Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Hey everyone!

So! Here it is, my fanfiction of hollow knight, Grimm x reader. Now this story came up once I'm done with the DLC. It's good in my opinion though since it's just DLC, there's nothing much to add on the main gameplay and served as a side quest but it's good! Along with the lore too

Nonetheless, as a writer, my fanfiction gear start to spin and I created a full draft plot book from start to finish (so NO 'story got discontinued because I have no idea where to continue the plot') which y'all will read soon enough.

Oh yeah, shout out to SnowIsRandom why? Not much for a reason but after finishing my draft, I tried to look for an X reader to see how many people made it. Then I found theirs and binging the entire two books. I was surprised that some aspect were similar but that would Make sense since we both used the same concept idea tree(though the general plot was vastly different here and there) . Their Grimm x Reader IS GREAT and I have to give my recommendation to read their nightmare series. AND as a fun little nitpick, I added few references for funsies hehe.

i like how the story was presented. it make feelings go up and down with the plot. does this story inspired from SnowIsRandom? well... i couldn't say yes because i found it after the whole draft was finished.. but i wanted it to be as such with how great the stories were... but unfortunately, not so much

Also don't expect the story to be 100% accurate with the main game. There's a lot of headcannon I added imagining a 'what if?' scenario. I mean the game was 20% lore and 80% guesses most of the time. But I tried to keep it as accurate as I can within the main world of the game, and hopefully not making a character to be OOC. (sidenote: I once tried to make the dialogue as accurate as how the character would say but again, with how the dlc worked, I scrapped that and made them my own interpretation of such along with how the troupes worked)

Geez!.. I must've talked so much on the author's note. Lastly, the story would go into a darker theme regarding our Y/N but I'll give a heads up when it did. Criticism and feedback are accepted!

Enjoy!!

Chapter Text

“hey.. grimm.. if nothing happened tonight.. would want to take a walk?”

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.............

..........

You suddenly woke up, yawning on your bed. 4.30AM is when you looked at your hourglass sand clock on your small desk designed for it. You awake in time.. as always. You sat down, stretching your body. You do your usual routines when you woke up, tidying up your bed and take a shower inside one of the door on your room. Despite being a troupe of tents, waters aren’t an issue at all with it being connected from a gallon of water shelved deep on the troupe.

You dried yourself, walking to your wardrop and picking your clothes (depends on you), then took a cloak from a coat hanger along with your Troupe mask. You looked at yourself in a fullbody mirror hanged on the wall, you wore your cloak and mask…..you blinked twice, looking at your figure on the mirror

If anyone saw or knew you for the first time, they might thought that you’re the master troupe, not him… you get that pretty often, and you had to correct them out that You’re Y/N, the master troupe’s female assistant with them being ‘oh’ as a response. You even remembered the exact wording and sentences you used to said it without changes and tone in your word. As said before.. you get that a lot. You understand why it always happened

You wore that stripped line dark red-grey cloak. The same colored cloak that he wore, even exactly one to one exact similiarity, almost like a replica with small minor differences that it’s size were much smaller to fit your body. Why wouldn’t anyone mistook you for it?. It’s always been a style of your dressing. No matter how different, how varies, how diversed you wore, that cloak will always be on your body no matter what. Even if it would made bugs mistaking you for the master troupe. Besides, your master never bothered with you wearing it

Other than that.. it’s your mask. The troupe’s signature masks are wore to each individual Grimmkin while retaining the design that helps distinguish the positions in hierarchy from one to another. A simple pale white mask with two lines. A symbol that you are a part of the Grimm Troupe. But not every mask is the same. Divine and Brumm had their own custom distinct mask, no one questioned that but yours. Your mask strikingly resembled a normal grimmkin’s, which it is.. with one key note that you only had one line, not two making you stood out among the rest. Your answered is that you ‘only deserved to have one’, and never elaborated further as why you do and walked it off

In the end, no matter what or who you are. You’re still you that you see on the mirror. Even if hours, days, weeks, months, years, decade or even centuries passed by… you’re still the same Y/N, the same Focus on the job Y/N, the same barely expressionless and emotionless Y/N. just you, just Y/N. living everyday lives to served the troupe and it’s master until your day of reckoning came by, to which hopefully other would take your place

You pulled the cloak closer to your body as you stuffed a notebook and a quill(which worked like a pen) along with your staff and opened the door as began to do your usual duty. Serving your third master troupe, a prove that you’re well experienced and on your job.

Unfortunately this time……. things will be different that what you used to. A whole. Lot. Different.

Chapter Text

At 4.30 a.m., the grimmkin is still snoozing in their shared bedroom. Each hierarchy differs significantly in terms of how they sleep,etc. and there are four classes of grimmkin. Trainee, novice, master, nightmare. Trainees, novices, and masters sleep in a communal bedroom with bunk beds lined up in a row, leaving a few gaps that you refer to as dorm rooms. Though they sleep in a shared bedroom too, nightmare has their own single bed, albeit a bunk bed like the others. Lastly Of course, you, Divine, Brumm, and Troupe master all have your own private rooms.

You were on your way to each of the seven dorm rooms you had designated to wake them up and get them started on their routine. But how would you do such a task with dozens of them? You used an excellent approach to accomplish so. When you opened one of the dorm rooms, you were met by the customary grimmkin snoring sounds. You aim your staff to a lantern hanging in the center of the room and light it. The chamber instantly brightens as the orange flame illuminates the entire room, causing everyone to awaken with yawns and groans from their slumber. You shut the door and went to another dorm to do the same thing.

And let's talk about your staff. It's a long, spherical crimson red gnarled staff with little red vines spiraling up to the summit in a smooth way. The staff and head were carved with a nightmarish symbol. A transparent crystal ball gripped tightly by the vines, with a scarlet flame blazing inside. Because of your role as the troupe's assistant, you have access to an unlike-any-other staff accustomed for you.

You proceeded to each dorm, igniting the lanterns one by one. You've had this schedule for who knows how long. You never grumbled; it became a regular part of your morning routine.

  *******

On your walk, you came across a bug wearing a mask that only covered half of her face, revealing her whole expression. Which look to have she had some sleep inertia, but spirited to start the morning

She greeted you "Morning, Y/N."

You paused from your walk to answer her back. “Morning, Divine”

Divine. She designed the troupe's costumes and served as the Troupe master's advisor. She's a cheerful, lighthearted female bug. Her pleasant attitude was imprinted on her personality, resulting in a daydream like expression. Even so, being an advisor. Her counsel assisted you and your master in making decisions however this only happened a few times on yours. She also utilized her fragrance to detect something hidden from a bug. One thing you weren't sure about was how scent might define a bug's personality, behavior, and proclivities, and her answers were as perplexed and ambiguous as they could be. "Smell worked like asking a fortune teller, Y/N, except mine is far more accurate and true. Many emotions and sentiments leave a distinct smell” Whatever it is. However, the advice she offered has proven to be incredibly valuable.

"have any reports for your design?" You then concentrated on your job speak.

"Oh.. well.." she thought for a moment. "It's well advanced, Y/N. I probably need a few more silks for the finished product."

You leaned on your staff's shoulder and took out your small notebook and quill to write something on it. "And your tent?" you asked.

 "It went.. Great, our last sale definitely earned enough sum of geo" she reported with a slight proud face.

"Alright," you nodded, putting your note and quill back. "Don't forget to put the exact earning and our current supply and report it to my desk later, now if you excused me." You walked past her.

