Chapter Text
Chapter 1 - The Arrival
July 17th, Year 1
"Find and capture him! Alive and well!" A great sentry commanded his men with a stern tone as they traversed the emerald cavern of Greenpath, the last location the Inventor was spotted. "Make haste, lest we make his majesty wait any longer!"
With the single resolute order, multiple squads of knights, sentries and scouts scattered themselves across Greenpath. Traversing the bright emerald expanse of Unn's territory. A realm of life moulded by the loving dreams of a higher being. All in search of the ever-elusive bug, known only as the Inventor. A truly peculiar bug who had remained completely untouchable for the past 2 months. Any encounter with the tall and strangely dressed bug would always result in him escaping the next second.
Catching even a single glance of him proved difficult. And to make matters worse, he was a bug that openly conveyed his distrust and animosity towards the authority. Cementing himself as a bug that refused compliance towards the Pale King’s wishes. When so many before him have fallen and submitted to his majestic pale light…with the exception of a couple of strong-minded species.
But this time will be different. Having learnt from all their previous mistakes, every member of the army focused their minds on the task at hand. Widening their eyes for any discrepancies and honing in on any noise within their vicinity. This time, they weren't going to let him escape. This time, they will capture him.
Though try as they might, no one here could ever show their contempt towards the Inventor. He is a piece of work that would’ve been hated by the masses if not for his aid and solution towards the infection. Providing a peace of mind for the populace that the Pale King couldn’t accomplish, even with the reveal of the Hollow Knight and Dreamer plan.
Ignoring all the greedy merchants and alleyway dealers, the Inventor’s potion has always been marked at a very low and affordable price, given its effectiveness. Though even then, he knew that there were those who couldn’t pay the amount due to circumstances. Rumour says he would mark up the price for nobles who could afford it, while lowering it for commoners, or give them out for free to the less fortunate.
This makes him a figure that’s beloved by the entirety of Hallownest. His reputation is on par with the Pale King himself; some even worshipped him out of respect and idolisation.
To make matters worse, this smart bug was also capable of using ‘magic’ that allowed him to escape their grasp on multiple occasions. Enough for him to earn another nickname - The Elusive Magician. Especially given how flashy and showy he could be during his getaways.
But even he must have his limits, and the scout known as Orion knew this, too.
"If I know the Inventor like I think I do." The dragonfly intentionally says out loud. "Then he should be here!"
And taking the bait, Orion had successfully startled the Inventor enough for a small rattle to be heard from a bush nearby. With his squad of 4, each bug surrounded the greenery, awaiting something to pop out. But nothing appeared.
“Come out and show yourself. I know you’re there.” Orion demanded as he was certain that someone was in the bush.
"Fan-flipping-tastic. Can't any of you just give up on the chase?" A voice came from the surrounded bush, as an enigmatic figure emerges.
Cornered, the Inventor stood up from his crouched position. Making his towering figure seen by the army bugs.
To say his appearance was strange is a complete understatement. As the Inventor looked like a medieval-time plague doctor, but a little more modernised. A white coloured beak shaped mask, a white cloak that covered his body and a white, wide-brimmed hat with a white band.
To the denizens of Hallownest, the Inventor was considered to be a strange and exotic-looking bug due to the shape of his body. An outsider who has come from a far distant land. After all, humans are not creatures native to this world.
The Inventor is a human who happened to stumble across this world without his knowledge or consent. Stranded in an unfamiliar world. All because of the will of ████████. Though no one here, not even the Pale King, knew such information. So why don't we keep it a secret for now...
“We’ve been ordered to take you into custody, but be assured that no harm will come to you.” Orion pleaded as his squad circled closer, cutting off the Inventor’s possible escape path.
“I believe you. Since none of you would ever stop saying that.” The Inventor responded as he dusted off the leaves that were stuck to his clothes, exuding a nonchalant attitude that they’re all too accustomed to after the many escapes. “Orion was it? This makes what? 6? 7 times that you’ve caught me.” The Inventor asked as he stepped out of the bushes, readjusting his brown satchel to a more comfortable position.
“9 actually…” The sentry responded, a little dejected as he remembered all the different times that he was duped by the Inventor. All 9 times that he was so close to capturing him, but failed at the very last minute.
“I see.” The Inventor spoke inquisitively as he stroked his chin, before clasping his hands together in a plea. “I know it's asking a lot, but would you mind turning a blind eye just this once? It’d be great since I like my freedom.” His words are filled with casual jest, as if this were all a game to him.
