Of Void and Magic

by PotatowithADHD

Summary:

No mind to bend
No will to break
No voice to cry suffering

~

Ghost has united the void and consumed the Radiance.

What now?

Notes:

The Hollow knight brain rot is back and I've been inspired.

Chapter 1

Ghost could feel the moment they consumed The Radiance. The surge of power and joy of their siblings as they worked together to fulfill the task they were created for. And then there was nothing.

~

Oh, how wonderful that yet another orientation ceremony had gone so smoothly! And it could not have happened if it was not for him, the magnificent Crowley! As he silently congratulated himself on the harmonious state of his school, loud gasps ripped through the Mirror Hall.

Crowley whipped around to see the final student collapse on the floor with a sickening thud. He and the other present members of staff rush to the fallen students aid, with the housewardens (Schoenheit and Rosehearts, mostly) quickly corral the other first years away from them.

Crewel was quick to rip the hood off the student only to freeze, a horrified look on his face. Just as Crowley was about to ask what was wrong, he saw it.

Oh, what a horrid state this student had come in.

The mask strapped to the students head had cracks spiderwebbing over the entire surface and black liquid (that looked suspiciously like blot) oozed from the deepest fissures and dark hollow eyes, smeared over the otherwise bone white covering. From their stark white hair curved two horn-like partitions, not unlike the pincers of a beetle.

Crowley carefully checked the fallen student's pulse and froze when he didn't feel it. His hands frantically swept over the mask for any kind of mouth, or some other kind of breathing hole. But came to the blood chilling realization that there was none. Panic surged through the crow fae's chest as his hand scrambled for the straps of the mask. Had this student been put in a death mask before being picked up by the dark carriage?!

A flood of relief washed over his chest when he located the three black straps holding it in place. Crowley extended a talon to cut the straps and smiled when he saw Crewel had also brought out the knife he kept on him to help.

The pair worked together to saw through the fabric holding the mask on. Finally the last strap fell away with a snap and Crewel gently lifted the eerily cold mask off only to freeze once again.

By the great seven. What happened to this kid?!

Chapter 2

Darkness was nothing new to Ghost. From the void, they were born. And to the void, they became. But something about this darkness felt different…

strange…

unfamiliar…

They couldn't feel their siblings! The multitude of voices, choked and wailing from being silent for so long, had merged with their own when they became the Lord of Shade. Though they had not had them for very long, Ghost had quickly become very attached to the presence and near constant whispers of their siblings.

But now…

It was silent…

So very silent…

Their hands reached for their mask, one of the few things they shared with their lost sibling, desperate for some connection to them. But all their hands found was the skin of their face.

~

Rage and nausea fell in waves over Dire Crowley every time he thought about the state of the smallest student under his care. Under that horrible mask (that Crowley couldn't shake the feeling wasn't made of porcelain or anything ethical) was a mutilated face.

Where lips and cheek should be was only marred skin. Raised and unnaturally smooth scar tissue covered almost the entirety of their lower face. Fortunately, after further inspection, Crewel had found that under the skin was definitely teeth. Though that made it worse. They had teeth. They needed to eat. But something, or more likely, someone, took that away from them.

And what's worse was the state of the scars. Pale and smooth, old scars. The scars were made at the very least ten years ago. The implications made Crowley want to throw up.

To be a first year at the prestigious Night Raven College, one had to be at least fifteen years old. And while this student was tiny, barely above a hundred ten centimeters (3 '9 for my americans), they had to be at least fifteen. So for these scars to be at this state of healing, the mutilation had to have happened at five years old at the oldest.

With a deep breath Crowley swallowed the bile rising in his throat and began working in tandem with Trein and Crewel to undress the student to examine for more injuries. And more signs of abuse.

They worked together to undo the ceremonial robes, but to their surprise the students' original clothing remained. And it raised more questions than it answered. Trein's mouth pressed into a firm worried line as they slipped the remaining robes off and took in the students’ clothes.

Layered over the rest of their clothes were a pair of cloaks. The top cloak was a faded gray and tattered at the edge while the under cloak was more like dark tendrils. Strapped around their thin, borderline skeletal frame was a dark, faded leather tunic and pants. And over their hands and feet were worn gloves and boots with tattered bandages wrapped around them. Strangely there were small mantis-like hooks at their ankles and wrists.

