got a friend in me!" The bat replied. "And since I'm bonded to this vessel through my awakening…I shall then…follow you." He added, surprising both the vessel and Amabe.

"You mean…you'll join us?" The witch asked, liking the idea. "It will be my pleasure, my dear…following you on…whatever you are doing will be by debut show! Through this experience…the world will learn more of me and my future troupe!" The creature replied.

The vessel nodded. He didn't seemed so first, but now it was sure that he didn't have bad purposes. "I think our friend Pure Vessel likes the idea as well! Ok, you can join us….." Amabe said, before realizing they were forgetting something. "Now that I think of it…you didn't tell us your name."

"I actually don't have one…but if I have to choose…I think I'll call myself…Lyebet." The bat replied, baptizing himself with a new name.

"A curious name…fine! Welcome to the group, Lyebet! Hit the trumpets!" Amabe said, pointing her hand to the sky.

[Deltarune OST – Fanfare]

Lyebet joins the team!

Both Pure Vessel and Lyebet looked at her with worried eyes…and took some steps away from her.

Pure Vessel and Lyebet take the distance from Amabe so that they cannot be associated with her!

Amabe looked at them. "…What?" She asked.

And so, another being had decided to join the Hollow Knight's journey through the devastated land of Zarudia. The more they were, the more powerful they would have became after all, and with that, the more chances of achieving their goals were present.

After the newcomer's introduction, the trio returned to travel the plains. Lyebet also noticed that the thief forgot his hat, and by looking it, he found it quite elegant. So he decided to pick it and put it over its head. During the walk, Amabe explained everything they heard and saw the last day, in order to make him understand what the situation they were.

"I see…an ongoing war…such a dramatic scenario for my entrance. The destruction of something like this is something such big that no insect could hold the pain inside themselves…" Lyebet said, making smooth moves with his hands.

"Yes…the priest told us that on the other side of this land, lives a powerful lich that knows everything, even the cause of this war and if there is a way to stop it. So we are heading there." Amabe replied. "I see…it surely will be a long and dangerous journey. But, I am still optimistic! We three are different from the rest of the creatures that live in this world. Our powers combined are unique, and can make spectacular actions of levels that no one, not even the deities have seen! The travel may have started, but we will all end with our goal accomplished, and close the curtain with a spectacular show of fireworks!" The bat replied with a big and deep voice, showing his enthusiasm. The Pure Vessel was simply looking at him, finding him funny.

"You sure are excited to do this." Amabe said with a smile (?). "But of course! The debut show is always the most important one in the career of an actor. The excitement can barely be held! Plus…if we manage to end this conflict, I will be recognized as a hero! That surely will be a big advertising for my future troupe, and there will surely be some bugs that will join me in my pray for the Nightmare Heart!" Lyebet continued his speech, but right in that moment, the vessel stopped and pointed at something. The other two noticed them and stopped as well.

"Huh? What's wrong, Pure Vessel?" The witch asked, while the bat looked at the direction they were pointing and saw something peculiar as well.

An entrance carved on some rocks that led to somewhere.

"I see…and you think this will make us exit this plain?" Lyebet asked. The vessel shrugged, but still wanted to go in there. "I guess you're right. We might as well try." The bat said. "We've been in a cave yesterday and we've been able to get out of there alive. Even I don't see problems in go in there!" Amabe added. But…her words were put in doubt right after she said it, as the group heard something from that entrance. It sounded like some footsteps of someone coming closer, like someone coming out.

"So…are you…ready to do the stuff you've done before?" Amabe asked to Lyebet while preparing an attack spell. "Ready as ever to serve my partner." The bat replied, opening slowly his coat while the Pure Vessel already took their nail.

The sounds were starting to get closer, just like the tension. What would have come out from that place? Was it an enemy? The three of them looked carefully. They've knew that this land was full of hostile insects, due to the pression caused by the war. So they knew they had to be ready for any inconvenience. And then…someone finally came out. But…it wasn't what they expected.

A flying ant came out limping. The group was horrified when they saw his poor conditions. He had various signs of bites all over his body. His wings were completely cracked and broken and he had a long cut on his leg, the reason why he limped. The ant stopped and saw the group, who immediately took away their weapons. The injured insect breathed heavily. "Am…am I finally out?" He asked.

