Chapter Text
The grand doors to the real White Palace open with a familiar creaking groan. It's brilliant luster and grandeur manages to steal away the breath of Quirrel as the group enter into the great entrance hall. He can't help but stare at the majesty and beauty of the palace. Even after an untold number of years, the palace manages to still look spotless, ageless even.
Ghost pauses as they enter, starring up at the crystalline chandelier hanging overhead, expecting a trap of spears or saws to come shooting forth. They remained tense, only breaking out of it the moment Hollow gently nudges them to keep walking forward. There was nothing to be afraid of here, this is home. The smaller vessel could only stare at their older sibling, not yet trusting them on the gesture. Too many painful memories from the dream version of the palace. Memories best lock away and forgotten. Just being in this pale light made their void skin feel as if caught up in spider threads again.
The Pale King approaches the center of the hall, pausing as he looks up, noting the silence at first. The White Palace seems empty, devoid of any royal retainers or servants. The silence unnerves Hornet as well, feeling her shoulders tense slightly, expecting something to crawl from the shadows and attack the group. Only cool air breezes through the hall.
"Pale King? Your highness?!"
The group turns toward the direction of the sudden voice and from the shadows, which were few with the amount of pale light bouncing off the columns and stone work. Stepping forward, bugs dressed in silvery white attire, all starring at the group, in particular the king before slipping out to properly bow before him.
"It is! The Pale King has returned!" The chanted.
The King straightens back up, clearing his throat.
"Yes, yes. I've returned, and so has my vessels, their friend... and my daughter. You are to give her especially the same respect and treatment as you have for me." He instructs, waving a hand gently.
The servants turn their attention back to Hornet, slowly recognizing her when she was much smaller living in at the palace so long ago. Seeing her crimson pale light, a collective hushed awe came over the group before bowing down before her. Hornet merely gives her father a side glance. Having grown up practically surviving in the wilds and ruins, she didn't feel like she deserved the title of princess anymore and certainly that of a demi-god.
"Welcome home, Princess!" One of the servants calls out, and the rest trail in.
"Uh... thank you. You really don't have to keep goi... okay..." She tries, holding a hand out to get them to stop but the amused look on the king's face just added to the barrage.
After a moment of receiving praises, the Pale King claps his hands to end the torment of embarrassment to his daughter.
"As you all were. I will be taking dinner with my children and their companions if supplies have not stretched too thinly in my absence?" He asks one of the servants.
"No Sire, we've been able to keep stock. Everything kept to your specifications."
"Ah, excellent. You and the others are dismissed until needed." The king returns the bow to his servant and turns back towards the group.
"Quirrel, if I may ask, walk with me? I wish to present to you our grand library where I believe you shall find all sorts of recordings to your liking. You are also greatly welcomed to take up residency here inside the White Palace if you so choose. If not, our doors are always open to you."
Quirrel perks up to the invitation. The chance to see some of the royal family's personal collection of scrolls and tablets was not something that just came everyday, nor to just any common bug. Yet something about about the invite causes the explorer to mental pause for a brief moment only to offer a short bow in return.
"Thank you your majesty, I think that would be wonderful to be able to stay and aid in whatever I can." He responds, receiving a pleased nod back.
"Very well, I shall inform my servants to provide you with commendations. In the meantime, my children, wait for us till dinner has been called forth." The Pale King takes a second to eye Hornet, then turns to head down a lengthy hall, Quirrel following alongside as the pair start in their one-on-one conversations.
Hollow glances down to Ghost, before nudging them and gestures towards the upstairs area. The smaller sibling tilts their head before gazing towards their sister. She offers a quick huff, hiding a small smile under her cloak's collar.
"Go on then Hollow, you can take Ghost to see your room, as I will mine. Just try not to get in trouble you two?" She shrugs, though eyeing Ghost, knowing they were a magnet for getting into all sorts of things, especially if Grimmchild wakes up from sleeping inside Ghost's cloak.
The vessels nod in unison, Hollow turning afterwards to lead Ghost up to where they once lived in years ago, seemingly eager to share their room if it had remained untouched. For a moment, Hornet stands in the grand hall, starring down at a faint reflection of herself, the crimson glow bouncing off like a halo over her whole being. Still not yet accepting of her ascension, yet the way that red light reflected off of the marble floor, it carries with it a sense of strength, of determination and devotion.
Courage fills her heart and urges her to press on, leave behind her regrets and worries as she heard time and time before. So letting out a deeply needed breath of air, Hornet lets her feet take her through the familiar hallways and corridors, head now firmly held high.
The hallways and rooms felt like an old antique coming back to life. Her memories, once shadows of remorse, lifted away to reveal a softness, moments of happiness she had roaming these halls. If she squinted real hard, Hornet could imagine time reverting back and pauses in the middle of one hallway. She envisions herself, a tiny thing in a pale silvery dress, racing down the hallway laughing up a storm. Every now and then she'd turn around and there would be the teenage Hollow, racing alongside her in a game of chase, hearing her chant 'Can't catch me! Can't catch me!' only to squeal with delight when Hollow stops, focuses and teleports in front of the fleeing child only to grasp her in their arms in a solid embrace, swinging her around in circles just to keep her laughing.
