@masterofthistroupe / masterofthistroupe.tumblr.com
Pinned
From the person running @hollow-knight-headcanon-farm; a roleplay!
Rules:
Grimm talks with red normal text like this
Nightmare King talk in emboldened and/or underlined red text like this
FAQ:
Have fun!
*Scarlet's body still burned, it hurt. Is this what it is like to be on fire?*
*Her jaw ached something fierce, their teeth felt strange.*
Scarlet lets out a low groan as they stir in the hospital bed. They slowly sit up, gripping their throbbing forehead.
"Ugh...my head...what...what happened-"
Scarlet's eyes widen. The pain suddenly comes back, but not as the burning it was before, but more like a low throb. She quickly feels around herself. Her body felt hollow. Their breath quickens. Something was wrong, something was wrong, SOMETHING WAS WRONG.
Grimm stops rummaging for sewing supplies and rushes to Scarlet’s side.
“J—Scarlet! How are you feeling? Are you—” He breaks off hacking and wheezing.
Trust them. Trust them. Fox shoves themselves off of the wall, the fur lining their cloak puffing out the second they heard noise from Scarlet. Quickly followed up by Crimson, who doesn't even hesitate on moving over to Scarlet. They KNOW how to help, they just need to- work with this. And not immediately bolt into a corner. Heyyy sibliiing. STARS the word felt WEIRD still, immediately staying nearby. Hm. This is oddly familiar, in a twisted sense of a really old memory. …Uh. You- doing okay? Fox quietly gauges how big she can fit in a room if they switched to the dreambound form. After assuming that they probably wouldn't exactly FIT, they quietly look through pockets and quietly pulls out the one singular Radiance plushie she got back at Halfway Home. She- gently offers it to Scarlet, like that was going to solve so many problems. Before their focus snapped to Grimm immediately having a coughing fit. They gently tilt their head back to Crimson, who looks somehow MORE concerned than they already were. Their voice is almost too quiet. ..You also okay?
"I CAN'T-I CAN'T-ORGANS, ORGANS, GONEGONEGONE GONE!"
They don't even notice the plushy offered to them, can barely see anything, they struggle to breathe, their shoulder still burned, they were hollow, empty, burning burning burning burning BURNING
Does their voice sound higher than normal?
“Scarlet. Scarlet can you hear me? You’re alright. You never even had anything inside you. Besides fire, anyway.”
Crimson blinks a few times, getting hit with the absolute BLINDSIDE of Organs Gone How Fix. Crimson quietly looks back to Grimm for - ANY semblance of guidance. This is a first for them as well. Fox didn't have to deal with THAT, so they're at a loss, patiently listening to Grimm as best as they could while also fighting their current thought processing with a broom. Okay so why is the Curse agitating that now is the next question- And then Spotlight's screech echoes, Fox's focus snapping. It's an immediate slight scuffle between Fox, who REALLY wants to go out there and check, and Crimson "THINK FOR TWO SECONDS" Wisp. Eventually Crimson does win the argument, Fox staying put for emotional support and possible extra hands. Wolf's head also snaps up. Fox yells a "DO NOT" at Wolf, who looks back over to Fox and bark- BARK!!!- back in panic. That was a vessel scream. That was an INJURY and they need to find them NOW - and then stays put for the sake of CRIMSON, who is very close to just grabbing onto Scarlet's hand in an effort to figure out how to calm down. Whether it's working or not is beyond them. Okay. Okay. OKAY. We are going to solve the organ issue before we do anything else. Got it? We're oka- you're gonna be okay. I think. Stars I hope.
CRIMSON, Crimson, Criss' voice, it's there, Scarlet can hear it, as Crimson speaks Scarlet is able to ground herself. The screech is not noticeable to them. Slowly, Scarlet's breathing returns to a normal pace, although the burning and feeling of emptiness don't fade.
"...I...I think I'm alright."
And then Scarlet hears this. And then their world shatters for the third time. They...never had any organs? Is this why anything other than pure fire tasted like ash? But then how could they eat in the first place? How could they breathe, live?
How were they and Dew able to
Wait. Scarlet looks up. They see Crimson, of course, Fox, Wolf, an open dreamgate, and...
"Fa...G-Grimm?"
Scarlet's voice is filled with wonder and relief at first, but then they're immediately on guard, their voice becoming harsher. If they could have backed up any more than they were, they would have.
"...What are you doing here."
“You getting injured was enough for me to sense despite our missing connection, it seems.”
"That's a likely story. For all I know, you could've been stalking me."
Scarlet gets out of the bed, stumbling a bit due to their pain, but quickly manages to bounce back. They put on a brave face, summoning one of their flames.
"And before you even start, I'm not going back to the Troupe. Nothing you say will convince me."
“Back to the— what? When did you leave? I’ve been looking all over for you.”
Scarlet falters for a moment hearing Grimm's words, but quickly regains her posture.
"How do you expect me to trust a single word that comes out of your mouth, especially now?"
Scarlet turns their head toward Crimson.
"Or what? What are you going to do? What can you do?"
A brief moment of silence, and a look of regret on Scarlet's face.
"...Sorry. That was uncalled for."
Scarlet considers Fox's words carefully. Then, slowly,, she dispels her flame, relaxing a little but at the same time glaring at Grimm.
"I'm going to be keeping an eye on you."
“What? What did I—”
HEY he didn't do anything wrong during this entire situation! I SAW HIM AND HE WAS JUST AS SCARED AS WE WERE. Tensions are high, and Crimson is unintentionally matching intensity for a few seconds. Wolf's focus is locked onto Crimson, who does back down a little bit. At least- not now. Give him a chance. I don't- right now whatever happened between you and the Troupe is not the big concern right now, the concern is keeping you alive. You're right, I can't do much to stop you. But I can try to mediate this as best as I can. Fox quietly recognizes the tone. They gently warble back at Crimson, who exhales quietly and nods. They're fine. It's fine. Everything's fine. Except for the one quiet "please" at the end of Crimson's sentence. It's barely audible, but they look just… exhausted.
Scarlet scoffs at Grimm.
“Oh, I don’t know, why don’t we go ask your best bud, the Nightmare King? Oh, wait, you can’t. I wonder why that is?”
Scarlet turns sharply toward Crimson as the latter speaks. Once they’re done, Scarlet is quiet for a moment. Then, they begin to laugh, a manic grin spread on their face.
“…heh…hehe, hahaha! Hahahahahahahahaha, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Do you seriously not understand what he’s done? What he’s been complicit in?”
As Scarlet speaks, she steps closer toward Crimson, their grin of mania slowly fading into one of rage.
“Leaving a Grimmkin behind, burning the wings of a Troupe member, manipulating and lying to everyone around him for decades, maybe even centuries? Do you seriously expect me to trust a single word out of his mouth when it’s been nothing but lies?!”
Scarlet is right in front of Crimson now. If they looked closely, Crimson could see tears in Scarlet’s eyes.
“DO YOU REALIZE THAT IF YOU WEREN’T ANOTHER GRIMMCHILD, YOU’D BE SEEN LESSER THAN THE GRIMMS?! JUST ANOTHER TOOL FOR THEM TO USE?!”
