A/N: I'M SO SORRY THIS IS LATE. I've been pinging between different fandoms and playing video games, so uh... I got distracted. Also all of your comments and support? Means the world to me. Really. I don't think I've ever seen a fandom this interactive and kind! Anyway, hope you enjoy! You can find me gushing about Hollow Knight on tumblr as bugbeee!

Chapter 4: Pact

Root watched her husband pace back and forth in their shared bedroom, and tried not to sigh for the twentieth time. His mumbling truly was becoming incessant, especially when he wasn't the only one who would suffer due to his incompetence. After another minute of pacing, she finally had enough.

"You've mucked it up quite a bit, haven't you," she said kindly, roots reaching out to grab her husband and pull him against her chest. He struggled for a bit, before giving up.

"I resent that statement. I was simply defending my honour, our honour! Suggesting that I would ever do such a thing- It was disrespectful beyond belief."

His voice was muffled by her robes, and she slowly let go of him, peering down at his scowling face with affection.

"You've ruined a perfectly good friendship, you know. How am I supposed to show my face at our weekly luncheon if she wants to kill you?"

"She's always wanted to kill me, dear."

Well, he was right about that. Herrah had propositioned her several times to just 'do in' her 'no-good husband' and take Hallownest for herself. It sounded fun, but she had no doubt that it would be far too much work. Also, as much as he was an idiot, she was quite fond of her husband, and wouldn't appreciate him dying anytime soon. Letting out a soft sigh, she pressed an affectionate kiss to his forehead.

"Yes, she says as much during our weekly meetings," she said, ignoring his disgruntled tone, "but never this much. Honestly, just return the child-"

"You think I had something to do with it?!" He pushed away from her, and looked at her indignantly. Root tilted her head in surprise.

"You usually do, sweetling. Losing both of your children in one night? It sincerely sounds like a plot that only you could come up with."

"I wouldn't kidnap my own daughter!"

She couldn't stop her eyes widening in doubt.

"Are you sure? It's alright to admit that you don't know how to ask Herrah for shared custody, you've never been very good in the social department."

Her beloved Wyrm turned to scowl at her, pulling himself away from her embrace.

"Root, this is serious!"

"I am being perfectly serious. I bet you Hornet is off on a hunt to prove herself to her mother, and she's somehow gotten our Hollow involved. We'll give them a stern talking to when they return, but ultimately allow Hollow to see her more often, since it's not good to isolate a child for this long," she told him, a soft smile overtaking her face.

She'd been so desperate to interact with their child properly, but her beloved husband's restrictions were... painful. But now... now there was nothing stopping her from 'corrupting' their child, not when they already seemed to be 'corrupted' by emotions. Still, it didn't excuse her own actions in isolating the poor child, and she'd always regret letting Wyrm push her away from the vessel, especially when it appeared to have damaged them so much. Wyrm continued his muttering, but paused at her suggestion.

"Maybe, but- Hang on, are you suggesting we... treat the Vessel like a bug?"

"I think it's been fully proven that our child has emotions. Speaking of, Hollow is such a nasty name, no child of mine should have a name that silly! I suggest Briar, or Rain."

"No we- We aren't giving it a name!"

"Them, dear. At least try. I've always liked the name Leif."

"Leif? Absolutely not, if anything, they'd be named Alban or Caerwyn- that is beside the point. They're hollow! They have no emotions! They're meant to trap the Radiance!"

"I believe that plan has sailed, my love. Also, Alban? My love, I refuse to call our child that. But Caerwyn... Perhaps that has some merit."

Her husband sputtered at her words, mask gradually becoming more agitated at her fond musings, until she finally took pity.

"Husband, it must be obvious to you that we cannot continue as is. The Vessel has proven to have a will of their own. Is there not any other way to stop the infection? Perhaps a discussion with the Radiance...?" she trailed off at the distaste on Wyrm's face, and sighed.

"My Root, you cannot reason with her. Being forgotten has warped her- do not give me that look, it is not my fault her followers liked me more than her!"

"Oh? So you did not encourage it?"

"...we are not having this discussion; it brings no merit to the current conversation."

Root looked at him doubtfully, and he grimaced.

"I will... consider it. An alternative would have had to be created in the case of the Vessel failing, so this just gives me incentive. But back to the imminent threat at hand, Herrah. We must defuse the current tensions quickly."

"My dear, she is a bug who has just lost her only child. I would react much the same way had I been told that my child was stolen in the night, potentially by the other child of my child's sire. I said potentially, stop with that pout. I will speak to her. She is a dear friend of mine, and I hold her daughter close to my own soul. Meanwhile... I would deploy the Great Knights. Dryya is an excellent tracker, though I will have to convince her to leave my side, especially during my meeting with Herrah."