The memory swells in Hornet's heart. So many childhood moments between her and Hollow. If only there was equally the same amount of happy moments between her and the Pale King. Well, even though she was older now, with him back and owning up to his mistakes, she wondered if he'll make up for the lost years as well? The shadows of the memory disappear, yet somehow she could still faintly hear the giggles still echo through the empty halls. A few more turns and at last she finds herself starring at one particular door.
The knob appeared dusty, this section of the palace not used in a long time. Hornet lifts a hand, hesitant at first but pushes back the emotion. It's just a room, nothing more nothing less. She even recognized the small light claw marks at the bottom of the handle, days where her tiny stature was just too short enough to reach the door handle and resorted to jumping and clawing her way. Such a persistent child...
The old door creaks open and her senses fell upon the scent of age from a room that hadn't seen life in it in ages. A fine layer of dust coats the sheets covering various furniture placed about, her window with a tiny balcony of its own locked tight and covered with a great white curtain. Slow is her approach, when her eyes fell onto something left on the bed. It took a moment for her to recognize the item, reaching over to gingerly pick them up, even so idly placing the tips of her tiny claws along the broken groove, glued back together, the seam filled with silver.
Her toy shellwood nail.
"I thought... Father threw it away..." She whispers to herself.
All this time, she had led to believe after being sent away from the White Palace, her toy nail had been disposed of. There was no mistaken the craftsmanship of the repair, instantly recognizing it as from the Pale King's workshop. He repaired the toy and left it on the bed for Hornet's return. To think, after him being so stern and aggressive against her sparring with Hollow, the king in secret wanted to see her improve, to grow in strength. It finally dawned on her why he was so strict. Hollow was leagues away from her skill of fighting back then and was never taught to properly hold back their power. The King didn't forbade her from sparring Hollow senselessly, he wanted her to train and improve till she could handle her sibling's abilities.
He cared for her, just failed at properly conveying that message across.
She lowers her head, pressing the shellwood nail to her chest into a gentle hug. Now he wondered in her mind, if the infection had been halted before the Hollow Knight was sealed away, how she and her sibling would of looked like. A couple of royal siblings, perhaps dressed in finest attire, or maybe instead the pair would dawn on the purest armor, nail and needle at their sides, ready to defend the kingdom at all costs. She wondered if Hollow thought the same about her, siblings-at-arms, comrades in battle, a sentinel Princess and... Prince? Would Hollow be considered a prince? Or remain a humble knight?
Replacing the shellwood nail back on the bed, she turns her attention to the closed window, that would overlook the courtyard gardens below. Removing the curtain and opening the window, she would gaze over the tiny balcony to the gardens, memories of them being so vibrant and alive thanks to the White Lady's care. Now, the plants were at best, minimal. Most had withered away from lack of care, others cling on to what little they could. Without the Queen's presence, it would be unlikely Hornet would be able to relive old memories of her exploring the smaller example of the Queen's more expansive gardens further away.
So strange, to be back here once again. Ascended or not, too much time away made her feel like a stranger in her second home. Returning back inside and re-locking the window, Hornet finds herself sitting on her old bed. Reaching over, she removes her needle, holding it up to gaze at her reflection, studying her new pale crimson glow. So, she could hear the Void, able to cast this red light... what else could she do? Lowering her needle, she places it next to her old toy, and before long, finds herself laying down, starring at the ceiling before taking rest again.
It was the following day when Hornet started noticing a change in her Father's behavior.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The soft clinking of metal brought her out to the outdoor terrace overlooking the courtyard. In the center, Ghost was in the midst of a spar with Quirrel, the vessel wearing the old smaller armor that Hollow once wore in their smaller days. In fact the older vessel was resting on a ornate bench, watching the pair engaged while opposite of them, the Pale King stood and watch, only lifting his hand to pause the fight and approaches Ghost, fixing their form and softly explains to them a better technique before stepping back and allowing them to practice once again.
"Morning Hollow... " Hornet greets quietly as she sits down next to her sibling.
The other turns to her, offering a nod then returns to watching the practice spar.
Morning sister. Rest well?
"I did... What's Father doing with Ghost and why are they wearing your old armor and robes?"
Hollow merely shrugs, but was enjoying be able to communicate with their sister finally without making weird hand gestures or her having to figure out on her own.
Father insisted. Said it could bear another. Been sparring all morning. Teaching Ghost Soul magic... like me once. Hollow reaches with their left hand, placing it to the stump where their other arm used to be.
Hornet could only offer a slight nod, not wishing to bring up any further grief. Hollow had been through so much, it was only fair that they be allowed to be as emotional as they wanted if they wanted to. No more was there a need to truly be 'hollow', no need to prove themselves pure. This was a new era for Hallownest, an era of freedom.
Still, what pondered in her shell for a brief moment while Ghost and Quirrel continued their dance of blades against one another, why would Father want Ghost in that old knight attire? Ghost could easily spar just fine without them. Never needed them now, so what was the king up to that would insist on the small vessel to appear royalty?
