Chapter 1: Light in the Darkness
I woke up with a gasp, but no air entered my lungs. As I tried to look around, the absence of light became apparent. Feeling small and weak, I detested the situation. I questioned why I was here, why at this moment? Why did I feel this way? Panic overwhelmed me, but gradually, fleeting memories of my life came and went, eventually bringing me some calm.
With my breathing finally steadying, I began to assess my circumstances. "I don't know where I am, but one thing's certain—I'm submerged in liquid," I thought to myself. As I moved one of my limbs, the liquid swirled around my... hand?
Pausing for a moment, I examined what I could perceive as my hands, or rather, what resembled hands in my current state. They felt squiggly, defying any conventional description of a hand. They were more akin to boneless tentacles, and I had four of them, each replacing a limb.
Feeling a sense of entrapment, I despised the inky blackness that threatened to drive me mad. The silence that engulfed me when I remained still only exacerbated the feeling. However, there was a strange comfort in the coldness of the liquid—it was reminiscent of an ocean breeze on a serene day at the beach.
It was... nice.
Deciding to wait, I realized that there was nothing actively pursuing me, and time seemed inconsequential in this peculiar environment. Perhaps, for the first time, I could truly relax.
Hours pass, maybe even days, as time becomes an elusive concept in the depths of this inky void.
But then, a subtle shift ripples through the liquid surrounding me. It churns and undulates, hinting at the presence of something massive lurking just beneath the surface.
I hold my breath, captivated by the mesmerizing display that I can somehow see. The intensity of the disturbance grows with each passing moment, filling me with a mixture of awe and trepidation. It's an otherworldly spectacle, unlike anything I have ever witnessed.
In an instant, a resounding boom reverberates through the void, shattering the silence. The once placid liquid erupts into a chaotic frenzy of crashing waves, engulfing me in their tumultuous embrace.
Helplessly caught in the maelstrom, I am tossed and turned, a tiny speck at the mercy of this enigmatic force. It's a terrifying ordeal, yet there is a strange exhilaration coursing through me, an adrenaline-fueled dance with the unknown.
As the waves gradually subside, leaving behind a calmer expanse, I take a moment to catch my breath. With renewed composure, I survey my surroundings, though they remain veiled in impenetrable darkness. However, an indescribable shift lingers in the air, as if an unseen presence watches over me.
Uncertain of my location, I can't shake the sense that I am not alone in this enigmatic realm. A subtle foreboding tugs at the edges of my consciousness, urging caution, yet I push aside the creeping unease.
I need to get out of here, it's obviously inhabited by something else. I start swimming upwards.
Struggling against the resistance of the water, I kept pushing forward, gradually finding my rhythm. It wasn't easy, but my flailing limbs underwent a transformation, morphing into a more human-like shape. It was a strange reminder that I was no longer confined to being human, no longer bound by the limitations of my previous existence. The realization that I could now breathe underwater sparked a surge of excitement within me. Maybe I was some kind of mythical creature, blessed with extraordinary abilities and traits.
As I swam towards the surface, a glimmering light caught my attention. Its brightness pierced through the darkness, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of discomfort, like a thousand needles pricking at my skin. I hesitated, unsure whether to approach it or avoid it altogether. If the light was powerful enough to penetrate this inky blackness, I could only imagine how blinding it must be. And painful.
Conflicting thoughts raced through my mind. A part of me warned against venturing towards the light, urging caution. But another part, fueled by curiosity, pulled me closer, tempting me to uncover its mysteries. Slowly, cautiously, I extended my hand towards the light, wanting to explore further.
Suddenly, a voice, loud and urgent, shattered the silence of the void. "MOVE, DUMBASS." Startled, I jerked back, searching frantically for the source of the voice, but found no one there. Confusion and frustration washed over me as I let out an exasperated huff, only to produce a stream of bubbles instead. I attempted to speak, but it seemed my words were lost in the watery depths.
In the end, I decided to trust my instincts and swim away from the blinding light. I still had a long way to go before reaching the surface, but my body felt strong, not yet fatigued. If the light was trying to hinder me, I would find another path around it. I could still catch glimpses of the radiant display from a distance, and that was enough to satisfy my curiosity for now.
Ascending through the water, I maneuvered skillfully, evading the intensifying glow that surrounded me. Time seemed to blur together in this seemingly endless journey, leaving me uncertain of how long I had been swimming and what lay ahead.