Over their torso crossed two leather straps. One covered with a myriad of strange charms while the other held an odd nail-like bone white weapon. A heavy belt hung at their waist, weighed down by the thick pack attached to the belt at their left hip. Strapped to their right thigh was a small pack, no bigger than their palm. But most curiously was the charm on their other hip.

It was pitch black and shaped like a fallen blob of ink (or blot). But two bright white eye-like marks. When Crowley's hand reached for it, he froze. Ice filled his veins as darkness swallowed him whole.

~

Crowley couldn't move. It was dark and cold. He felt like he was trapped in tar as voices echoed in his mind.

“Theif!” One cried.

“Intruder!” Another hissed.

“Leave!” Someone growled.

Round white eyes appeared as each voice did. Until large oblong eyes rushed towards the crow fae. He could feel a large hand encompass his entire body and lift him towards the eyes.

“Leave the heart,” it rasped. “It does not belong to you!”

Notes:

I promise that Hornet and Hollow are going to be here soon.

Also visit my tumblr for art and general behind the scenes things at https://www.tumblr.com/angstyfrog?source=share

Chapter 3

Notes:

Two chapters in one day is wild.
Don't expect a consistent update schedule btw. I just follow the dopamine and the dopamine said twst x hollow knight.

“-wley! Crow-! Crowley!” Trein's voice cut through the fog of his mind, his hands frantically shaking Crowley's shoulders.

 

Consciousness came slowly and the muscle deep sluggish feeling clung to Crowley like a leech. He opened his eyes to the sight of Crewel and Trein's worried faces. 

 

“Are you finally awake?” Trein asked softly.

 

“What happened?” Crowley questioned, ignoring Trein.

 

Crewel sighed and massaged the bridge of his nose before replying. “You were going to take off the student's belt but passed out. You were out for about ten minutes. Do you have any idea what could have happened?”

 

A chill rushed down Crowley's spine at the memory. The bone chilling cold and near immobilizing weight that still clung to his very soul made his stomach twist painfully.

 

“That charm…” Crowley muttered, "don't touch it. Just don't.”

 

The other teachers shared a glance before nodding and helping the headmage to his feet. After a glass of water they continued their work undressing the student, careful to avoid touching that charm.

 

Soon the teen laid bare on the infirmary bed. All three teachers had to bury a wince at the sight. Almost every inch of the students skin was marred by some kind of scarring. Slash wounds, puncture wounds, and burn scars mapped almost every inch of their unnaturally pale skin. But maybe most grotesque of all was the large, faded, almost surgical Y-shaped scar on their abdomen. 

 

It looked like their stomach was carved open and hollowed out before being stitched closed. But what made every person present almost vomit was how faded the scar was. It was as old or older than the scarring replacing their mouth. The sight made each vow to make sure every person responsible paid dearly.

 

Everyone in the room jumped in surprise as the teens hands rose slowly and stopped just shy of their face before falling into it. Their hands felt around their face, each movement more frantic than the last before their eyes shot open.

 

Unlike normal eyes, which had white sclera and colored irises, the students' eyes were pitch black with no visible sclera or pupils. So dark they swallowed all the light that tried to shine on them. Crowley felt as if he was back in that dark cold place more and more every second he gazed into those vacant pits.

 

Those haunting eyes shot from the trio of adults standing over them to the neatly folded pile of clothes (Courtesy of Crewel) just as one their hands fell back to their side. The other reached out towards the clothes longingly with a slight tremor. 

 

Trein was the first to move, picking up the belt, careful not to touch the charm as he carried it over to the student. The moment it touched their skin the student snatched the leather out of Trein's grasp and cradled the charm to their chest. Right over their heart. It was only then Crowley remembered the words he heard.

 

“Leave the heart. It does not belong to you.”

 

Notes:

Also had to update the rating because of how graphic I made the biology of vessels. Art and diagrams of the scarring is on my tumblr.
https://www.tumblr.com/angstyfrog?source=share

Chapter 4

Notes:

Im posting this at 10:30pm when I have work at 6am
Don't say I never do anything for yall.

“Housewardens evacuate all students to the nearest dormitory regardless of house!” Vargas's voice rang out through the school, connecting to every school issued magic pen. His voice was tight with urgency as he spoke. “The school is now in lockdown! Two hostile unknown entities have invaded school grounds! Students are to not engage unless under immediate threat! Housewardens are hereby ordered to activate their dormitory defense systems and are cleared to use any force they deem necessary!”