Crimson VISIBLY backs up, the back of their neck bristling. For the first time, they looked actually full on afraid - and also on the verge of tears. Oh no. Ohhhh no. Wolf makes a very furious bark at specifically Scarlet, flames bristling. I am not tolerating infighting right now! Scarlet, SIT DOWN. Of course none of us knew! We're not all-knowing! And even THEN- Wolf stamps a paw, grabbing the nail and tapping it on the ground a few times. The flame tail is lashing back and forth. YOU'RE INJURED. WITH A CURSE. THAT WE DO NOT KNOW THE FULL EXTENT OF. So either we work together on that problem, or SO HELP ME STARS I AM GOING TO START BITING VARIOUS BUGS. You two are BICKERING like territorial aspids when there is a BIGGER problem on our hands! And the SECOND someone tries to mediate this entire issue, YOU- They point the handle of the nail to Scarlet- TEAR INTO THEM! I'm not standing for that! I have had to SIT THERE and watch Verdant-born kindred fight over a TITLE. A TITLE, SCARLET! Admittedly what you're saying is worse but WE HAVE WORSE PROBLEMS ON HAND. We have a WAR. We have a CURSE that you and Fox are currently STUCK WITH! Do you THINK that picking a fight right now is a good idea, Scarlet? The outburst from Wolf gave enough of a cover for Crimson to slip outside - the only real indicator of such was Fox's focus being directly off into the distance. …Wolf- I know.
Grimm’s gaze briefly flicked over to Crimson’s egress before pondering the current argument. He was an actor, he knew when the show was over. But how to bow out? He’d dug his own grave here. Staying confused would just be frustrating for all of them.
“…You are free to berate me, later. Now we are treating your wounds.”
*Scarlet's body still burned, it hurt. Is this what it is like to be on fire?*
*Her jaw ached something fierce, their teeth felt strange.*
Scarlet lets out a low groan as they stir in the hospital bed. They slowly sit up, gripping their throbbing forehead.
"Ugh...my head...what...what happened-"
Scarlet's eyes widen. The pain suddenly comes back, but not as the burning it was before, but more like a low throb. She quickly feels around herself. Her body felt hollow. Their breath quickens. Something was wrong, something was wrong, SOMETHING WAS WRONG.
Grimm stops rummaging for sewing supplies and rushes to Scarlet’s side.
“J—Scarlet! How are you feeling? Are you—” He breaks off hacking and wheezing.
Trust them. Trust them. Fox shoves themselves off of the wall, the fur lining their cloak puffing out the second they heard noise from Scarlet. Quickly followed up by Crimson, who doesn't even hesitate on moving over to Scarlet. They KNOW how to help, they just need to- work with this. And not immediately bolt into a corner. Heyyy sibliiing. STARS the word felt WEIRD still, immediately staying nearby. Hm. This is oddly familiar, in a twisted sense of a really old memory. …Uh. You- doing okay? Fox quietly gauges how big she can fit in a room if they switched to the dreambound form. After assuming that they probably wouldn't exactly FIT, they quietly look through pockets and quietly pulls out the one singular Radiance plushie she got back at Halfway Home. She- gently offers it to Scarlet, like that was going to solve so many problems. Before their focus snapped to Grimm immediately having a coughing fit. They gently tilt their head back to Crimson, who looks somehow MORE concerned than they already were. Their voice is almost too quiet. ..You also okay?
"I CAN'T-I CAN'T-ORGANS, ORGANS, GONEGONEGONE GONE!"
They don't even notice the plushy offered to them, can barely see anything, they struggle to breathe, their shoulder still burned, they were hollow, empty, burning burning burning burning BURNING
Does their voice sound higher than normal?
“Scarlet. Scarlet can you hear me? You’re alright. You never even had anything inside you. Besides fire, anyway.”
Crimson blinks a few times, getting hit with the absolute BLINDSIDE of Organs Gone How Fix. Crimson quietly looks back to Grimm for - ANY semblance of guidance. This is a first for them as well. Fox didn't have to deal with THAT, so they're at a loss, patiently listening to Grimm as best as they could while also fighting their current thought processing with a broom. Okay so why is the Curse agitating that now is the next question- And then Spotlight's screech echoes, Fox's focus snapping. It's an immediate slight scuffle between Fox, who REALLY wants to go out there and check, and Crimson "THINK FOR TWO SECONDS" Wisp. Eventually Crimson does win the argument, Fox staying put for emotional support and possible extra hands. Wolf's head also snaps up. Fox yells a "DO NOT" at Wolf, who looks back over to Fox and bark- BARK!!!- back in panic. That was a vessel scream. That was an INJURY and they need to find them NOW - and then stays put for the sake of CRIMSON, who is very close to just grabbing onto Scarlet's hand in an effort to figure out how to calm down. Whether it's working or not is beyond them. Okay. Okay. OKAY. We are going to solve the organ issue before we do anything else. Got it? We're oka- you're gonna be okay. I think. Stars I hope.
CRIMSON, Crimson, Criss' voice, it's there, Scarlet can hear it, as Crimson speaks Scarlet is able to ground herself. The screech is not noticeable to them. Slowly, Scarlet's breathing returns to a normal pace, although the burning and feeling of emptiness don't fade.
"...I...I think I'm alright."
And then Scarlet hears this. And then their world shatters for the third time. They...never had any organs? Is this why anything other than pure fire tasted like ash? But then how could they eat in the first place? How could they breathe, live?
How were they and Dew able to
Wait. Scarlet looks up. They see Crimson, of course, Fox, Wolf, an open dreamgate, and...
"Fa...G-Grimm?"
Scarlet's voice is filled with wonder and relief at first, but then they're immediately on guard, their voice becoming harsher. If they could have backed up any more than they were, they would have.
"...What are you doing here."
“You getting injured was enough for me to sense despite our missing connection, it seems.”
"That's a likely story. For all I know, you could've been stalking me."
Scarlet gets out of the bed, stumbling a bit due to their pain, but quickly manages to bounce back. They put on a brave face, summoning one of their flames.
"And before you even start, I'm not going back to the Troupe. Nothing you say will convince me."
“Back to the— what? When did you leave? I’ve been looking all over for you.”
Scarlet falters for a moment hearing Grimm's words, but quickly regains her posture.
"How do you expect me to trust a single word that comes out of your mouth, especially now?"
Scarlet turns their head toward Crimson.
"Or what? What are you going to do? What can you do?"
A brief moment of silence, and a look of regret on Scarlet's face.
"...Sorry. That was uncalled for."
Scarlet considers Fox's words carefully. Then, slowly,, she dispels her flame, relaxing a little but at the same time glaring at Grimm.
"I'm going to be keeping an eye on you."
“What? What did I—”
*Scarlet's body still burned, it hurt. Is this what it is like to be on fire?*
*Her jaw ached something fierce, their teeth felt strange.*
Scarlet lets out a low groan as they stir in the hospital bed. They slowly sit up, gripping their throbbing forehead.
"Ugh...my head...what...what happened-"
Scarlet's eyes widen. The pain suddenly comes back, but not as the burning it was before, but more like a low throb. She quickly feels around herself. Her body felt hollow. Their breath quickens. Something was wrong, something was wrong, SOMETHING WAS WRONG.
Grimm stops rummaging for sewing supplies and rushes to Scarlet’s side.
“J—Scarlet! How are you feeling? Are you—” He breaks off hacking and wheezing.
Trust them. Trust them. Fox shoves themselves off of the wall, the fur lining their cloak puffing out the second they heard noise from Scarlet. Quickly followed up by Crimson, who doesn't even hesitate on moving over to Scarlet. They KNOW how to help, they just need to- work with this. And not immediately bolt into a corner. Heyyy sibliiing. STARS the word felt WEIRD still, immediately staying nearby. Hm. This is oddly familiar, in a twisted sense of a really old memory. …Uh. You- doing okay? Fox quietly gauges how big she can fit in a room if they switched to the dreambound form. After assuming that they probably wouldn't exactly FIT, they quietly look through pockets and quietly pulls out the one singular Radiance plushie she got back at Halfway Home. She- gently offers it to Scarlet, like that was going to solve so many problems. Before their focus snapped to Grimm immediately having a coughing fit. They gently tilt their head back to Crimson, who looks somehow MORE concerned than they already were. Their voice is almost too quiet. ..You also okay?
"I CAN'T-I CAN'T-ORGANS, ORGANS, GONEGONEGONE GONE!"