Oh, she would not be looking forward to that at all. Dryya was a wonderful companion and friend, but her devotion to her duties could be... an issue. She sighed softly, and leaned down to place another kiss on her husband's face, folding him into her arms.

"Come now, my dear. It will turn out alright. I shall send a missive to Herrah, and you shall deploy the Knights. This mess will be cleaned up soon. Now stop fussing, and go to sleep."

He looked like he wanted to protest, but after a moment of hesitation, his tenseness fled, and he leaned into her touch.

"Very well, my love. And I... apologise. I know I have not been the easiest to deal with lately."

She placed a gentle hand beneath his chin and knocked their masks together.

"You have been under a tremendous amount of stress. No-bug can withstand that pressure alone, god or not. Let me take on some of that burden, dearheart."

With a final sigh, he nodded, and pressed a kiss to her own mask.

"Yes, love."

Hollow had grown used to the constant aches and pains their time trapping the Radiance had gifted them, and yet, for the first time in decades, there was no agony in every move, no soreness blossoming across their limbs and forcing them to stand crooked. Even the phantom ache of their lost arm had disappeared.

It was such a small, silly thing to notice as they gleefully ran away from their siblings, yet they couldn't help but marvel at the ease in which they could move. Pain was something they had become familiar with in the Black Egg, the talons of the Radiance's will clawing into their carapace and mind, shredding everything that stood between her and freedom into pieces. But now... now there was nothing. Liquid fire did not burn through their chitin every moment of the day; they could happily run and play with their siblings without stumbling from the agony that snaked its way through their very Soul.

And wasn't that a marvel in of itself? Playing and indulging themself in emotions that their father had believed they never had. It made something in their chest ache, a quiet happiness that did not hurt so much as it made them regret. Could they have had all this sooner if they had run before? Would they have escaped the pain? Their musings brought them to a halt, the tiny forms of their siblings crashing into them and causing Hollow to stumble.

Hornet's mask was alight with glee, her claws threaded into their robes as she bumped her mask against their own.

"Caught you," she said cheerfully, looking like the small child she was, but had never been allowed to be. Ghost shuffled beside her, clearly trying to convey something similar as they butted their mask against Hollow's shoulder. The ache in their chest swelled, blossoming from regret into-

Affection. Adoration.

Definitely love.

In that moment, Hollow cursed their father. What for, they weren't sure, but... he had kept them from this, whether purposefully or in his own ignorance. But it didn't matter, not when the damage had already scored deep wounds onto their Soul. They had lost something in the Black Egg. Innocence perhaps. Or maybe they had never had any in the first place, the small part of them that was a child being stamped out by notions of duty and perfection. But now... now they could start again. All of them.

Hornet's mask was scuffed, they noticed distantly, long arms reaching over to hold both her and Ghost in a tight embrace, their smaller void sibling covered in dust and dirt. The disciplined part of them hissed at Hollow to move, to stop fooling around and wasting time and disappointing everyone-

Perfection, they thought, cutting off the spiralling negativity in their mind, was worthless if it did not contain moments like this. Maybe they should get a move on, but this... they wanted to cherish this. Holding their siblings close, mask pressed affectionately against their smaller ones, indulging in time that they had chosen to gift each other.

That was perfection, in their mind. And it was beautiful.

The three of them let themselves linger with each other, affectionate touches which had been foreign for so, so long finally in abundance. It was only when Hornet's stomach gave a low grumble did they part, silent laughter shaking through Hollow's body at their sister's embarrassed look.

"Don't laugh! I haven't eaten in hours," she complained, but there was a smile in her eyes. Ghost clapped their hands happily, leaping off of their taller sibling to point at the abundance of fungi growing everywhere. Hornet's mask tilted backwards in horror.

"Absolutely not! Most mushrooms are inedible to bugs outside of the Fungal Wastes, and no, we can't eat some of the pests wandering around either. They're poisonous too," she scolded, claws resting on her waist. The effect was somewhat diminished by her tiny size, and from the shrug that Ghost gave her, they knew it too. Hornet scoffed, but there was no malice in it, and she gave them a shrug of her own.

"If we want to eat something, then we're going to have to go to the Queen's Garden to secretly hunt down some Maskflies or Mossflies, because otherwise there isn't anything naturally edible until we reach the Crossroads or Greenpath. Not unless either of you fancy taking a trip to the City of Tears?"

