Chapter Text
"Talk to you two later!" The master troupe said, as he exited the break area,
"We're leaving in a few days” You paused at the door frame and reminded her “So don't forget about the report, divine."
Divine appeared to be nodding off, not responding at all.
You call her out "divine."
"Huh…? Oh yeah yeah… I’ll see to that” she said, nodding at you.
You walked out of the room, leaving her by herself with brumm who remained silent the entire time as the door were closed.
"...”
"...”
"...”
"...”
And the silence began to bitter the mood. Normally, they would exchange brief words, but after last night… Who could?
"Divine, what's wrong with you?!” He recalled shouting at her the previous evening. "I believed it was obvious that we should keep this from her!! Stop being so arrogant!"
“And what comes next, brumm?! Let him discover for himself!” She also recalled shouting back at him, "I'm tired of seeing this happen! I’m tired that you’re a coward about it!!”
As the two Grimmkins with the highest authority before you, they had endured numerous trials and never harbored animosity between one another. But… It was a night of... sorrow between the two devoted Grimmkins. It all contributed to their identity, whether it was the bickering divine, her mischievous actions, or their brumm shakes of irritation. They never truly felt actual hate with each other, it was them being themselves, colleagues for eons.
However, it turned them on one another last night. Something that set them apart for a moment, a hatred that intensifies. A hatred that explodes away.
“…. Did you sleep well last night?” Brumm made the decision to end their silence. It had gone on for far too long.
“…. No, you?” She asked him in return.
"The same..."
Together, they sighed, this was becoming uncomfortable. The entire atmosphere was strange. At the very least, it should be vibrant or just... normal.
He made the decision to be honest, saying, "Divine, listen. Despite our disagreement last night, you understood that we both did this for her?"
"We do," she said quietly "because she's Y/N… we cared for her"
“And we both felt confused and frustrated by this uncertainty, and we couldn't let our ‘lust’ down, until it broke away. We were both right and wrong, but ultimately, our goal is for her… The same reason that... last night happened," Brumm said cautiously, his thoughts objective.
"But even though our goals were similar, we both dealt with her in different ways," she groaned once again. “And when it clashed…. I supposed that’s what happened”
"...”
"...”
Divine was the first to say, "I'm... sorry for last night, for yelling and calling you names"
"I’m sorry too… and for doing the same too” And brumm followed…" We were both concerned for her, and we ended up ignoring one another.”
"That fiend… honestly," she mumbled, obviously annoyed at you as well. “Would you want more mint tea?"
“Yeah..”
As the freshly made batch kettle was poured into each of their cups and they started drinking their own tea, the discomfort that still permeated the air gradually subsided.
As he put down his cup, Brumm remarked, "Divine... I suppose you had the right to know something important. Something that I've kept for so long."
She senses that the uneasiness that had been there moments ago has given way to a foreboding atmosphere. "Should I... be afraid about what I will hear?"
"You'll react more than that, but it'll explain my stubbornness at her, at why I'm so… inclined to let her know everything, all because of one single thing I've witnessed," he said with a sad, sardonic chuckle.
"And what is that?” She questioned him.
"But promise me, divine, that you're not going to do something reckless in what you're about to hear," Brumm said uneasily, knowing that she needed to hear the truth but not wanting her to become desperate or reckless over it.
"Is... is it really that bad?"
"That's it," he said, removing his mask and placing it on the table. "No more false promises, no more pretending or something beyond it, no more lies. Mask off.”
Divine pupils widened. The troupe is aware that "mask off" is a serious matter; it is an oath that was not used for games or performances, or jokingly manner. What made Grimmkin a Grimmkin is symbolized by their masks, which represent the troupe and the Grimm's troupe itself. The lines across the eyes, the black and white color, the void inside the pupil's area on the mask, and the shape all contribute to their identity. When Mask Off, a grimmkin is expected to never, ever break the promise made by the promise maker, not as a grimmkin wearing the mask, but as themselves, since they are not concealed by the mask's exterior. Given how serious it is and how it will make the other parties uneasy accepting the arrangement, mask off are rarely used. It's about their honor and their own reputations, even when there are no consequences, no death, and no severe punishment. It's rarely used so lightly and never playfully. Although the promise of mask off was never broken at all, this is because all Grimmkins were aware that it is a holy unwritten rule that should never be broken.
