As I make my rounds through the kingdom, I keep a close eye on the little ghost's journey. It seems to have some idea of where it is going. How, I do not know. The map it carries is surely useful for backtracking, but is it truly searching for the dreamers? I have my doubts, but as long as the vessel continues making progress toward breaking the seals, I will not interfere.

While it stumbles around, the vessel occasionally takes time to assist other bugs that it comes across. Returning a key to a shopkeeper, trading trinkets to a foolish relic collector, saving the life of that delusional "knight of great renown". I do not know why it wastes time with such trivial errands, but I suppose it must have a small amount of compassion beneath that mask.

At present, the vessel has been traveling through the fungal wastes for some time. After looking over its map, it takes out its nail and begins slashing at a wall. Nasty spores and fumes are sent flying through the air, but the vessel would not care, seeing as it has no nose. Even after the wall has been cleared of all fungi, the slicing of the nail persists. This behavior is…bizarre. Does it sense something buried beyond the stone? I make myself known with a clearing of the throat.

"Little Ghost"

Its mood seems to brighten when it sees me.

"Just what are you doing?"

It stares at me for a moment before pointing at the stone wall.

"Yes, I watched you hack away at that wall for what felt like ages. I am wondering why you are doing this."

It takes a second to think, and then holds up a map.

I snatch it from the ghost and take a look. "Ah, you believe there to be a hidden passageway beyond these rocks?"

It nods.

"Little Ghost, you are a fool."

A tilt of its head shows its confusion.

"Your map is upside-down. There is nothing behind this wall except for more stone. It is likely that the passage you wish to find is somewhere you have already traversed."

The vessel stares intently at the wall. I hand the map back to it.

"Do you understand now?"

It looks back and forth from the map to the wall, no doubt, trying to make sense of its mistake. Finally, it looks up at me expectantly.

"…What is it?

It rushes toward me, but, before it can get too close, I point my needle at the little pest.

"No hugging!"

The vessel stops in its tracks, looking a bit dejected.

"I was simply helping you get back on course. You need not shower me with unwanted affection."

The vessel takes a moment to think before raising its arms again and approaching slowly this time.

"I said no! Even if you ask politely, I wish for no touching of any sort."

It seems to have given up on listening and charges at me yet again. Not even the threat of my drawn needle seems to give the ghost pause. Like a troublesome shadow that will not leave my side, it latches onto me.

I sigh. "Will you not quit it with these childish games?"

It says nothing as it only squeezes tighter.

I take another deep breath. "Fine. I will not let your strange antics upset me anymore. Enjoy your hugging and then leave me be."

It makes no sound as it continues to indulge itself.

"Hmph. I do not know why you are so determined to cling to me. You are that of a lovesick grub."

Thankfully, the vessel finally releases its hold on me.

"Now then, enough distractions. You have a mission to complete, Little Ghost. Do not lose sight of it."

I part ways with the vessel for now, but our latest encounter has given me even more questions to consider. Why does it feel such fondness for me? It is true that it is, technically, my half-sibling. Is the little ghost somehow aware of this fact? That would certainly explain its bothersome behavior toward me. However, no vessel should be aware of the connection we share. Perhaps its feeling of strong affinity for me is something that is a part of its very being. It would be strange were this the case, but vessels are strange creatures themselves, and the little ghost even more so than the rest.