Though despite his confident and playful attitude, a part of him feared what would happen next. The longer he waits in trepidation, the closer the bugs come, and the harder it is for him to control himself. In the end, he was able to control his fear by exaggerating his body language like a true showman, his way of concealing his emotions. He had to come up with a plan. As quickly as possible. A plan that doesn’t involve killing…
“I apologise, sir, but that won’t be possible. You’re too invaluable to be left unguarded.” The dragonfly sentry named Orion spoke with respect, still remembering the miracle that the Inventor had displayed. “You’re my saviour. No, our saviour. So please don’t make us use force. Just come with us quietly.”
“Come with you quietly, huh…” The Inventor murmurs those words under his breath. “You have no idea how much I’ve come to detest those exact words.” His tone became sterner and a lot more serious, the complete contrast of his usual jolly attitude. A complete 360, as his voice now bore fangs and poison. “Those words that plagued my dreams. The same shameless words those bastards uttered.” Clenching his fist in anger, the Inventor’s pristine white attire turned darker. “You think me a naïve fool to ever place my trust in people like you ever again!” The Inventor’s rage and resentment echo within the cavern of Greenpath.
The sudden tone shift left all the sentries exasperated. The Inventor’s now greyish plague doctor’s mask, which had always looked goofy and friendly in the eyes of the bugs, suddenly gained a sinister undertone. Is it the way that the mask was tilted now, or was it the darker hue, or was the Inventor’s disdain so great that it turned the plague doctor mask hostile? No one knows, and no one wants to know.
The Inventor brings his gloved hand out of his cloak and places it before him, readying a snap. Seeing that gesture alone causes everyone surrounding him to brace themselves. But for some reason, this time, things felt different. Unlike before, when a joyous and bright atmosphere was present, it now felt much darker and gloomier. To make matters worse, the sentries could feel their hemolymph boiling as a heat began to ignite within their bodies. A slight discomfort at first that turned into minor pain.
“What are you doing! Calm down!” A loud scream resounded in the inventor's mind. Impulsive thoughts halted, his senses reclaimed.
Getting his calm back, the darker hue receded, reforming the usual white palette belonging to the Inventor. His mind returned to how it is, the same cheery, friendly, carefree attitude. The psychotic tendencies are calming. Violence sealed away once more.
“Get a hold of yourself, idiot! And stop interfering!” The Inventor thought to himself as he hit himself in the head with his palm. As his demeanour relaxes, the sentries around him can finally breathe with ease, without the pain. “Word of advice, careful where you step.” The Inventor says as he snaps his fingers.
Seeing and hearing the gesture, all the sentries present braced themselves. Knowing full well that the Inventor was going to cast his magic again. When the man’s white-gloved hand finally commits to the snap. A resounding sound echoed in the air, shattering across Greenpath for all to hear. A deafening sound, that no one was looking forward to, as it meant the man was going to play another trick.
The loud sound was beyond anything they’ve ever heard before. Enough for the sentries to all flinch from the sound. Yet, to their surprise, nothing happened. All the Inventor did was make a dash for it the moment they tried to brace themselves for his shenanigans. It was such a small window of opportunity, yet the Inventor was still able to slip away.
To make sure they couldn't catch up to him in time, the Inventor snapped his fingers to create a smokescreen with his 'magic'. Covering his tracks as he makes it more difficult for others to find him. Though the bugs themselves have learnt from their previous encounters and set off a loud flare signal towards the ceiling of the emerald cavern they were in. Warning their comrades of the elusive Inventor.
Running and parkouring around the obstacles in Greenpath was all that was left for him to do. Though the noises made had definitely attracted the other bugs’ attention. Forcing him to make the most of his surroundings, while making sure that he doesn’t accidentally fall into a pit of acid. It would be quite the excruciating experience if that did happen.
Having accustomed himself to running from the authorities, dodging while making careful predictions and calculations was of no difficulty. When a sentry tried to tackle him to the ground, the Inventor immediately leapt forward for a dodge roll.
Looking directly at the bug, the Inventor kicked off the ground to leap backwards whilst snapping his fingers in tandem when the poor bug leapt towards him. Unfortunately for the bug sentry, who had already lunged towards the Inventor, hearing and seeing the snap was the last thing they wanted to happen. While they were in mid-air, unable to dodge, an explosion occurred from under them. The explosion was powerful enough to cause tiny cracks to appear on the carapace of the sentry’s belly, damaging their chitin, but not beyond repair.