"oh okay..Later… Y/N" she watched as you went away on your morning... She sighed and said, "That fiend…" She removed her mask and massaged her eyes. Oh well, she had other things to do.

After awakening everyone, you proceed to your office, as well as his office. You two shared the same room from the beginning, when you first became the assistant. You never considered or were advised to obtain your own office, and you did not protest much. You did not mind sharing an office with him.

You open the door and light the lantern with your staff without pausing as you walk to your seat and table. There are two tables and chairs in the office, your master's facing the entrance and yours behind his table, resting against a wall.

You sat in the chair after hanging your staff on the wall next to you and reviewing the fresh paperwork on your desk. You have a few tasks to complete, which you jot down in your notebook while sometimes verifying it against the report you received.

When the office door opened around 5 a.m., you knew who it was. "Morning, Y/N," he said.

"Morning, Master Grimm," you looked up at him before returning to your table.

 "Are you busy right now?" he inquired.

In response to his observation, you said "slightly...", you asked “does master have any particular need?”.

"kind of" he moved to his table, sat on it, and checked a few paper before wheeling his chair facing you "would you want to assist my morning, Y/N?, it's pretty early you know"

"I would like to join you three, but I need to write a few lists," you stated blankly, writing in your notebook.

He rose up, walked to your table, and gently laid your notebook down with his slender finger. "Come on, Y/N.. it's still too early to focus on the job; assist my morning Y/N, would you please?"  He talked quietly, smiling.

You puffed from your mask "give me a minute"

Master Grimm, also known as the troupe master. As troupe master, he had the strongest position in the group, with just you coming in second. He is serious, aggressive, and the major encore and act of the troupe's concerts, with a tough, commanding voice. Despite his intimidating appearance and serious manner, Brumm and Divine find him to be a relaxing and enjoyable fellow. Lighthearted, and generally... not too serious and usually entertaining when he's not on his façade and act but still behave like a master.

To you however, he's a different type of bug. Outside of work, he never serious around you, acting more like an ordinary bug than a troupe leader when it's just the two of you, far beyond brumm and Divine. He doesn't want to let loose around you. He didn't mind at all, and he knew you wouldn't either. He understood his friendship with you was on a different level. A degree of trust formed between you as the Troupe master's assistant and him as the Troupe master.

After a minute, you stood up, leaving your staff hanging. "Come on then" you stated bluntly.

 "Yay!" he exclaimed with a yell and fanfare.

It is your morning as the assistant as the days go by.

You two then headed to the room at the very rear of the group. Despite the fact that your troupe is made up of tents, it should not be underestimated. With the might of the echoing nightmare heart, it could defy the logic of a 'regular huge tent'. The troupe had several rooms connected by passageways, halls, or other rooms. Each hierarchical level has its own distinct space reserved only for nightmares and masters. This chamber you were about to enter was a particular one located in the nightmares only sector of the region. Only you, him, brumm, and divine are permitted to enter. "Morning, divine," he said as he opened the door. "Morning master- oh!" she gasped, seeing you. "Well, I hadn't imagined that the miss assistant would join in."

"master's order are absolute, as usual" You just mentioned taking a seat on a chair, four seats encircling a round table.

He grinned and sat next to you, saying "it was merely a request, with a little of plead" and "well whatever it is, at least you joined in Y/N" Divine approached both of you, laying a saucer with four empty teacups and a kettle, seething with hot air. "I guess," you responded bluntly. "Would you mind checking the steeds?""Divine immediately placed a finger in front of your mask, "now now, Y/N." No job chat this morning, and where's this enormous bug on such a rare occasion...so much for a 'family reunion'." She then walked away someplace outside the break room.

It was dubbed that manner. A spot where the four of you could hang out and unwind, or simply take a break from whatever. It became a type of'meetup' space where people could enjoy the day. Usually in the early morning or at odd times during the day. It was special. It even had its own cooking area on the perimeter of the room, loaded with various items and decorations.

"And as usual, she's quick on her feet every time you join us," he said playfully. "I suppose that's why she called it a 'family gathering'. You know...We should do this more regularly; it would be fantastic."

You pulled on your cloak. "I wish it wasn't so often, master grimm. You cautioned him that it may disrupt our work flow, but he dismissed it as not every day.

You choose not to comment any more. It happened so seldom these days, usually at his request or because you had to go there to speak with one of the three of them; you were so bound by your work that you didn't join in on your own volition and decision very often. And you had to endure whenever your lord requested you to participate.

Then you heard additional footfall approaching, one of which sounded in complaint, little muffled by the wall.

"divine! "There is no need to drag me like this!"

"Oh, shut up, Brumm! Hurry up."

"I'll at least quit pulling on my arm! I can walk.

Your lord turned around, and so did you. When the door opened, you could see Divine dragging a giant insect with her hand.

"Morning, brumm" he waved at the huge beetle, suppressing his grin.

"Morning, Master Grimm, and Y/N," he murmured, regulating his breathing and annoyed expression.

You uttered "morning" in a brief manner, Brumm. That merlot red fur-cowl bug is the Troupe master's right hand man, the commander of the music team, and the troupe's accordionist, who has his instrument slung to his back. He and the music team would play while the company performed, with him playing the accordion. And, despite his enormous frightening appearance, he is just the contrary of what bugs expected of him. He's a calm, cheerful, and friendly man. You would assist him with his request to write a music sheet or with a motivational notion for a new song.

The four of you sat together. Master Grimm to your left, Brumm to your right, and Divine across from you. As a shorter bug, sitting like this might be mortifying, but you're used to it. And you don't care about it.

You drank your tea. The cups appear to have been handcrafted by Divine. Following the same color scheme as the troupe. She described it as a'signature'. She sold it as products in her tent, which you allowed.

"It's nice to have you here, Y/N," Brumm stated after taking a sip. "I sometimes miss having moments like this."

"...last time was three months ago," you replied to him.

Divine responded: "It doesn't feel the same."

You just nodded. They were unaware that you were straining a little. Holding your cups and saucer closely. "I'm glad you could have a moment to relax, Y/N. really." I often feel uneasy merely asking for your aid because of how busy you are."

Divine snickered at Brumm's words. "I'm here ya know" "divine…. I respectfully need help from someone who truly understand music" Brumm said carelessly, "Not fair…" and sipped again. "just because she once played piano doesn't mean I don't understand the essence of music"

And that word... attracted your master's attention, "You play piano, Y/N?" He expressed genuine astonishment, saying "was."

Divine and Brumm were preoccupied with their own discussions, leaving you and Grimm to converse. "Really?" He still sounded unexpected, and you realized he had no idea you played the piano. "Why didn't you play it anymore?"

"…reasons.."

He grinned at your remark, suggesting you don't want to discuss it further. And he respects both that and you. He decided to switch to a random topic regarding the troupe and time. going on for a short while. The cups were empty, and the kettle had dried from the contents being poured in.

"Ahem", you rose up from your seat, "thank you for the morning, everyone. "But I had matters to attend to," you excused yourself and moved away, but stopped mid-way. "And master.. remember that we have to travel tomorrow early morning." Divine watched as you went and said, "And there she goes... off with duty as usual."

"yeah…" "Divine?" asks Brumm.

"yes, master?"

Grimm paused for a while to consider his questions; something had been bothering him. He suddenly thought, "Has this happened a lot before me?"

"the tea time?, well…." He can see she was thinking a lot and making up phrases in her brain. "I wouldn't call it a lot, but... it happened, kinda?" Sometimes?"... uhh, brumm?" She turned to face him and replied, "I would say... it happened." He agreed and asked if there was a specific reason. It appears that this is a common occurrence.