They don't even notice the plushy offered to them, can barely see anything, they struggle to breathe, their shoulder still burned, they were hollow, empty, burning burning burning burning BURNING
Does their voice sound higher than normal?
“Scarlet. Scarlet can you hear me? You’re alright. You never even had anything inside you. Besides fire, anyway.”
Crimson blinks a few times, getting hit with the absolute BLINDSIDE of Organs Gone How Fix. Crimson quietly looks back to Grimm for - ANY semblance of guidance. This is a first for them as well. Fox didn't have to deal with THAT, so they're at a loss, patiently listening to Grimm as best as they could while also fighting their current thought processing with a broom. Okay so why is the Curse agitating that now is the next question- And then Spotlight's screech echoes, Fox's focus snapping. It's an immediate slight scuffle between Fox, who REALLY wants to go out there and check, and Crimson "THINK FOR TWO SECONDS" Wisp. Eventually Crimson does win the argument, Fox staying put for emotional support and possible extra hands. Wolf's head also snaps up. Fox yells a "DO NOT" at Wolf, who looks back over to Fox and bark- BARK!!!- back in panic. That was a vessel scream. That was an INJURY and they need to find them NOW - and then stays put for the sake of CRIMSON, who is very close to just grabbing onto Scarlet's hand in an effort to figure out how to calm down. Whether it's working or not is beyond them. Okay. Okay. OKAY. We are going to solve the organ issue before we do anything else. Got it? We're oka- you're gonna be okay. I think. Stars I hope.
CRIMSON, Crimson, Criss' voice, it's there, Scarlet can hear it, as Crimson speaks Scarlet is able to ground herself. The screech is not noticeable to them. Slowly, Scarlet's breathing returns to a normal pace, although the burning and feeling of emptiness don't fade.
"...I...I think I'm alright."
And then Scarlet hears this. And then their world shatters for the third time. They...never had any organs? Is this why anything other than pure fire tasted like ash? But then how could they eat in the first place? How could they breathe, live?
How were they and Dew able to
Wait. Scarlet looks up. They see Crimson, of course, Fox, Wolf, an open dreamgate, and...
"Fa...G-Grimm?"
Scarlet's voice is filled with wonder and relief at first, but then they're immediately on guard, their voice becoming harsher. If they could have backed up any more than they were, they would have.
"...What are you doing here."
“You getting injured was enough for me to sense despite our missing connection, it seems.”
"That's a likely story. For all I know, you could've been stalking me."
Scarlet gets out of the bed, stumbling a bit due to their pain, but quickly manages to bounce back. They put on a brave face, summoning one of their flames.
"And before you even start, I'm not going back to the Troupe. Nothing you say will convince me."
“Back to the— what? When did you leave? I’ve been looking all over for you.”
*Scarlet's body still burned, it hurt. Is this what it is like to be on fire?*
*Her jaw ached something fierce, their teeth felt strange.*
Scarlet lets out a low groan as they stir in the hospital bed. They slowly sit up, gripping their throbbing forehead.
"Ugh...my head...what...what happened-"
Scarlet's eyes widen. The pain suddenly comes back, but not as the burning it was before, but more like a low throb. She quickly feels around herself. Her body felt hollow. Their breath quickens. Something was wrong, something was wrong, SOMETHING WAS WRONG.
Grimm stops rummaging for sewing supplies and rushes to Scarlet’s side.
“J—Scarlet! How are you feeling? Are you—” He breaks off hacking and wheezing.
Trust them. Trust them. Fox shoves themselves off of the wall, the fur lining their cloak puffing out the second they heard noise from Scarlet. Quickly followed up by Crimson, who doesn't even hesitate on moving over to Scarlet. They KNOW how to help, they just need to- work with this. And not immediately bolt into a corner. Heyyy sibliiing. STARS the word felt WEIRD still, immediately staying nearby. Hm. This is oddly familiar, in a twisted sense of a really old memory. …Uh. You- doing okay? Fox quietly gauges how big she can fit in a room if they switched to the dreambound form. After assuming that they probably wouldn't exactly FIT, they quietly look through pockets and quietly pulls out the one singular Radiance plushie she got back at Halfway Home. She- gently offers it to Scarlet, like that was going to solve so many problems. Before their focus snapped to Grimm immediately having a coughing fit. They gently tilt their head back to Crimson, who looks somehow MORE concerned than they already were. Their voice is almost too quiet. ..You also okay?
"I CAN'T-I CAN'T-ORGANS, ORGANS, GONEGONEGONE GONE!"
They don't even notice the plushy offered to them, can barely see anything, they struggle to breathe, their shoulder still burned, they were hollow, empty, burning burning burning burning BURNING
Does their voice sound higher than normal?
“Scarlet. Scarlet can you hear me? You’re alright. You never even had anything inside you. Besides fire, anyway.”
Crimson blinks a few times, getting hit with the absolute BLINDSIDE of Organs Gone How Fix. Crimson quietly looks back to Grimm for - ANY semblance of guidance. This is a first for them as well. Fox didn't have to deal with THAT, so they're at a loss, patiently listening to Grimm as best as they could while also fighting their current thought processing with a broom. Okay so why is the Curse agitating that now is the next question- And then Spotlight's screech echoes, Fox's focus snapping. It's an immediate slight scuffle between Fox, who REALLY wants to go out there and check, and Crimson "THINK FOR TWO SECONDS" Wisp. Eventually Crimson does win the argument, Fox staying put for emotional support and possible extra hands. Wolf's head also snaps up. Fox yells a "DO NOT" at Wolf, who looks back over to Fox and bark- BARK!!!- back in panic. That was a vessel scream. That was an INJURY and they need to find them NOW - and then stays put for the sake of CRIMSON, who is very close to just grabbing onto Scarlet's hand in an effort to figure out how to calm down. Whether it's working or not is beyond them. Okay. Okay. OKAY. We are going to solve the organ issue before we do anything else. Got it? We're oka- you're gonna be okay. I think. Stars I hope.
CRIMSON, Crimson, Criss' voice, it's there, Scarlet can hear it, as Crimson speaks Scarlet is able to ground herself. The screech is not noticeable to them. Slowly, Scarlet's breathing returns to a normal pace, although the burning and feeling of emptiness don't fade.
"...I...I think I'm alright."
And then Scarlet hears this. And then their world shatters for the third time. They...never had any organs? Is this why anything other than pure fire tasted like ash? But then how could they eat in the first place? How could they breathe, live?
How were they and Dew able to
Wait. Scarlet looks up. They see Crimson, of course, Fox, Wolf, an open dreamgate, and...
"Fa...G-Grimm?"
Scarlet's voice is filled with wonder and relief at first, but then they're immediately on guard, their voice becoming harsher. If they could have backed up any more than they were, they would have.
"...What are you doing here."
“You getting injured was enough for me to sense despite our missing connection, it seems.”
*Scarlet's body still burned, it hurt. Is this what it is like to be on fire?*
*Her jaw ached something fierce, their teeth felt strange.*
Scarlet lets out a low groan as they stir in the hospital bed. They slowly sit up, gripping their throbbing forehead.
"Ugh...my head...what...what happened-"
Scarlet's eyes widen. The pain suddenly comes back, but not as the burning it was before, but more like a low throb. She quickly feels around herself. Her body felt hollow. Their breath quickens. Something was wrong, something was wrong, SOMETHING WAS WRONG.
Grimm stops rummaging for sewing supplies and rushes to Scarlet’s side.
“J—Scarlet! How are you feeling? Are you—” He breaks off hacking and wheezing.