The three teachers froze as their colleagues' words washed over them. Two hostiles had somehow broken through the barriers protecting the school. But for what purpose? Question after question raced in Crowley's mind as he moved to protect the smallest in his care.

Crewel and Trein swiftly followed to the two other sides of the student, still clutching the charm to their chest. Each drew their weapon as they readied for battle.

The screech of bending metal and the crash of shattering glass drew their gaze as a red clad figure burst through the window. Climbing in behind them was another figure, one of frightening height. While the person in red was tall, about 170-175 centimeters (5’9), the one behind them dwarfed every person in the room at a monstrous almost 300 centimeters (8’11).

Crowley's stomach churned at the sight. These two had to be the intruders Vargas had announced. Quickly he analyzed them for any weaknesses.

The red clad figure, who, now that Crowley really looked, is probably a woman. Her(?) face was covered by a mask (eerily similar to the one he removed from his student) with two pitch black eye holes. Though he couldn't see her face he was almost certain it was contorted with rage. On her head was a pair of sharp, curved horns poking through her jaw length fluffy white hair.

Clasped at the base of her neck was her bright crimson shawl that fell to her mid thigh when she stopped moving. Underneath Crowley spotted leather tunic and pants similar to the one on his student. Though unlike the student, besides her pack, her belt was covered in large, bright, almost glowing spools of thread and red spheres covered in holes. In her hand was a strange weapon. It looked like a large, thin kunai knife with the hoop at the end attached to one of the spools at her hip.

In contrast to the woman's bright shawl, the hulking figures’ cloak was faded and tattered with age as were their clothes. The leather of their tunic was pale and rubbed matte at the knee and calf and their boots were so deeply creased at the toe they cracked. On their back was a large abstract star shaped sword covered in spider web like fractures. But, perhaps most strange was their missing left arm.

Many things about them felt old and damaged, made certain by the cloth looping around their horns over their right eye. Unlike the student's bone white mask, the unnaturally tall figures’ was slightly yellowed with the same haunting eyes. Through their long white hair was their horns. Like a ribbed version of the woman's, they curved up and inwards with teeth lining the inside.

“Theives!” The Woman shouted, raising her weapon to the three. “For the crime of kidnapping the Savior of Hallownest and child of the Pale King and White Lady, I, Hornet, Daughter of the Beast and Princess of Deepnest, sentence you to death!”

Notes:

Im going to be pulling a lot of world building from some twst fic I've read. Mostly theyre from "Come Away O Fae Child" by DevinePhoenix.
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/37443862

And "Phoenix Tears And Faerie Wings" by AmeliaEarheart123 and Bow_To_The_King.
Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/54754498

Also don't forget to stop by my tumblr for art of my designs for the humanized versions of all the hk characters.
https://www.tumblr.com/angstyfrog?source=share

Chapter 5

Notes:

Warning: Im going to me making up some lore about the humanized version of Hallownest. Most questions will be answered in this of future chapters. But I will answer any non spoiler questions.

How pathetic would it be if Crowley died to this woman?

That was all Crowley couldn't think as he barely managed to dodge and parry the woman's ferocious attacks. She launched herself towards them, weapon first with a shout in an unknown language. Crowley braced for impact only for her to fly past him and knock Crewel onto his back. Just as quickly she disarmed Trein and strung his familiar to the ceiling before anyone could think to act. It was only then she began her assault on Crowley.

She moved with the grace of a ballerina and deadly precision of a train assassin as he leapt from the walls and ceiling. Behind her she left a trail of thread (that Crowley was beginning to think was closer to spider silk than thread) with her orbs occasionally strung through. After a few moments later spikes shot from the orbs, making every movement more perilous. The moment Crewel and Trein found their footing and got close enough to attack she jumped into the air.

“Hegale!” She screams as the spools at her hips unravel and lash out like flames.

Crewel fell first, crying out as the silk threads cut into his arms and cheeks. Then Trein was knocked back, blinded by the bright light given off by the threads. Finally Crowley gripped threads, grimacing as they sliced through his gloves and into his palms. He pulled with all his strength, knocking the woman from the air. The impact knocked her weapon from her grasp, which Crowley immediately took advantage of. Kicking it away.

“Please just listen to me!” He pleaded desperately, holding his bleeding hands up in surrender. “We never meant to kidnap anyone! A mistake was made and, as headmage, I take full responsibility. Please, lay down your weapons and let's just talk.”