[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Golden Wind OST – Dusk]

The Pure Vessel stared at him in silence and nodded. By looking at the answer, the ant started to cry. "F-Finally…at least I'll be able to spend my last moments…at the surface…" He said, before falling down.

Pure Vessel, Amabe and Lyebet immediately ran to him. Lyebet grabbed him and made him lay in Amabe's legs. "H-Hey! Hey! Don't worry! Everything is ok…hold on…" The bat said to him.

"Anf…anf…sorry…thank you for being so kind to me…but…I can see it…" The ant replied by touching his wounds, and seeing the blood in his hands. Despite that…he smiled. At least his last moments were about to be in peace. "My life…is ending…"

The Pure Vessel looked at him. Just like other times, even though they were supposed not to feel anything…they felt something. A disturbing and distressing feeling…of pain and sadness. What was that feeling? Why were they feeling bad for them? What…exactly what was going on in them?

"I'm…sorry…but…what's in that entrance?" Amabe asked. The ant was having problems at speaking due to the pain, but still…since they've showed availability for him, he wanted to help them back, even if he knew it was extremely dangerous for them to go. "That…is a tunnel that connects this plain…to Seadus…the palace of the sea."

"Seadus?" Lyebet asked. "Yes. It belongs to a noble insect that has a strong alliance with the king of Nepherius." The ant replied.

"I see…" Amabe simply said. "But…what made you end up like this? These wounds are not normal…" She then asked. "It…was…the being that lives…in the depths of the tunnel…a…terrible monster…" The dying ant answered. "It attacks everything that comes closer to him…and makes sure that they won't come out alive. I was able to escape before I was being eaten…but…this didn't save me from being attacked brutally. Never I have expected to meet something like that…"

"So you're saying that…if we go down there…and want to go to seadus…" Lyebet then said. "You'll probably face him…b-be careful…and…" The ant started to tremble. Amabe noticed that his pain was getting worse. She knew she couldn't save him, but at least, she wanted to give him a dead gift. She put a hand on his face and used a white magic that made the ant feel…better. "What…what have you done?" He asked.

"I'm a white witch that wanders around the world to make good…I may not be able to save you…so at least…I removed all the pain in your body." Amabe said with a smile. The ant felt moved by it and cried again. "T-Thank you…" He simply said. "Were…you trying to say something before?" The white witch then asked.

"Yes…a last warning for you…do not lose sight…of its eye." The ant said. Those were his last words…before he closed his eyes one last time.

Dead.

The group lowered their heads in sign of respect. Even if he didn't know them, he gave them some precious advise for what awaited them inside that tunnel, and they were not going to forget what he said not now or in the future.

They even decided to take some time before entering to make Lyebet bring the dead body back to the Muddy Village (Since he could fly, this made things easier). After some minutes, the troupe master came back and looked at the two of them. "So…how did it go?" Amabe asked. "The priest said that they will give him a worthy burial. I…hope his soul will find peace…somehow." The bat replied with some sadness on his tone. Even the Pure Vessel continued to feel pain. Why did that poor insect ended up in that way? How could this land be so brutal? Even if they were trained to endure that pain, the sight of everything that was happening made him shock every time. Just like Hallownest…this land was clearly living the true pain.

Then, the insects looked at the entrance of that tunnel. The Hollow Knight and Amabe now knew that this wasn't going to be like the cave they've explored the day before. This was going to be a more terrifying experience. But even so…they had to pass it. They were ready to use every way to make it through and find out the truth.

The vessel was looking at the entrance with a serious stare. Until Lyebet called him. "Hey, partner. I know what you're thinking. The words of that ant are making you feel anxious and scared, right? I understand that feeling, since it's one that makes what I am. As your comrade…let me give you and advice…just focus on your direction…and the road will become more clear. Just like me…the same can be said about you. We have a serious target after all, haven't we?" He asked. The vessel was happy to see that Lyebet was holding his promise to help him on this journey, so he nodded.

"I'll keep it in mind as well…" Amabe simply said. In that moment Lyebet smirked and adjusted his hat. "Very well then…let this act begin…"

And with that…the group entered…in the tunnel.

[Hollow Knight OST – Crystal Peak]

A long hallway, with blue crystals on the walls that emitted a blue and glowing light appeared when they entered in the tunnel.

