Truly a Marvel...

ind. sel. priv. Quirrel from Hollow Knight Sideblog to throughscarleteyes

[scholararchived]

Hey, Quirrel! Where are you? Ghost wants to speak with you. They’re worried that you’re avoiding them for some reason.

Quirrel is busy being lost right now.

[scholararchived]

Well apparently this new scheme started because those mean bugs wanted Ghost to marry and produce an heir or something. And when they spoke back about it the advisors tried to trick them into signing an agreement by giving them a mountain of work and slipping multiples of the same paper into it. It kind of worked since when Ghost found out and checked through the work they found multiples signed. Ghost is really hurt from this happening.

"That is just evil... How can they do that to their own monarch without an ounce of guilt? Honestly..."

That really was irritating, and Quirrel glares at nothing in particular. Normally it was very difficult to make him angry, but this struck a nerve just right.

"Poor thing... I cannot imagine how distressing that must be for them..."

[scholararchived]

I know you've been quiet for a long a time Quirrel but I thought you should know that Ghost is in trouble. Their advisors are trying to force them into only romantically seeing bugs that the advisors choose for them. And they're too nice to stick up for themselves.

At a voice, the former scholar lifts his head up, gaze foggy and looking as though he's in a daze. When he does process words though, he has to remember how to speak. His voice is rough from lack of use.

"They're...what? Oh dear... I know that is a common thing for royalties, but I never agreed with it. It seemed...wrong. I do hope they get help..."

He processes it more as he speaks, and it sinks in just how awful it was. He can't help but feel irritated at the situation. He cares about Ghost and wants them to be happy.

"How despicable... They should be allowed to involve themself with whoever they wish."

[scholararchived]

Yes Ghost and we mean that he likes you romantically!

Ah. Well that just seems odd. And only serves to make Quirrel look more confused.

"...Romantically? I do doubt that is the case. I'm...not really sure what it is they think of me, but it is certainly not that."

[scholararchived]

Heeeeeey Quirrel we got news that a certain king might reeeeally like you? In a more than friend way!

"Oh? You mean Ghost? Well, it's good to know they like me, but they...don't see me as a friend? Or..."

He appears fairly confused, head tilting to the side somewhat. It seems he's oblivious.

[scholararchived]

Aw Quirrel I am sure that that Ghost wants you to be with them! I bet they'd relax more with you closer, given that they fell asleep when sitting next to you on that bench.

"Well, I...I suppose..."

Amongst his fuzzy memories, he does recall that one quite clearly. How their paths crossed once again in the city, and the little bug had decided to sit with him to watch the rain. They had seemed like they'd nodded off next to him, but he hadn't the heart to try to disturb them.

It was a fond thought.

"But...still..."

[scholararchived]

Why don’t you sit with Ghost? That way you can make sure they rest!

"I can make sure they rest just fine. I'm not that far away. Besides, I wouldn't want to intrude on their personal space."

"I'm already intruding on their home as it is."

[scholararchived]

"Could you bunch let the poor bug rest? I don't need them going off and hurting themself again."

[scholararchived]

thevoidknights​:

A chirp escapes them at the laugh, enjoying the sound a lot considering how upset Quirrel has been since coming back. They smile with their eyes and appeared to be all the more relaxed now. But then they tense at the firmer tone and concerned expression. Ah… Right… He had been looking for them because of that.

Ghost does have the decency to look shameful as they look away, hands fidgeting as they try to figure out what to say, whether to accept they should just rest  or fight it. Finally they sigh and look down. 

“… I can’t. I have so much left to do. The kingdom is still in shambles, there are new citizens looking for homes or requiring help figuring out the different environments, I still need to heal my sibling, there’s still so much translating left to do on the old tomes I’ve found to figure out how to heal another Higher Being, and figure out how to ke–,” they instantly cut off that sign realizing they were about to put the pillbug into an awkward situation by admitting they were looking for a way to keep Quirrel in the kingdom before they adjust what was about to be said, “and I still need to figure out where to build the new palace… And… And…”

They break off their signing again as their thoughts get drowned out by a sudden cacophony of static and garbled speech assaulting their mind. It was unable to ever be seen by the Vessel but white light began to form in their eyes before they manage to regain control over their mind and shake off the effects physically. They signed again at a much slower rate than the frantic one from before.

“… I just can’t stay still or quiet…”

   Quirrel watches them list off the mountain of things, and he folds his arms with a repressed sigh. They really shouldn't be doing all this themself. They were only one bug. Perhaps not a traditional bug, but still one nonetheless.

   He's about to cut them off, but Ghost ends up doing that themself, and he can only watch what takes place. The sudden lack of response was one thing, the light he sees in their eyes is another entirely, and both are highly concerning. Now, he didn't know a lot about Vessels. He never got the chance to do something like research them. Gods know the Pale King never dared mention anything about them. So, he wasn't sure if this was just a Vessel thing or not.