They exchanged stares, eliciting a perplexed expression from him. "Her work" Divine said that she wasn't lying to the master. "Of course," he groaned, leaning back and cursing his head. He can't pretend he was intrigued when he saw your lips while you drank. You did not remove your mask while drinking, like Brumm or Divine did. You lifted it just over your mouth to drink the tea. Your look has always been a mystery to the Troupe master. That made him ponder. You donned his cloak, but your mask had just one line instead of two. He only saw your lifeless eyes. You disagreed when he requested to see your face, and he won't push his anxieties on you simply to see who you are. "also… how was her first experience with this.. job?"

That made divine giggle delightfully. "oh It was.. fun to say the least, you still remember brumm?"

"Why, of course I would. Who could forget the day she received her promotion? "She was very different back then."

……."What happened?" He inquired, his voice full of astonishment.

Chapter Text

After a hectic night, you lay down on your new bed. You huffed and placed your mask on the desk beside your bed. You were fatigued, not physically, but psychologically. Experiencing such big changes was not on your bucket list. And you were tired.. you wanted to think that you were dreaming on such utopia, fortunately, you were not.

Two knocks on your door just as you ready to rest "Coming!" you exclaimed while sitting on your bed and stretched your body. Who may be present tonight? Was it her?

It was divine—not the one you would anticipate. "oh! Ms Divine... What circumstances got you here?" You mentioned, feeling little anxious.

She giggled, "Just call me divine, Y/N." She then placed her arms on her side, "besides, it should've been who called you miss now"

You never thought that "o-oh.. right, just called me Y/N if you would"

"alright.anyway,I'd like to ask you to go to the back side tomorrow morning," she stated. You tilted your head, perplexed, "Oh right.. you're not a nightmare, oh silly me" She chuckled to herself, "Well, just be ready tomorrow morning, there will be someone to escort you there"

"al-alright" You nodded,"Is there anything else?"

"hmm.. no, have a goodnight, Y/N”

Suddenly, Divine intervened just as you were going to close the door. You yelped

 "I forgot. How is your new room?" She approached you through the partially closed door and asked,

"It's good.." with a tone to conceal your stuttering. "I've never been used to have a private room but.. I like it"

“That is good to hear! Well, have a nice night, Y/N, for real this time." Divine waved as she walked away from your door. You peered till she left from your sight and slammed the door shut, resting on your bed with your eyes still alert. You really had to push yourself to sleep.

The next day, after pushing yourself to rest it all out, you awoke at 4 a.m., bathed as best you could in your new bedroom shower, and dressed as formal as you could, despite the fact that the troupe did not have formal apparel. "You can do this, Y/N," you tightened your hand in front of your chest, gazing at your mirror, attempting to appear courageous. "You got promoted yesterday after your… act, resulting in you suddenly becoming the second most important grimmkin.. uhh SNAP!!" As you become apprehensive, you try to regulate your breathing, reminding yourself “this is going to be a test. To make sure that I am worthy of the position, you can do this!.. hoping I don't be demoted when I fail.. yeah that's...” you come to the understanding "that.. would be bad." You wandered left and right in your room.

You perceived last night's heavenly message as a test to determine your suitability for this post. Who knows what she might advised to your master? Perhaps she suggested that he put your abilities to the test. You were certain you did not have any.

"You can do this," you tell yourself in the mirror after a time. “You've worked hard for the ensemble and demonstrated your ability to perform the job. To be Working closely with the troupe master… handsome master- ack! no no no!!" You shook your head angrily, "Focus! Focus on the test” you looked at your pupils and face in the mirror. "Focus on today... focus..." You huffed and wore your mask over your face.

When you opened your bedroom door, you were welcomed with a cheerful "hi Y/N" from a few feet away.

"…panella?" You seemed astonished to see her "..so you.."

"Yep," she nodded, "Miss Divine told me to escort you there."

"So then..." your expression turned flustered with embarassement.

She grinned, "hehe..Yeah, I listened to everything."

"Oh..."

Panella was your closest friend out of all the grimmkin in here; she was a nightmare grimmkin, as her contribution to the ensemble reflected. She joined five years after you did, and she quickly surpassed you to nightmare status while you were still a trainee back then. Despite the fact that your hierarchy has drastically shifted, she remains close to you. She is a kind and easygoing friend to you. She is so nice that even the term "kind" cannot describe her.  Her smile is ‘visible’ behind the mask, always had a brightest and caring smile. Panella... she's Panella, a genuine best friend you never imagined to have. But you glad you did

"listen!" She wrapped her arm around you as you two went on your ways, "Don't overthink it. There is no way Miss Divine would set you up like this. I mean, do you know what occurred last night?"

"W-well..." you touched your arm, "but, panella. She is the advisor, and her position cannot be taken lightly. Even her words and counsels... sometimes."

"Y/N.." she stroked your shoulder as you two got through the nightmare's sole area. "Your role is now above her… do you know that right?" passing nightmares who were minding their own businesses

Your lips wavered... Yes, your rank has raised surpassing both divine and divine combined. With just your master directly above you. How did this happen to you? You do not even know.

Until you get in front of an unusual door. Standing out among the others since it is on a short corridor "welp! this is where my stop ends, no one knows what could possibly be in there except the two, well and you too, of course"

You swallowed and walked a few steps to the door. "You... don't know?"

"nah.. it's really forbidden area except for the three ,and Y/N?" She called you out.

When you turned around, you were greeted by two arms on your shoulders. She was smiling. A sympathetic smile "I'm happy for you, Y/N. You went from being a nobody to being the second most important member among everyone. I formerly outranked you, but now... She sighed pleasantly and said, "You outrank me to a level I could never achieve... You deserved it, not only for what you achieved yesterday, but also for being a wonderful person, despite how inconsistent your timidity may be. So please be strong, since your work from now on will not be the ordinary flame gathering. It'll be so much more... but I knew you could do it; I trusted in you. and I’ll support on your journey to get through it”

Her comments affected you deeply. Panella was the closest friend you'd ever have. She was Panellla. Your cherished pal. You nodded and hugged her, saying "thank you

"your welcome... now good luck inside."

You approached the door, waving at her as you closed it. slightly giggling. It seemed like you two were about to split ways, but you won't for the time being. You are going to saw her again a few hours later, and she’ll asked how things were doing. Her eyes gleamed with childlike excitement, and you had to patiently explain it to her.

She is a best friend.

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"Back then, she was usually the skeptical one. She is always doubtful of her decision or what she is doing. Always confer with either myself, Brumm, the troupe master, or all three of us in general." Divine took a moment to reflect "good thing panella told me everything, it helped me to understand her more"

Brumm added, "and it was great to witness her gradually warming up to us and her new role, gaining confidence one by one. We can see she is a hard worker. That's Y/N, who constantly stays late to check on us or to handle Master Grimm's additional work. That's Y/N, a tireless assistant.”

Grimm nodded in amazement as he listened for the first time. He knew you were a serious woman, and despite your barely emotional words, he knew you cared deeply about him and the group. And your life stories confirmed it. When he saw two of his most faithful members reminiscing about the old days, he realized that he didn't deserve someone like you, which you would definitely disagree with if he actually stated that.

Despite this... He pondered, a question that Brumm and Divine usually avoided answering.

Why were you different back then? Why aren't you the same person you are today? He pondered. Well he could thought out an answer later. He had works to be done after this.

