when we are older you'll understand

[lightlessfuture]

[ Here is a story:

Once upon a time, there were two vessels taken from the Abyss, instead of one. One raised, one trained, one taught to believe wholly in the purpose they were given;

and one, trained somewhat, raised somewhat, but not as closely watched; not as closely guarded or needed. They learned, perhaps too much, about the world in which they lived, about the bugs in it.

There is no night or day underground, but the lights are dim in the White Palace. The kingdom rests, as best it can in such circumstances.

It's almost time.

The nameless, fully-grown vessel - not the Hollow Knight, there is only one Hollow Knight, and it is not them - writes quietly at the desk. Their sibling is asleep, or they think so.

It will be a long day for one of them, tomorrow. But not, they think, the correct one.

They are busy, head bent low, and it would not be hard for their sibling to move without their notice. ]

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[lightlessfuture]

[ It doesn't quite matter if they're not entirely satisfied, so long as they understand not to look at it. Not yet, at least.

(Not until things are already in motion and can't be reversed.)

They are tired, but then again, they are always a little tired. There's always much to do, for a child whose curiosity is not nearly as tightly controlled.

If it was any other day, they would already be asleep. But...

Maybe their father has already told them not to give them affection, not to give them anything, but they've grown less and less attentive to his words as time has gone by. So it doesn't matter.

They shake their head, looking a little forlorn, a little lost, and gently place a hand over their sibling's. First one, then the other, giving it a gentle squeeze, attempting to convey...

They don't know what they're attempting to convey. But they don't want to sleep just yet.

This will be the last time they see them, after all. They want to stave off that inevitability a little longer. ]

[sealedvessel]

[This is very unusual. And they don't entirely know what to do with this, what to do with their sibling who is being so stubborn and yet so vague.

But what is clear to the Hollow Knight is this. They're not going to sleep. Neither of them are. And they will not listen to the other trying to convince them to.

So.

The Hollow Knight moves, although not a all stopping their sibling from holding onto their hand. In fact, they stop, and turn, to see if they'll follow.

It's quiet right now. No one will stop them from walking around for just a bit. Well. Their father might, but that is only if he catches them.

It's not entirely a rebellious act, as they would not do this if directly ordered not to. But they haven't been. So they... bend the rules, just a little, even if they don't see it that way.

For their sibling's sake, it's fine, isn't it? Just for a little bit.]

[chainedvessel]

[ They're surprised, when the Hollow Knight doesn't let go of their hand, looks back at them to see if they'll follow. (Their sibling has always been more obedient to their father's wishes, more sensitive to what he wants.)

So they tilt their head, in silent curiosity, and nod; of course they'll go along with them. Half wanting to know where exactly it is they'll go, what their sibling is thinking of doing.

(They would do anything for their sibling, after all.) ]