Trust them. Trust them. Fox shoves themselves off of the wall, the fur lining their cloak puffing out the second they heard noise from Scarlet. Quickly followed up by Crimson, who doesn't even hesitate on moving over to Scarlet. They KNOW how to help, they just need to- work with this. And not immediately bolt into a corner. Heyyy sibliiing. STARS the word felt WEIRD still, immediately staying nearby. Hm. This is oddly familiar, in a twisted sense of a really old memory. …Uh. You- doing okay? Fox quietly gauges how big she can fit in a room if they switched to the dreambound form. After assuming that they probably wouldn't exactly FIT, they quietly look through pockets and quietly pulls out the one singular Radiance plushie she got back at Halfway Home. She- gently offers it to Scarlet, like that was going to solve so many problems. Before their focus snapped to Grimm immediately having a coughing fit. They gently tilt their head back to Crimson, who looks somehow MORE concerned than they already were. Their voice is almost too quiet. ..You also okay?
"I CAN'T-I CAN'T-ORGANS, ORGANS, GONEGONEGONE GONE!"
They don't even notice the plushy offered to them, can barely see anything, they struggle to breathe, their shoulder still burned, they were hollow, empty, burning burning burning burning BURNING
Does their voice sound higher than normal?
“Scarlet. Scarlet can you hear me? You’re alright. You never even had anything inside you. Besides fire, anyway.”
*Scarlet's body still burned, it hurt. Is this what it is like to be on fire?*
*Her jaw ached something fierce, their teeth felt strange.*
Scarlet lets out a low groan as they stir in the hospital bed. They slowly sit up, gripping their throbbing forehead.
"Ugh...my head...what...what happened-"
Scarlet's eyes widen. The pain suddenly comes back, but not as the burning it was before, but more like a low throb. She quickly feels around herself. Her body felt hollow. Their breath quickens. Something was wrong, something was wrong, SOMETHING WAS WRONG.
Grimm stops rummaging for sewing supplies and rushes to Scarlet’s side.
“J—Scarlet! How are you feeling? Are you—” He breaks off hacking and wheezing.
pelting you with envelopes of soup
“Wha-”
Suddenly, a dozen or so envelopes full of soup are dumped on Dew’s lap. He winces in pain a little, but is otherwise unharmed.
“…Okay then.”
He turns toward Spotlight.
“You want some soup, Spotlight?”
[Spotlight shakes their head and remains quiet for a moment]
…I don’t think I can eat after realizing what I’ve don-
[Spotlight freezes mid-sentence before looking at Dew as void started to leak from their mouth. They were hungry. Hungry for flesh… However, Spotlight quickly tries to ignore this urge. After all, it would be wrong to eat their own ally]
…Actually I’ll gladly take some soup!
…That did not feel like a good sign. Dew tried to ignore all of the alarm bells ringing in their head and carefully tossed an envelope to Spotlight.
“…Here you go.”
After tossing the envelope to Spotlight, Dew opens one of the envelopes, looking inside. He isn't really sure how to eat it, so he just takes a small sip of the broth. It actually tastes rather pleasant.
Thank you…
[Spotlight looks at the envelope and pauses for a few seconds. Suddenly, they rip it open and devour the soup in a matter of seconds. It actually tasted really good!]
Dew simply stares in shock at what
"...That. What the fuck was that. How did you manage to do that."
[Spotlight cleans the area around their mouth with a tendril. The tendril seemed to come from their mouth, like a tongue. Once they heard Dew, they turn to him and pause once more]
…I wish I could tell you. Truly, I wish I could… But not even I understand it.
Dew wanted to say more, but was interrupted by a sudden bright flashing light.
“What the-?!”
When the light dimmed, it revealed a bright corridor. A dreamgate.
The first bug Dew notices is Grimm, with someone wrapped in his cloak.
“Wh-Grimm? What’s going on, why are you-”
As Grimm came closer, Dew could make out a face from under the cloak.
“SCARLET!”
Dew stumbles out of the hospital bed, rushing over to Grimm and Scarlet.
“SCARLET, SCARLET! Are you okay, can you hear me?!”
He looks up at Grimm.
“What…what happened?”
Dew steps back, getting in a fighting stance.
“What did you do?!”
Wolf raises their voice through the dreamgate. DEW! Before you start pointing fingers, first of all Grimm just appeared give him a minute, second of all it was presumably the same Sentinel that bit Fox, we're fine, we're safe. Everyone seems to be kind of waiting for anyone else in the group to go through the dreamgate, but Fox immediately points at Spotlight regardless. YOU'RE ALIVE??? Wispspark quietly raises their head curiously, blinking, focus shifting to Crimson for a few seconds before quietly sneaking closer to the group out of what's probably curiosity.
[Spotlight freezes the moment they see Fox. Memories of what they did flooding back to them]
[Suddenly, they felt that sharp pain return from after they returned from The Dream Realm. They clutch their chest for a moment before taking a few deep breaths]
…Y-yeah, I’m alive.
[They stay silent for a moment, trying to process everything that’s currently happening while dealing with the sharp pain. Someone who looks like Junior being called Scarlet, Grimm showing up, and now Fox… It was a lot to process]
“Under any other circumstance I would be glad to see you, Spotlight.” He nods respectfully.
It took a bit, but Dew finally relaxed, walking back to Grimm.
"Here, let me take them."
Dew took Scarlet from Grimm and set them down on the bed Dew hopped out of.
"There, now they'll be safe and comfortable."
He turned toward the dreamgate, waiting to see if anyone else will come out of it.
[Spotlight stays silent as they look up at Grimm… What a sorry sight they must be in front of their guardian…]
……
[They remain quiet as their gaze begins to flickers around, focusing on everyone. Too much was on their mind to speak]
“Is there a needle around?”
“I think there might be one somewhere. You’d have to ask Faru though…”
Dew looked around at the medical tent. Many of the beds were occupied in one way or another.
“…So much bloodshed…and for what? More territory? A vendetta that only hurts the innocent? Khann…”
Dew gripped his fists tightly.
[Spotlight freezes upon hearing Khann’s name]
…The war.
[Suddenly, Spotlight removes their hand from their chest before standing up and grabbing their nail]
…I’m heading back out there.
[Spotlight's voice was filled with conviction. The same conviction Dew heard before fighting by Spotlight's side earlier and the same conviction Grimm heard long ago... Their mind was made up.]
Wispspark is the first to poke their snout through the dreamgate, wiggling their way through - and by the time they get their front paws through, they're already pivoting to get OUT of the medical tent as soon as possible, making the turn as tight as possible to avoid knocking anyone over. Fox is shortly up next, alongside Crimson. Wolf stays outside mostly to keep an eye on the rest of the group. We saw the carnage at the Grand Gate alone. Stars, I can't imagine the nightmare that must have been. Fox quietly nods - safely now in their vessel form, and also unfortunately fidgeting with their claws. They tore through there like it was- trivial- Everyone immediately raises their head at Spotlight's decision. And Crimson is the first to speak. Whoah hey no. First off, ALONE? There's at least twelve reasons I can think of off the top of my head as to why going out there alone is a horrible idea. If we can be ambushed by a lone Sentinel, literally no offense to the Sentinel, what'd happen if you went out there alone and the same thing happened? Fox outright said you had the Curse, and if yours is anything like theirs and Scarlet's, it's going to be a pain at the worst possible timing. Fox joins in, voice shaking. There's a memory lighting up in the back of their mind. Spotlight this is a horrible idea and you know it. Weigh the costs, stars above! If you die out there, how many people are going to be hurt from that alone? At the very least team up with a group!
[Spotlight stays quiet for a moment before speaking]
…I am fully aware of the risks, and I am still willing to take them. Nothing—and I truly mean nothing—can stop me from going back out there. I’ve waited here too long already…
[Spotlight turns around and sees Dew moving. At first they were going to tell him to sit back down and rest, but it seemed as though his wounds healed. Now they had no reason to deny him their wish]
…Fine. If you truly wish to join, then who am I to stop you.
