The infection runs rampant throughout the Crossroads. It is an unnerving sight, but there is no point in dwelling on it. There was no course of action that could stop the plague's spread. It was impossible, until now that is. With all three of the dreamers' seals broken, the entrance to the Black Egg has been blown wide open. The Hollow Knight awaits our attack, but, first, we must discuss strategy.

"The path is opened. One way or another, an end awaits inside…Little Knight."

It looks up at me.

"I need you to listen to me closely, alright? No fooling around this time."

There is a brief pause before it nods. It appears…apprehensive.

"The only step remaining is for you to defeat The Hollow Knight and…take its place. You will become the vessel that seals away the infection's power. This purpose was what you were created for, after all. Even so…I…"

It tilts its head slightly.

"I am certain that there is another way. I know that there is another way! The heart of the infection is trapped within The Hollow Knight. It influences the bugs of Hallownest through dreams. So, what if you attempt to enter the dreams of that failed vessel with the Dream Nail you wield? You would be able to combat the heart of the infection directly, something no bug has ever had the opportunity to do. That makes sense…Doesn't it?"

It nods hesitantly.

"I know…My plan is all made up of theory. Reality may play out in a completely different manner. But, I…cannot let you take The Hollow Knight's place. To do so would mean sacrificing your future! You would remain trapped in this temple for the rest of your days…You do not wish for this…do you?"

It shakes it head with confidence.

"Right…In truth, I…have grown quite fond of you. You may think me callous or strict, but you're my dear, little sibling. Of all the vessels I came across, you were the only one to possess personality, to show any sign of character. It was such an odd occurrence, and it did not take long before I started to fear for your safety…just as an older sister might."

I did not realize it, but, in the middle of my confession, the vessel had grabbed hold of my hand.

"Simply put, I do not wish to lose you, Little Ghost. Because you are different from the other vessels, I do not know if usurping The Hollow Knight is even an option. I am unsure if there are any options, if I am being honest. Despite all this, you must make every effort to return here, intact. Understood?"

It does not answer, lost in its thoughts, perhaps.

"…Please, Little Knight…I know that you cannot promise me your safety, but…at least promise me that you will make every effort to walk out of here alive."

At this, the knight nods, resolutely.

"…Good. I will not be able to join you in this battle, unfortunately. The bindings put in place around the egg would quickly drain me of my energy, and I would just be a liability against The Hollow Knight. It would be senseless for me to treat my life so recklessly, no matter how eager I am to assist. However, if I feel the vessel's power begin to weaken, I may be able to offer my help in finding an opening for your Dream Nail, but I cannot know for certain."

It nods again.

"…It is time, then…Best of luck, my little knight. Your big sister will be cheering you on, so you have nothing to worry about…alright?"

It pulls me into a quick hug and runs into the Black Egg with its nail drawn.

"I believe in you, Little Knight."

Despite my beliefs, I cannot fight off the anxiety that builds up inside me as I wait in silence. The fight between vessels must have already begun, but I cannot hear any sign of their struggle. The Black Egg must be more spacious than it looks. And so, I wait. It takes a great deal of concentration to rid myself of these daring thoughts that flood my mind. I wish, so badly, to be by the little knight's side during this pivotal moment, but I am unable. Standing idle is all I can do.

After what feels like an eternity, I start to sense it. I notice The Hollow Knight's influence dwindling. It continues to shrink until it is barely noticeable, and I take that as my cue to enter the egg. I am greeted to a long, pitch-black hallway with white, luminous patterns that fade in as you draw near. It is so long; it is no wonder that it was difficult for me to hear any noise from their battle. Once I enter the final chamber, at last, I see the results of the vessels' clash. The Hollow Knight has dropped to its knees, heavily wounded and in no position to fight back. The little knight stands nearby, breathing heavily, but still in able condition.

I quickly realize that this is the chance I've been anticipating. I have a clear shot on The Hollow Knight while it is in this state. Filled with adrenaline, I thread my needle and cast it toward the vessel's mask. I hear a sharp noise as it makes contact and I follow my silk to the target. With a fair bit of force, I pull down on my needle and pry open the crack on its large, white shell.

"Go, Little Knight! Enter its dreams and defeat that blasted infection!"

With the Dream Nail, the knight does as I ask. In a flash of light, it disappears from sight, leaving me alone with an unconscious Hollow Knight. After our latest feat, I feel my hope growing. The little knight may actually make my wishful thinking a reality. Before I can think too deeply about it, a wave of exhaustion hits me. Ah, in my excited state, I forgot about the bindings. Curses. It takes only a moment for me to lose consciousness as well.

And then, I awaken. My body aches and I feel…disoriented. I have trouble recollecting my thoughts. What happened after the knight entered the world of dreams? I haven't the faintest idea. I scan my surroundings, and, in the center of the room, my eyes come to rest on the mask of the little knight. It has been split in two, all traces of Void absent. Frantically, I pick up the remains and hold them tightly.

"No…This cannot be true! Little Ghost, please tell me this isn't true…Please…I am not ready to say goodbye…Not like this."

I am on the cusp of breaking into tears.

"You were the only family I had left, Little Ghost. Why must the world take you all from me!? Why couldn't things be different? Why did the circumstances have to be so dire?"

I cannot stop my sobbing as I let out an unsteady breath.

"…I feel so alone."

My mourning continues for some time. I cannot bring myself to leave the chamber. I am not ready to move on. Despite my misery, however, I soon begin to feel an ancient aura accumulating within the temple. It takes me only a few seconds to identify it as the power of Void. Having been around the vessel for so long, I am able to recognize the unique energy it gives off with little effort. Sure enough, a pool of darkness creeps its way up through the ground before forming a large puddle of Void, and from that Void, a being takes shape.

"Y-You! You are one of the siblings, yes? You came from the abyss?"

The Void creature lifts its head, looking puzzled.

"You are…L-Little Ghost!? Is that really you!?"

It looks down at itself and appears surprised at what it sees. Nonetheless, its large white, shining eyes lock with mine and its nods.

That was all the confirmation I needed for me to break into a sprint. I pull the little ghost out of the air and into a tight embrace. It does not resist, but it does not return the hug, instead choosing to stare at me.

"…Are you alright, Little Ghost? I am, obviously, aware of your…new form. You…do not seem like yourself though. Is there something wrong?"

It shakes its head and continues staring at me as I hold it close.

"What, are you shocked at my…display of affection?"

At this, the ghost nods its head eagerly.

"Wh-What of it!? You cannot seem to help yourself from clinging to me at every opportunity! However, when I am the one to initiate a hug…!"

My rant is cut short as I see the little ghost laughing in my arms.

I sigh. "Yes, enjoy your teasing, Little One. You have certainly earned it after eradicating the infection for good…" I drag the little ghost back into a firm embrace. "Honestly, I thought I had lost you, Little Sibling…No matter what form you take, I am overjoyed to have you back."

The knight hugs me back, and, as we sit in each other's arms, that dreadful despair that had taken hold of me begins to lift.