As the sentry squirms on the ground, the Inventor used this opening to get up on his feet and make a run for it again. But, not before dropping a small canister of healing balm, as he had hurt the bug a little bit more than he’d like. Though his momentum would soon come to an end, as he unexpectedly positioned himself against the precipice of a cliffside.
The drop downwards being more than a hundred metres high. A height the Inventor isn’t confident in surviving, and even if he did survive, his legs wouldn’t. And this might just be a personal opinion, but the Inventor would prefer not to be crippled for the next couple of months.
“You have nowhere left to go. Please surrender and come quietly.” Hegemol says as he rendezvoused with the great sentry’s squad. Cornering the Inventor and finally able to fulfil his duty in escorting the bug back to the white palace, as per the order of his king. “Our king would like to have a word with you.”
“Well now, where’s the fun in that?” The Inventor says with a bright attitude, spreading his arms wide, before bringing his right hand in front of his face to ready a snap.
Having encountered the Inventor’s antics, all the military bugs present knew that the Inventor was about to do something. Could the Inventor be preparing for another explosion or perhaps another smokescreen? Whatever it is, they’ll be prepared; all the other sentries will charge in and capture him when the signal is given.
After all, the Inventor’s ‘magic’ has a cooldown, or else he would’ve just been constantly snapping his fingers. Though that may be a precaution since he disliked killing or harming someone. As is evident by the medicinal balms he leaves when his explosions go overboard. Like the incident with Isma.
“How about I show you something new. And let us continue this game of cat and mouse.” The Inventor giggles as he starts to chuckle softly, snapping his fingers as he creates another smokescreen.
A highly distracting rainbow smokescreen, to be exact.
Hegemol and all the sentries were perplexed, unable to ascertain the Inventor’s intention. Why cause a smokescreen now of all times, and one as bright as this? All it did was tell the army that the Inventor was in there somewhere. He had nowhere to go. He was surrounded, and the moment he leaps out of the smoke is the moment they capture him. Yet, no one could’ve possible foreseen the Inventor’s disappearance act. Nowhere to be seen as the smoke cleared, and the knight knew fully well that he didn’t run out of the smoke, for they would’ve caught him if he did.
“W-Was that…teleportation?” Orion said in astonishment. “Has he always been able to do that? Was this all a game to him?”
“As much as I want to deny it. It’d make sense. It explains how he’s always so confidant and how he’s able to always escape our grasp. He had an ace up his sleeves and we simply didn’t pressure him enough to use it, until now.” Hegemol added, trying to survey the area, looking down the cliff to see any discrepancies. Only to find nothing. “The Inventor has escaped…We’ll be regrouping with Ogrim. Move out now!” Hegemol ordered, his voice clearly littered with annoyance and agitation at the constantly elusive plague doctor.
Yet, no one could’ve guessed that the Inventor had allowed himself to fall down the cliff…
“Good thing that the last slime padding was green in colour or else that might’ve been dangerous.” The Inventor comments to himself as he bounces on top of the house-sized green blob that cushioned his fall. “Unlike some of those bugs, I don’t have wings.”
Touching the springing consistency of the green slime one last time, the Inventor was satisfied with the fruit of his labour. A chemical reaction that constructs a cushioning slime in case of a fall from a great height. Cushioning falls up to 200 metres.
Bouncing off the slime, the Inventor turns to leave before the Pale King’s forces could catch up to him. With the built-up fatigue, his body was nearing its limit. Having not eaten or slept properly for the past few days. It’d be smart to create some more distance while he still can.
Though he has many more pressing issues to address. The imminent danger was clearly visible in front of him. Three wandering husks stood before him. But unlike the ones he encountered before, these ones seemed more intelligent and mutated. Like they are being meticulously controlled and ordered by something.
“…it burns…DANGEROUS…the light…HERETIC…KILL…it hurts…KILL…KILL THE DOCTOR…save me…KILL THE CURE…” The infected bugs started to speak in unison before dashing towards the Inventor with the intent to kill, to destroy the source that prevented her from propagating further.
Seeing the infected dashing towards him, the Inventor dug into his satchel and pulled out a firearm. Pointing it at the infected, he fires off 3 bullets aimed at the legs of the infected wandering husks. Though the effect seemed to have been completely negligible. The infected's body started to produce more pus and covered up the holes in their legs. Only to continue running towards him. Knocking the gun out of the Inventor’s hand when they closed the distance.