Divine was curious and wanted to know more about what she never knew. The truth was what she sought, the truth so horrifying that brumm had to "mask off" with her. After inhaling her breath and contemplating a lot of her life, she places her half-mask on the table and says, "Mask off. In light of this, nothing I've heard will ever serve as my source of motivation.”
Brumm nodded "Thank you.”
“Hope that it was worth the oath, brumm” She was aware that she had taken an oath she didn't want to hear when she said that. But she was willing to do it if it allowed her to get some peace of mind.
"All right, so it all began not too long ago, not even a century ago."
"That…. Recent?"
"Yes, so in the past….."
though he knew what she would hear would make her feelings worse. But she knew better to not break the mask off.
***
“Like you, the child plays key role in this task. Only with it by your side will the flame, and my kin, reveal themselves to you.”
The two steeds around them glanced at the little knight as they left the enormous tent. The grimmchild that flies next to them makes a little chirp. They stared at it as they turned their heads. To gather the nightmare flames, they were given the Grimmchild, and their little flying companion was…. to put it mildly, peculiar. Well, it was their fault that their curiosity caused a torch to start, which in turn caused a massive circus tent to appear out of nowhere. Except for the old bug who can't stop cursing about it, they weren't concerned by it. Yes, they must now do an extra task and retrieve quest in addition to their goal to slay the dreamers, but what are they to complain about? They have time.
Their senses peaked just as they were ready to resume their trek, sensing a sudden danger. They immediately moved away from Grimmchild and, with a nail swing, parried a fire that was flung at them as it struck the ground. It happened in a fraction of a second, so it was close… and so sudden.
"I'm impressed" A woman's voice said, from the side of the tent, just a few moments away from the knight's blind spot. Then the grimmchild flew lower as the steeds made a little step back and dropped their heads to the earth. "You have a quick reflex."
Even the heat from the fire remained resided on their nails, which was shocking for them as they continued to hold their nails in their posture.
“Lower your weapon. I'm only here for a test, which you passed. I'm not here for a fight.”
As the tall woman form walked toward them, they reluctantly putting back the nail. The grimmchild cried out as they immediately flew to the small nightmare flame that she was extending her left arm toward.
“So…. you will soon be responsible for this child's care. I can definitely see your potential, little knight. Yes… your capabilities… I can see that clearly”
They cocked their head, indicating that they had a lot to discuss if they could do more than shake or nod.
"You do realize what obligations you have, don't you? You have already accepted this legally binding agreement by lighting our flame. That you must play your part on this everlasting stage and achieve our master's wish.”
The one line on her mask, in contrast to the others they've seen, and the cloak that... they nearly assumed she was the troupe master, but that flat, blank tone when she spoke…who is she exactly? They stared at her in mild bewilderment.
“Ah…. I haven't given my introduction, have I?” You….. finally introduce yourself to them using the script's elegance, which you always remember so much "I am, Y/N. My role is as the assistant of the master troupe and the troupe ensemble itself." The grimmchild chirped joyfully and whirled about you as you lowered your hand
They gave a sympathetic nod. They understand your role in this play as someone’s important.
you said in a whisper to the grimmchild, and they flew back to the knight. “We both have a role to play on this stage. You, as the unsung knight who gathered the nightmare flames for us, to dance with us, and I, as the assistant, the overseer of the entire play.” You walked to them…no, you walked past them as you stood beside their little figure. “Of course… I don’t need to repeat my words anymore, it is not a request, nor an opinion, but a warning, an order of threat that you would do your role very well, and not attempted to escape from it, because no matter how long or far you’ve ran… I’ll find you”
They gave you another nod. You were serious about this ritual, and they’re not looking for a fight.
"Good…. Now good luck finding the flames" you said as you passed them and stepped through the entrance into the troupe. As soon as the knight and the grimmchild departed, you caught a glimpse as they disappeared through the hallownest "Hmm…."
"Geez, Y/N." Someone who had been observing all along chose to approach you when everything was clear. "That's a little bit extreme, isn't it?"
Still using your blank tone, you replied, "It is, panella. However, that would convey to them their part in the play." Turning yourself at her.
"Or you'll eventually scare them off and everything went to mess." In response, she crossed her arms "I know your role is assistant, but... but calm down a bit, okay? the show will reach its encore, no need to get stressed out, I said this from a friend."