Amabe was fascinated by what she saw. "Woah…" She said. "Marvelous… sometimes…even the most deadly places…have a side of beauty." Lyebet commented. The Pure Vessel looked straight and noticed that the crystals light made the road clear and knew how to proceed. So they started to move. "I see that they immediately go to the point. Straight as an arrow I see…" Lyebet said, starting to move as well. "This time there won't be any need for me to illuminate the way. At least I get to spare the energies for the monster that ant advised us about." Amabe added, doing the same thing of her friends.

The walk continued normally and the group looked around to see if there was something suspicious. Luckily, this didn't seem to be the case for now. "So, uh…do you think we'll see other dangerous creatures besides the monster?" The witch asked. The vessel shrugged while keep moving around. "It's probable, my dear Amabe. There are plenty of creatures that love to hide in the darkness that places like this guarantee. Creatures that adore to be territorial, defensive and hungry. Insects that act of pure instinct in order to survive…" Lyebet replied. The words he said made the Pure Vessel remember the situation of Hallownest. Back then, the bugs were aggressive due to the infection caused by The Radiance. But here…the insects don't have something that manipulates them or makes them go out of control. It seemed that not all the insects were born with higher thoughts and tend to hurt the others just to survive. In other words, here the bugs act of their own will. This was an important thought that the vessel had to keep in mind in order to stay alive.

At the end of the way, they could see the road continue from another side, but there was no ground from which they could walk. The group looked down and saw some rocks that led to a lower ground with a small flowing river that led to the other side, where there were some rocks that could be used in order to get to the other entrance. "Oh well! At least we can go down there and then go back from the other side. We'll be a little bit wet but I don't think that's a problem! Am I right gu-" Amabe was going to ask the others opinion, but immediately noticed something.

While the Pure Vessel was there nodding, Lyebet seemed to have disappeared. When she turned around, she could see him already on the other side and sighed. "Oh right…you can fly…" She said. "If it's possible I'll always use the shortcut. But fear not, my friends! I won't proceed. I'll just wait here." Lyebet replied, sounding like he was enjoying her reaction. The Pure Vessel didn't lose any seconds and started to jump on the rocks so that they could go down. Amabe shook her head in disappointment for her new companion and followed the vessel.

It took only a few seconds to go down, and when they did so, by looking at the right, they could see the rest of the river which led to a dark direction. "To think that there is water here…" Amabe commented. But the Pure Vessel already noticed something on the river itself. There were some bubbles going on the surface of the water. This meant only one thing: There was someone on that river. The vessel touched the white witch to advise her that there was something coming. "Huh? Is there something wro-" Amabe didn't have the time to ask what was the problem that a small blue crab jumped out of the river and attacked her on the head. "Ah! Get off me!" Amabe grabbed the crab and made it explode in many pieces with her magic. "So my thought was right…" She then said. And in that moment, even more crabs came out of the river and started to walk towards them with notable speed. The Hollow Knight took their nail and started to pierce through their body. One of them tried to jump on their head just like Amabe, but the vessel shoot a white spear that stabbed him and made him fall to the ground. Amabe on the other hand, used her magic to shoot laser beams from her hands to get rid of the small crabs that were aiming at her. The two of them didn't have problems, but the crabs kept going. It was in that moment that Lyebet clung himself to the ground, and by doing so, giant spikes appeared under the crabs, stabbing them.

The Pure Vessel and Amabe looked up to see that Lyebet was waving at them. "I got your back!" He said. Then, the knight and the witch simply proceeded through the river and climbed up to the other side. Lyebet grabbed their hands to help them reach him. "Thank you for before! But still…you could go with us instead of doing the cheap one…" Amabe scolded the bat, who didn't seem to care that much and instead kept smiling. "It's a small matter of fact, friend! As you can see, I didn't go away and even helped you." He replied, shutting Amabe. "You…got a point…" She said, feeling defeated. The Pure Vessel then turned around and saw the river. "You're wondering where it goes, right?" Amabe asked. "It'll probably head to the sea. After all…this tunnel is connected to the 'palace of the sea'. So we should expect it to go there and presumably…this river will make us company through the whole tunnel." Lyebet said. The vessel nodded and proceeded, followed by the two.