[Spotlight turns to the rest of the group]
The rest of you stay here… I promise you we shall return alive.
“Do not cause another unnecessary tragedy, Spotlight. I have seen enough.”
pelting you with envelopes of soup
“Wha-”
Suddenly, a dozen or so envelopes full of soup are dumped on Dew’s lap. He winces in pain a little, but is otherwise unharmed.
“…Okay then.”
He turns toward Spotlight.
“You want some soup, Spotlight?”
[Spotlight shakes their head and remains quiet for a moment]
…I don’t think I can eat after realizing what I’ve don-
[Spotlight freezes mid-sentence before looking at Dew as void started to leak from their mouth. They were hungry. Hungry for flesh… However, Spotlight quickly tries to ignore this urge. After all, it would be wrong to eat their own ally]
…Actually I’ll gladly take some soup!
…That did not feel like a good sign. Dew tried to ignore all of the alarm bells ringing in their head and carefully tossed an envelope to Spotlight.
“…Here you go.”
After tossing the envelope to Spotlight, Dew opens one of the envelopes, looking inside. He isn't really sure how to eat it, so he just takes a small sip of the broth. It actually tastes rather pleasant.
Thank you…
[Spotlight looks at the envelope and pauses for a few seconds. Suddenly, they rip it open and devour the soup in a matter of seconds. It actually tasted really good!]
Dew simply stares in shock at what
"...That. What the fuck was that. How did you manage to do that."
[Spotlight cleans the area around their mouth with a tendril. The tendril seemed to come from their mouth, like a tongue. Once they heard Dew, they turn to him and pause once more]
…I wish I could tell you. Truly, I wish I could… But not even I understand it.
Dew wanted to say more, but was interrupted by a sudden bright flashing light.
“What the-?!”
When the light dimmed, it revealed a bright corridor. A dreamgate.
The first bug Dew notices is Grimm, with someone wrapped in his cloak.
“Wh-Grimm? What’s going on, why are you-”
As Grimm came closer, Dew could make out a face from under the cloak.
“SCARLET!”
Dew stumbles out of the hospital bed, rushing over to Grimm and Scarlet.
“SCARLET, SCARLET! Are you okay, can you hear me?!”
He looks up at Grimm.
“What…what happened?”
Dew steps back, getting in a fighting stance.
“What did you do?!”
Wolf raises their voice through the dreamgate. DEW! Before you start pointing fingers, first of all Grimm just appeared give him a minute, second of all it was presumably the same Sentinel that bit Fox, we're fine, we're safe. Everyone seems to be kind of waiting for anyone else in the group to go through the dreamgate, but Fox immediately points at Spotlight regardless. YOU'RE ALIVE??? Wispspark quietly raises their head curiously, blinking, focus shifting to Crimson for a few seconds before quietly sneaking closer to the group out of what's probably curiosity.
[Spotlight freezes the moment they see Fox. Memories of what they did flooding back to them]
[Suddenly, they felt that sharp pain return from after they returned from The Dream Realm. They clutch their chest for a moment before taking a few deep breaths]
…Y-yeah, I’m alive.
[They stay silent for a moment, trying to process everything that’s currently happening while dealing with the sharp pain. Someone who looks like Junior being called Scarlet, Grimm showing up, and now Fox… It was a lot to process]
“Under any other circumstance I would be glad to see you, Spotlight.” He nods respectfully.
It took a bit, but Dew finally relaxed, walking back to Grimm.
"Here, let me take them."
Dew took Scarlet from Grimm and set them down on the bed Dew hopped out of.
"There, now they'll be safe and comfortable."
He turned toward the dreamgate, waiting to see if anyone else will come out of it.
[Spotlight stays silent as they look up at Grimm… What a sorry sight they must be in front of their guardian…]
……
[They remain quiet as their gaze begins to flickers around, focusing on everyone. Too much was on their mind to speak]
“Is there a needle around?”
pelting you with envelopes of soup
“Wha-”
Suddenly, a dozen or so envelopes full of soup are dumped on Dew’s lap. He winces in pain a little, but is otherwise unharmed.
“…Okay then.”
He turns toward Spotlight.
“You want some soup, Spotlight?”
[Spotlight shakes their head and remains quiet for a moment]
…I don’t think I can eat after realizing what I’ve don-
[Spotlight freezes mid-sentence before looking at Dew as void started to leak from their mouth. They were hungry. Hungry for flesh… However, Spotlight quickly tries to ignore this urge. After all, it would be wrong to eat their own ally]
…Actually I’ll gladly take some soup!
…That did not feel like a good sign. Dew tried to ignore all of the alarm bells ringing in their head and carefully tossed an envelope to Spotlight.
“…Here you go.”
After tossing the envelope to Spotlight, Dew opens one of the envelopes, looking inside. He isn't really sure how to eat it, so he just takes a small sip of the broth. It actually tastes rather pleasant.
Thank you…
[Spotlight looks at the envelope and pauses for a few seconds. Suddenly, they rip it open and devour the soup in a matter of seconds. It actually tasted really good!]
Dew simply stares in shock at what
"...That. What the fuck was that. How did you manage to do that."
[Spotlight cleans the area around their mouth with a tendril. The tendril seemed to come from their mouth, like a tongue. Once they heard Dew, they turn to him and pause once more]
…I wish I could tell you. Truly, I wish I could… But not even I understand it.
Dew wanted to say more, but was interrupted by a sudden bright flashing light.
“What the-?!”
When the light dimmed, it revealed a bright corridor. A dreamgate.
The first bug Dew notices is Grimm, with someone wrapped in his cloak.
“Wh-Grimm? What’s going on, why are you-”
As Grimm came closer, Dew could make out a face from under the cloak.
“SCARLET!”
Dew stumbles out of the hospital bed, rushing over to Grimm and Scarlet.
“SCARLET, SCARLET! Are you okay, can you hear me?!”
He looks up at Grimm.
“What…what happened?”
Dew steps back, getting in a fighting stance.
“What did you do?!”
Wolf raises their voice through the dreamgate. DEW! Before you start pointing fingers, first of all Grimm just appeared give him a minute, second of all it was presumably the same Sentinel that bit Fox, we're fine, we're safe. Everyone seems to be kind of waiting for anyone else in the group to go through the dreamgate, but Fox immediately points at Spotlight regardless. YOU'RE ALIVE??? Wispspark quietly raises their head curiously, blinking, focus shifting to Crimson for a few seconds before quietly sneaking closer to the group out of what's probably curiosity.
[Spotlight freezes the moment they see Fox. Memories of what they did flooding back to them]
[Suddenly, they felt that sharp pain return from after they returned from The Dream Realm. They clutch their chest for a moment before taking a few deep breaths]
…Y-yeah, I’m alive.
[They stay silent for a moment, trying to process everything that’s currently happening while dealing with the sharp pain. Someone who looks like Junior being called Scarlet, Grimm showing up, and now Fox… It was a lot to process]
“Under any other circumstance I would be glad to see you, Spotlight.” He nods respectfully.
pelting you with envelopes of soup
“Wha-”
Suddenly, a dozen or so envelopes full of soup are dumped on Dew’s lap. He winces in pain a little, but is otherwise unharmed.
“…Okay then.”
He turns toward Spotlight.
“You want some soup, Spotlight?”
[Spotlight shakes their head and remains quiet for a moment]
…I don’t think I can eat after realizing what I’ve don-
[Spotlight freezes mid-sentence before looking at Dew as void started to leak from their mouth. They were hungry. Hungry for flesh… However, Spotlight quickly tries to ignore this urge. After all, it would be wrong to eat their own ally]
…Actually I’ll gladly take some soup!
…That did not feel like a good sign. Dew tried to ignore all of the alarm bells ringing in their head and carefully tossed an envelope to Spotlight.