Chapter Text

Later that afternoon, you went to the stables to see about the grimmsteeds. It was near to nightfall. And you were prepared to leave town for a new land. Your troupe had traveled across their countries, visiting every town, hamlet, city, kingdom, and everywhere, eliciting nightmare fires from the unsuspecting crowds that attended the plays.

"Good afternoon, both of you," you said and patted each of their heads. They can't listen to you, at least not in the normal sense.

You tap the bottom of your staff against the ground, making a slight sound of impact. You closed your eyes and began channeling your thoughts with theirs (similar to the dream nail but on both sides); this is your technique of communicating with the steeds by using minds. Because minds have their own 'universal languages' that work for everyone,

"oh! Hi, Miss Y/N!!"

"hello, beau and arion "

"Come on, Arion!Greet miss assistant.”

"….hey"

Beau and Arion. The two steeds that pulled the caravan of the troupe. They are both your primary way of transportation for getting to and from various locations.  They had never had a name before, but you named them to distinguish between the two steeds.

"Is there something's wrong with him?" You questioned her,

 "Ah, you know. Some youngster annoyed with him yesterday, and now he's having a tantrum.”

"I'm not in a tantrum!" He objected. "I'm just not a good mood"

"hmph.. that's a tantrum” she grinned

Arion was the sort that did not want to draw attention to himself. Apart from beau, he is socially detached. And he gets irritated easily when he is not treated with the same professionalism as you or the other grimmkin. He's not hard to handle, in fact.. it was easy. He is easy to be around when someone understands and respects his own space and thinking, like you did.

"Yeah yeah, whatever. Anyway! He'll be fine, Miss Assistant!" beau stated in a pitched voice "you know how tomorrow he'll be all moody and not a doom and gloom steeds"

He muttered, "I can't deny it."

"Haha! See?"

"I... get your point, beau," you signaled to her that you understood, so she wouldn't deviate so much from her conversation.

Beau, on the other hand. She is a sort of steeds that is diametrically opposed to him. She's unbelievably joyful, more so than Divine or panella. She's always got that effervescent eagerness when she talks to you or him. She's the simplest to deal with, as predicted. Despite their morning and night differences, they are good friends. They got along well, despite the fact that each of the steed was so vastly different. They've become acquainted with each other. And have tolerated too.

"Anyway, tomorrow the troupe will travel to dirtmouth," you said plainly to them.

 "Wait!" "Is it time?!" beau reacted with a shocked face, "I can't believe-"

"beau, it's not" Arion stopped her off before she finished, "it's just one of our  stops before who knows how long until we get there again.”

"That's right," you corrected her, "I'm here to make sure you're both ready psychically and mentally ready for the journey tomorrow. Is there any request?" you ask while adjusting your cloak slightly.

"oh Y/N.. always so caring for a lowly steeds like us" Arion said politely, "Of course, we don't have any requests and will be ready-"

And what occurred next, she typically agrees or says…,

"Actually!  I have a request."

He huffed, "Beau, we're not-"

You lifted your hand to tell him to quiet up: "No, Arion! Let her talk." He’s one of the few bugs who respects and understands you, and he’d want beau to do the same. They are not north and south, however. "what is it that you want, beau?"

"Oh nothing much!, remember that drink you gave us a few months ago?" she said, her normal grin on her face. In addition to their regular meals, you provided the steeds with water and, on sometimes, refreshments. "that dark red liquid.. I want it mixed with my meal,mmmm.."

"You could harm yourself if you keep wanting it, beau.." he cautioned.

"But I'm still fine!" See?"

You thought about it for a time before responding quickly. "sure"

"yaaayyy"

"you too arion?" You then questioned the male steed.

"No, no thanks, Y/N. I'm fine with my usual," he stated in an annoyed tone, not at you, but at her. Despite how long they've been together and how well they accept each other's behaviors. They can still be irritated with each other.

"alright. I will see you two later."

You opened your eyes and disconnected from their link. You bowed to them before leaving.

The night passed, and you awoke at a different time than normally you do, two hours earlier. Not just you, but the grimmkins, and not the whole but the department in charge of packing the troupe. The group had already set up everything for the caravan, including the tents and supplies. And you're there to see whether anything was left out. This is not a move to another city, but rather thousands of miles away and across a lengthy distance. And there’s no coming back for any leftover

you were on a checkup patrol when you noticed….. him?... you noticed him seated in the caravan's break room. Looking toward the exterior. Why was he here? Sitting on the couch? You didn’t found him when you checked on his room.. which didn’t have doors because it was a caravan.

"master grimm?" You approached him, "Master, you should be asleep."

"hey Y/N... well, looks like I'm not" he quietly chuckled.

You sat next to him, and his behavior seemed... strange to you. He's not a bug who usually be awake at this hour. "Has the master taken any sleep?" You inquired about his condition.

"I was," he said gently, "but then I wasn't..."

You have a feeling, "Is it about Hallownest, master?"

"i.. don't know honestly.." He shook his head and drew his cloak closer. "I simply... Have a strange dream, followed by a strange feeling when you mention Hallownest that noon.”

You nodded "….it's calling you, master.. it's completely normal"

"the who call me?" He was perplexed

"the nightmare heart." You explained that it was calling you since we were about to visit its hometown, but you weren't sure about the dream.

"i.. see.. so it is.. calling me.." He sensed something was amiss with that sentence. Was the nightmare heart the one who called him? "well.. whatever it is.. would you accompany me Y/N until the caravan leaves?"

"sure" you've already completed preparing the caravan for departure; it won't hurt to stay with him. His priority is far more essential.

The caravan then leaves, leaving the countryside as it had been for the previous years. It's nothing new; it's simply a voyage toward a long, long road.

The sounds of wheels scratching the ground with a little steady tremble followed after.

"So, here it is, huh? The journey to an end, back to where it all began and ended," he murmured on himself, "hallownest..."

"This isn't the end of our trip, master. Hallownest is only one of several stops along the way until we get at our final destination. This is not the end, master. It would be decades before the end of the our journey”, his respond to you as if his life was ending shortly. You're thinking, "Is there something, Master Grimm?"

"Not much... As previously said, I experienced a strange dream... something that loosely resembled both a dream and a 'nightmare?' At the same moment. Unfortunately, I don't remember the actual incideventent. All I have is this strange sense." He touched his chest with his hand. "But then again..." It may be the nightmare heart calling me out."

"...yeah.. it might be.." You immediately sensed a tinge that... There is something wrong with those sentences, and even your own sentences. It's common for a grimm to feel the call of the nightmare heart, but you've never experienced such an odd call before.

You two were still seated on the couch. You didn't realize he drew closer to you, or you just didn't care, until both of your bodies were almost touching. "Y/N.. how long have we worked together?"

"One decade, master it was estimated eight years in the nightmare world and three years on the journey.

“Is it typical for the troupe to emerge without a nightmare lantern? I've read the history of the many before me, and it's strange that we showed up without a nightmare lantern... I mean.." He hesitated for a while, "it's not like our calling at all..

 "through dreams I travel at lantern's call.."

 "to consume the flames of a kingdom's fall" you continued his sentence "whatever it might be.. master grimm. It will not affect or impede our troupe at all."

"yeah but.. the troupe started with a call then ended with a call" He expressed his thoughts to you and had... To express this feeling, "I know you replace them as the lighter of the nightmare lantern, but will it work?"

"It would work, Master Grimm. I could assure that. My role as your helper is to help you with this ensemble till the ritual."