Then, after another short hallway, they saw a long and smooth descent that was a little bit wet. "I suppose we'll have to go down there, right?" Amabe said, before going down and starting to descend at high velocity. She wasn't scared and continued to kept balance without falling until she went down (It was like a long slide).

The Pure Vessel and Lyebet looked at each other and then went as well. Somehow, the vessel found it funny. After that, the group proceeded and found something particular.

A big amount of anemones of a transparent color was in front of them, waving gently. "What's…this?" Amebe asked. Out of curiosity, Lyebet came closer and tired to touch them, but when he did that, he could feel a strong shock going all over his body. "AH!" And then he fell to the ground, alarming the other two. "Are you ok?" Amabe asked. "These…things are extremely dangerous…we must not touch them!" The bat said while getting up. Indeed they were a problem, but the vessel noticed an even great problem: There were tons of them. Avoiding them was going to be harder than expected. "Well…how are we going to do it?" Amabe asked. Even Lyebet looked at them better and noticed something. "They're quite long…if I flew, there could be an high possibility that they could get me…" He said, but fortunately, Amabe remembered that she could do a special trick. "Oh right! Now it's my turn to help!" She said before moving her hands in form of a circle. A second later, the group was inside a circular barrier. This naturally surprised both the Hollow Knight and Lyebet. "Woah! Amazing! I can see that a white witch is much powerful than I thought…" Lyebet commented. The vessel could totally agree. The witch seemed to be always full of surprises. Thanks to the barrier, Amabe was able to make them pass through the anemones without getting hurt and get to the other side. Once there was no danger, Amabe deactivated the barrier. "This tunnel is surely full of surprises…it's incredible to think that ant was able to get out of here, injured in that way." Lyebet said, still sweating for the anemones.

While proceeding, they crossed a bridge which was standing above the river they saw before, which was going now from the right to the left, and after that, they reached a zone that was made of two walls very close together. By looking up, the group saw that at a certain point, there was an opening in one of the two walls. That was probably the next room. "It's kinda…high…" Amabe commented while Lyebet already started to fly over there, even if he had some difficulties in doing it due to the tight space. But somehow…the Pure Vessel knew what to do. They started to jump from one wall to the other until they reached Lyebet in the opening. This time it was Amabe the one to be surprised. "Amazing! We sure have some amazing skills…" She said, before starting to do it by herself. Her movements were more goofy, but she was still able to reach the others. The Pure Vessel remembered of their period of training on the white palace. The Pale King created a whole route of training which was full of walls put in that way, and the method to go through them was to jump in a similar way to that of a mantis. This was the exact same thing for them. "Now that we are here, we can go on." Lyebet concluded.

The next room was another bridge with tiny holes made of bronze above the river from before. By looking at the other side, they saw some strange jumping insects that were coming towards them. Somehow, the Pure Vessel was familiar to them, like they felt they have seen them before. "It appears that we have company…" Lyebet said before running towards them. He quickly cutted one of them, but it seemed that it wasn't enough to take him down. Also, when the insect got hit, it seemed like its face turned upside down. "What the!?" The bat exlcalimed before getting attacked by one of them. "Agh!" In that moment the Hollow Knight dashed towards the insect and cut it in half, making Lyebet getting up. "Thank you, partner." Lyebet thanked before he turned around just to see another one of those insects coming toward him. Lyebet opened his arms and released three small bats of fire that went toward the insect and burned him. A third insect showed up, attacking him on the back. "Gh, these extras are annoying!" He said annoyed before starting to shake. With some force, the neo troupe master was able to shake it off and then stabbed him in the chest.

Meanwhile four other bugs started to run towards the Hollow Knight, who started to concentrate the souls. When those jumping insects were going to attack them, the knight released a powerful barrier around them that destroyed the insects instantly. Amabe on the other hand, was running through the bridge generating chains made of energies that pierced through the insects bodies. Soon, the road was clear. Lyebet cleared his coat and commented the scene. "Those insects were unpredictable indeed…and they were quite annoying…"

"What matters is that we are free to proceed!" Amabe said. And they just did that.

After jumping from the other side of the brigde, the group found another small and circular area which was illuminated by a small yellow lamp on the ceiling. Around the room were four circular doors, two open and two closed. From the closed ones, they could see some water coming out and ending on the corners of the circle floor they were standing.