"Daughter...?"
Hornet snapped out of train of thought, gazing to to see the Pale King in between the two combatants, Quirrel in the middle of picking up his nail off the ground after Ghost stealth-fully disarmed him and won the match.
"Care to test your needle against your sibling?"
Glancing at Ghost then back to Hollow, Hornet quietly stands up, taking up her needle into her hands. The idea of sparring against the little knight sounded good, yet she knew they'd easily best her. They already have twice, it was highly likely they'll best her again. Her eyes cast down towards the knight, who merely tilts their head back at her, as if knowing what her answer might be.
"I think I will, but..." She pauses, before swinging her needle back towards Hollow with a confident chuckle. "I want a rematch first."
That got the vessel looking surprised and without a word, stands up, banishing their long nail. They approach where Ghost stands, the smaller stepping aside and watches with keen interest. The pair stare at one another for a moment, only for Hollow to straighten up best they could, waiting on Hornet to return the same. She steps back, allowing for ample room, holding her needle up in mimic to Hollow's posture. With one nod, she leaps in for the attack.
The Hollow Knight dashes into the attack, blocking and dodging their sister's attacks. The needle flies, Hornet leaping over her taller sibling to catch her needle mid-flight. Another series of parrys, the sound of metal on metal clinking against each other. Hollow goes in for a aerial dive, nail aimed for Hornet. She easily dodges, rolling to the side. With a huff of amusement, she races back in, trying to best the vessel at their own game. Lifting the long nail over their head, Hollow blocks the attack, and returns to attacking, swiping their nail side to side.
Hornet goes to block, feel more and more confident this time around. The more she swung her needle, the strong each strike felt. Either she was finally getting ahead of Hollow or the vessel was once again holding back their full strength. The idea of Hollow holding back yet again lets loose a small growl from her mask. She leaps in the air, twisting with grace before landing again. Something sparks within her, and she turns to face Hollow.
Only this time her free hand reaches out, the crimson light brightens till her whole hand is the shade. She watches in shock as red light fires toward Hollow, reshaping into a ethereal blade similar to the Pale King's Soul nail attack. The blade shoots out, Hollow aiming up to block. In a panic, Hornet jerks her hand away, only to watch in awe as the light trailing the single blade thins into a red strain, the lighted weapon whipping around the long nail and with another jerk, she manages to disarm her sibling.
Hollow attempts to grab back their nail, only to halt the moment the tip of that needle aims under their chin. Hornet keeps her position, watching as Hollow secedes and backs off, offering small bow instead. Finally after being tossed around and bouncing off block after block, she finally scored a victory in her spar matches with her older sibling.
"Congrats Miss Hornet! That was quite a show!" Quirrel congrats, clapping from the bench after in the midst of cleaning his own nail.
Feeling her courage swell, she nods to him before gazing back where the king stood.. or thought where he stood. Hornet blinks, realizing him gone alongside Ghost.
"Where'd they go? Quirrel did you see where the king and Ghost went?" She asks, trying not to get into a panic. There was no more danger, so both her sibling and father were safe.
That was when Quirrel goes from cheery to solemn in a single breath.
"He took them for some one-on-one talk. I shouldn't worry about it Miss Hornet. The Pale King did state earlier that he wanted to speak with Ghost privately." He explains, though was trying to hold something back. It was clear he wished to add onto the conversation, yet something prevented such.
Glancing back, Hornet ponders if she should follow them at a safe distance yet within earshot. It would be easy, hide among some of the shrubbery or up on a pillar, an overhang, some place she could easily use to her advantage. Normally her Father's aloofness was nothing new, however him pulling Ghost aside was a bit unusual.
Do not follow, be patient... your turn will come.
She freezes in place, feeling that echo of a voice in her mind. Her body takes a half moment before relaxing as Hornet lets out a deep groan. Right, of course the King would use his foresight and predict her trying to sneak behind them.
"Something the matter Miss Hornet?" Quirrel questions while Hollow stands by him, looking to clean their long nail as well.
"No, don't worry about it. Just me being.. me." She says before turning back to the pillbug.
"So, what did Father and yourself talk about yesterday? You two spent quite a number of hours away, nearly miss dinner as well."
That got Quirrel to stiffen up, glancing to Hollow as if seeking any sort of advice behind that empty gaze, only to find none. Looks like it was all on him.
"Oh, nothing of great concern. He presented me the library and many of the private records that were only pertained to the palace. I was surprised how many had manage to keep from Monomon's gaze, as I would be quite sure she would of made copies for the Archives. He also spoke of the dreamers and how he lamented on not being able to apologize to them for what has occurred. I think his time being so small helped opened his eyes to the greater picture of the state of the kingdom and it's slow recovery."
Again there was that hint Hornet could pick up, hiding something back in the tone of his voice. The Pale King said something else but Quirrel wasn't going to reveal it, nor was Hornet going to bother trying to force it out of him anyways.
"Alright.." She could only muster up for a reply, taking the moment to sit down on the bench next to Quirrel and Hollow.
