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Scarlet flames gleamed within the eerie fog as the crimson troupe made their way deeper into the forgotten kingdom. It had been many a year since they last stepped foot here, yet their leader seemed oddly determined to return to this place. His followers would question his ways and why he would want to return to the ruined Hallownest, yet he never gave them a precise answer, simply stating he had business there.
The Grimm Troupe, they were called. They would travel the breadths of ancient kingdoms, performing their eccentric rituals to keep their troupe alive. Years ago, the Grimm Troupe was summoned to this same kingdom; it was the last ritual they performed, and they all remembered it clear as day. One of the Pale King’s discarded vessels had emerged from the Abyss itself and soon ended up in the Troupe’s good graces, helping them complete yet another of their endless rituals.
It was that ritual in which the new Troupe Leader Grimm had been birthed, from a grand dance between his predecessor and the vessel. It was the vessel that fed a younger Grimm scarlet flames scattered throughout the kingdom, helping the Grimmchild grow. Oh, how Grimm had grown to care for the vessel as a parental figure, yet the vessel couldn’t return the feelings; they were an emotionless being, made purely of Void.
Unbeknown to the Troupe, it was that vessel, the Ghost of Hallownest, whom drew Grimm back to the immemorial kingdom. It had been years since the Troupe crossed paths with Ghost, and Grimm hadn’t seen them since childhood; yet he couldn’t help but feel an emptiness since then. Grimm had to admit, he missed the vessel dearly.
And that is why he returned to Hallownest: to seek out Ghost. To reunite with them. Though Ghost probably wouldn’t show any affection, Grimm still wanted to see his parental figure again; after all, the Ghost of Hallownest had become the Hollow Knight all those years ago. Ghost probably wouldn’t recognize Grimm, yet Grimm knew he had to try, even though his beloved parent had the Radiance and her infection trapped within them.
Fog began to clear as the Grimm Troupe approached their destination. Barely lit torches dimmed their way as they approached a small, abandoned village. Dirtmouth, it was called; it was the same village the Ghost of Hallownest summoned the Troupe to many years ago. Here, Troupe Master Grimm ordered his followers to set up their camp whilst he explored the kingdom below them; if all was right, Ghost was still within.
As Grimm traversed through Dirtmouth, his scarlet eyes darted around, searching for any signs of life. Dirtmouth was already a dying town when the Troupe was last here, yet it seemed its time was up at last; there was not a single bug in sight. Grimm frowned; it was difficult to believe Dirtmouth faded away at last.
Just on the edge of Dirtmouth sat a cobblestone well. It didn’t look like much, but the unassuming well was actually Grimm’s goal. Far below the ground lied the ancient grave of Hallownest, and this well specifically led to the Forgotten Crossroads, a once bustling place now filled with rabid bugs, along with the infamous Black Egg Temple. Ghost should still be held within the Temple; if they were gone, then the Radiance’s infection would ravage the already dead Hallownest once again.
Ghost wasn’t originally kept within the Temple; in fact, they were the second vessel that was kept within. A younger Grimm had accompanied Ghost on their journey to defeat the previous Hollow Knight, whom failed to keep the infection locked away. With no other way to contain the infection, Ghost had to take the Hollow Knight’s place as the infection’s vessel. The Grimmchild had to separate soon after, joining with his Troupe once again and becoming its leader much later, leaving Ghost locked within Black Egg Temple.
Grimm couldn’t imagine what life would be like, quarantined off from the rest of the world, destined to stay chained within the Temple for eternity. Being an emotionless being of Void, Ghost probably didn’t care much about their fate, yet Grimm felt terribly for them still; that was why Grimm was determined to pay a visit to the vessel, for he missed them dearly.
Crimson eyes beamed down into the Crossroads well. It was pitch black down there, barely being lit from Grimm’s eerie eyes. It had been quite some time since he’s been down below; he wondered how much the Crossroads must have changed since then, especially with Ghost containing the infection. Though Hallownest was long dead, perhaps it could rest in peace with the Radiance and her infection gone at last.
With the swish of his cloak, the Troupe Master dispersed into a cloud of misty sanguine as he began his journey down below. Black Egg Temple wouldn’t be far, and he was determined to see the Ghost of Hallownest once again.
⚔
Red fog clouded the entrance to the Forgotten Crossroads as Grimm descended, reappearing at the foot of the well. The Crossroads was a gloomy place, and was eerily silent besides the occasional bug echoing through the caves with their walking and chirping. Grimm remembered this place and how he had been so scared when Ghost first took him below; it didn’t seem all that scary now.
The Black Egg Temple wasn’t far now. In fact, if Grimm’s memory served him right, it would be just down the left path. A few straggling husks of bugs meandered the path in an almost zombified way, eyes glowing bright orange, with similar, enormous buboes clinging to their backs.
The Troupe Master observed the bugs as they wandered aimlessly. He recognized the disgusting orange of their eyes well; the Radiance’s infection. If they truly were infected, then these bugs would certainly be hostile. Grimm could also see ahead into the next room, spotting grotesque, golden infection bubbles rising around the entrance.