He closed his eyes. then grinned and opened it again. "Thank you, Y/N.. I am grateful to have someone like you." to him, even at how soulless your voice can be.. he felt warmth and care not by the tone but just at your words.. he felt reassured

"I'm just doing my job, master.."

He chuckled, "Of course... job.." He patted your shoulder and rose up, "I'll be heading back now, I really need that sleep."

 You stood up shortly after and said, "Of course, master. Have a good rest."

"You too, Y/N" he waved as he departed.

You returned to your room, removed your cloak and mask, sat on the bed, and checked your notepad. You felt a strange sense too... But no matter what you or the troupe may confront on Hallownest, you will be prepared. You would improvise to get the best outcome and success for the group.

But for him... As he slept upside down in his chamber, he knew things was going to go awry. He doesn't understand why he feels strangely drawn to Hallownest and you, but he hopes nothing happens there. Perhaps all these red signals were nothing.

Chapter Text

The troupe arrived around the middle of the night, and it was swift to put up the tent and everything, giving the impression that it 'suddenly appeared', which it actually did not. A few hours later, when the residents in the fading town awoke, they saw the enormous tent and posters hanging about, inviting them to a great show tomorrow night.

"And we're back at Hallownest. Oh how that evoked so many memories," divine exclaimed as you helped her set up her tent, which also serves as her shop where she sells charms and clothes at a fair price after you informed her.

"What kind?" you questioned her, placing a charm on a shelf.

 "Oh, nothing much." She giggled, "We've been to this beautiful land so many times that it's hard to forget."

"I suppose so," you said blankly.

"Anddd! No infection like the last time. Much better to get sales begun."

"just keep the reports steady, divine"

"oh I will, miss assistant"

You assisted her until everything was arranged and ready. Everything looks to be in place.

"is that everything, divine?"

"yep"

You nodded, creating a checklist on your notepad "alright, we'll talk later"

You left her tent and returned to the main tent, pausing to stare at the bugs looking at it from a distance, a very usual response. Some were terrified, but others were intrigued, as is customary whenever the company appears unexpectedly.

Dirtmouth is no longer a dying town, but rather a growing town. The first stop for your troupe. It was an improvement over what you witnessed the prior time. It's after the infection has vanished, when Ghost dedicated their lives to put a stop to it, resulting in civilization returning to Hallownest, with the infection only recognized as a terrible history that would be gone but not forgotten for centuries. Looking around town, you see more buildings, stores, and even school. It's a completely different feeling than what you had  seen throughout the infection. You then came to a waterfall, a circular concrete reservoir of water in the center of town with park seats surrounding it. You gazed at your own reflection... It was you... wearing a one-line mask. It’s just you.. nothing else reflecting on the water.

The town was bustling with bugs going about their daily lives, whether alone, with friends, loved ones, or children.…….. You just  prayed that the harvest would still go well despite how vibrant everything appeared. After looking around good enough,As you were about to depart, you spotted someone playing music near the waterfall.

You approached the gathered throng, some dancing, some cheering, and some staring in wonder while presenting their geo as a type of tip... but you weren't interested in listening at all; you had another reason to be there.

You noticed Brumm playing his accordion with one of the residents there. That's what appears to draw attention: a duet with a traveler to the ensemble.

"Hello, Y/N," he said without interrupting his play.

“…just don’t be late, tonight.”You had no purpose to chat or listen.

"I won't... " he said. "You won't watch us play?"

"No, I had more work," he said. "Okay," then continued playing.

You placed a few geo on the resident's wooden music case as she nodded at you in gratitude while continuing to play her violin beside him. You then left, returning to the main tent for more of your duties, as is your function in this play.

The next day, your master dispatched the grimmkins who would be journeying into other villages and cities before your group went there to collect the fires they had accumulated. They are the scouts, a vital asset to the chosen numerous grimmkin masters and nightmares that your troupe need. They not only gathered fire discretely, but also knowledge that may be useful or perhaps vital in the future if the troupe arrived there.

Then night approached, and audiences began to assemble gradually. A large crowd sat and circled the arena and stage just before the show’s about to perform. You huffed as you stood outdoors, a little further away from the group, on a cold night, with gusts blowing your cloak closer to your body.

"it's nice night, right, my dear Y/N?"

As the streetlights turned on around Dirtmouth, you turned around and saw your lord walking and standing behind you. Illuminating the space around you, "Master Grimm? How are you….master-?" You looked at the tall, slender troupe master.

"I simply walked out." He spoke with a smile on his face. He saw you standing outside and felt compelled to accompany you, which he did.  He just walked out and approached you. simple as that.

"Master…" it’s incorrect for you. Not because of anything, but because he is not meant to be here. He was meant to prepare for the main performances soon. He is the main act, and the show’s is about to begin. "You are not meant to be here; master will be performing.  Let's just go back-.”

He placed his index in front of your mask, silencing you. "Shhh, come on," he took your hand and led you into town. "I'm not hearing any concerns, Y/N. besides! We have 20 minutes before my act," he remarked quietly, little childishly, "and I'd like to have a chat between the two of us."

“Is this serious, master? That we needed to speak so privately?" He was still dragging your arm as you held your staff with the other.

He grinned, "I wouldn't call it 'that serious'." I just wanted to have a casual talk with you while we're on Hallownest. Ah! Here we go!" He came to a halt, letting your arms free, and sat on a two-person seat near the waterfall you had previously seen. Patting the spot next him.

You adjusted your cloak and sat down next to him, resting your staff on the bench seat. You weren't thinking much, simply counting numbers in your brain before reminding him to go back. This is not what you expected to see. Or even happened at all.

You two didn't say anything for almost a half-minute before he said, "So... this is the hollowest, huh? Where was I raised?"

"Yeah," you nodded at him,

 "this is home,but…. it didn't feel like it anymore.” He shook his head, staring at the ground, "it felt like a stranger, like I don't have any connections here, only the troupe. even after I left ten years ago."

 "It's normal, master," you reassured him, "there's nothing wrong with feeling like that."

"I know… and this is hallownest.." he repeated his word, "the place where the journey would end soon.. I wonder how it will be after millennia.. And I pondered, Y/N, how wonderful the other cities were besides the fading town. I haven't spent my life to tour other towns."

"I didn't know, Master Grimm. I haven't investigated the new hallownest. However, from what I can gather, it will be very different from my previous two visits. So I'm very ignorant to how much has changed, however. I'm confident we could still collect enough flame.”

"I see.." he absorbed your information before extending his arms on the bench. "To be honest, I've always enjoyed this type of thing, you know? Disguising our harvest as a performance group. We've come a long way in our three-year adventure, and it's been a lot of joy playing on stage... thank you for the help, Y/N."

"You're welcome, master grimm. I was merely doing my part to guarantee that the ritual could still be performed at hand," you answered bluntly, without pride in your tone.

He chuckled again, heaving a contented sigh, "You're unique... Y/N"

"pardon me?"

"You're unique, unlike the other Grimmkin, even more than Brumm and Divine. You're different. Not in a terrible manner; it's good. And, with that one line on your mask and the same cloak as mine, you stood out among the rest. I respect that. I respect you, Y/N," he patted your left shoulder.

You just fixed your mask, “as I mentioned, Master Grimm. I am only doing my job. It is my obligation to support the troupe master. It's nothing exceptional, simply what I was doing to serve the master."

"Well, I'm aware of that. It's just... well," he stopped. Only you listened to his soothing quiet speech, something he never did with others. "I hope you could take some breaks here and there, Y/N. For the past decade, all I've seen in you was work. You've worked yourself very hard. And I’m slightly worried that you won’t have time for yourself”

"master grimm.. master does not need to repeat master’s words. I understand." You gazed back at him through your mask. “I’m thankful that master cared for me. But I’ll be fine”

You two were looking at one other while seated on the bench.