"Thank you for your concerns, Panella. However, I embraced that responsibility and had no burdens on me.”
“But, Y/N, you're overworking yourself….. That’s something” Panella seemed annoyed but understandably concerned. "And don't get me telling about those ‘breaks’ we had, you can't even take a few minutes off from that notebook of yours."
"I'm all right, Panella. I understand your worries, but my condition was alright” As you pulled out your little notebook that panella mentioned moments ago, you replied, "I have something important to do for the final show for now. Do you have anything else to tell me?"
She shook her head, "No. Not at all."
"Have a good day, panella, we'll talk later," you said, nodding at her.
Then you walked away while she gazed at the floor. She never felt that it was right, and she will never feel that way again. She can't get used to this, it's so... incorrect, it’s so wrong that she might puke up. It's all because she-
As someone walks up to her, the accordion stops playing. "You okay, panella?"
Her fists were clenched "I'm fine, mister brumm," she says, continuing to look at the ground. “I always am.”
He sighed, his only responsibility on stage was to stand close to the entrance and play the accordion to create a foreboding atmosphere. As a result, he witnessed the entire episode unfold firsthand. He always knew how this portion was going to go. "Remain resilient, panella. Everything will be alright-“
Her clenched hands shaken as she cuts him off "It never will." He can comprehend her voice as she leaves, leaving him alone and unaccompanied with no one on his side...
He went back to his position and resumed playing the accordion…. As everything back to usual.
***
"I've seen a lot of things, divine. I've watched and listened to years and years of unending drama.” He told her, "You might have a fair share through your tent, but... I saw way too many…. With my eyes and ears"
Divine was paying close attention while occasionally nodding slightly, "I…. can understand that."
“And that's… when I just stopped when I got back to my post. I abruptly quit playing at random. Do you recall the time when Kairi were still around?"
After taking a tiny sip of her tea, Divine told him, "Yeah… you two would be on playing together, I remembered that… And after they… passed, Y/N sometimes join you on the entrance, albeit when no one is arriving at the troupe, mostly to keep you company for a while" Divine said with a giggle, and then a sad sigh "she's… really against performing, but I can't blame her for such- Oh…” That’s when she realized something “so basically…."
“Divine, she turned down my offer. She turned it down. And it… hurts me”
"Wh-… When….. was that?"
With a deep sigh, Brumm resumed his story ever again.
***
The grimmkins… who would carry the nightmare torches outside for the chosen knight to locate, were being arranged by you.
"Remember the training, fight to the best of your abilities, be cautious and stay away from any infected bugs, and retreat back when you're cornered and weak. Don't force yourself to battle any longer and leave the fires for the grimmchild to take, understand?" you said in a flat tone.
"Yes, Miss!” They all declared in unison. Their part and task were straightforward, they only had to arrive at their assigned location, wait for the knight with the grimmchild to come, engage in combat, and then flee after they were "defeated."
That’s when Divine yelled out to you from a distance "Hey, Y/N!” She shouted out to you and gestured, "Come here" from a distance, catching the attention of everyone on the meeting.
You give her a quick glance before turning back to the Grimmkins "Meeting adjourned. And once all of you have returned, head to the medical room for checkups. A thorough medical examination is needed in case any wounds are present that none of you are aware of.”
Taking your staff, you went up to a... bloodied advisor whose mouth was stained and had blood running down it.
"Divine…."
After a little pause, she said, "Ummm… Yes?"
“Why is your mouth covered in blood? Did you get hurt?" You knew that if she was in pain, she wouldn’t be so nervous right now.
"W-well, not exactly," she said, pausing once more, "I'll explain on the way there… Right now, my tent is in a lot of mess."
She appears embarrassed, but what might it be? You chose to accompany her as she describes the quick route there.
"So, have you ever encountered an odd bug in fungal waste? That mentions charms occasionally?"
You nodded, recalling that brief strange encounter. "Yeah, he was an odd bug, talks a lot about earning geo to become a king, sniffing me a lot, what's up with him?" you said.
"I got him as a present from that knight. Ya know? Like when people send me gifts as a thank you, they're always lovely, though I had to throw some away to make place for others, or I just gave them to some grimmkins.” As her tents approached, she started to ramble to herself, "It's a gift! I know gifts are gifts, but with all the weird and strange lands we explored, I was used to so many many gifts. It's only a present! And I appreciate every gift I receive! Even at what the small knight gave me—"
“You ate him, then?” As you two gazed at her strewn-about tent with blood all over it, you interrupted her.