The Crossroads was once again becoming infected. How? Ghost was a hollow vessel; the true Hollow Knight. They should have been containing the infection, keeping it from corrupting the minds of innocent bugs. Did Ghost escape the Temple with the infection, or were they perhaps not as hollow as originally thought?
Grimm was snapped out of his thoughts when one of the infected husks spotted him and began to rush towards him, screeching as his arms flailed over his short, ill-ridden body. Gasping, Grimm disappeared yet soon reappeared some distance away, closer towards the room where Black Egg Temple lied. Allowing his cloak to open, Grimm unleashed a fiery red bat which swiftly flew through the air, and towards the now confused husk. As the bat reached its target, the husk exploded into an infectious cloud, which caused the other husks to explode as well from the impact.
Infection spewed and stained the Crossroads ground, nauseating the Troupe Master. He couldn’t help but gaze at the horrid sight out of curiosity as he slowly backed away from the scene. Again, Grimm wondered how the infection was ravaging Hallownest once again; what had Ghost done?
Whatever happened, the Troupe Master had to find the cause; he had to find Ghost. He rushed into the next room, and was met with the Black Egg Temple towering over him, where even more infection was growing out of its windows. Sickening orange fog emerged from the temple’s entrance, infecting the air itself.
Shivers ran through Grimm’s body as he approached the Temple. Just looking at the ruined Temple made him feel sick to his stomach, and he certainly wasn’t looking forward to going inside.
But he had to go inside. Ghost was in there, right? At least, hopefully they were inside. With a deep breath, Grimm carefully observed his surroundings as he entered the ruined Black Egg Temple, bracing himself for what he would find within.
⚔
Infectious fog swirled and danced inside the otherwise dark Temple. Oozing orbs of infection spread within, beating as if it were an ugly heart. This was especially prevalent within the Temple’s Egg, where the Hollow Knight was supposed to be trapped inside. However, the Egg itself was destroyed, which had allowed the infection to spread into the already dead kingdom of Hallownest.
Grimm’s scarlet eyes pierced down into the Egg, seeing only voided darkness with only infection lighting within. He shivered, fearing for what he would encounter if he dared enter. Though part of him wanted to quickly turn back, he knew this was where he had to be; the Ghost of Hallownest should be inside, unless they had escaped.
And if they truly had escaped, Hallownest would only fall deeper into the chaos of the infection; deeper into disarray and despair. Despite Grimm’s care for Ghost, he couldn’t let any of that happen. If something had to happen to Ghost to prevent this…
…no. Grimm refused to think about that, so he shoved those thoughts aside.
Despite the Troupe Master’s anxieties about entering the Black Egg Temple, he knew he had to head deeper within if he was going to find Ghost. The vessel he cared greatly for shouldn’t be far now.
So he continued, entering the heart of the Temple, where he would hopefully find the Ghost of Hallownest.
⚔
Grimm was appalled at the sight when he entered the main chambers of the Temple. Even more disgusting orange blobs of infections spewed around, the sight and smell utterly nauseating. Why had the Radiance’s infection grown so out of control? Why couldn’t the Ghost of Hallownest keep the infection contained?
What shocked the former Grimmchild down to his core more, was the tall, lanky vessel that was kept chained in the main chamber. The vessel’s eyes were clouded with the infection, and their mask was cracking with the infectious ooze. Their body was shaking violently, attempting to escape from their bonds.
The Ghost of Hallownest.
The Troupe Master’s scarlet eyes widened, and his breathing sped up as he slowly approached Ghost and gazed upon them. To see the once young and powerful vessel devolved into such a condition… it sickened Grimm.
But how could the infection have escaped? The vessel was supposed to be completely hollow, devoid of emotion so that the infection would remain sealed within for eternity. Ghost was supposed to be that vessel; their predecessor, the last Hollow Knight, had failed, and Ghost took their place to seal the infection once and for all.
And yet, Ghost failed, which meant the vessel was not truly hollow as previously led to believe.
Troupe Master Grimm approached the Ghost of Hallownest further, gazing upon them. Their infected, clouded eyes bore deeply unto Grimm, as if attempting to recognize him. And at that moment, the troupe master could have sworn he heard a distant voice in the back of his head.
“Child…”
Grimm’s breathing hitched as he heard the voice. It was there, but it also wasn’t. “Child,” it had said to Grimm.
Was that… the vessel? Was that voice Ghost, remembering the Grimmchild? It had to be.
Grimm reached his hand out towards Ghost hesitantly, looking them up and down curiously. The vessel was in a horrific condition, and was completely overcome by the Radiance’s infection. Grimm gently caressed Ghost’s mask, sighing sadly; it pained the troupe master greatly to see his former caretaker in such a condition.
Liquid infection dripped gently from one of Ghost’s eyes, and Grimm quickly pulled his hand away; he was already risking his life being so close to the biggest source of the infection, and he couldn’t risk catching it himself.