Crowley could feel her gaze harden behind her mask. But instead of addressing him, she called out to her companion, jerking her hand back to return her weapon to her grasp. “Get Ghost out of here. I'll hold them off and come find you. No matter what, you are to prioritize getting Ghost somewhere safe. Do you understand me, Hollow?”

It was only then Crowley looked over to where the student, he now knew was named Ghost, had been laying. Except now they were curled into the arm of the gargantuan being now known as Hollow. Piled on top of them were their clothes, all fitting in the crux of Hollow's massive wingspan.

The tall being gestured to the woman, making a questioning motion before tapping Ghost and then their mask. The woman, who until then was fidgeting with her weapon, froze. Slowly her gaze rose. First aimed at Crewel, then at Trein, before it finally landed on Crowley. Though he couldn't see them, Crowley could feel the hatred and rage in her eyes.

~

How

Dare

They

How dare they take Ghost's mask.

Hornet could feel the hatred burning in her veins as she leveled her needle at the bastards who dared to take her sibling. And then dared to take their mask. Seething at the realization that they had violated Ghost in such a manner.

“Where is their mask!?” She demanded, hatred dripping from every word. “Tell me before I rend your flesh from your ones and find it myself!”

Notes:

Check out my tumblr for art of this story and general dumb fuckery
https://www.tumblr.com/angstyfrog?source=share

Chapter 6

Notes:

!!WARNING MILD DESCRIPTIONS OF CHILD EXPERIMENTATION! READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION!!

My psychological and body horror roots really made themselves known this time.

Before Hornet could avenge Ghost's honor, they reached for her. Or reached as best they could. Despite the difference in their height, Hornet had never seen her sibling look as small as they did in that moment, limply curled in Hollow's arm.

 

From the moment she first saw Ghost, that day in Greenpath, Hornet only ever saw them as the powerful, persistent warrior they were. But the sight of the sibling she had grown to love (though she'd never admit it), so pallid and frail, made her feel as though she were sacrificed to the void.

 

Hornet dropped her needle and rushed to Ghost's side, abandoning the battle. The needles screech as it scraped across the tile floors, dragged by the silk connecting it to her hip as she runs. But she couldn't find it inside her to care. Ghost, the Savior of Hallownest, Devourer of the Infection, Lord of Shades, God of God's, was reaching for her.

 

“Little Ghost,” She whispered delicately, “Did they do anything to you?”

 

Ghost only shook their head before tapping her mask with a pale shaking finger and pointing in, what Hornet assumed, was the direction of their mask. The princess of Deepnest nodded, slipping off her shawl and draping it Ghost. With shaking hands she untied the strings of her mask and pressed it over Ghost. They needed it more than her right now.

 

~{♡}~

 

The presence of masks was deeply ingrained in Hallownest, even before the rise of the Pale King. They began as a shield, a way to protect one's face while traversing the harrowing paths of the kingdom. But it all changed with the rise of the Pale King and fall of the Radiance. 

 

Quickly, masks became a way to show status. Masks adorned with gems from the crystal mines and pearls from the blue lake were common in this time. And for so long, the citizens of Hallownest wore masks, to the point that to see another's true face was akin to seeing them naked. A truly intimate sight. A social rule that truly marked it as a time of peace. 

 

Though, it didn't last long.

 

When the infection returned, so did the era of protective masks. In this time a worn mask as a symbol of strength, the mark of a true warrior and knight of the kingdom. It was also at this time that the tradition of carrying the masks of lost family members began. But to the recently created vessels, they played an entirely different role.

 

The process of creating a vessel was a truly horrific sight. The new born children of the Pale King and White Lady were ripped from their mother's arms and brought to the abyss. There, the Pale King would perform a ritual to turn them into a vessel of the void.

 

From the hole in their abdomen, the void would enter the screaming child. Filling their veins, replacing their blood, and turning rosy skin gray. The void knit the skin of their mouth closed, destroying their vocal cords, and snuffed out any and all light. To finish the ritual, the Pale King would place a mask over the now silent and still child, sealing the void within their body.

 

To remove or break the mask of the vessel was to condemn them to the void. 

 

Notes:

Stop by my tumblr for general dumb fuckery and art.
https://www.tumblr.com/angstyfrog?source=share

Chapter 7

Hornet feared for Ghost's body. In her crusade in Hallownest she personally saw and even used the consequences of removing a vessel's mask to her advantage. So for Ghost to not be a shade was a true testament to their strength. Steeling herself, she spoke as evenly as she could.