There was a moment of awkward silence, the explorer still in the midst of polishing his nail with a clean rag while the large vessel silently stares off, waiting for the Pale King and Ghost to return. It would be several hours before that could occur. Hornet finds herself lightly tapping one hand to her knee, unable to shake this uncertain feeling all of a sudden. Could the Hollow Knight sense it? Or could it just be her old habits struggling to survive in this new environment, having forgotten what it was like living among royalty in favor of the hunter's life surviving off what the land could provide? Strange to think how once she was a part of this scenery once upon a time, running around with a toy nail at her side. Wild and rambunctious, full of energy and such courageous spirit. When they weren't their king's shadow, the Pure Vessel would loyally follow their half-sister through the halls, keeping an ever watchful eye on her, protecting her at any cost.
A hand reaches over, resting on top of her own tapping, ceasing the anxious motion. She looks over, meeting Hollow's gaze. No sooner the moment the siblings stare at one another, Hollow's grasp slightly firms over Hornet's and overs a slightly nod.
Sister, all will be okay. Be calm. Trust Father.
"I'll try." Hornet whispers back, not bothering to explain herself when Quirrel glances up with a confused look on his face only to get a shrug from the vessel.
At last what seems like forever, the Pale King and the Knight return.
Instantly, there's a shift in demeanor from the little Ghost. Before they were seemingly full of energy, curious even. Now, they walk with a slow, methodical pace, as if lost... or now knowing something that they wouldn't or weren't allowed to project now that Hornet could hear theirs and their older sibling's void voices. They stare up towards the waiting party, only making direct eye contact with Hollow, then slowly, ever so slowly, tilts their head towards Hornet.
"I see the match has concluded with a favorable outcome." The Pale King remarks, folding his arms behind his back.
"If there is no more to conduct, then you are all free to do as you will. I believe I understand the vessel named 'Ghost', better now. There is no ill towards either of us for any sort of... post-mortem mishaps and of personal property misplaced. What has occurred in past days happened for a reason and I can only be pleased with the outcome."
Ghost glances back up to the king, starring for a moment before offering a small nod. It seems whatever the two discussed over, it was enough to satisfy the small vessel. An understanding between the two and their duties in the past. Maybe the two of them alone was just what the Pale King needed to personally apologize to Ghost for leaving them in the Abyss so long ago, how if the circumstances were different, likely welcomed into the palace just as much as Hollow was when they were chosen.
The idea brought some comfort to Hornet, but not for very long as evident to the following day.
The first thing she notices as she passes the halls aimlessly to try to clear her mind was the behaviors of the remaining servants. As she passes, they would stop, turning to bow all while softly speaking 'My Lady.', "Your Highness.' and 'Your Majesty.' before returning to their daily tasks when the days before, they would just merely bow. Maybe one would say 'My Princess', to which Hornet would shrug off. She didn't feel like a princess, at least not anymore. Now, it was if she held a higher position. No, that can't be. The Pale King was the monarch, the ruler of the kingdom. Why the change in title acknowledgements?
It was also when she finally learned how the servants were able to hide in the hidden White Palace in the first place. The Pale King's magic had enabled them to sneak about in shadow, unseen by all throughout the kingdom to allow them to resupply food and essentials. They were safe so long as they avoided contact with any infected, lest the spell on them easily break and their image revealed, possibly dooming themselves nor allowed to return to the hidden palace or else that would be jeopardized.
It seems the old wyrm had various plans put in place to ensure the Radiance would be trapped in some manner or another, be it within the Hollow Knight, or as a last stand, within the walls of the false palace in the dream world. Hornet surmised that those plannings overlapped on each other, causing only miscalculations and misjudged errors that eventually led to the present time.
Hornet's path eventually leads her to Hollow's bedroom. She pauses before the door, her memories fading back in. How many times has she stood by the door, tapping on it to come in, playing around with her silent half-sibling, the times the two of them would just hang around for hours as she tells them stories or just wanted to converse with, even if it was one-sided. She even remembers the day when after hiding in their room for a full two weeks, they step out to greet the world in their full grown adult form, the last of their molts finished. How small she was compared to the vessel, reaching up when they knelt for her to touch their fresh shell, feel how tall their horns had gotten, how more sharp their face and eyes became. As a child, she secretly wondered if she'll ever be as tall as Hollow.
Pushing the memories aside, Hornet gently knocks on the door.
"Hollow? Are you in here?" She calls out, waiting for a moment before pushing the door open to peek inside.
The room was empty. Not a scrap of sign of the elder vessel.
The only evidence Hollow was in there of recent was their discarded cloak left on a unmade bed followed by the wardrobe door left open. Curious, Hornet enters the room. She peeks into the wardrobe, half expecting to get a surprise attack from Ghost looking to scare Hollow if they returned. Instead, it was nearly empty say for a few old shiny palace cloaks. They felt so delicate in her hand, having remained on the hangers for so long, it was a wonder they survived. She could detect the faint smell of age on them, making a mental note to ask Hollow to have them examined to see if they'd survive the wash. Now, just where was Hollow anyways?