The distant voice spoke again to Grimm. “This vessel… broken… failed…”
Grimm tilted his head, gazing into Ghost’s infected, yet empty eyes. “My friend…” He wanted to speak, but he had no words; what could possibly be said at this time? His friend, his caretaker, was… gone. While Ghost was still here, chained in the Black Egg Temple, their mind was completely forfeit due to the Radiance’s infection.
At Grimm’s silence, the Ghost of Hallownest’s distant voice rang through Grimm’s head once again. “…free. Free from the light…”
Free from the light…? Grimm tilted his head slightly, still taking in the sight of his beloved caretaker in such a state. What did they mean by that?
Sensing Grimm’s confusion, the vessel spoke again. “Suffocating… freedom from her light… no more…”
“No mind… usurper… destroy the light.”
At that, Grimm’s expression darkened greatly. Was Ghost asking him to… no, that couldn’t be right. Ghost couldn’t give up; the infection still ran rampant, and since Ghost wasn’t as hollow as originally believed, a new vessel would be needed.
But what had happened to Ghost? It was firmly believed that they were the true Hollow Knight, after they had taken the previous vessel’s position. What had suddenly changed in Ghost’s nature?
As Grimm thought over the question, he once again heard Ghost’s voice.
“Child… pride and joy… cared for…”
“The flames… the Troupe… the Ritual… Grimmchild…”
Those words suddenly sparked something within the troupe master, and at that moment, he realized what had happened. He realized exactly why the Ghost of Hallownest was not truly devoid of emotion, not truly hollow.
They cared for him.
Grimm’s mind raced endlessly, comprehending what he had just heard. All this time, the Ghost of Hallownest wasn’t truly hollow… because they had cared for the Grimmchild during their time together. Ghost had developed genuine emotion towards the child that they raised alongside the previous Troupe Master.
And the new Troupe Master, the former Grimmchild… he couldn’t help but feel to blame. Due to Ghost’s care towards him, they were no longer truly hollow. Grimm’s expression darkened as this dawned on him, and his head drooped down in shame.
“I… am sorry, caretaker,” whispered Grimm, his scarlet eyes shut tight. “The Ritual, the scarlet essence, the dance… everything my predecessor accomplished with you…” He sighed deeply, ashamed. “…the Ritual should have never happened in this kingdom of ruin.”
Silence.
Then, the Ghost of Hallownest spoke again. “Not to blame… cared for you… loved you…”
“And yet,” breathed the Troupe Master, “here you are, your life ravaged by the infection because of my birth.”
“Do not blame…” spoke the vessel again. “Do not fault… grow strong… continue…”
Grimm frowned, opening his scarlet eyes and gazing up at the vessel. “And what of you, dear vessel?”
Another silence.
Then, the vessel spoke once again. “Burn the father… feed the child…”
“Dawn shall break… the Troupe must thrive… you… must thrive. Hallownest… gone. Vessel… gone.”
The Troupe Master grimaced upon realizing what Ghost meant, and he felt as if a nail went straight into his heart and twisted. So the Ghost of Hallownest was truly asking to be freed. Freed from the infection, from the Radiance. Freed from the light.
“My friend,” Grimm lowered his voice, saddened. “You are… quite sure about this? I… I do not know if I can tear apart the one who helped me grow.”
“The light… burns…” said Ghost, their distant voice strained. “No more… must… be freed from the light.”
Grimm allowed the Ghost of Hallownest’s words to sink in as he processed this. His friend, his caretaker, was obviously in misery and had lost hope for the deceased city of Hallownest. Everything was either dead or dying, Ghost included. Ghost did not see a point of continuing in such misery; they wanted freedom.
And so, Grimm would deliver the freedom that Ghost deserved. “Dear vessel, dear friend… I am sorry things have ended this way,” he spoke quietly, attempting to stay calm. “But for you, I shall give you freedom. No longer shall the burning light inflict pain upon you, for I shall deliver your freedom.”
Ghost’s voice seemed slightly more hopeful as they spoke in Grimm’s mind again. “My child… thank you…”
“The nail… quick… painless.”
With a solemn nod, Grimm spotted the Ghost of Hallownest’s pure nail on the ground of the Black Egg Temple, gathering dust. The Troupe Master lifted the nail, memories flooding back into his head; he remembered being with the young Ghost when this nail was forged into purity. Ah, the better days…
Grimm approached Ghost again, his scarlet eyes locked with the vessel’s darkened amber ones. “My friend… thank you. For everything you have done for me, and for the Troupe.”
If the vessel had a mouth, they would be smiling sadly. “Destroy… the disgusting heart of light…”
“And… child… bring pride to the Troupe.”
Grimm’s hand was trembling as he gripped onto the hilt of the nail. “Goodbye… my friend.”
“Goodbye… child of scarlet flames…”
And with one strike of the pure nail, the Ghost of Hallownest was freed from the light of the Radiance, and the Troupe Master was left alone.