“…Here you go.”
After tossing the envelope to Spotlight, Dew opens one of the envelopes, looking inside. He isn't really sure how to eat it, so he just takes a small sip of the broth. It actually tastes rather pleasant.
Thank you…
[Spotlight looks at the envelope and pauses for a few seconds. Suddenly, they rip it open and devour the soup in a matter of seconds. It actually tasted really good!]
Dew simply stares in shock at what
"...That. What the fuck was that. How did you manage to do that."
[Spotlight cleans the area around their mouth with a tendril. The tendril seemed to come from their mouth, like a tongue. Once they heard Dew, they turn to him and pause once more]
…I wish I could tell you. Truly, I wish I could… But not even I understand it.
Dew wanted to say more, but was interrupted by a sudden bright flashing light.
“What the-?!”
When the light dimmed, it revealed a bright corridor. A dreamgate.
The first bug Dew notices is Grimm, with someone wrapped in his cloak.
--Amma froze when Yivel ripped the silkshot out of her hand, and vaguely recognized Yivel was upset.
No, angry. Yivel was angry. Angry with her.
...Cowardice? Calling her a coward?
Terror roiled in her stomach. Nothing good ever came out of being called a coward. Nothing good ever came out of being scolded. Pain, horrific pain. She'd....trusted Yivel.
But she was already in horrific pain.
Hide.
You can't hide from this.
The pins in her spine screamed at her, black pulsing at the edges of her vision. Her eyes watered, her mandibles making a small, steady, slow, click, click, click sound -- in pain, distress, fear? But she was crying.
Pain makes you useless. Your pain will lead to your friends' deaths.
Something in her mind pulled painfully, tried to send her back to something a long, long time ago. Wanted so badly to be small, comforted, curled in the arms of someone who loved her.
She opened her mouth, expecting to sob. Instead her stomach heaved violently, and it was what she'd eaten in the past day that came up instead, the mess tinted with orange.
And then she sobbed.--
Fox makes a final bark of real time panic, but chooses to focus on the now pressing issue of Scarlet Got Bit What Do. They quietly back up enough to not be standing directly over and promptly sits down, whimpering and whining out question upon question, trying to find the exact bite wound. They don't know how to help. They NEED to help. But being bound, they can't. But her mom CAN. Wispspark quickly ambles over and calls Crimson - who does listen and SPRINT over. Wispspark quietly gently bonks Scarlet with their snout, trying to prop up their arm so that way Yivel and Crimson can actually heal the bite wound. Tying a spare blanket around the mended bite, Crimson finally speaks. I was listening for anything that was WRONG with those cries, thanks. I've been in Deepnest over and over and over again, you hear one thing that's wrong with a call back and you are immediately on the defensive on the off chance it's a nosk. On the other claw, this WAS an active war area, survivors could be alive for days or weeks, I was willing to take the risk and I knew it. I was slow, I will admit. Normally I'm faster than that. But Fox was also VERY to the point of their defense and I will defend that claim with my life. And don't you dare bring Wispspark into this, they've been through enough and know that if they stepped in, the fight would be EXTREMELY one-sided. Wolf cautiously approaches Amma, lying down and trying to be.. Certainly A Presence. They didn't know how to help. But they wanted to, stars above, and they'll be as quiet and as patient as they could possibly be.
Scarlet can barely register anything that’s happening. Although the physical wound has closed, the pain that was there simply spread to the rest of their body. Their shrieking and loud sobbing has now been reduced to mere whimpering.
They can barely feel themself beyond the pain, actually. Their limbs feel…wrong, their head feels light their organs where were their organs THEY CAN’T FEEL THEIR ORGANS
“D…Dad…help me…”
And through the severed artery, the knowledge of his child in pain is enough to summon Grimm.
Scarlet looked toward their father, their vision blurring and being obscured by black spots, their voice barely above a whisper.
“D…dad…”
The pain finally became too much for Scarlet. They closed their eyes and fell unconscious.
Everyone in the Dreambound Group knows that When Grimm Shows Up, YOU GET OUT OF THE WAY. UNFORTUNATELY Wispspark CAN'T, being the one thing that's trying to brace Scarlet from hitting the literal floor, chirping in initial concern of the sudden weight. Crimson backs up a little bit initially, cloak bristling in at least 42 different emotions, managing to reel back every single panicked thought processing. Focus. There's backup - and someone that actually knows what to do regarding trying to heal a Grimmchild. Admittedly that is literally their PARENT but that's besides the point right now, their sibling is injured. Follow their lead. …How do we help, if we can. Crimson's shaking, but they're willing to do a lot to try to keep Scarlet alive. Which is also what gives Fox the amount of willpower needed to push back against the silk bindings. They NEED to get over there, they need to help. How they're going to help is beyond them but THEY NEED TO HELP.
Grimm wraps Junior in his wings, pressing them to his chest. “We need to keep them warm until we’re back at the tents,” he says, stifling a cough. He can hardly breathe. His children are hurt and he wasn’t there to help. He’s going to KILL whoever did this. This must’ve been their plan along: sever his connection to his child and kill them behind his back. He wants to rip and tear and burn and claw and—
Focus. Your child needs you.
There is a voice amid the panic. So faintly there.
I have a dreamgate if y'all need that. Wolf's voice is… what IS that, a practiced calm? Crimson can pick up on that worry Wolf has - hidden, but very real. Wispspark quietly nods, their own wandering flames sparking - alongside Crimson, who is willing to at least keep one active Nightmare Flame up purely to try to help however he could. Keep warm? THEY CAN SURE TRY. Fox finally speaks up, ears pulled back. If- if it was the same Sentinel that bit me, which I- think it was?- they- need to hunt. Like preferably soon. That curse feeds on Essence, I am so so so so so sorry I should've actually paid attention to the surroundings I am… so sorry. …Your kid's super brave. They- it was out of their own choice to get me out of the way of the bite. Stars. Stars I'm also so sorry I should've been faster. CRIMSON WISP??? THAT IS ALSO??? YOUR PARENT YOU'RE TALKING TO???? HELLO?
“It is not your fault, small ones. Though you speak of a curse? If it causes one to bring harm to any of my children, I shall be sure to cleanse that metal creature of it permanently. Your sibling is indeed brave…other Grimmchild.”
“Why do you—never mind. It will be useful.”
"Sibling" was like the world's most emotional punch to Crimson's face. They were. They were their sibling. They'd never say it outright because they didn't even know if that was OKAY, but they quietly nod back, forcing themselves to not fidget with their cloak right now, they are literally trying to keep their own flame going for Scarlet's sake. A- uh. Crimson. Crimson Wisp, sir. Uhm… Wolf's my adopted guardian, Fox is their sibling, Wispspark's- their adopted mom, and uh… oh! Oh their name- They awkwardly gesture to Scarlet- their name's Scarlet now, uh… just- letting you know now.
Wolf raises their voice exactly once, and it is to tell off the one bug trying to put a muzzle on Fox, wandering flames bristling out well beyond the normal amount. LEAVE MY SIBLING ALONE OR SO HELP ME I WILL DRAG YOU INTO THE ABYSS MYSELF. Without missing a beat, Wolf's focus turns to Grimm, and quietly bows their head. Dreambound, I just kinda- have it, sorry.
Grimm’s eyes narrow in amusement.
“Your family is very fond of apologizing, Crimson Wisp.”
Crimson immediately shrinks a couple of inches. Was that personal? Was that whimsy? He can't tell and as such probably is kinda worried. …It's a habit. Probably best to be honest right now, staying more or less on the side of caution. Wolf bites back the third apology this entire day and focuses back on being the walking equivalent of an emotional support dreambound vessel, shuffling around enough to actually prepare getting a dreamgate set up in case it was needed.