The faint humming brings her back from her thoughts, turning around to see a servant enter the room to refresh the bedding. Maybe they would know where the vessel went?
"Where's the Hollow Knight?" She asks, trying to not sound a hint desperate in her voice, more stern the way her Father spoke to his servants at times, something they were used to.
"Hm? Oh, my Highness I didn't see you there. The knight should be in audience with the king for the day. He's requested not to be disturbed while the vessel is with him on important royal matters." She explains, giving a smooth bow towards Hornet before returning to cleaning and tidying the room.
"How important? I'm royal, am I not?" Hornet tests back, having been leery of her father's sudden passive urgency these last few days. Always stating about putting some plan in motion, without really telling her what that plan was.
"I'm sorry your Highness, but he's stated that it's just the two of them. Something about personal matters. He apologies but did state he will see to you shortly when he's available."
Well, so much for an answer. Hornet can only nod in appreciation before leaving the bedroom. Maybe she could sneak somewhere and peek in on their conversation, find out what's going on. The fact that her father had been pulling friends and siblings aside one by one these past days only sought to let her mind worry. What was the Pale King planning and why did he feel the need to talk with everyone one at a one? Couldn't of it been better if he got out with it as a group and move on with life?
Thus, Hornet spends most of the day lazily wandering the halls. Quirrel and Ghost apparently had other things worth doing, leaving her to try and find some sort of activity to keep her mind occupied. It was, in fact, difficult to adjust to palace life having lived in the wilds for so long. A fraction of her wanted to leave the palace, escape back into the wilds. Her feet longed to feel the soft green moss of Greenpath, the warmth it provides in a aura of eternal Spring, her favorite hunting grounds. Would she even be allowed to go out and hunt or was that now something only a commonbug would do? There really was no need to hunt anymore, everything was provided right then and there.
Still, she felt some need to hunt so her feet led her down familiar hallways and corridors before finally landing in front of the lone stretch of hallway that led to a singular room; the King's Workshop. Curiosity leads her down this old familiar scene, half expecting her father and Hallow to be there, maybe constructing on something together. Instead, she pauses at the door, not sure what to make of it.
Empty, not a soul nor device. Completely cleaned of tools and contraptions the Pale King invented long ago for his experiments and constructs.
It might as well of been a storage room, and somewhere there was a tiny twist of pain seeing this room so bare. Did he move his work into the dream version of the White Palace? With a deep hum in thought, Hornet turns to leave the old room, seeking it no longer. Still, she can't stop the memories each time something familiar rose. The image of her, so small and young, fresh tears in her eyes when she could not get an answer from her overworked father, only to be escorted away from a room that was nowhere meant for children to wander in. The memory made Hornet's throat dry and she struggles to swallow it down.
Eventually, her path takes her back to the courtyard, expecting maybe the Pale King and Hallow were in the midst of some one on one sparring, reteach the vessel Soul magic attacks again somehow with one arm. Instead, the courtyard remains quiet, peaceful and serene despite the slight age and neglect to some of the garden containers.
An approach towards the edge of a patio, its balcony overlooking a reflecting pool below, and Hornet leans over the white stonework, starring at herself below into the still waters. Despite the distance, she examines herself, how much she's come along and wonders what the future how holds. Her father would likely be more cautious now to ensure he didn't fall back on his old, careless ways. That's when she sees him. Or more importantly, his reflection, with the Hollow Knight.
Whipping around, she stares up towards one of the overlook balconies, seeing the Pale King facing Hollow, having returned to wearing their old armor and palace cloak. Or more exact, a spare set of armor, still shimmering in white metal. She watches in silence, noting the king gesturing, obviously speaking but just shy of earshot. As she focuses, Hornet feels her breath suck into her being, holding it in place.
Hollow was crying, slightly shaking at the shoulders. There was no denying the small appearance of black lines running down from their mask's eyeholes. The king makes another gesture with his hand, and slowly the knight kneels before him, bowing their head only to lean in when their father approaches, wrapping his robed arms around the vessel's neck into a deep embrace. It only made Hollow cry further, nuzzling into their father's shoulder and neck and reaches with their remaining arm to return the embrace.
Something was wrong, oh so wrong and Hornet mentally seers with aggression at not being allowed to intervene. What was Father telling Hollow that brought them to their knees sobbing, the pauldrons on their shoulders lightly bouncing with each silent sob. She wanted to leap up there, stop whatever pain Hollow was in. Finally her body forces her to exhale, and as she does, the King pulls away to cradle his vessel's mask, even so much as to thumb away the void black tears. Hornet continues to gaze on, and feels more twists in her middle. The Pale King, equally crying with his own shimmering white tears. The pair seem to stare at one another, the king barely making any movement as he spoke. As he ends in whatever he says, Hollow leans back in, to which their father returns, pressing his forehead into the other's.