 

“Ghost, keep pointing the way to your mask. Just focus on that and not turning into a shade. Hollow, can you carry and protect them until you find their mask? I need to deal with the people here.”

 

With a nod, Hollow stood and began walking out of the room. Hornet watched them leave before turning back to the strange mask-less creatures. They may not hurt them, but that doesn't mean much when Ghost can't tell her any details.

 

“You have five minutes to explain. And I want the truth,” She snarled, her other eyes beginning to open. “You have unintentionally stolen the savior and rightful ruler of Hallownest and newly born higher being. Depending on your answer, I cannot guarantee your life.

 

~

 

Crowley fucked up.

 

Crowley fucked up so bad. 

 

Crowley made such a monumental fuck up that Crewel could feel the headache forming.

 

Not only had Crowley's enchanted carriage picked up an injured student, it picked up someone who was not even meant to be a student! Oh, and how could he forget that the student wasn't just royalty! No, no, no! They were the heir to the mother fucking throne!

 

It took everything in Crewel to not either maim that stupid crow where he stood or bash his own head repeatedly into the wall. Still, in an effort to save the school at least a little bit of face, he stepped forward.

 

“We don't know how, but it seems there was an error on our end regarding the transportation of students to the school.” He began, trying to ignore the murderous rage in her white glowing irises. “You see, black carriages pick up students selected to attend this school. But it seems that the carriage took the wrong person. And for that you have our deepest apologies.”

 

“And for what reason did you have to unmask them?” She sneered, though Crewel could sense genuine curiosity bleeding into her voice. 

 

“My lady, that mask had no breathing holes!” Crowley cried, trying to reason with the woman. “Surely they would have suffocated if we left it on!”

 

“What Headmage Crowley means,” Trein desperately interrupted, “Is that we were concerned for their safety. Is there a cultural significance to the masks? You all seem to be wearing them.”

 

“Such indecency,” The woman grimaced, holding her glove-covered hand over the bottom half of her face. “The face is such an intimate part of the body. To show yours so openly is simply…”

 

Crewel could feel his cheeks heat up at the information. To them, faces were akin to breasts. And they stripped the heir to the throne.

 

The woman cleared her throat before speaking again, cutting off any apologies in Crewel's mouth. “And besides being completely inappropriate, masks play a much bigger role for vessels like Ghost. We are very lucky Ghost hasn't become a shade. If they did in this state…”

 

“If I may, what is a shade?” Crewel asked tentatively. 

 

“A shade is what becomes of vessels without their tether.” She shuttered, looking away. “The mask binds them to this plane of existence. Without them, they can't sense things the same. In that state, they attack anything that moves…”

 

Concern rising in his chest, Crewel spoke again. “And what exactly is a vessel?”

 

This seemed to catch the woman's attention as she leveled Crewel with a stern stare. But before she could scold him the door squeaked open to reveal Ghost fully dressed and mask-clad once again. 

 

The shortest of the group approached the woman, their boots echoing the now silent room as they walked. Behind them Hollow ducked under the door frame as they entered, quietly padding after the much smaller figure.

 

And behind them was a very shaken and very confused Sam. He approached the other teachers with a haunted look on his face as the woman fussed and doted on Ghost.

 

“Crewel, please tell me you know what's happening.” He pleaded, “those guys scared off my friends from the other side!

Notes:

Yes, Hollow and Hornet thought Ghost got kidnapped and was being held captive by a bunch of perverts when they first saw the situation. And this detail makes me laugh so much.

Chapter 8

Notes:

I black out and this chapter was written. I went way over my usual word count in this chapter, so enjoy i guess.

Sam damn near pissed himself when those two broke into his shop.

 

He'd been doing as Crowley told him to, analyzing the mask they got off that kid who passed out during the entrance ceremony with the help of his friends. It was a tough process. Some spell or enchantment made it hard for Sam's friends to get near, let alone touch the damn thing.

 

Seeing that his friends weren't going to be of any direct help, they shifted to assistant mode. Darting throughout the room to bring him tools to help him do it himself. Looking through his microscope, Sam came to the disturbing realization that the mask in his hands was most likely made of human bone. 

 

With a sigh, Sam set the mask to the side to begin researching what cultures and rituals use human bone masks. Suddenly all of his friends disappeared, each screaming something about “the lord approaching.” They'd never done anything like this before. Even in the presence of the most powerful of royalty, at least one would stay. 