   Regardless, it makes him uneasy, and it makes him fret, and when Ghost seems to come back, that worry is clear in his eyes.

     "Ghost...listen to me. I understand you have a lot on your plate, especially as a king, but if you keep pushing yourself, you won't be able to do any of that. You're still a bug like the rest of us, and you need a break like the rest of us too."

   He's not one to talk. He could recall pushing himself so hard when under Monomon. Studying, working, anything to help her, anything to just be useful. He knows he's being hypocritical, but he didn't matter right now. Ghost certainly did, and he breathes a sigh with his next words.

     "A rest won't hurt anyone. I'm sure everyone would encourage it. The kingdom isn't going anywhere."

          "...And...neither am I."

[scholararchived]

thevoidknights​:

Ghost merely nodded at the warning. They did their best to remain lax even as they were wracked with pain from moving the injured appendage. The only indication they were hurting was the slight quiver of their shell and the increased breathing. 

Once they feel it’s back in place the Vessel instantly focuses their Soul into that injury. It takes only a few seconds for the shell to knit back together properly and they then go completely lax with a sigh. It was immensely better now but they needed to be certain. So, with extreme care, they move the wing and wince. It hurt but it did move properly so that was a relief. 

They let their wings relax again and turn to face Quirrel with a happy, albeit tired trill and gave him a nudge. It certainly must have been stressful for their friend too. It normally was when they had to tend to their sibling’s injuries. 

“Thank you for helping me Quirrel. It feels much better now! I’m sorry, I’m sure it was stressful.”

   It doesn’t feel good to know that he’s causing the poor Vessel pain, but it had to be done to help them. He reminded himself that, and when he held the wing in its place, he watches Ghost’s Soul work its magic, and he very slowly lets go of it when it does.

   Witnessing them test their wings brings Quirrel some relief. It wasn’t completely better, but he was glad the larger bug’s pain seems to be more eased. He laughs softly at the nudge, and smiles up at Ghost as best he can.

     “It’s alright. I’m just glad I was able to assist. However...”

   His tone gets just a little more firm, and he looks on with concern again.

     “This gives me more reason for why I came looking for you in the first place. I believe you need a rest.”

[scholararchived]

thevoidknights​:

Now that they’d revealed their wings the pain was even worse. They could feel air in the socket where their wing should be. The damage was probably worse than they initially thought. It felt like only their void was holding the appendage on. If it was put back they could use their Soul to heal it enough to stay but it’d likely be unusable for the time being. 

When Quirrel asks permission to aide them they give a soft trill and make the sign for yes. Gods please help them. It hurt and there were few bugs they would trust with this. Mainly just their siblings and Quirrel. They would say their child but they wanted to keep them from such sights… Despite the fact they were so close to being grown. That hurt to think about so they pushed it down for now.

Ghost hissed softly as the voice in their mind rose in volume briefly causing them to hold their head with one hand before they could shut it up and focus on the present. They give a look over their shoulder to the pillbug behind them and softens their gaze slightly. They were so glad he was back in the kingdom.

   Quirrel's concerned gaze remains on the Vessel, and he has to feel bad for them. They've brought this upon themself, yes, but it was so hard to know they were hurting like this. And it made him more uneasy about what he was going to do.

     "Alright... This...will probably hurt. I apologize for that."

   Reaching up now, he takes a very gentle hold on the wing, and he moves to shift it back into place, wincing as he does his best to be as careful as possible, and even that didnt feel like enough.

   He manages though, and he does hope it's good enough.

[scholararchived]

thevoidknights​:

Seeing the obvious look of doubt in their little fib makes them look embarrassed at least before they sigh in relief. Honestly they were hurting pretty badly from this and wanted to heal it as fast as possible. But gods shifting their wings hurt so much. They let out a keening whimper from their Void as they open the wings and it’s apparent that the middle left one didn’t move with the others. 

It was out of place, thankfully not broken or torn. The Vessel trembles from the pain. They give a soft chirp of thanks as they make the sign as well before turning to let Quirrel get a better look. 

Ah, that made sense then. Those strangers had likely alerted the pillbug of their status. It irked them immensely but at the same time, they were thankful. It let them see their friend again and that makes them happy. More than they could say. It was strange to be so happy to see a friend on the same level as their siblings.

   It was hard to know the taller bug was hurting like this. It was strange, because he didn't quite know when he had begun caring so much for Ghost. This realization had only come to him now. He had once seen them as merely a fellow traveler. When had he started seeing them as such a friend as this?

   ...Regardless, when the Vessel turns, he inspects their sets of wings with fascination, which shifts to concern once he sees the one that doesn't look quite right. He can't help but wince. While he doesn't have wings of his own, he can only imagine how much it must hurt just by looking at it.