Unable to take what she was witnessing, Hornet grabs for her needle, quickly tying on fresh thread and tosses it in the opposite direction, away from the balcony. In a flash, she's gone into a deeper part of the courtyard gardens. There once she lands in a secluded corner, she crumples to her knees, visibly shaken while starring at the chips of white stone that made up the pathway, her chest tight. Why should she of thought any differently towards the Pale King? Always doting upon his vessel, his Hollow Knight, more so than her. Maybe he'd never change, old habits die hard.
Sibling Hornet okay?
Hornet slowly turns her vision over her shoulder, trying not to shed any tears. Behind her stands Ghost, still in that old royal armor. They wait patiently for her to answer, seeing her clearly upset.
"Nn..wh.. what are you doing here little Ghost?" She asks, raising one hand up to rub away at her eyes.
Saw sibling upset nearby, then see Hornet sad.
"I'm okay Ghost, there's nothing to concern me about. I-" Hornet stops mid-sentence the moment the little vessel approaches, giving her a hug around the middle.
Letting out a sigh, her arms wrap around Ghost back, giving them a silent hug. No words needed, they could feel her aura being upset and seemed the idea of hugs comforting for her, if it made her happy and it did, allowing her the moment to let go of the last of her regrets, idly running her tiny claws up and down the back of her sibling, whispering a soft 'thank you'.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hornet pours a tiny bit of blade oil onto a cloth, making sure it went on evenly before taking it in her hand to rub down her needle, polishing the edges to get the sharpness back.
The following day had found the young huntress alone in the old workshop, converting the workbench to use to resharpen and clean her needle. It never occurs to her for quite the journey to take a moment to properly care for her weapon but seeing as they had days with no incident, she finds herself with time to finally get her blade back into sharp precision. She wanted to be alone, meditate in the polishing and sharpening. Just her and her needle. The few lumafly lights provide that warm glow against her own crimson light she needed. It was tempting to start humming, but what tune was mostly lost. Especially when she notes the room getting brighter with pale light.
She looks up, starring at the wall as her reddish silhouette is consumed in white light, leaving barely a shadow at all. So, turning around, her eyes lock with that with her Father's. He says nothing at first, merely observing her actions on the workbench and reactions to his presence. She knew, it was her turn.
"Walk with me." He instructs, not so much as asking but it must of been important to simply state without really asking.
Hornet glances back to her needle, wiping it dry before sheathing it behind her. Silently approaching, she merely nods to him before the king turns to exit the workshop with her at his side. The start was silent, Hornet taking note how.. much slower her Father was walking today. His gaze seems stuck to the marble white floor, careful in his footing. It could of been something to do with the past few nights how at dinner, he ate so little than anyone else. Maybe he was just having a hard time like her, readjusting back into life.
"So.. I imagine you have questions for me. To which, I will answer them, truthfully without covering any details." He finally speaks as the pair rounds a corner, seemingly going nowhere in particular.
Indeed, she had many to choose from, yet felt not to prod in too much. Best choose carefully.
"So, why did you come back? Why didn't you just return as yourself and not as some infant?" Her first question finally slips out.
The king hums in thought before he answers.
"It was... not my intention to return as something so small and frail. I had a means of returning, yes, just not exactly as planned. Another unforeseen event for the records I can imagine. At least I am confident now in your abilities in child rearing, although next time it would be wise not to yell so close to a young one's hearing, even if you are in the midst of being upset yourself."
Hornet pauses in her walk, looking a little pale herself in the face.
"Oh.. you.. you remember that? What, just how much DO you remember!?"
That got a warm chuckle from the Pale King, turning back to wait on her as Hornet stares at him.
"Shortly sometime after the outburst and when one of my failed early experiments captured me. Spent a lot of time thinking in that jar, and when one thinks too much, memories come back. Yet, it was safe to continue the infant existence. Seems the safer option than to reveal myself in full, though it is hard to focus on oneself when the mind struggles between what was and what is at present."
"So you mean to say at any time you could of easily change back and the whole mess would of been avoided!?" Hornet states, trying not to get angry at the fact at any point, the king could of simply changed back to normal and the whole mess in the Abyss would of been...
"No. It was meant to happen, regardless of my form. We would of been pursued even if I were to remain as a small child. The reason for my... rapid progression was the consequences if I did not." The Pale King pauses, reaching out with white claws to place gently on one of her shoulders. "I would of lost you. Your siblings and friend would of stood no chance in fighting the Vorpal Serpent without the aid of another god and as you had not awoken your ascension in that moment, your life would effectively ended in the Abyss."
Releasing his hand from her shoulder, the Pale King turns back, gesturing with a silent sideways nod to proceed with their walk. Hornet nods back, though his words fell on her like some cloud that felt strange, surreal even. The pair continue to walk through the halls, both nodding to any servant they pass and acknowledged. Another corner and the pair quietly ascend a flight of stairs, though she notes half-way how her father reaches for the hand rail at one point, gripping rather tightly as he pulls himself along.
"Everything okay?" She finds herself asking.
"A bit of a vague question. If you are referring to the state of the kingdom, yes as I can sense healing now that the Old Light is no more and a monarch in place to keep the peace."
Hornet shakes her head as they finally reach the top. "No, I meant are you okay? I've never seen you grip the hand rails, ever. Is something wrong with you?"