 

Before he could set up any wards or even call one of his friends back the door burst open. The hinges and frame of the door groaned in protest as the metal lock to the back room of his shop was ripped out the wall and clattered against the floor. Sam froze as he watched an absolutely enormous person kneel under the frame and enter.

 

Apparently, being almost twice the height of any given person wasn't intimidating enough for the being breaking into Sam's shop. No, they also wore a dark frayed cloak that did little to hide their absurdly muscular frame. Working in tandem with that was their scuffed leather tunic, pants, boots, and gloves. Even their long, ghostly white hair made them more uncanny to look at. 

 

But, just as Sam was about to kick them out of his shop, he noticed the figure curled in the intruder's arm. He recognized those curved horns and that mop of stark white hair. He'd seen it on the kid who passed out during the ceremony. But why were they here? Why were they cradled in an absurdly tall beings arm and bundled in a red cloth with a new mask on their face and not in the infirmary with Crowley, Crewel, and Trein? 

 

Just as he was about to show this invader the consequences of kidnapping a NRC student, the hulking figure moved in such a way Sam froze. They raised one hand in a surrendering gesture before tapping one finger on the cheek of their mask, pointing at the mask on Sam's desk, and finally tapping the little imp. 

 

Did…

 

Did they just want the little imp's mask back?

 

Tentatively, Sam picked up the mask and placed it in the figure's hand. Gently they nudged the other mask off the small student before placing theirs on their face. The moment the mask touched their skin, the previously severed straps knitted themselves back together and the little imp shot up. Their hands frantically caressed their mask, fingers running over each crack as they mysteriously mended themselves. Only once the bone had fully healed into one solid peace did their shoulders relax.

 

Sam watched amazed as the hulking figure slightly protested to the little one hopping out of their arm before starting an entire conversation of touches and taps. 

 

Hands danced in a language Sam had no hope of understanding before the taller seemingly relented and began helping the smaller get dressed. They moved with such ease and comfortably that Sam couldn't help but wonder how many times this very scene played out.

 

Finally, the little imp closed the clasp of their second cloak and finished wrapping their gloves and boots in bandages. Satisfied, they stood and moved towards the mangled door before turning back to Sam, beckoning him to follow them.

 

Seven, he hoped he didn't regret this.

 

~

 

Seven figures sat at the Night Raven College conference table. Crowley sat at the head, a strained smile on his face as Sam fluttered about serving tea to, who he now knew, was foreign royalty.

 

Crowley couldn't believe the misfortune of this incident. He'd never been so grateful for the mask covering the upper part of his face as his cheeks burned with humiliation. But just as he was about to apologize, the red-clad woman stood up.

 

“My apologies for this misunderstanding,” She began, her voice even, a far cry from the angry, hate filled words in the infirmary. “Ghost disappeared at the very important moment and seeing them laid bare made Hollow and I think the worst. We now see you were simply helping Ghost as best you could.”

 

“Please, don't apologize,” Trein soothed. “Your reaction was completely justified. Our academy made an error that kidnapped your kingdom's heir.”

 

“Oh, Ghost isn't the heir, so to say,” The woman chuckled. “I suppose real introductions are in order.”

 

With that, she stood, placing a hand on her chest. “I am Hornet, Daughter of Herra the Beast, Queen of Deepnest and One of the Three Dreamers, and The Pale King, Higher Being, Wyrm, and King of Hallownest. Princess of Deepnest and protector of the ruins of Hallownest.”

 

She raised her left hand, gesturing to Hollow. “They are Hollow, child of The Pale King and White Lady, Vessel of the Void, Captain of the Royal Guard, Pure Vessel, Container of The Radiance, and Hollow Knight.”

 

Finally, she raised her right hand and introduced the smallest of the three. “Lastly, Ghost, also child of The Pale King and White Lady, Vessel of the Void, Savior of Hallownest, Devourer of the Infection, Lord of Shades, Newly Born Higher Being, and Rightful Ruler of Hallownest."

Notes:

Don't forget to stop by my tumblr for art and general dumb fuckery.
https://www.tumblr.com/angstyfrog?source=share

Chapter 9

Notes:

Another 1k word chapter. Wild. Also I promise that the actual plot of twst is coming! I just need to set some more stuff up!

Despite not being able to talk, Ghost made their protests very well known. Shooting up from their seat to silently berate Hornet for an explanation. Though, what all the staff wanted to know was what a higher being was.