Grimm chokes out a laugh. “How long until the Dreamgate is finished?”
OH IT WAS WHIMSY OKAY. Crimson exhales in real time relief - good okay they're not dead yet. We're cool. We're good. Wolf! Preparations ready? Wolf exhales and focuses, tail twitching- specific locations. They glance to Crimson and simply nods, and then slam a paw down - following close behind is the dreamgate actually being summoned. Dreamgate is, in fact, ready. Had to focus on specific details this time around, I don't want either of you getting lost. Fox's ear tilts - oh they know exactly what Wolf was talking about, ears tilting back. Please trust Wolf on that, I accidentally got lost in the Hive once.
“I am sure I would be able to find my way back. Now, let us depart.”
Wolf nods, ears tilting, before 'woof'-ing at Crimson, who startles enough to actually get a sentence out. Uhm. It was… it was nice meeting you. They wish they had the courage to say what is unsaid. They almost move to fidget with their cloak, but they stop THAT as well. Thank you dad. Like.. hundreds of times over. They didn't have the courage to say it out loud, but they sincerely hope The Vibes were given.
Grimm looks at the child he didn’t know existed warmly.
“Likewise.”
then they step through the portal
--Amma froze when Yivel ripped the silkshot out of her hand, and vaguely recognized Yivel was upset.
No, angry. Yivel was angry. Angry with her.
...Cowardice? Calling her a coward?
Terror roiled in her stomach. Nothing good ever came out of being called a coward. Nothing good ever came out of being scolded. Pain, horrific pain. She'd....trusted Yivel.
But she was already in horrific pain.
Hide.
You can't hide from this.
The pins in her spine screamed at her, black pulsing at the edges of her vision. Her eyes watered, her mandibles making a small, steady, slow, click, click, click sound -- in pain, distress, fear? But she was crying.
Pain makes you useless. Your pain will lead to your friends' deaths.
Something in her mind pulled painfully, tried to send her back to something a long, long time ago. Wanted so badly to be small, comforted, curled in the arms of someone who loved her.
She opened her mouth, expecting to sob. Instead her stomach heaved violently, and it was what she'd eaten in the past day that came up instead, the mess tinted with orange.
And then she sobbed.--
Fox makes a final bark of real time panic, but chooses to focus on the now pressing issue of Scarlet Got Bit What Do. They quietly back up enough to not be standing directly over and promptly sits down, whimpering and whining out question upon question, trying to find the exact bite wound. They don't know how to help. They NEED to help. But being bound, they can't. But her mom CAN. Wispspark quickly ambles over and calls Crimson - who does listen and SPRINT over. Wispspark quietly gently bonks Scarlet with their snout, trying to prop up their arm so that way Yivel and Crimson can actually heal the bite wound. Tying a spare blanket around the mended bite, Crimson finally speaks. I was listening for anything that was WRONG with those cries, thanks. I've been in Deepnest over and over and over again, you hear one thing that's wrong with a call back and you are immediately on the defensive on the off chance it's a nosk. On the other claw, this WAS an active war area, survivors could be alive for days or weeks, I was willing to take the risk and I knew it. I was slow, I will admit. Normally I'm faster than that. But Fox was also VERY to the point of their defense and I will defend that claim with my life. And don't you dare bring Wispspark into this, they've been through enough and know that if they stepped in, the fight would be EXTREMELY one-sided. Wolf cautiously approaches Amma, lying down and trying to be.. Certainly A Presence. They didn't know how to help. But they wanted to, stars above, and they'll be as quiet and as patient as they could possibly be.
Scarlet can barely register anything that’s happening. Although the physical wound has closed, the pain that was there simply spread to the rest of their body. Their shrieking and loud sobbing has now been reduced to mere whimpering.
They can barely feel themself beyond the pain, actually. Their limbs feel…wrong, their head feels light their organs where were their organs THEY CAN’T FEEL THEIR ORGANS
“D…Dad…help me…”
And through the severed artery, the knowledge of his child in pain is enough to summon Grimm.
Scarlet looked toward their father, their vision blurring and being obscured by black spots, their voice barely above a whisper.
“D…dad…”
The pain finally became too much for Scarlet. They closed their eyes and fell unconscious.
Everyone in the Dreambound Group knows that When Grimm Shows Up, YOU GET OUT OF THE WAY. UNFORTUNATELY Wispspark CAN'T, being the one thing that's trying to brace Scarlet from hitting the literal floor, chirping in initial concern of the sudden weight. Crimson backs up a little bit initially, cloak bristling in at least 42 different emotions, managing to reel back every single panicked thought processing. Focus. There's backup - and someone that actually knows what to do regarding trying to heal a Grimmchild. Admittedly that is literally their PARENT but that's besides the point right now, their sibling is injured. Follow their lead. …How do we help, if we can. Crimson's shaking, but they're willing to do a lot to try to keep Scarlet alive. Which is also what gives Fox the amount of willpower needed to push back against the silk bindings. They NEED to get over there, they need to help. How they're going to help is beyond them but THEY NEED TO HELP.
Grimm wraps Junior in his wings, pressing them to his chest. “We need to keep them warm until we’re back at the tents,” he says, stifling a cough. He can hardly breathe. His children are hurt and he wasn’t there to help. He’s going to KILL whoever did this. This must’ve been their plan along: sever his connection to his child and kill them behind his back. He wants to rip and tear and burn and claw and—
Focus. Your child needs you.
There is a voice amid the panic. So faintly there.
I have a dreamgate if y'all need that. Wolf's voice is… what IS that, a practiced calm? Crimson can pick up on that worry Wolf has - hidden, but very real. Wispspark quietly nods, their own wandering flames sparking - alongside Crimson, who is willing to at least keep one active Nightmare Flame up purely to try to help however he could. Keep warm? THEY CAN SURE TRY. Fox finally speaks up, ears pulled back. If- if it was the same Sentinel that bit me, which I- think it was?- they- need to hunt. Like preferably soon. That curse feeds on Essence, I am so so so so so sorry I should've actually paid attention to the surroundings I am… so sorry. …Your kid's super brave. They- it was out of their own choice to get me out of the way of the bite. Stars. Stars I'm also so sorry I should've been faster. CRIMSON WISP??? THAT IS ALSO??? YOUR PARENT YOU'RE TALKING TO???? HELLO?
“It is not your fault, small ones. Though you speak of a curse? If it causes one to bring harm to any of my children, I shall be sure to cleanse that metal creature of it permanently. Your sibling is indeed brave…other Grimmchild.”
“Why do you—never mind. It will be useful.”
"Sibling" was like the world's most emotional punch to Crimson's face. They were. They were their sibling. They'd never say it outright because they didn't even know if that was OKAY, but they quietly nod back, forcing themselves to not fidget with their cloak right now, they are literally trying to keep their own flame going for Scarlet's sake. A- uh. Crimson. Crimson Wisp, sir. Uhm… Wolf's my adopted guardian, Fox is their sibling, Wispspark's- their adopted mom, and uh… oh! Oh their name- They awkwardly gesture to Scarlet- their name's Scarlet now, uh… just- letting you know now.
Wolf raises their voice exactly once, and it is to tell off the one bug trying to put a muzzle on Fox, wandering flames bristling out well beyond the normal amount. LEAVE MY SIBLING ALONE OR SO HELP ME I WILL DRAG YOU INTO THE ABYSS MYSELF. Without missing a beat, Wolf's focus turns to Grimm, and quietly bows their head. Dreambound, I just kinda- have it, sorry.
Grimm’s eyes narrow in amusement.
“Your family is very fond of apologizing, Crimson Wisp.”