The Pale King pauses once he reaches the landing, taking in the expression of his daughter before folding his arms into the other's sleeves at his middle.
"I'll be alright. Nothing to be of great concern with." He waves off, taking in a deep breath that barely comes above a whisper. "Now, shall we continue? I know you have more questions."
Merely able to nod, Hornet falls into step alongside the king, only this time his stride is even slower. She ponders on asking why, there had to be a reason, and yet he did say he would answer truthfully. Maybe she needed to ask the right questions. Their footsteps echo through the empty hall, passing by rooms she had forgotten what their purpose was and likely repurpose for other things later.
"So... what about The White Lady? Is she coming back as Queen to rule alongside you?" She merely asks, the silence was slightly awkward yet she had to ask something to break the moment now that she had her Father's undivided attention today.
"No..."
Hornet glances to him, seeing the king bow his head, letting out another sigh from his chest.
"She has elected to step down, as her exile was as to be expected, with consequences. Deeply rooted in her garden, any attempt to free her from her confines would result in her own demise. She has become a part of the landscape just as much as it has become a part of her. I am powerless to free her. She has accepted her fate with grace, only asking if you and the vessels come to visit often, particularly within a month's time. I've already explained this to the vessel you call 'Ghost' and to the Hollow Knight..."
"It's Hollow... just Hollow. They didn't much care for me calling them by full title."
The Pale King takes a moment to reflect on that, before humming in thought.
"As it should suit themselves, my Daughter."
Hornet clears her throat, still not use to being called 'daughter' by the king. Child of course, but nothing more on a personal level.
"Hornet." She calmly says after yet another moment of quiet walking. "My name is Hornet."
Her Father is now the one to pause, gazing at her for a moment before letting a soft 'oh' slip underneath his mask.
"Hornet is it? No doubt a gifted name from Vespa in your training. It serves you well." He offers a slight nod, then turns his attention forward.
"Before I sent you away for training, before... the infection got even worse and Hollow to be sealed away... I had a name for you. It was meant to be a surprise upon your return home. I thought it would suit you."
Hornet takes a step forward past him, eyeing what the king would say. A name... he held a name for her and she never got the chance to hear it?
"Garnet. Heh, heh, could never get you out of those beloved red cloaks and into proper White Palace attire long enough and it seems only fair how the color would be more than just a favorite choice but part of your whole being. You are, indeed the Crimson Light, so a name to befit a glow only seemed natural. My wife thought Scarlet would of been a equally good choice. I didn't want to explain how the name might bring confusion should the Nightmare King's troupe approach our lands."
She stares at him, confusion clearly showing itself on her face. The King could see that and lets out a slightly tired hum in return. "If Hornet is what you wish to be called, then I shall honor it fully. As wild as one with a stinger in hand to match, I see none would dare challenge you in your prime."
Now that got Hornet interested as the pair return to their walk, feet tapping along the stone floor while their glowing lights seem to dance and twirl around the architecture in a peppermint pattern. Of course Father would have used his foresight power, but why now? Why didn't he use it before several times? Unless he did and wish not to disturb the flow of time in a negative way. Was her future really that bright for him to see or was he merely finding something vague and interpret for her own amusements?
Winding around a corner, Hornet suddenly realizes where he's taking her, seeing at the end of the hall a familiar sight; the Pale King's beloved balcony. The one he and Hollow would often observe, sharing their moments together in peace. The one so precious a memory, in the false palace, he constructs a deadly maze of punishment and pain for those who dare pry into the monarch's secrets. Here, it was a safe, treasured location. It felt strange coming here after witnessing the Pale King with Hollow, all dressed in their finest robes and armor, only to see the vessel break down into a silent sobbing mess while their father could only comfort them. Something didn't felt right being in here suddenly.
"Do you still have any more questions?" The Pale King asks as he approaches the edge, starring out towards the courtyard below.
"So... what now?" Hornet could only push out, her mind starting to cloud with too many thoughts that it made it difficult to pick out the right questions.
"Now? A new age of Hallownest, who shall bask in the glory of its new monarch, no longer afraid to dream. The Old Light will never haunt them again and these lands shall prosper."
She lets out a small huff. Of course Hallownest will recover, the Pale King being back was a clear sign of it. Still, something just didn't settle right.
"New... Monarch? But, Father your kingdom-"
"It's not my kingdom anymore... It's yours." The Pale King slowly speaks before turning his head to face his daughter. At last, she finally sees it, having not notice it in detail before and her body felt like it was falling into nothingness.
The Pale King was dying right in front of her, his pale glow barely noticeable around his body.
His eyes were tired, head just drooping before her and breathing slowly becoming evident with each labored intake of air. Even the shimmer of his wings now appear dull and brittle, the lowest pair not even responding to any movement.
"F-Father!? You're dying! We need to get you to a hot spring! Someplace with Soul! No, no, no, don't do this to me!" She begs, reaching out to grab his hands to which felt colder than they should be. Tears stung in her eyes, unable to hold back the bitter truth.
The king merely shakes his head wearily, offering a weak chuckle at best.