Before they could pounce onto him, the white plague doctor dodged and rolled away. Picking up his gun in the process, he pulled the trigger again, aiming it towards non-lethal areas. However, to his dismay, the orange pus of the infected jammed his firearm.
With one of his options being sealed away, the Inventor grabbed a small flask of clear liquid from his satchel. Uncorking it, he splashes the solution onto the infected. And like its intended use, the liquid started to dissolve the orange pus off the husks. Corroding their body for a few moments before more orange pus leaked from their body, reconstructing their body.
His disinfectant was supposed to sanitise the infection. It has been the most effective means to combat the infection, yet it didn’t do any lasting damage or halt their movement. And given the stage of their infection, VoD was useless. He was done for. He’s run out of tricks and has no energy to outrun the infected. The dream goddess had no intention of letting him live, going as far as to supercharge her pawns when she was weakening.
“What a lousy day…” The Inventor says as shadows slowly encroached from beneath him, dying his attire black.
But before the shadows could fully engulf him, a pale light shone from behind him. A majestic illumination that could only belong to one being. And when the husks had advanced close enough, glowing pale swords shot from behind and pieced into the bodies of the infected. Completely and utterly decimating the lackies of the scornful daybreak in the time span of a second.
Though Nelson didn’t see or hear anything from the dying husks, he could clearly tell that the one behind them was infuriated. A connection not too dissimilar to telepathy, as he could read the moth goddess’s mind like an open book. Having completed an entire psychological profile on the forgotten light. He couldn’t help but smirk under his white plague doctor mask, as he felt accomplished for ruining the Radiance’s plan once again.
“It’s amusing and all, but I have more pressing issues to attend to.” The Inventor turned to gaze upon the pale light. “How will I get out of this mess?”
Basking in its magnificence, he sees the higher being slowly descend onto the earth. Before him stood the ruler of Hallownest, the Pale King himself. Regally and majestically glistening as his wings fluttered elegantly to keep his royal majesty hovering. And with a single wave of his hand, multiple pale pillars of soul erupted from the ground, surrounding and finally capturing the Inventor. Forming an impenetrable cage that he cannot escape from.
The Inventor sighed in exasperation, as the feeling of helplessness and defeat loomed over him. “N-Now that’s just not fair. At least make it fun and give me a chance to escape.” The Inventor playfully comments, to the Pale King’s annoyance.
“Cease this foolishness. You clearly care for the livelihood of my subjects. An alliance should be of interest, yet stubborn you remain? If safety is of concern, then as a god, I promise no harm will befall you nor will I constrict your freedom.” The Pale King’s voice felt amplified, fully manifesting the regal majesty of a pale being that ranked above even other higher beings.
Staring down at the Pale King, who stood tall and regally before him, a single thought went across the Inventor’s mind, “He’s kinda cute with how short and unintimidating he is. I’m unfamiliar with magic as it is. How should I escape? Wait, is this sunlight?” Flicking the pus off his firearm, the Inventor poured a bottle of clear solution on the remaining infection. Dissolving the blight, washing it away before he stashed his weapon away into his brown satchel.
“My knights will be here any second.” The Pale King spoke, as he fully descends upon the ground, furling his six majestic pale wings, as he walks towards the Inventor who towered over him with his height. “Interesting. I’ve received reports of his appearance, but seeing it in person is something else. He’s as tall as Grimm, and his face looks like that of the craw tribe.”
The Inventor sighed dejectedly as he put a hand to the nose bridge of his white plague doctor masked forehead before reminiscing about the past 5 months he’s been in Hallownest. “How did my life come to this?”
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February 5th, Year 1
It was just any other day for the pill bug named Jon. Draw up 2 buckets of water from a nearby river and bring them home. The usual mundane life that befalls a common bug of Hallownest. Tending the fields from morning to noon and then spending the rest of his time with his family and neighbours. Before finally retiring for the night. A simple life like this was all he could possibly ask for, a slow and fulfilling life.
A boring lifestyle like this may not be for everyone, but it was the life that Jon felt most fulfilling. He had a loving wife who made a killer gruz pie and crawlid stew. Her shining carapace and smooth chitin made her all the more attractive. Their son and daughter were so cute, one wanting to become a part of the knight order, the other wanting to become a scholar of the teacher’s archive. A future full of prospects for his perfect children.