“Ghost, you must have realized that in defeating the Radiance, something not even the Pale King could do, you are the only one worthy of the throne!” Hornet exclaimed, dodging Ghost's gentle attacks.

Seemingly pouting, Ghost turned away from their sister, Hollow silently laughing beside Hornet. Ghost whirled around and shot the taller an accusatory finger with a slight tilt of their head. And while Crowley couldn't make heads or tails of Ghost's meaning, Hornet sure could.

“Me? Oh no, I can't rule Hallownest,"she admitted. Expanding when Ghost tilted their head further. “Deepnest needs me. The weavers are in chaos and I'm the only one they'll listen to. Besides, Hallownest has always been ruled by a higher being. The Radiance, then the Pale King, and now you.”

Ghost once again began to protest when Crowley spoke up. “Excuse me, but what is a higher being?”

~

Riddle wasn't sure what made him angrier. The fact that his first entrance ceremony as housewarden of Heartslabyul was ruined by an ill prepared student or the fact that all housewardens and vice housewardens were called into a mandatory emergency meeting.

Calming his temper, Riddle turned the doorknob and entered. To his surprise he wasn't the first to arrive. The usually empty seat of Diasomnia was filled by a smiling Malleus Draconia. Standing proudly at his side was his vice, Lilia Vanrouge.

Taking his seat, Riddle did his best not to stare at the rare sight of the Prince of Briar Valley. Riddle had only seen the fae prince a handful of times while at Night Raven College, and he never failed to inspire awe, wonderment, and a bit of fear in the redhead.

Still, Riddle could only wait for the other housewardens to arrive and the meeting to begin.

The next person through the door was Azul Ashengrotto, housewarden of Octavinelle, a confident smirk playing on his lips that never failed to irk Riddle playing on his lips. Behind him was Jade Leech, hands clasped professionally behind his back as he walked exactly one pace behind Azul. Riddle suppressed a shudder when he remembered his last encounter with Jade's twin, Floyd.

Before long the housewarden and vice of Pomefiore arrived. Vil Schoenheit walked in with the grace and pose of the fair queen his dorm paid respect to. Close behind was Rook Hunt, whom Riddle had no good opinion on. Many of Riddle's beastman dorm members report being harassed by the vice housewarden, which is always a pain to deal with.

In bounced the Scarabia housewarden, Kalim Al-Asim, smiling brightly as always. Riddle had nothing against Kalim, only wishing the other would take his duties as housewarden more seriously. Exactly three paces behind Kalim was his faithful vice and adviser, Jamil Viper. Something Jamil felt off to Riddle. In the time he'd known him, Riddle often noticed Jamil's hands moving restlessly even after he supposedly gave something his best shot. But that was none of Riddle's business

The slight creak of the door was all the announcement they got when Idia Shroud skulked into the meeting room, his robotic little brother Ortho floating close behind. The sight of the Ignihyde housewarden made Riddle prickle slightly. After brazenly shouting at the redhead and swearing to be at the entrance ceremony, Shroud had been absent. Now he had the nerve to appear? Riddle sighed and looked away, no point in getting angry about it now.

The last to arrive was , predictably, the lazy head of Savannaclaw, Leona Kingscholar. The lion beastman sauntered in uncaringly. Riddle couldn't hide the displeased frown on his lips that only seemed to make Leona's smirk widen.

But before Riddle could collar that petulant lion, Headmage Crowley entered. Unlike his usual confidant expression, Crowley looked strangely nervous. It made Riddle nervous.

Behind the headmage was Professor Trein, Professor Crewel, Coach Vargas, and Sam filing into the room. But more people kept coming through the door.

Riddle recognized the first as the student who collapsed after exiting the gate. But instead of their ceremonial robes, they were dressed in a shabby cloak with ratty bandages wrapped around their scuffed boots and worn gloves. Sticking out of the collar of their cloak was what looked like the hilt of a sword and they were, for some reason, the mask the headmage had cut off the was once again attached to their face. Riddle couldn't help the disapproving look in his eyes when he saw them.

The next person to enter was a woman, her face also covered by a bone white mask with two pointed horns at the top of her head. But instead of a gray cloak, she wore a rose red shawl with a large knife-like weapon strapped to her back. While Riddle couldn't see her face he could tell by her posture and grace that this woman was one discipline. He could only hope she would guide the lackluster student in front of her.