Ghost perked up at the mention of the city, but Hollow shook their head. The city would be crawling with guards, and as their absence was not exactly... approved, they did not doubt that their father's agents would come down upon them instantly. But the Queen's Garden would also be crawling with servants loyal to their mother. And then there was the issue of the Queen's Station; at this point of time, it would be a hub of activity. They would have to sneak in, or somehow disguise themselves to get past.

A quick glance at the noticeable curve of Hornet's horns, and the unnatural wisp of void on Ghost's body, Hollow doubted that would work. Hornet was too small anyway to set off alone, her tiny body barely able to lift up her own needle. Ghost would be better, but they were missing their nail, and Hollow's own nail would be far too large. Letting out a soft huff, they tilted their head in the direction of the Garden. They could pull down some foliage and other things to try and cover each other up. Perhaps some mushrooms could be used to make a fake shell? Hollow tried to mime this to their siblings.

Hornet's eyes narrowed in confusion, and Ghost blinked up at them. A silent groan escaped their chest. Dipping the tips of their claws in some nearby mushroom spores, they began to scrawl out words in the dirt.

DISGUISE WITH LEAVES FROM GARDEN

"That's... not a bad idea. There's a secluded area just between the Wastes and the Garden, so if we grab something there to hide us with..." she trailed off, staring intently off into the distance as though she were lost in thought. Finally, she piped up again:

"If it's convincing enough, then we could even take a stag to the Resting Grounds without too much suspicion."

Hollow had only been to the Grounds once, just before their sealing. It was meant as a gesture of respect to those who had perished in the infection, as well as a promise to make sure no more deaths would occur.

Bitterness welled up in them at the reminder of their failure, their limbs instinctively flinching in shame. Hornet looked up at them, worry in their posture, while Ghost quickly latched onto their free hand. They shrugged softly, before waving their hand dismissively, ignoring the concerned look their siblings exchanged. Hornet darted over to grab their other hand.

"Just so that we all stick together," she explained hurriedly, splotches of embarrassment on her cheeks, and Hollow trembled in voiceless laughter. But Hollow eagerly latched onto her claws, nail hefted on their back so that their siblings had their whole hand to their selves.

The yellow shimmer of the Wastes slowly deepened into the lush green of their mother's gardens, mushrooms shrinking down into thick leaves, the foliage resting heavily on every surface available. They watched in amusement as Hornet and Ghost let go of their hands to scramble over to the vegetation, an unspoken competition blooming between the two of them. Hornet bickered good-naturedly with Ghost, despite their silence, and Hollow couldn't help but duck their head in affection.

How blessed they were to have such good siblings. Neither of them deserved the weight of the future, the expectations and horrors that had fallen at their feet. Hollow refused to let them go through that again.

They were the biggest. The strongest. They would protect their siblings no matter what. Even if it cost their own life. It was a mute agreement in their mind, a decision they were determined to uphold, because their siblings deserved to be the children they never were allowed to be. It was too late for Hollow, but they could safeguard Hornet and Ghost's childhood.

Watching them run around gleefully, any worries of the future forgotten in the face of fun, Hollow knew that such a thing was worth protecting.

They would make sure of it.

No cost too great.

Herrah walked into the Mantis Village with her head held high, Midwife close behind her, the ever present grin on her mask seeming brittle and ready to snap. She could feel the eyes on them, the mantises gathering to watch them for any sign of weakness. Midwife forced her worry and guilt down, instead flashing a sharp toothed smile at those who got close. This was not a place where she could show weakness. Not if she wanted the little princess to be found. They had searched the areas close to Deepnest, and while she had picked up on the Gendered Child's scent, it was too distant and faded to be of any use.

Now, however, hopefully the search could come to an end if they obtained the assistance of the mantises. Herrah had always had a fractured relationship with the Mantis Tribe, but... Midwife was sure her queen could convince them to assist her. They were warriors, just like her people, and there had already been whispers of dissent in the Mantis Tribe towards the Pale King.

Finally, they reached the dais, and Midwife watched carefully as the Lords stood up at their arrival. Herrah bowed, eyes focused on her fellow rulers, and they bowed in return.

"Queen Herrah of Deepnest," the middle one spoke, voice deep and smooth, "what brings you out of your nest and into ours?"

"Lord Holka," Herrah began, "I come to you and your tribe with a request, and an offer."

"We do not deal with those unable to help themselves," another lord said, and Midwife recognised her as Melka, Holka's right hand. She did not flinch or stumble at the dismissive words. She had been Herrah's companion and most trusted advisor since she first came to power. Instead, she rose higher, mask slitting open to bare her teeth as a warning, and a show of strength. But as always, her friend needed no assistance.