"I wonder what's the purpose of this room…" Lyebet said while the vessel was looking around. "Maybe to…filter the water better?" Amabe tried to guess, but they were immediately interrupted by the sudden sound of the two open doors closing. The Hollow Knight immediately stood on guard, as if they already understood what was going on. "W-What is the meaning of this?" Amabe asked. "I don't know, but whatever this is…I don't like it…" Lyebet answered while looking around. And then…it happened.

From the four closed doors, many small insects with a robust carapace started to come in, filling the room. It was like the three of them just entered in their nest. "Oh dear…it seems that we won't have peace…" Amabe commented while starting to create more magic. "Are you ready partner?" Lyebet asked to the Pure Vessel who nodded. And with that, the three started to run towards the insects.

[Kingdom Hearts OST – Night of Fate]

The Pure Vessel started to attack the insects with a combo of nail, but just as they were dying, more were starting to come. At some point, some of the insects started to shoot a green substance from their mouths, which forced the Pure Vessel to defend himself. But in doing it, they started to recoil and stumbled, falling to the ground. In a matter of seconds, the small bugs started to cover their whole body, trying to slowly destroy his skin with their tiny teeth. But right in that moment, the vessel made a barrier by concentrating the souls on their body, which freed them from the insects. The vessel didn't lose any time and immediately stood up, slashing with their nail all the insects that tried to approach them. They then filled one of their arm with void energy and released a giant tentacle that destroyed a notable quantity of the insects. But those small bugs just kept coming.

In the meantime, Lyebet jumped high and went down swooping, closing his coat like a spear. This made a strong impact and killed some insects. Still in that form, the bat dashed forward to eliminate more of them. But right in that moment, one of them jumped on him and bit him on the neck, causing him to bleed. Lyebet made a small shout of pain and grabbed that bug to throw him away. He then proceeded on opening his coat and releasing five bats of fire that went towards the insects.

Amabe was defending her self with the barrier from before while releasing some magic lances from the ground that impaled many of the insects. But even with this, they didn't stop coming. It started to look like an endless battle.

The three travelers continued to attack, but it all seemed pointless. The insects kept coming and didn't show any sign of decrease. The Pure Vessel continued and even made some combos with the nail, but even they were starting to show fatigue. "W-What are we going to do? At this point we'll run out of energy and they'll get us!" Amabe said while shooting white spheres at the insects. But it was at this point that Lyebet decided to use a secret of his. "I guess that there's no other choice. Pure Vessel! Go inside Amabe's barrier! I'll end this." He said. The vessel understood and ran towards Amabe, who expanded the barrier in order to make him enter.

In that moment, Lyebet flew up and started to inflate his body like a pufferfish, and from it many fire balls came out and started to decimate. Only one small insect remained, which was immediately stabbed by the Hollow Knight. All that was left in that room was tons and tons of dead insects. "Gee…I really didn't expect that…" Amabe commented. "This tunnel just doesn't stop to surprise us…" Lyebet added. The vessel on the meantime, the vessel saw the positive aspect in what happened, since the two doors were open again. So they took the chance and jumped to the other door. "At least we can move on…" The bat said, following them. But the group didn't know that an even bigger danger was waiting them right now. Something that they have been advised for.

After walking in another dark hallway, the group reached a giant and circular source of water that seemed to be incredibly deep, as if there was something down there. By looking around, they didn't seem to see anything else. "It seems that this is a dead end…" Amabe commented. Lyebet came closer to the water and looked at his reflex. "So the only way we have to proceed is to…go down here?" He asked. The Pure Vessel simply shrugged. "But…how are we gonna do it? We can't breath underwater! We would probably die!" He said. But Amabe didn't seem to be afraid of that. As a witch, she always had the solution to this. "Oh don't worry guys! Have trust in me and in my magic! Ahem…" She said before moving her arms. "Mit diesem Zauber ist die Luft immer bei uns!" After saying her spell, the three of them started to be filled with a blue color all over their bodies. The Pure Vessel looked at themselves, surprised. "With this, we can breath underwater with no problems!" Amabe said. Lyebet at this point was suspecting of her. "Is there something she can't do?" He thought. But he put that thought aside. They had to get out of the tunnel for now. With all set up, they ran and dived in the water.