Then, a gentle brush against my body disrupted the solitude. It was a touch, so foreign yet comforting after years of isolation. Looking up, I observed a translucent layer covering my upper half, resembling a sheet of plastic wrap. Beyond it, the brightness of the light beckoned, signaling my approach to the surface.
Eager to break free, I attempted various movements—pushing, pulling, and kicking—but the barrier remained stubbornly intact. In a moment of instinctual desperation, I lashed out at it, slashing through the ethereal film effortlessly.
As the remnants of the substance dispersed, I marveled at the transformation that had taken place. My hand, once familiar, had undergone a metamorphosis. Now, a pitch-black claw with an intricate internal structure reminiscent of a human hand stood in its place.
Casting aside the last remnants of the filmy residue, I surveyed my surroundings. Despite the blinding brilliance of the light, I could discern a lighthouse in the distance. An unshakable sense of familiarity washed over me—I knew where I was.
With determination fueling my strokes, I swam towards the shoreline of the vast lake. As anticipated, the lighthouse and the void sea came into clearer view. However, there were no Shades in sight, and the lighthouse itself appeared distorted, as if someone had meticulously cared for a shattered mirror.
Recognition struck me like a lightning bolt. This was Hollow Knight, and I could discern the unmistakable presence of the Abyss. Puzzle pieces fell into place—the undulating tendrils in the sea, my previous state of being, the thunderous impact I had experienced. It was likely the Hollow Knight's ascension.
With the shoreline drawing near, I braced myself for the challenges that awaited me, both in the present and the uncertain future.
Emerging from the depths of the lake, droplets of void cascaded from my body like a slick, dark coat. I expelled streams of the inky substance through the vents on my sides, causing them to puff out in a display of release. Shaking off the remnants, my ears on my head swayed in my wake, akin to a dog drying itself.
Without paying much heed to the floating platforms scattered behind me, I leisurely made my way towards the lighthouse. As I drew nearer, my gaze wandered in search of a pristine reflective surface on the building. Finally, my eyes locked onto one, and I peered into it, studying the face that stared back at me.
The countenance resembled a mask, adorned with luminous white eyes that evoked the presence of a shade with legs. Its half-lidded expression spoke of a weariness with life that resonated within me. Glancing downward, my attention shifted to my own hind legs, which possessed a subtle and unassuming quality, leading down to my hooved feet.
My own visage, mask-like and as dark as my claws, concealed any traces of my true self. Yet, the two symmetrical horns protruding from the sides of my head, near the rear, swayed with a newfound sensitivity to the environment.
In fact, my earhorns had already begun detecting faint yet distinct aromas. The scent of ash and decay filled the air, as expected within the depths of the Abyss.
Uncertain of what I had expected, this form, reminiscent of a void construct and vessel hybrid, appeared to be the most viable option available. However, I couldn't help but feel apprehension about the potential consequences of my appearance. I could only hope that other bugs wouldn't draw comparisons or pass judgment.
Briefly glancing back at the floating platforms, I redirected my focus towards them, making my way to one situated a few meters above the ground. Preparing for the jump, I crouched low, gathering my strength before propelling myself skyward, clearing several meters in height and landing with a stumble on the platform. Swiftly regaining my balance, I peered down at the distance I had traversed.
A surge of excitement coursed through me, fueled by the possibilities unlocked by my newfound abilities. Casting my gaze upward, I fixated on the next floating platform, preparing to launch myself towards it, eager to explore the depths of my capabilities.
It didn't take me long to ascend to the top of the structure, the metallic surface resonating with a clanging noise as I landed upon it. With cautious steps, I approached the entrance, careful to avoid any sudden movements.
Peering inside, I was taken aback by the sight of a bug, its eyes wide open, rummaging through something within its chest, seemingly in search of an item. In an attempt to convey my non-threatening intentions, I raised my hands in the air.
However, my actions seemed to have the opposite effect, causing the bug to fall backward and collide with a shelf, resulting in a cascade of objects burying it. Witnessing this, a cringe of sympathy overcame me, and I slowly approached the fallen bug to assess its condition.
To my relief, the bug was still alive, its breathing evident as it expelled and took in air through its vents. Letting out a sigh, I proceeded to carefully search through its robes, and that's when I discovered two diminutive knives, their size nearly matching that of my forearms. Each possessed a small ring at the base and bore the king's brand seal, reminiscent of kunai.