"Even if it meant freeing yourselves from the Wyrm's influence?"

Herrah's voice rung like a bell through the village, and silence set in, heavy and crushing. The mantises may have been tasked to keep the spiders of Deepnest at bay, but it was a duty they resented.

They could use that.

"Explain yourself," Dalka, the third lord, commanded, and Herrah smiled. It was not a nice smile, and Midwife couldn't stop the rush of primal joy she felt at the sight of it.

"The Pale King has stolen my daughter away, spirited by the hollow vessel he hopes to use to curb the infection. I made my deal with him. He has broken it, and in the process, broken his word to relieve Hallownest of the Golden Blight. Should my daughter not be returned in seven cycles, the beasts of Deepnest will declare war against the people of Hallownest."

"You will be slaughtered for your arrogance," Melka sneered out, but stopped at Holka's raised claw.

"That is a lofty claim, Queen of the Beasts. How do you intend to achieve it?"

"By requesting your alliance, Lords of the Mantis Tribe. You are strong, far stronger than the average Hallowian, and while there are more of them, with our assistance, these tides could change."

"And then what? What use do we have of a barren kingdom, when there are so few of us? We will fight eventually with you for scraps, be overrun by the infection, and then where would we be?" Dalka spoke, eyes narrowed, but not... hostile. Herrah nodded.

"Perhaps so, but we lived side by side in peace before the Pale King's establishment of Hallownest. As for the Infection... the Wyrm's current plan to stop it will never come to fruit. His Vessel is not pure. His actions have only prolonged the suffering. No, should we succeed, then we would have to fight it at its root," she explained, voice as smooth as honey.

Midwife watched the way the Lords looked at each other, caution and curiosity caught between one another. They seemed to hold an entire discussion with just a look, and before she knew it, they turned back to face the two of them.

"We cannot guarantee our support in any future conflict, however, we shall assist your search for the princess. Should it seem that the Pale King is failing in his duties however, we will offer our aid."

"And what would that entail?" Midwife asked, eyes half-lidded as the lords turned to look at her. Her mask unbuckled to reveal her teeth below, and she noticed how Melka tensed up, while Dalka's claws brushed against her spear. Holka did not even flinch.

"Should the infection reach our brethren, then it will be clear that his influence has caused weakness within our ranks," she replied coldly, and Midwife nodded slowly, sheathing her teeth. Herrah inclined her head softly.

"Very well. We have a deal. But know that the offer remains open. I thank you for your assistance in watching out for my child. She is fierce, but barely through her second moulting."

"We understand," Dalka replied, "and shall see to it that no harm befalls her."

They left the Mantis Village with their backs straight, neither of them speaking until they had fully exited out of the Fungal Wastes.

"Was that wise, Herrah?"

"No. Probably not. But this is my daughter, Midwife. She is Deepnest's future."

Midwife let the words sink in for a moment, before sighing softly.

"I understand. But she will be nothing if there is no Deepnest for her to return to."

The queen did not turn to look at her.

They returned back to Deepnest in silence.

"You'll hurt yourself if you try to strain your body like that."

Furious eyes turned to stare at her, and Lepitera rolled her eyes, instead softly pulling the fragile bug back into bed, tucking her back in.

"Come now, no need to glare. This is for your own benefit."

"Every moment I spend here is another moment that usurper sits on my throne!"

"My dear, it hasn't been your throne in a long, long time," Lepitera responded gently, dodging the flutter of wings that shivered in fury.

"How dare you? I am your god!"

The moth looked down at the burned body of her ancestor's old god, and sighed.

"Right now, you are nothing more than a memory, kept alive by your own willpower and my desire to see you live. Go back to sleep, my Radiance. This path you wish to take will only lead to your downfall."

"And how would you know?" she spat out, eyes narrowed in disgust, and Lepitera gave a cold laugh.

"The same way I knew I would find you on the top of that mountain. I Saw it."

Her words seemed to finally quiet the Radiance down, who stared at her with something akin to fear and... delight. After a few moments, she finally decided to look away, and busy herself with her tinctures. There would be a fresh batch of mourners this afternoon in the Resting Grounds who would want her to complete the rites for a bodiless funeral, and she was already behind on preparation.

The infection had not only stolen friends and family, but also forced them to mourn with nothing, with every infected bug being incinerated once they had perished.

Lepitera stole a look at her god, who had by now moved her gaze to the ceiling, eyes clouded with something she couldn't quite read.

She sighed again.

It was going to be a long few cycles.