Underwater, they could see something in the depth. So they started to swim. Thanks to Amabe's spell, everyone could move on the water much easily, but despite that, it took some minutes to reach the bottom of the area.

When they reached it, all they could see was sand and some pillars. "Are we really sure we're still on the tunnel?" Lyebet asked. Even the Hollow Knight didn't like what was seeing. Somehow…that place made them feel uncomfortable, like they knew something was wrong. The group walked around but didn't see nothing particular to be examined. "So, uh…where do we go? This area is pretty huge." Lyebet asked to the others.

"At this point we are forced to look all over the place to see if there is an exit. We're surely close by now." Amabe answered. But when she was starting to move, the Pure Vessel stopped her. "Huh? What's wrong?" She asked. As an answer, the vessel pointed at a point where the sand started to going down. "What's happening?" Lyebet wondered, but he was immediately answered since the ground started to shake, and from the descending sand, appeared a giant mouth with transparent tentacles.

"Oh…dear…lord…could it be…?" Amabe said looking at the others. The Hollow Knight already knew what was it and took their nail. "You're probably right…that is the monster that killed that poor traveler." Lyebet said before opening his arms. "So be it! The climax of this chapter has finally arrived! Let us make unforgettable to all the audience!" He exclaimed.

[The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess OST – Morpheel Phase 1]

The group was ready to attack, but before they could even do anything, the creature shoot three giants balls of sludge that went immediately on them and made them slam to the sand. "AGH! W-What was that!?" Amabe asked while standing up despite the pain. The Hollow Knight immediately ran towards the monster and tried to attack him with the nail quickly and strongly. But something unexpected happened, despite the power that they were giving to the slashes, the shell of the creature didn't seem to feel anything or crack. The vessel had their eyes wide open to see such a thing, and right in that moment, the creature used one of his tentacles to grab the vessel's leg, lift them and throw them against a pillar, causing them to feel a strong pain on the back and falling down.

Amabe was horrified at the sight of it. "PURE VESSEL!" She shouted before looking at the monster furious. "YOU BASTARD!" She exclaimed before starting to throw white spheres, which were immediately cut by the creature's tentacles. One of them then attacked Amabe and made her rub on the ground, until the tentacle was cut by Lyebet's wing. Once Amabe was out of trouble (for now) Lyebet aimed at the creature, swooping. But the result was Lyebet getting stuck in his shell. "What!?" He exclaimed while trying to get free in vain. The monster then closed his big jaws and made a powerful shockwave that threw Lyebet away, making him roll to the sand. "H-He seems untouchable…" He commented.

The Pure Vessel was able to stand up again and look at the creature. How could exist a monster with such high defence? Never they had witnessed something familiar. Was there really a way to stop him? The vessel tried to look for something they could use. They could try to break one of the pillars and throw it at him, but he would have probably chewed them in a matter of seconds. They could try to attack him in the mouth, but probably they would get taken by the tentacles and become his new meal. It seemed that this beast of nature was somehow invulnerable. But in that moment…the Pure Vessel saw something that made them turn on a light bulb.

They saw what it seemed to be a yellow eye pass through one of the tentacles. The Pure Vessel knew what it meant, since they remembered well the words the ant spoken before passing away.

"Do not lose sight…of his eye…"

They got it now. The eye was his weak point. Without losing time, the Pure Vessel helped Amabe standing up and pointed at the eye they saw to make her understand. "Oh! I get it now!" She said before creating a magic chain that aimed at the tentacle. The chain was able to get the eye off the tentacle, revealing that the tentacle itself was made of water. "It's all yours!" The witch advised the vessel, who jumped towards the eye and attacked it with a powerful hit of the nail. The monster could feel the pain caused by the attack and roared out of pain, making the earth crumble. The eye quickly swam back to the monster and went in its mouth.

Lyebet in the meantime stood up as well and reached the others. "What happened?" He asked. "We've discovered his weak point: The eye we've been told about. When we see it, all we have to do is grab it and hit it hard!" Amabe answered. "I see…in that case, let me help you with the orchestra!" Lyebet then said, starting to run towards the creature, who aimed at him with all his tentacles. The bat then stopped and started to fight back with his wings, moving and jumping in time when he had to avoid them.

