Repentance

Familiar Faces

Just when they thought they had scoured the entirety of the White Palace, they found you. Something tugged at the back of their mind, a memory long forgotten. Then Ghost remembered; they remembered how you stood there, tall and imposing, staring at them with something akin to pity. They didn't comprehend the concept back then. All they knew is that you dropped them something useful, dangled a final strand of hope in front of them only to rip it away when the entrance to the Abyss was sealed, leaving them to rot in the cold, dark sea. They were furious at you, at their father, at the cursed Light. Now, looking at you, shivering and tied up, all they saw is another victim of their father's ambition.

It still made them uneasy; that these fumbling hands are the same ones to have killed hundreds of his siblings with confidence. But you were so weak and pitiful now, curled up into yourself, eyes darting left and right. They might as well take you out of here. The fresh air above would help them think.

The ascent was silent. They had no voice and you hadn't the heart to speak. Ghost noticed your gaze lingering towards the path to the Abyss. They picked up their pace to urge you forward. There was no use lingering on the past.

It wasn't long before you reached a familiar sight. It was raining just as hard as you remember. Would Blue Lake ever run out of water? Not likely, from what you've seen. It was surreal, how eerily similar everything was. But it wasn't the same City of Tears you had come to love. The streets were empty and the buildings had an abandoned quality to them. There were no nobles strutting about, no merchants or guards patrolling. Your face crinkled at the sight of some rubbish scattered here and there. It was nothing jarring, easy to miss almost, but the city was always squeaky clean and seeing it so neglected left a sour taste in your mouth. You turned towards the vessel hoping they'd shed light onto the situation. They merely shrugged before shifting their attention somewhere else. They appeared deep in thought, so you decided not to disturb them further.

You wondered if the rest of Hallownest looked the same. Your mind conjured up images, memories from a happier time when you didn't have to worry about the plague or killing innocent children. What became of the statue? You glanced at the vessel, seeing they were still distracted. It was very close by, if memory serves you right. They wouldn't notice. Or maybe they would and finally decide to leave you alone.

You skittered towards the statue. Something compelled you to go see it, be it curiosity or the need to torture yourself with reminders of your shortcomings. You expected to see the Hollow Knight standing tall, graceful as ever surrounded by the Dreamers. The stone would be worn from the constant rain. There would be some chips here and there, but nothing that would take away from its beauty.

What you didn't expect to see was an old bug yelling at a younger one.

"What do you think you're doing?"

The young bug startled, falling off the head of the Hollow Knight. They rubbed their sore carapace before stuttering out a response. "W- I was just hanging about. Yes. My friends dared me to, you see-"

"All I see is you desecrating a historical monument! Do you know how important this statue is for Hallownest?" Even as the young bug made their escape, he never let up, continuing his lecture about the history behind the statue and how it was built and other things you didn't care for. Something felt lighter inside of you. The sight of another life in the city brought a smile to your face, even if it was a crotchety old bug.

The smile was quickly wiped off your face when he turned towards you. He was silent for a moment, but then he recoiled as if he was struck by some invisible force.

"You!" It was said with so much disgust, you would have mistaken the word for an insult if you were a foreigner. "I would know this face. Finally decided to come back home? I hope you're planning on sticking to your duties this time. The city needs guards more than ever, what with the disrespectful visitors and all."

The implication that you abandoned Hallownest when it needed you stung. You tried to remember if you've met him somewhere, but your memories are foggy. You didn't lead a remarkable life, and so you didn't meet remarkable people. Until the Pale King, that is.

"I did not abandon my home. But I see how you might think that. I'm afraid I'm no longer fit to protect anyone or anything, however." You had to pause and cough. You wanted to follow this with an apology, but the elder interrupted you. He didn't seem happy with your answer.

"So I have to keep the city by myself again? At least there aren't any miserable husks wandering about anymore."

Tears stung your eyes, but you didn't let them fall. You had no right to cry.

A pair of hands encased your shaking shoulders. The vessel must have noticed your absence and came to investigate the commotion. They were staring at the elder who looked even grumpier now.

"Good evening. I see you started cleaning yourself."

That was just rude. It seemed like the old bug was in a sour mood today.

Ghost winced at the remark. They had worn the Defender's Crest once around Lemm and it still haunts them to this day. They nodded at him before whisking you away and towards the stag station. After a lot of thinking, they came to the conclusion that they should just ask their older sister for advice. But before that, they needed to take you somewhere that wouldn't overwhelm you; someone with a familiar face.

The trip aboard the stag was exactly as you remembered; fast, fun and left your insides scrambled which every way. The area you arrived in wasn't a familiar one, but you did have an idea. Shrubs and plants grew everywhere with disregard to any sense of order. It was beautiful in a natural, unkempt way. The air was more humid than the city's, but remained fresh and cool, clearing your mind of the last traces of sleepiness.

This must have been the Queen's gardens. What became of her?

You had no time to speculate, because the vessel quickly dragged you through the greenery. There were vines of thorns scattered about, but most of them where covered by layers upon layers of leaves and bushes rendering them harmless. What did harm you was the vessel's clutch on your arm as they pulled you about recklessly, seemingly unaware of their strength. They were so small last time you saw them. Your thoughts wandered back to the grouchy bug. He claimed to have known you despite being so old. Just for how long had you been asleep?

The vessel skidded to halt almost sending you barreling towards the ground. Before you stood a hut of sorts. There was a grave beside the entrance. Your eyes widened upon reading the name. Dryya?! You noticed the glowing roots jutting out from between the stones. A wave of nausea overcame you. But what was the queen doing here? Where was the king? The vessel pushed you forward. You looked at them before sighing. You would do that for them at the very least.

The White Lady emitted a gentle glow, warm unlike The Wyrm's austere presence. She was bound and left alone in such an isolated place. Such a sight sent a jolt of pain through your heart, but it was stifled under righteous anger. It wasn't her in particular you were upset with. The anger was more directed at yourself and the king, but she still played a part in the birth of the vessels. She gave them life and you had to end it. Still, she was your queen and you felt compelled to kneel before her. You did, not uttering a word until you're permitted to. But she didn't seem to notice you. The vessel pulled you up after a few seconds before approaching the queen.

"My Knight, savior of Hallownest, is that you?" They took your hand in theirs then placed it upon one of her branches. You gasped in horror. You couldn't touch the queen just like that!

"Is this another presence I sense? My vision have failed me, I'm afraid."

You noticed her cloudy eyes gazing at nothing. It was only fair, you thought, a small price to pay for what she did. Just as quickly as the thought came, it was replaced by deep shame. How could you think such thoughts when she was left alone, blind and vulnerable?!

You looked at the vessel. They nodded at you, and so reluctantly, you spoke. "My queen, it is I, (Y/N)."

"(Y/N)! So long it has been. I thought you dead, but here you are standing before me."

You didn't expect so much affection to be present in her voice. You mostly saw the king and rarely spoke to her. You turned towards the vessel seeking reassurance, but they were no where to be seen.

They had left you to face the awkwardness by yourself.