Crimson immediately shrinks a couple of inches. Was that personal? Was that whimsy? He can't tell and as such probably is kinda worried. …It's a habit. Probably best to be honest right now, staying more or less on the side of caution. Wolf bites back the third apology this entire day and focuses back on being the walking equivalent of an emotional support dreambound vessel, shuffling around enough to actually prepare getting a dreamgate set up in case it was needed.
Grimm chokes out a laugh. “How long until the Dreamgate is finished?”
OH IT WAS WHIMSY OKAY. Crimson exhales in real time relief - good okay they're not dead yet. We're cool. We're good. Wolf! Preparations ready? Wolf exhales and focuses, tail twitching- specific locations. They glance to Crimson and simply nods, and then slam a paw down - following close behind is the dreamgate actually being summoned. Dreamgate is, in fact, ready. Had to focus on specific details this time around, I don't want either of you getting lost. Fox's ear tilts - oh they know exactly what Wolf was talking about, ears tilting back. Please trust Wolf on that, I accidentally got lost in the Hive once.
“I am sure I would be able to find my way back. Now, let us depart.”
--Amma froze when Yivel ripped the silkshot out of her hand, and vaguely recognized Yivel was upset.
No, angry. Yivel was angry. Angry with her.
...Cowardice? Calling her a coward?
Terror roiled in her stomach. Nothing good ever came out of being called a coward. Nothing good ever came out of being scolded. Pain, horrific pain. She'd....trusted Yivel.
But she was already in horrific pain.
Hide.
You can't hide from this.
The pins in her spine screamed at her, black pulsing at the edges of her vision. Her eyes watered, her mandibles making a small, steady, slow, click, click, click sound -- in pain, distress, fear? But she was crying.
Pain makes you useless. Your pain will lead to your friends' deaths.
Something in her mind pulled painfully, tried to send her back to something a long, long time ago. Wanted so badly to be small, comforted, curled in the arms of someone who loved her.
She opened her mouth, expecting to sob. Instead her stomach heaved violently, and it was what she'd eaten in the past day that came up instead, the mess tinted with orange.
And then she sobbed.--
Fox makes a final bark of real time panic, but chooses to focus on the now pressing issue of Scarlet Got Bit What Do. They quietly back up enough to not be standing directly over and promptly sits down, whimpering and whining out question upon question, trying to find the exact bite wound. They don't know how to help. They NEED to help. But being bound, they can't. But her mom CAN. Wispspark quickly ambles over and calls Crimson - who does listen and SPRINT over. Wispspark quietly gently bonks Scarlet with their snout, trying to prop up their arm so that way Yivel and Crimson can actually heal the bite wound. Tying a spare blanket around the mended bite, Crimson finally speaks. I was listening for anything that was WRONG with those cries, thanks. I've been in Deepnest over and over and over again, you hear one thing that's wrong with a call back and you are immediately on the defensive on the off chance it's a nosk. On the other claw, this WAS an active war area, survivors could be alive for days or weeks, I was willing to take the risk and I knew it. I was slow, I will admit. Normally I'm faster than that. But Fox was also VERY to the point of their defense and I will defend that claim with my life. And don't you dare bring Wispspark into this, they've been through enough and know that if they stepped in, the fight would be EXTREMELY one-sided. Wolf cautiously approaches Amma, lying down and trying to be.. Certainly A Presence. They didn't know how to help. But they wanted to, stars above, and they'll be as quiet and as patient as they could possibly be.
Scarlet can barely register anything that’s happening. Although the physical wound has closed, the pain that was there simply spread to the rest of their body. Their shrieking and loud sobbing has now been reduced to mere whimpering.
They can barely feel themself beyond the pain, actually. Their limbs feel…wrong, their head feels light their organs where were their organs THEY CAN’T FEEL THEIR ORGANS
“D…Dad…help me…”
And through the severed artery, the knowledge of his child in pain is enough to summon Grimm.
Scarlet looked toward their father, their vision blurring and being obscured by black spots, their voice barely above a whisper.
“D…dad…”
The pain finally became too much for Scarlet. They closed their eyes and fell unconscious.
Everyone in the Dreambound Group knows that When Grimm Shows Up, YOU GET OUT OF THE WAY. UNFORTUNATELY Wispspark CAN'T, being the one thing that's trying to brace Scarlet from hitting the literal floor, chirping in initial concern of the sudden weight. Crimson backs up a little bit initially, cloak bristling in at least 42 different emotions, managing to reel back every single panicked thought processing. Focus. There's backup - and someone that actually knows what to do regarding trying to heal a Grimmchild. Admittedly that is literally their PARENT but that's besides the point right now, their sibling is injured. Follow their lead. …How do we help, if we can. Crimson's shaking, but they're willing to do a lot to try to keep Scarlet alive. Which is also what gives Fox the amount of willpower needed to push back against the silk bindings. They NEED to get over there, they need to help. How they're going to help is beyond them but THEY NEED TO HELP.
Grimm wraps Junior in his wings, pressing them to his chest. “We need to keep them warm until we’re back at the tents,” he says, stifling a cough. He can hardly breathe. His children are hurt and he wasn’t there to help. He’s going to KILL whoever did this. This must’ve been their plan along: sever his connection to his child and kill them behind his back. He wants to rip and tear and burn and claw and—
Focus. Your child needs you.
There is a voice amid the panic. So faintly there.
I have a dreamgate if y'all need that. Wolf's voice is… what IS that, a practiced calm? Crimson can pick up on that worry Wolf has - hidden, but very real. Wispspark quietly nods, their own wandering flames sparking - alongside Crimson, who is willing to at least keep one active Nightmare Flame up purely to try to help however he could. Keep warm? THEY CAN SURE TRY. Fox finally speaks up, ears pulled back. If- if it was the same Sentinel that bit me, which I- think it was?- they- need to hunt. Like preferably soon. That curse feeds on Essence, I am so so so so so sorry I should've actually paid attention to the surroundings I am… so sorry. …Your kid's super brave. They- it was out of their own choice to get me out of the way of the bite. Stars. Stars I'm also so sorry I should've been faster. CRIMSON WISP??? THAT IS ALSO??? YOUR PARENT YOU'RE TALKING TO???? HELLO?
“It is not your fault, small ones. Though you speak of a curse? If it causes one to bring harm to any of my children, I shall be sure to cleanse that metal creature of it permanently. Your sibling is indeed brave…other Grimmchild.”
“Why do you—never mind. It will be useful.”
"Sibling" was like the world's most emotional punch to Crimson's face. They were. They were their sibling. They'd never say it outright because they didn't even know if that was OKAY, but they quietly nod back, forcing themselves to not fidget with their cloak right now, they are literally trying to keep their own flame going for Scarlet's sake. A- uh. Crimson. Crimson Wisp, sir. Uhm… Wolf's my adopted guardian, Fox is their sibling, Wispspark's- their adopted mom, and uh… oh! Oh their name- They awkwardly gesture to Scarlet- their name's Scarlet now, uh… just- letting you know now.
Wolf raises their voice exactly once, and it is to tell off the one bug trying to put a muzzle on Fox, wandering flames bristling out well beyond the normal amount. LEAVE MY SIBLING ALONE OR SO HELP ME I WILL DRAG YOU INTO THE ABYSS MYSELF. Without missing a beat, Wolf's focus turns to Grimm, and quietly bows their head. Dreambound, I just kinda- have it, sorry.
Grimm’s eyes narrow in amusement.
“Your family is very fond of apologizing, Crimson Wisp.”
Crimson immediately shrinks a couple of inches. Was that personal? Was that whimsy? He can't tell and as such probably is kinda worried. …It's a habit. Probably best to be honest right now, staying more or less on the side of caution. Wolf bites back the third apology this entire day and focuses back on being the walking equivalent of an emotional support dreambound vessel, shuffling around enough to actually prepare getting a dreamgate set up in case it was needed.
Grimm chokes out a laugh. “How long until the Dreamgate is finished?”