He chuckled, hand on his mouth. "I understand, but... see? It's good, right? Sitting here, the two of us, in peace and quiet, away from work. It’s good to have it sometimes, right?”

You were aware of your surroundings even though he had not addressed it. You don't hear anything but the faint sounds of the distant group; it seemed serene and silent. The wind blows on both of you. The light weakly lights the surroundings. Just like he said, it's serene.

Though you had to break it off "master…we have to go back"

He looked for a long, shutting his eyes and nodding, before rising up, "I understand"  He stretched his body and dusted his coat. "I will not forget about the show either. But thank you for the brief discussion," he lifted his thin arm and finger. "I genuinely appreciate it, Y/N," he snapped his finger.

Chapter Text

As he snapped his fingers. You sense a spark surrounding you as you hold your staff. The sights then moved to one of the chairs in the backseat. The mild sounds of the troupe suddenly screaming at your ears prompted you to look around; this was generally where you would monitor the play, ensuring that every scenario functioned as intended. 

"oh, Y/N!" You heard someone heading towards you and turned your head to see... divine. "I thought you went somewhere"

"You had something to talk to me, divine?" you questioned her.

She grabbed the seat next to you and said, "Oh no no, I'm just wondering that's all."

"We proceeded to have a talk on the town. He brought me there." You stated carelessly as his act was about to start "so forgive me for my lack of appearances"

"he.. what?" Divine was astonished, which you had not observed at all. "What did you two talk about?"

"He just wanted to express his gratitude to me, again. And instructed me to take some rests here and there.

She merely said "ah... okay" and seemed skeptical of something.

You could both see and watch from backstage, as if you were VIPs with a special seat. Connecting to the backstage area with a lot of grimmkin trying to ensure everything runs well. 

"all went clear divine?"you questioned,

"y-yeah" she cleared her throat "no problem with brumm and his music crew either"

"alright"

From there, you can see a grimmkin standing in the middle of the stage, holding a torch beside a stack of wooden sticks that resembles a bonfire. "Now, for the main act of this fiery spectacle. Please welcome! The master of our dread troupe, master grimm!!"

They put the light into the stack, and he came out of the flames, giving the impression that he had appeared from the fire. All in his elegance and frightening posture.

You rose up and took your staff with you.

"You wouldn't watch, Y/N?" Divine inquired, noting your movement.

"I would want to.. but I had other works to attend to, so excuse me" 

"Okay," she said as you left. She gazed at you as you went about your duties as an assistant. Then he turned back to see Master Grimm perform on stage. Her thoughts did not turn to the performances. It went somewhere else. Something has been bothering her thoughts ever since you told her that. Was that... actually real?

Was her mind playing tricks on her, making her wary of everything linked to her thoughts? At her and Brumm's ages, the troupe had gone through many cycles. But at this point, she does not expect such things to occur. Nobody desired that, not even Brumm and Grimm.

It never. happened. and That drew her imagination to a play of reminiscence.

There were two knocks on the door. "hello?"

"ah Y/N, come in!" You heard her words on the other side of the door. 

You took a deep breath, opened the door, and closed it behind you, taking a cautious step that you attempted to conceal. Divine was sitting in a chair at a roundtable. There were four chairs, three of which were left unfilled by the user. 

"Have a seat, and you won't have to knock every time you come here, just so you know," she remarked, sitting in her chair.

"A-alright," you took a chair across from her. At least your mask conceals your evident worried expression. You have no idea what to anticipate except that it may be a test because you are now in the second most important position. The type you didn't expect to have.

You sat uncomfortable while she just gazed at you, hands on her chin. You chastised that she doesn't covered half of her face with her mask, you could see her expression clearly. She squinted her eyes at you as you uncomfortably gazed back, not knowing what to say. She leaned closer and murmured, "Your smell... interesting," shattering the quiet of the room. "Is that scented soap you're using?"

"I, uhh," you nodded furiously, "took a shower before coming here," you stated, slightly nervous. You didn't take one shower; you took two. 

"Ah!" she cried from her seat, "so, how is your new bathroom? "You like it?"

You replied again, "yeah.." with the knowledge that you would not have to hustle to be early. Living in the chambers with a large number of grimmkins might explain the long wait for showers.

"ahaha! I'm happy you enjoyed it. I know it is nice to keep one for yourself. But let's leave it aside for now." She rose up from her seat and circled around yours before returning to her own. You were sitting still like a statue as she said, "Aside from the soap... there's that interesting smell coming from you... hmmmm"

And Divine exacerbated your misery, you didn't expect that your smell have to do with it. Your mind wandered as you became increasingly apprehensive, till you were saved by

"Divine, stop putting pressure on her for the troupe's sake!" Brumm strolled in with a tray containing two teacups. Saving you from her 'judgment'

"But, brumm! There's something about her that interests me. "I can smell that." She defended. 

Brumm served the two cups. One for you, one for her, as he took one of the empty seat. It was interesting to watch the accordionist without his instrument. Something you seldom see. "forgive her for he antics, she can't keep her excitement and nerves at rest, no need to get so nervous"

"o-okay" you said as you looked at the cups. There was steam rising from it, and it was hot. "So... what's this?" It smells... minty?

"Have a drink, you'll like it" he indicated to the cup.

You pulled off your mask and laid it on the table. When you bring it near to your lips, it smells incredibly minty. And take a sip from it. Your eyes opened at the flavor as you drank it all in one sitting, almost empty. You laid down the cup with a calm sigh, "Wow... it tasted... invigorating," you said with your eyes closed and then opened to face them, "What's... this tea?" somehow, it relieved your anxiousness. 

Brumm chuckled, and Divine clapped joyously as she said, "That's mint tea. One of my most memorable creations for the group. Known for its refreshing, minty flavor and scent. Courtesy of me.

She was not mistaken. It produced an exaggerated flavor. The mint leaf tasted great with the tea. Making your lungs and throat feel refreshed and relaxed.

You chuckled at her response, which you never imagined you would do. The taste is clear and sharp, with a natural sweetness and a trace of menthol. It provides a cooling sensation in your mouth and lungs. It also soothes and refreshes your palette. "How was it made?" You asked her, 

"Simple! Simply brewed the mint leaf in the teapot, then prepared the tea as normal, and here it is! A courtesy of mine, of course," she answered with confidence.

"Yes, divine. We know you created it. "You don't have to repeat yourself" Brumm's word. She said that a lot.

"you like tea, divine?" You interrupted what appeared to be squabbling and remarked, 

"You could say that. I was going to make cinnamon tea today, but I preferred mint tea instead."

"Why?" you pondered, feeling much calmer now. 

She raised her shoulder "it would be a different story if I did"

"Oh," you nodded slightly.

"So, Y/N. You like the tea?" Brumm entered the conversation.

"Of course, it's refreshing. I like it. The mint tasted nicely balanced. Not too minty, not too little. "It's... perfect," you said with an unintentional smile.

"oh really?" A familiar voice passed by, bearing another tray containing two cups and a kettle. "I'm glad you like it. This is my first time making it."

Master Grimm made it. You could see he was as joyful as always. An look you had never seen on his face. It took you by surprise. His tone was unique from what you were used to hearing. 

"m-master grimm?" You were jolted slightly. 