"Hornet, my child. This was going to happen. I said there were consequences in my rapid transformation back. I've used up all the Soul that brought me back in the first place." He explains, to which he removes his right hand from her grasp, and opens it palm up for Hornet to see.
Embedded in the carapace, was the singular chip from the old Kingsoul charm. The chip glows white, a cool light barely seen, as if the king held the universe's tiniest star in his hand.
"This is the answer to my return. Had I remain an infant and allowed time and nature to take its course, I would of naturally aged back to maturity and lived on as I should have. Instead, I sacrificed my own being, my time here in this physical plane of existence... so that you may live on. My time has come and gone, as a king should. Now, it's your turn to care for these people. The first steps have already been laid out for you. All you have to do now is ensure Hallownest remains eternal.
There is nothing you could of done, nor predict the series of events that led to this moment. In one way or another, someone was going to die, and what kind of father would I be if I allowed my child to perish to a eldritch monstrosity just so I may live on?"
Starring down at the embedded chip, Hornet couldn't speak, couldn't think clearly. All she was able to will from her was reach with one hand, fingers gently rubbing into that palm. She could feel the draining of Soul, its mysterious power that allowed for all life to exist, barely flutter like a frail heart, struggling to beat. Her body starts shivering, yet not from any chilling draft.
"Please, please don't do this. I.. I can't take on this burden alone." She finds herself mumbling, vision going in and out of blurriness from tears welling in her eyes.
"You're not alone, daughter. You have your siblings and your friend as your most loyal and trusted knights. They will protect you and guide you. I've already explained my situation to each of them and they have prepared for it. I know you will be strong, brave, confident. You have ascended, after all. Crimson Light, Daughter of Hallownest, Patron Goddess of Courage. Those who look up to you will find that courage you illuminate so vibrantly.
Know this... I will still watch over you even if I am not physically present. Take care of our home, our people, our kingdom." The Pale King explains, and reaches up to cradle Hornet's cheek, thumbing away some of her tears before leaning her closer. She holds her breath when she feels that kiss to her forehead, feeling something warm behind it. The King leans back, offering a warm smile despite his weakening form.
"Yes."
"Huh? Yes to what?" She asks, still as stone, afraid to hear the answer.
"You asked a question... long, long ago and I failed to answer you so please forgive me for withholding it for so long."
Hornet felt her heart rapidly beating in her throat, could.. could he mean? The Pale King looks her in the eyes, and his own shimmering tears fall from his dark eyes.
"Yes.. I love you. With all my heart and as many stars in the sky. I loved you since the day you hatched, how you grew, and how you've matured and grew into your own. I love you and I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, my sweet child, my daughter... Queen Hornet, of Hallownest."
A small crack of voice escapes Hornet, her breathing staggered as she struggles to find air, and at last she feels her tears fall. All at once, she cries while throwing her arms around the king's neck and the two embrace into a loving hug. Loud sobs crack through her, only amplified when she feels those hands caress her back, not wanting the moment to end.
She was loved... she... was... LOVED.
And as all things have a beginning, they too, must eventually end. Hornet feels a strange warmth, a bright light emanating from her father suddenly. She moves way, watching him smile as any proud parent should. The light only grew brighter around him until he was but a mere shape of himself in brilliant bright white light.
"I will always be with you." His final words echo out.
"Farewell, my child."
Hornet watches as the form dissipates, rising up into the air to form a halo of soul orbs flying around her head. One by one, they shoot downwards, entering into her very being, causing her to gasp. She feels herself lifting into the air, head held back as she takes in the remaining godly Soul of the Pale King until at last the final orb enters her and she lands on shaky feet. Taking a moment to adjust, she feels a sense of strength wash over her and her red light shines all the more brighter. Slowly, she moves to stand up, only to wince at a sharp pain in her right palm. One by one, her fingers open and there, embedded in carapace, the chip from the old Kingsoul charm produces a vibrant white light once again. She stares at it in silent awe, only to realize she's not alone in the room.
Lowering her hand, there stands before her Ghost, Hollow, and Quirrel all dressed in knightly attire. She looks to them, seeing as they were waiting for the final moments when the king was no more. Hollow couldn't help themselves, void tears down their mask before they reach up to rub them away. The trio stood silently, starring at Hornet, waiting.
"I..." She could barely say, holding her right hand in her other, tears slowing in their descent from her mask.
At this moment, it is Hollow who steps forward. They unsheathe their new pure long nail, holding the tip to the ground and takes a knee, kneeling before their sister. In response, Quirrel and Ghost proceed as well, drawing their nails to lean upon as they kneel before her. They were her loyal knights, family, friends.
With a shaky breath, Hornet stiffens up, retrieving her needle as she holds it pointing towards the ceiling. She stares at her reflection, feeling a new wave of power through her. She lets out a deep, peaceful sigh and leans her forehead against the flat of the blade.
She was protector - Hallownest would recover.
She was sentinel - the kingdom will never heed to any foes who dare try to take it.
She... was Queen, the Crimson Light, Daughter of Wyrm and Beast, Patron of Courage.