"A gift is a gift, all right?! I wouldn't let it go to waste. In addition, he was really aggressive when I interfered with his ambition to become king or whatever it is.”
You turned to face her and said, "Divine, you ate him, it's not self-defense. Eating him is not counted as self-defense. Hurting him? Sure, self-defense, but you ate him”
"But he's a gift... and it tasted good too," she said, laughing uncomfortably.
“…..” You gazed at her through your mask.
“O-oh come on, Y/N. It's not as if he will return to—" she burps, rubbing her chest. “…. Sorry”
“Why did you believe that he was a gift, divine?” You asked her as you entered the tent covered in blood.
She whispered, "Charms. Those lovely, delicate, sensitive charms."
“…”You huffed, "Go, Divine, and clean yourselves." After we leave here, we'll talk about a lot of your personal issues.
"Okay," she nodded feebly.
***
"Brumm, you don't have to remind me again. "It's all over," Divine said, seeming ashamed as she recalled it.
"I wouldn't, even though a lot of grimmkins are right when they say that you looked bloody and that your tent is a pile of gore. “I decided to help her because I was in the right place at the right time, and I could see how you left nothing out that bug except his claws.” Brumm told her what he witnessed, and it was just as he had described. A sloppy bloody mess everywhere.
Divine laughed and said, "I don't regret what I did."
***
"I was unaware that divine could accomplish such a feat," Brumm remarked while wiping the floor. "So, she devoured him."
You replied, mopping the floor next to him and partly submerging the mop in a bucket as you two went on, " It's nothing to be worried about, brumm, just part of her obsession with charms, something that I'll talk to her about, and thank you for your quick help, I appreciated it.."
"There's no need to, Y/N. He clarified why he had come to you with mops and buckets, saying, "I knew something must have gone on her tent when I saw her walking in blood."
It's not a lengthy disaster, just something that was completed in a few minutes and involves mopping back and forth with him. The tent was instantly cleaned, albeit it was still damp for the time being. You insisted on keeping it immaculate even though the troupe wouldn't be using it until the next cycle. Furthermore, it wouldn't be pleasant to have a tent that is bloody.
I know we've been discussing this a lot, but panella was correct, Y/N. You needed a rest.” Brumm struck up a brief discussion inside the tent, primarily regarding Panella's worry that had been bothering him
"Brumm…."
"Y/N, I get it. There's no need to reiterate duties, assistants, responsibilities, the troupe, and devotions. However, you required one after witnessing your hands shaking from the countless hours of labor you had endured. After this, how about a play for the two of us? Since you haven't played for a while and it's dusting too, a basic accordion and piano won't hurt. The phrase "a while" felt so... incorrect to him.
“I can’t…” You told him bluntly, "I can't leave my responsibility."
which makes him feel even more let down "Y/N…."
"I apologize," you said, taking your staff and checking your notebook before getting to your feet. "But I can't… I never could."
“….” He was rendered unable to speak.
With a wave of your cloak, you carelessly left the accordionist alone "We'll talk later."
He sat there in silence, feeling hollow, alone, and nearly without hope. He was aware of what he needed to do to stop the pain he was constantly witnessing. It hurts to think of hundreds and hundreds of years. Seeing it all hurts. Additionally, it always builds to the ritual, the stage's last play. He also saw a lot of it, and he is aware that it hurts.
Was it foolish? He knows exactly what it is, but what can he do about it? What is he going to do to stop this? He cannot remain silent in this manner or simply sit and observe, will he be concerned about what transpires next? Even ignoring his safety and position? Perhaps, just possibly, "mrmm."
Perhaps he could realize his hope... maybe
***
“I…. came with a solution that are so… stupid to begin with, divine.” He closed his eyes, his breathe were heavy and shaken for a moment “Sometimes… I wished I never made a choice like that in my life. I cared about Y/N, as much as you do. We’ve seen her grow from a nervous and self-confident to what she was now. We were there for her when she needs help and guidance, and advice from you. Until….” He sighed “I was blinded by it… blinded by my righteous objective… that I’ve became ignorant to everything else…”
“…..What happened?”
“….. You won’t like to hear it… divine”
Then the secret he had been hiding for himself, had been… revelead