He hopes this life would’ve continued, but when the infection hit half a year ago, everything was turned upside down. Mandatory curfews were imposed, areas were quarantined, and travel between stations was halted. It was frightening at first, as panic ensued within the village. Everyone is scared of the possibility of infection.
Many chose to deny themselves rest, wearing their physical and mental state to stay in the waking world. But doing so only made them more likely to fall victim, as the infection found their tired minds easier to prey upon. Jon was glad that he didn’t make his family stay up like the Ledans’ family, as unfortunate as it may be. He was glad that his wife and kids didn’t succumb to the blight of dreams, but he can’t say that for everyone. They’ve lost some good people. Everyone knew of the danger and irregularities of the infection, and all they could do now was cling to hope. Putting their faith in their god and king to solve the problem.
All they can do now is to wait and endure. They all knew how much stress and pressure the king was under. No one in the village dared to complain and make everything worse. Everyone simply accepted the circumstances and went on with life. The infection robbed bugs of their mind and body, reanimating them even past the void’s embrace. Knowing this terrified everyone, so the most they could do was to savour whatever time they had together. Spend every waking moment with purpose until the horror is finally over. That was all they could do.
Moving towards the edge of the lake, Jon scooped up the first bucket of the day. He’ll have to do multiple trips to supply enough for his family, maybe a bit more than usual, since a bath has been long overdue. What he never expected to find near the river was the washed-up body of a strange and exotic-looking bug.
“What in tarnation is this strange-looking bug?” Jon comments having never seen a human before, as this race doesn’t exist within this world. “Quite the odd fella.”
Touching the bug in question was strange to say the least. Their chitin was soft like flesh, but he could also feel something hard underneath the soft exterior. Perhaps stone or metal? The strange bug also has hundreds, if not thousands, of strands of black silk coming out of their head. They had 2 arms and 5 fingers on each hand, with each finger having a strip of more solid but still soft fangs. They were dressed in white, with a brown satchel strapped to their body.
“They’re really tall. Female, perhaps?” Jon tried to deduce the strange bug’s gender from the common sense of Hallownest. “Hm, best not to assume so early. Heard some species of bugs where the opposite was true.”
Their attire was also a mystery. Their body was wet from the water, yet when Jon made contact with the strange bug’s white lab coat, they felt dry. In fact, the drops of water on his clothing would puddle together without being absorbed into the fabric. Whatever it was, it felt magical, like the bug belonged in high society. Wearing clothing of immaculate quality. They were also wearing something on their feet, for shoes are uncommon, if not non-existent within Hallownest.
Checking to see if the strange bug was alright, Jon held onto their hand, as touching someone’s face is considered improper. But, as he does, the man’s warmth was mystifying to say the least. Just touching him made Jon feel much more relaxed. It was therapeutic to be able to hold onto something soft and warm at the same time. The last time he encountered such sensation was when a travelling caravan of fleas settled for a small period of time, searching for a utopia, a place they could safely live in. Apparently, Hallownest wasn’t what they were looking for, and they departed to a “Loom” that was “Phar” away. Whatever that meant…
Though unlike the fleas, this strange bug didn’t have any fur, yet it still radiated so much heat. The pulse from their soft chitin was steady and rhythmic. If Jon had to put it into a word, it was soothing. However, none of that was important right now because Jon knew he’d have to help this strange bug. Although he’d most likely need some help, as the bug was too large and heavy for him alone. However, he can’t just leave the poor bug alone; there’s no telling what might happen during the time he’s away.
“…V-Vin…I’m sorry…I shouldn’t have…I should’ve stopped...” The strange bug mutters in his sleep, drops of water collected in what Jon could only assume to be the strange bug’s eyes. Given the context, it seemed like the man was having a nightmare, one that felt extremely personal.
“Well, at least a nightmare is still better than dreaming.” Jon comments before pulling the bug out of the water, away from the cold.
Scavenging for some firewood, Jon lit up a campfire in an attempt to dry the strange bug. Although his outerwear remained dry, his inner clothing was not so fortunate. Not to mention the man’s declining body heat. As a bug, their sensitivity to heat is much higher than that of a human, so it was easy to tell that the man was losing his body heat. Becoming colder to the touch as time passes.
All Jon could do now was to look after this strange bug. With the gut feeling that this decision of his will benefit everyone. And by everyone, it includes the strange bug in question. This was the turning point for everything they’ve endured until now.
End of Chapter 1 - The Arrival