The vessel looked at their friend who turned around. "While I keep him busy, find the eye!" He exclaimed. By taking the chance given to them by their friend troupe master, the other two started to run behind the monster to see if they could notice the eye. But it seemed that the creature predicted this tactic, and started to shood more balls of sludge at them. The vessel nimbly ran all over the area to avoid them, then they put their nail on the ground to make a greater nail appear and block the last one, while Amabe created small globes of light that destroyed the ones that were heading to her. The monster then closed his huge jaws and made three shockwaves that even made some of the pillars crumble. To avoid them, the Pure Vessel and Amabe jumped high, and when they did that, they could see the eye going through one of the tentacles.

"There it is!" Amabe exclaimed while using another magical chain that went down to the eye like an eagle that saw her prey. Lyebet could see her doing so, and jumped away from the other tentacles and reached his friends. The chain tied to the eye and dragged it to the three travelers who, with a combined slash attack, destroyed it.

The monster released an agonizing roar of pain and sank to the sand, closing the hole he made by coming up before. It seemed that the battle was over.

The travelers landed on the sand, looking at the spot where the beast appeared. "It was surely a strong opponent…to think that his weak point was an actual eye…" Lyebet commented.

"At least it's over…" Amabe said before looking around. "Now…how do we get out of here?" She then wondered. But…it was too soon to make that question.

Because the fight wasn't over.

The whole area started to tremble again, with the surprise of the group, who started to look around. "W-What!? What is happening!?" The witch exclaimed. The vessel looked back at the spot, and saw what they never would have expected.

From the sand…the monster rise again…and this time…he revealed his true form

A giant and long worm with a huge mouth and tentacles around his face, started to swim around the area, destroying all the pillars on the zone.

The Pure Vessel, Amabe and Lyebet were horrified at such sight. Never in their life they would have thought that a creature this big could ever exist. "N-No way…" Amabe said. "How is this possible…? We've destroyed its eye…"

[The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess OST – Morpheel Phase 2]

Everything was sudden, and they didn't have time to think, as the monster was ready to attack. He started to charge a giant beam from his mouth while aiming at them. Lyebet noticed It and pushed his friends away. "EVERYONE! LOOK OUT!"

When he did that, the creature released his gigantic beam that made tons of sand fly away, leaving a hole. "This creature was hiding that power?" Lyebet said. "The problem is…how are we going to stop him now!? We saw before that his shell is basically indestructible! There's no way we can attack him frontally! Dammit…now that we had the chance to see his body…" Amabe added, looking down feeling frustrated. But the Hollow Knight didn't think so. They thought that there was still something they could do. Just before, they found out there was a weak point. All they had to do was to go through the same process again.

Even though…a question remained…how?

How they were going to find out what was the problem? They already knew that distance attacks or direct attacks at the body didn't work. But the vessel still knew that there was a weak point, since no one is born invincible. They learnt it from their own experience. It was then that the vessel realized something. The only way to find out his weakness…was to get closer and see from themselves.

With that well in mind, the vessel started to run towards the tail of the monster, with the intent of climb on him. "Pure Vessel! What are you doing?" Amabe asked.

The Hollow Knight was running as fast as they could, while the monster roared and generated various balls of electricity from the tentacles on his head. The vessel did their best to avoid them between moving at left or right, jumping and even sliding, but they didn't notice that a ball was in front of them. "PURE VESSEL!" Amabe shouted, trying to advise them. And then…another unexpected moment happened.

In a matter of seconds, the Hollow Knight was filled with void energy and dashed through the spear, remaining intact. Both Amabe and Lyebet were surprised to see that sudden technique. "Woah! What was that?" The witch exclaimed. "They just passed through the sphere…were they hiding such magic? Such plotwist is incredible!" Lyebet added.

The vessel continued to run until they jumped to grab the monster's tail. The creature waved it in order to get rid of them, but with all their strength, the vessel held tight in there and started to climb through the monster's long body. It was a difficult attempt, since the beast was continuing to moving his whole body, which made being stuck harder for the vessel. Plus, sometimes, the beast generated a discharge through his body, so the vessel had to jump to avoid them. But in the end, they were able to reach the head, where they finally found out the truth.