A surge of adrenaline coursed through me as I contemplated the potential significance of these knives. It crossed my mind that the bug may have intended to wield them as weapons had the opportunity presented itself.
As I stood there, clutching the knives in my hand, an idea sparked within me. I pondered where I could securely keep these weapons. Suddenly, a memory resurfaced, and I gently inserted one of the knives, handle first, into my chest. Aiming to avoid any accidental impalement, I exercised caution.
To my surprise, the handle glided smoothly into my chest, with the nail remaining suspended inside, stationary and undisturbed. Placing a hand over my chest, I sensed a pulsating power emanating from within. It felt as if my chest had transformed into a room, with the power residing at its very core. As I grasped this power, it seemed to yield and respond, akin to pliable putty. When I exerted a firm grip, it solidified, yet upon my desire for it to soften, it obliged instantly. Mental notes were made to further experiment with this intriguing ability.
My attention shifted to the nail embedded within my body, and I carefully retrieved it, relieved that it emerged unscathed, much like its counterpart in my other hand. Placing one blade securely within my hammerspace, I retained the other in my grasp, remaining vigilant to any potential threats.
I proceeded towards a nearby chest and peered inside, discovering pale white robes akin to those worn by the bug. Some possessed sleeves, while others appeared to be wrapped garments. Opting not to traverse without attire, I selected the smallest robe with sleeves. However, its length required adjustment, prompting me to employ my nail to trim the sleeves to a length just above what I considered an elbow joint. Repeating the process for the other sleeve, I ensured symmetry, concluding by cutting the robe's end to prevent snagging.
Removing the robe momentarily, I positioned it with the front facing me, carefully cutting the sides and front to resemble a short-sleeved coat, facilitating ease of movement and accessibility to my hammerspace. Once adorned with the modified cloak, I sought a mirror to inspect my transformed appearance. While the fit was far from perfect, with jagged edges and uneven cuts, it would suffice for the time being. Mental plans were made to acquire sufficient geo for a properly tailored replacement.
Locating a mirror, I drew it closer to examine myself. The reflection staring back at me evoked a sense of modest pride in my accomplishment of fashioning this makeshift ensemble.
But beyond aesthetics, the robe provided me with a sense of modesty and protection. With my reflection approved, I carefully stowed the mirror away in my hammerspace, ensuring its safety for later use.
With my new outfit in place, I made my way out of the lighthouse, the clinking of my hooves against the metal balcony accompanying each step. Approaching the ledge, I took a moment to gaze upon the cavernous expanse that lay before me.
Taking a deep breath, I positioned myself a few paces back, preparing for what was to come. Gathering my courage, I sprinted towards the edge, propelled by a surge of adrenaline. The wind rushed past me as I soared through the air.
"WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" I couldn't contain my exhilaration, a joyful scream escaping my lips. The vibrant fluttering of my cloak echoed the thrill of the moment.
Gracefully, I landed on one of the floating platforms below, a rush of excitement coursing through my veins. With each subsequent leap, platform to platform, I reveled in the newfound agility and freedom that my transformation had bestowed upon me.
Hallownest would never see me coming.
The Pale King's heart skipped a beat as the echoing voice of a child reverberated throughout the castle, piercing through his concentration. Startled, he quickly set aside his work, momentarily forgetting the task at hand. With a sense of urgency, he hastened towards the vessel's chamber, propelled by the swift movements of his majestic Wyrm form.
As the door swung open, his gaze swept across the room, searching for any trace of the source of the voice. Yet, there lay the vessel, still and unmoving, fixated on the ceiling. The Pale King released a trembling breath, grateful that the vessel remained unharmed.
However, a lingering unease persisted within him, refusing to be ignored. The voice he had heard was unlike anything he had encountered before, appearing seemingly out of nowhere. He understood the need for further investigation, yet for now, he chose to set it aside and return to his workshop.
Walking briskly, his mind raced with questions and possibilities. What could have caused such a voice? Was it a ploy devised by one of his subjects, or did it hint at something more foreboding? He knew that the vessel's plan demanded his attention, but now he also had the unsettling task of addressing the inexplicable child's voice that resonated through the entire palace.
Upon reaching his workshop, he seized a piece of parchment and a quill, their inked partnership capturing his thoughts in a frenzied dance. He meticulously documented his observations and crafted a coherent explanation, determined to clarify the situation to the Kingdom before unfounded rumors took hold and grew rampant.