"sorry had to be late, I had to make extra" he set the tray and sat on the on chair next to you

"Oh, that's alright, master. We had a nice talk in the meantime," Brumm remarked, pouring tea from the kettle into his cup.

"A really interesting one," Divine added. "But it's nice."

He chuckled slightly "that's nice you two" and turned to face you "you want to be refilled, Y/N?"

"Um... yeah," you hadn't expected his unexpected politeness toward you. Unfortunately, you are missing your mask. Your look was evident to him and both of them. And to make matters worse. Your arm does not want to move in response to your order to take your mask.

He poured the kettle into your cup, causing steam to build as it was filled. He put it down after pouring himself one. "Is there anything wrong, Y/N? You appear to be anxious" 

which is a sign of nervousness. "I'm... fine." 

"you sure, Y/N? You could tell me if you wanted. We're here for you," he replied reassuringly. 

You had to ask anyhow. "I just... wondered.. am i.. being tested?" 

And the three of them reacted with sheer bewilderment. Divine was ready to chuckle when Brumm poked her, halting her. You pursed your lips in discomfort at their reactions. You seemed to be getting everything wrong

"Test?" Grimm was the first to react, 

"I'm sure you're not being tested, Y/N" Brumm, the second 

"yeah" divine, was no longer laughing and stated, "We're here to, you know.. Having tea together" 

"o-oh...." You reacted nervously, "I... uhh," 

"but it's alright! Do you know? When Brumm initially started to-" she was trying to cool the awkward atmosphere,

he objected "I'm sure WE don't have to talk about that" 

"Oh come on, now. You were just like that, that day... when you-" 

"divine!"

"Don't tell me you're still embarrassed by that" 

"of course I would!"

And you simply watched as they both started bickering. completely ignoring you and him,

Then your master eventually spoke "Y/N." 

"Yes, master?" After glancing at the squabbling bugs, you faced him 

"Don't be nervous, okay? My intention in inviting you here is also to show you our breakroom, where the three of us would hang out. It's not a test," 

"the breakroom?" you inquired

"We usually hang out in the morning before work or occasionally, It's a way for us to hang out and... have a moment before our work on the troupe or just simply... to enjoy some time."

you nodded slowly and said, "I see." 

"since you're now the assistant. It would be proper to show and invite you. So feel free to join us anytime."

You nodded again. "I highly recommended it, because, Y/N," he said, placing his hand on your shoulder and softening his tone. "I know the promotion was surprising for you, you might thinked that you're not ready or deserved it, but trust me. I knew you had the capacity to be great. And I wanted you to become acquainted to us since... now you work directly with us, and you're a part of us now, maybe like a family."

That word made you grin. "Thank you, Master Grimm"

He nodded "your welcome" and took his cup, "Cheers?"

You take yours, "cheers!"

The concert ended with a bow and the audience dispersed. You were inspecting the nightmare flames' staff, which the grimmkin had taken from the crowd, in the rear of the stage. You nodded at them, and they began to bring it to storage. You were writing on your notebook when you smelled something, it was faint then the smell became clearer "Hey, Y/N.. want some tea?" grimm.... He held two cups. He had made one after performing. 

You put your notepad and quill back and took a cup. And sipped

He asked, "So, how did it taste?" You replied, 

"It tasted fine. Probably needed one or two less leaves, but it tasted delicious.

He chuckled, "That's great to hear"

And Divine viewed everything from a distance. To her, the memory she recalls was the beginning of everything. And master Grimm was correct. You had potential. Something he noticed and she scented. And that potential hasn't gone to waste, even after many centuries have passed. 

Now she watches you two converse while periodically sipping tea. The grimmkin just brushed it off as if it were nothing unusual. It was an exchange between a master and his assistant. Divine knew that. She had already seen it off several times. However, in recent years, she hasn't felt the same way. It remains the same, yet there is something buried underneath it all. And the way you responded was deadpan tone. She was terrified that if it was pushed any farther, calamity might strike. 

"Miss Divine, there's someone at

your tent" a grimmkin novice disrupted her trance. "I thinked they want to buy something"

She shouted, "Oh alright! Thanks!" Then she hastily moved away 

But Only time will tell......

Chapter Text

You waited, standing a few steps away from him and observing. Allowing him room and time to be alone. Despite your want to speak up, you remained silent. You have a valid cause to be so.

He sighed, continuing looking down at his sitting position, "Do you think we could  come here again, Y/N?” He asked you in a hushed tone.

"We could," you said. "We could, master grimm. It won't be a complete farewell; we could return here when you say the words."

"I know.." His head was still pointing down. "I don't want to give the troupe a headache with my request. I will be fine if I won't be here again. I just… want to make sure. I already let it go"

You didn't say anything. One thing about you and him is that he displayed his vulnerability to you…only to you. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that he didn't care if you knew. He never told anybody, even Brumm and Divine, his loyal members.

It was still dark, as it’s still were night, and the only source of light in this peaceful and quiet place was your staff. You and him were the only ones in this town right now, and it wasn't even close to morning, it was still far. Winds occasionally blew through, sending cold touches on both of your bodies.

It was when the last day of the troupe's stay in the fading town, and you advised him to go sleep first, which he did while you oversaw the troupe packing its tents and everything to the caravan, leaving no trace of its existence other than people's memories.

Your eyes awoke at the second knock, and you quickly grabbed your mask, put it on, and answered the door.

"Master Grimm? What is it that master requires?" your voice is devoid of exhaustion, just pure professionalism and commitment as always.

He was dressed normally, still with his cloak, and his room was just next to yours. His eyelids were drowsy, and the light on the brim of his eyes was a little duller than usual. You couldn't tell he hadn't slept well.

"I apologize for disturbing your sleep, Y/N.. ummm” he seemed to be agitated “.. would you mind assisting me? I really wanted to go to… ‘you know’, before we left and.." he delayed his statement "… I don't want to go alone."

"Of course," you said without hesitation, "give me a moment." You returned inside, grabbing your cloak and staff.

And that’s how you two ended up here. Just mere hours before left.The troupe's tents has been replaced by a caravan for their travels. Soon, the residents of the fading town will wake up to find the troupe had vanished. This has helped the troupe gain notoriety, talks, and attract more future audiences, but the attentions may also pose a problem in the future. But that’s a matter for another time.

"Have you... gave your goodbye, Y/N?" he questioned you.

You chose to move closer to him; it was a signal to you that it was safe to come close; you stood alongside him while your staff illuminates the surroundings further. "I have.."

He closed his eyes, still sitting on the ground with his knees curled in a seiza position; you could see his mind was troubled. "I... see.."

You sat down next to him, your cloak dirty with dirt and gravel, but you didn't care, you rarely do "master grimm." you spoke out with your blank tone "please.. don't reject and resist that kind of feeling. It'll only make it worse. I can affirm that what you're feeling right now.. is completely normal to be felt."

"but i.. let it go" he said still closed his eyes ".. even as losing the scent of hometown. I let it go.. there's nothing bounding me to this memory.. that's what I was taught…yet.. it doesn't feel like crying.. just.. sadness. Just this… missing feeling I had, An ache."

"Yes, master. You did make peace with everything here, but a part of that would linger in your thoughts; you let it go but not completely let it go, which isn't a terrible thing.

"It's called reminiscing. That's what happened. It doesn't mean you didn't let it go, master. You're just remembering the past, thinking about how different the memories and ambiences were back then than now."

He grumbled, remaining with his eyes closed, "back when everything was more lighter, more brighter, and different. I couldn't tell if i wanted it again or not. Life right now wasn't so bad.. it was.. nice, so different, so.. happy. Before losing, when life brought everything. Tears, smiles, joy.."