Riddle nearly fell out of his chair when he saw the final person. An absolutely enormous person ducked under the door frame, their toothed horns nearly catching on the wood as their impossibly long hair briefly dragged on the floor. Riddle stared in horror watching this beast enter the meeting room.

Thankfully, Riddle wasn't the only person visibly uncomfortable in the presence of these visitors. Shroud couldn't hide his fear stricken face, Ashengrotto's jaw tightened and his smile became just a bit strained, and even Kalim's near constant shine seemed to dim slightly.

Though a few seemed intrigued or even excited. Draconia's smile widened slightly, as did Vanrouge's. Beside Vil, Rook's eyes gleaned in that familiar way Riddle had been when he looked at the beastman students of Heartslabyul. And Leech's smirk widened, showing his sharp grin.

Slightly more comforting were the people who kept their poker face like Schoenheit, Viper, and annoyingly, Kingscholar. The lion beastman's face remained passive and tired despite his ears twitching and his tail beginning to lash behind him. Viper's jaw tightened and his shoulders squared slightly, like he was readying for an attack. Schoenheit was the only one to seem unaffected by the arrival of these strangers. His perfectly made face remained neutral and poised.

With a clear of his throat, Crowley spoke. “Thank you all for coming. Due to an unfortunate accident, these three were brought to our prestigious academy with no way of returning. I'd like to ask one of you to act as host and guide to our guest while I and the other staff prepare a suitable residence. Any volunteers?”

Notes:

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Chapter 10

Notes:

The ao3 authors curse got me y'all. Had some shit mental health and was almost sent to the mental hospital lol. But im doing better and made this chapter, hope you like!

“Diasomnia would be delighted to welcome these guests!” Malleus beamed, standing up with a hand on his chest. “Our hospitality is second to none and I believe our guests would find it most comfortable.”

 

“As much as I hate to agree with the lizard,” Leona grumbled, “he's right. Savannaclaw ain't for the faint of heart and these guys ain't really dressed for it.”

 

“I don't think Scarabia would be a good fit either,” Kalim chuckled weakly, scratching the back of his head.

 

Though not one to be outdone, Riddle spoke up. “If I may, I believe Heartslabyul would be the best suited to house our guests. As visitors from a foreign land, it's important we introduce them to the cultures here. In accordance with the traditions of the Queendom of Roses, Heartslabyul will be holding a traditional unbirthday party in three days' time.”

 

“If introductions to culture is what our guests are here for,” Vil interrupted, standing from his seat. Equally unwilling to be outdone. “Then anything other than Pomefiore simply won't do! Our focus on maintaining beauty at all times would benefit our guests greatly. Besides, as a model, my connections are second to none!”

 

Leona loudly scoffed, his laughter filling the meeting room. “Second to none you say? I may be the second prince, but I've got better connections than you.” He smirked at Vil, his fangs in full view. “There's no place more culturally rich than the Sunset Savanna. And I've got first class tickets to all the best spots.”

 

“Scarabia could take them!” Kalim cheered, a bright smile on his face. Emboldened by people's sudden enthusiasm to take in these strangers, despite his earlier uneasiness and Jamil's whispered protests. “We were planning on having a feast tonight to celebrate the start of the school year, but we can change it to a welcome party! I have some fireworks that I was saving, but we can use them tonight!”

 

“Enough!” Trein shouted, slamming his hands on the meeting table. “Our guests are not new toys for you boys to fight over! They are victims of Crowley's faulty system and must be treated with utmost respect!”

 

The older man sighed, massaging the bridge of his nose as he gestured to the three siblings. Hornet stood in front of the other two, a stern stare emanating from behind her mask. The other two looked blankly out at the arguing students.

 

“Crowley failed to properly explain their status and attempted to trick you into agreeing to take them in without knowing. Rest assured he will be dealt with. But let me introduce our guests.”

 

“This is Hornet, Crown Princess of Deepnest,” Trein introduced, gesturing to the red-clad woman. “This is Hollow, Captain of the Royal Guard of Hallownest,” he gestured to the tall person, whose hair was being nimbly braided by Hornet. “And this is Ghost, heir to the throne of Hallownest.” He finished, gesturing to the tiny, mask-clad figure. 

 

Riddle begged your finest fucking pardon?!

Notes:

As always, stop by my tumblr for art and general dumb fuckery
https://www.tumblr.com/angstyfrog?source=share