Their thought, no one was born invincible, was right in the end. In the front of the head, there was another eye. Everything was clearer now, and now they could understand what happened with the ant. The traveler ended up engaging a fight with the monster and understood that his weak point was the eye and hit him various times. But then, the monster showed the rest of his body and brutally wrecked through the ant's body, who was able to escape. With that recollection, the Pure Vessel was even able to understand the monster's trap. At first, he only makes his face appear and attacks only in there, leaving a fake eye open to text if his prey is dangerous or not. Then, when the first eye gets destroyed, the monster shows his true form and tends to finish the opponent. But at the same time, by doing that, the monster reveals the true eye, that is connected directly to his brain. The Pure Vessel didn't lose any time and stabbed at the eye with their nail, causing the monster to feel pain.

"Did you see that?" Lyebet asked. "Yes! Pure Vessel hurt him somehow! I think…I know what to do…" Amabe answered. "Mächtige Ketten aus weißer Magie ... versiegeln das Böse, sperren das Biest ein!" After reciting another magic formula, she made magic chains appear from the ground that grabbed the monster and slammed him in the ground. Taking advantage of the situation, Lyebet flew towards the beast's head and noticed the eye as well, making a smirk. "I see now…" He said before attacking with his wing. "Now, partner! Make the curtain fall down on this battle and end this foul creature!"

The Pure Vessel nodded and stabbed again with the nail to the eye, before jumping away.

[The Legend of Zelda Twlight Princess OST – Fyrus Victory Fanfare]

The monster made one last roar of pain before smashing the head against the wall and die. Now the battle was really over.

The Hollow Knight put away their nail and reached the others. "You were able to find his weak point. Not bad!" Amabe said. "It surely appears that you are fit well for the role of main character just like me." Lyebet added. The vessel simply nodded. "Now…we only have to find a way out of here." The witch said, starting to walk.

After some minutes, they found an entrance that led to a stairway. By walking in it, they were able to get out of the water, and Amabe could deactivate the spell from before. "Now that I think of it…back when we were fighting that beast…how were you able to do that skill? You know…that shadow dash…" Amabe then asked out of curiosity. It was the first time she witnessed something like that, and wanted to know more. But the Pure Vessel shrugged, make her understand that they didn't know. "Oh…I see…" The witch simply said. "I guess it was spontaneous." Lyebet added.

Even the vessel started to think about it. How was that even possible? Was he able to do that before getting sealed to the Black Egg Temple? Was it some sort of hidden power that only now has been awakened? He couldn't give an answer from themselves. Maybe…there were some powers that only now could use after being freed from the infection. But for now…they just put that thought aside and focused on continuing the journey to find the mysterious Lich.

After one last hallway, the group could see a light at the end and immediately understood what it was. "That must be the exit!" Amabe said. "So, we've finally reached the end of this tunnel. I do have to say, for the prologue of my career, it was quite intense." Lyebet commented. "I guess you'll get used to it. After all, this journey is only at the beginning." The witch replied, making the bat giggle. "I know that well, my dear friend. And that is why I'll enjoy it. Very well! Without further do, let's go." He said while going to the exit, followed by the other two.

And with that…their exploration of the tunnel ended…and the light greeted them again.

[Hollow Knight OST – City of Tears]

The sound of the sea…and the sight of insects flying…greeted the travelers once they were out of the tunnel.

They were standing on an environment made of different rocks than those of the plain, and there was no grass at this point. Plus, they were now standing on a higher zone. "So…where we ended up?" Amabe asked. "Probably the tunnel was digged inside a mountain and we're at the top of it now." Lyebet asked, looking at the route that was standing in front of them. The Pure Vessel and Amabe came closer and looked as well. It was overall a good view. And the vessel spotted something that caught their attention, so they pointed it. When Amabe and Lyebet looked as well, they saw indeed something different.

Down in the distance…a blue palace that remembered a seashell…was standing in the middle of the sea, illuminated by the rays of the sun. "You think what I think right?" Lyebet asked to the others. "Yes! I think that is our next destination!" Amabe replied.

Even the Hollow Knight nodded, as they heard of that place before they entered the tunnel. The place which was connected to the plain by the tunnel itself, that belonged to an ally of the king of Nepherius, one of the two kingdoms in war.

Seadus, the palace of the sea.