   Taking a step forward, Quirrel reaches a hand up towards the injured wing, but it merely hovers and he doesn't touch it.

     "That most definitely doesn't look right. I can...try to help it back into place, if you'll allow me?"

[scholararchived]

thevoidknights​:

The firm gaze makes them pause and give a quiet trill of confusion. Then hearing the words and concern makes them twitch and look away. They supposed they did look rougher than normal but still… They had so much to do!

“I’m fine… Maybe… Tired but it isn’t serious. Though, I do have a couple things to ask you if that’s okay?”

Ghost was glad actually that Quirrel had found them. Maybe he’d be willing to help translate some of the texts they’d been struggling with. And… A more precedent problem reminded them of itself when another stab of pain went through their back.

“One of those questions can wait but… Could I ask you to look at one of my wings? I fear it was damaged on my way down here and I simply cannot reach it.”

They looked to their friend hopefully and was already shifting their cloak to reveal their six gossamer wings, inherited from their father yes but so helpful to have when they were smaller.

   Quirrel frowns at that answer, and it's obvious he doesn't believe it. Especially now with the confirmation that they had hurt themself, but he sets aside the boiling of a lecture in him for the moment with a sigh.

    "Yes, of course."

   Witnessing the Vessel before him open their wings was honestly fascinating. There was a moment that he would regard Ghost with wonder, before blinking and nodding up at them.

     "I would be happy to, my friend. I had heard you may have hurt yourself. That is why I came looking."

[scholararchived]

thevoidknights​:

The king didn’t seem to notice they had an audience as they inspected their various charms before deciding to settle upon the Lifeblood Heart. They didn’t need much help to mask the pain and it wouldn’t take up too many valuable notches. They pin it onto their cloak after removing their Longnail charm. Actually they didn’t really need that one as much anymore considering they now used a great nail like their sibling. 

A sigh escaped them as they felt the effects of the charm and they closed their eyes to simply take a moment to brace before they started again. It was painfully apparent the Vessel was exhausted. Though that vanished when they heard their name and they jumped a bit upon the seat and looked about for the source before spotting their friend. They immediately perk up and give a trill in greeting, standing to meet him halfway, faltering for only a moment as their knee gives a small protest at the movement. They ignored it along with the brief sear of a pain through their back.

“Quirrel! Sorry I didn’t see you there, how are you?”

   It probably shouldn't, but the larger bug's excited reaction surprises him. As cute as it was, it was strange that someone would be this happy to see...him.

   He shakes that thought away, and despite his foggy head, he does catch the brief slip that makes him frown. He could already tell they were exhausted, and they've managed to hurt themself as well. Looking up at Ghost, his gaze holds a firm concern.

     "I'm alright, but...are you? You're looking a bit worse for wear, if I must be honest."

   Not that he was fairing too well either, but Ghost was clearly more important at this moment.

[thevoidknights]

Ghost was currently making their way through the Crossroads, limping slightly while seeming to be rather lost in their thoughts. They stumbled a few times due to this but recovered pretty quickly and would hold their head afterwards. Well, it was to be expected given their fatigue and pain. Oh well. They could handle this. 

Eventually they do come across a bench where they decide to take a small rest, maybe put one of their Lifeblood charms to mask the pain. So they sat down and began to rummage through their various charm to find a suitable one for their current predicament. 

[scholararchived]

It would be so much easier if he could recall Hallownest's tunnels better. His head was foggy from the time in the Wastes, and it was difficult to remember even the way through the Crossroads. It didn't help that he kept slipping between his own mind and what was happening around him. It was lucky this area was quite safe compared to the rest of the kingdom.

Thankfully, he spotted them before it got worse.

Quirrel spent a fair amount of time watching the found Vessel from a short distance away, before gathering himself together and taking some steps towards them.

"Ghost?"

[scholararchived]

Quirrel you better hurry! They just stupidly hurt themselves because they just won't stop even though they're tired and should stop! They just went down the well into the Crossroads.

Quirrel blinks at this, then breathes out a sigh and gets up from the bench, which he may have been using as a bed for...however long it's been.

"Thank you for informing me."

So, it's time to make his way towards the upper parts of the Crossroads and see if he can run into the tall bug. They would certainly be hard to miss.

[scholararchived]

Hey Quirrel, Ghost isn't listening to us to rest but maybe if you were to tell them to rest? You're their friend after all! Their first friend in fact. Ghost might listen to you and they desperately need to rest. They're still planning to keep pushing themself too hard.

"Me? Well...I can certainly try. I don't want them to hurt themself if they're really working that hard..."

He shouldn't. He should be leaving. He wasn't needed here anymore. Everyone was gone. They were gone. Monomon was gone.

...Now then, where would Ghost be?