"and memories" you kept saying when he stopped. "Tears may dry, smiles may fade, joy may vanish, losing always happened. But the memory.. last forever. It's not a bad thing, master. Just let that emotions flow like winds, let that memories went by like a river, let it be. Just remember it until you were done. Soon.. you'll calm down, then back like usual. It's nothing to be fearful. Because 'death is not to be fearful…"

"What's fearful.." he opened his eyes, his scarlet eyes were fixated on you as you two gazed at each other's eyes. "..is giving up.’"

You nodded at him. he remembered the words you gave him, A ‘mantra’ of reassurance.

He huffed, stood up from the ground, and you followed, patting his cloak from the mud. "Thank you, Y/N. you always know a way to cheer this troupe master," he said, now in a gentler tone as he recovered his composure. "And sorry... for intruding on your sleep."

"I don't mind, master grimm," you say, brushing your cloak with one hand as the others continue to hold onto the staff. "As your assistant, your well-being and emotional state are more important to me than anything else; it's my job."

"as my assistant...." then there was another quiet "let's..  just get back to the caravan. I think that's enough. My mind.. were a lot calmer now" he gestured the caravan to you, signaling to go back. “we also.. had to continue our travel.”

As you returned to the troupe caravan, the sunrise hadn't yet turned on. It was probably around 2 or 3 a.m., close enough to the time the caravan would leave. You noticed a group of grimmkin performing a final checkup before leaving. One was cleaning the bowl used to plate the steeds' food, and they appeared to be in a good mood, with one checking if anything was left behind.

"Ah! Master Grimm, miss Y/N" a grimmkin master saw both of your coming to the caravan and flew immediately to both of you.

"I presume everything is ready?" his tone fell as he spoke to them. back to his serious self

They nodded and said "yes. We're leaving in thirty minutes and en-route to.. what was it called.. umm"

"The Forgotten Crossroad" you corrected

"ah yes!” they slightly laughed nervously “Of course! The city of the forgotten crossroad"

"All Grimmkin had been accounted?" he questioned them again.

"yes, even the grimmkin scouts whose collecting the flames out there. They'll know where to be next"

"hmm, good..is that everything?"

"it is all, master”

"then you may leave"

They bowed before walking somewhere within the caravan, as you two did. There hasn't been much activity inside, as most grimmkin had fallen asleep, leaving only the one who works on caravan duty awake.

"So! you'll be heading to sleep again, Y/N?" he eventually questioned as you two approached the entrance to his room.

"I will, master. After I oversee our departure went well," you were... exhausted and fatigued after the previous performances... but you just didn't care about it.

"Alright," he opened the door, "stay in good health, Y/N, okay?" You could see his worried expression.

"I will.."

He was going to lock the door to his chamber when you stopped him. "And don't forget the summoning ritual," you reminded him

"oh really? When?" his eyes went to curiosity. You rarely talked about it.

"soon enough"

He grinned, "Okay, I'll keep that in mind," and closed his door, leaving you alone.

You both went your own ways. You didn't think much of the experience you had with him, although he would otherwise. He took in your comments about memories and loss, and it felt so natural to you since you'd seen something like this before. Long ago, when a memory began to play. Like a recording machine being used, projecting an old old footage.

You didn’t find her around the troupe, it was unusual for her to be this long on a flame duty, and she wasn’t even on any duty, she was free. You personally checked it throughtly. You recalled seeking about the troupe for her, guessing at every possible place she could be at, until... You had a brainstorm, you knew where to find her.

You walked through the nature-infested land, neighbour to the hallownest, with floral taking over this part of the area like greenpath. And just like greenpath, it was taken over by nature as the infection spread here as well. While it wasn't exactly like greenpath in the exact similiarity in a sense. it was still nice. You remembered when you ventured with panella after she asked you to have a picnic with her on greenpath, and it is actually good and nice for a picnic or to relax there. She even joked about playing a violin to company the soft mood of the nature.

You continued your walk. Even when infected bugs came in, one shot from your staff and it was over, without stopping or looking at all. You just kept walking until you noticed.. a dead infected slumping dead. You stopped to check it.. it was so..so recent. You still smell the burnt residue.

You were near. You must’ve been closed. You know it

You were not surprised when the troupe returned to the same location centuries later, as you knew and expected. It was a place you remembered from your time as a grimmkin trainee. When you were serving your first Grimm. You knew she would probably returned there again, and you were right.

During that, you with a group of Grimmkin novices and masters, led by two Grimmkin nightmares, discovered a newly ruined village and the source of the overwhelming nightmare flames, ready to be harvested. And there were few infected, posing no significant threat to your group, all ease.

After you just.. witnessed the whole ordeal with the infected, you overheard two grimmkin conversing while they wereglancing at the dead infected.

"I thought something like this could only happened on hallownest"

"you know how virus works, man. I heard few merchants were going to this land, with one of them having the same symptom. They were from the hallownest when one of them accidentally got bitten by a small beast, a pest, after it wandered far from hallownest. What happened? You know the rest"

"ALRIGHT EVERYONE!!" one of the grimmkin nightmare yelled, gaining the attention of everyone, including you. "Spread out and harvest all of the flames. If you saw one of those... 'things' call for help, got that?"

"YES SIR!" shouted in unison by everyone, except you.

The masks conceal your concern. It’s not about your safety, but about the destruction of what remains of the village. It's heartbreaking to see what was once a thriving village, a community filled with lifes transformed into a ruin of nothingness

As you walked through the village, you couldn't help but be concerned about the chaos and horror of the situation. The sight of so many dead bodies made it difficult to imagine. And with the amounts of the flames, their moments of terror was probably a sight to be feared, even following them after death. Haunting their souls.

And your stroll, with the occasional gathering of the fires you can discover, you came across a home that was still standing... barely standing, with how many cracks on the wooden wall. You entered it out of curiosity, since it was the only structure that hadn't yet gone to ruin, so you may as well explore it. You were curious to explore, it always peaked your interest to check out anything during your travel. Looking around your surrounding, none of the grimmkins seemed to be having their attention at the house. All living their own spaces while the scenery around them is pure black. Well.. you won’t deny that you do too from time to time.

It was quiet except for your footstep when you stepped in because you didn't fly like the others. At first, you thought it was just a one-story wooden house, and it was a mess as usual. You gripped your torch close as you checked each of the rooms: from the looks.. or the messed up look, there were a family room, a bedroom, another bedroom, a kitchen, and another bedroom. Pretty simple... until you noticed that one of the bedrooms had a hole leading down. You peeked your head in with your torch, and it was like a basement. You were ready to jump but decided not to since you weren’t sure of a way in or even out. That is.. until you find an opened trapdoor, with a wooden staircases leading down there

"Interesting.." you muttered as you walked in, keeping your torch stable as your main light source. Nothing out of the norm as you went down, and it wasn't as dark as you imagined... since you have your torch.

As you entered the medium-sized basement, you assumed it was utilized as a storage room for supplies. However, as you were ready to depart, something unexpected happened. As your flame illuminated your surroundings, your gaze was drawn to something or someone, just barely before you were about to walk out of the basement with how creepy it looked to be.

"By the wyrm!" you exclaimed to yourself. It wasn't until you were down there that you discovered a bug crushed down by remained in the basement. You raced up to them and swallowed "a-alive…." You knelt in front of their body, seeing them.. still breathing.. weakly, barely, nearly at their last leg. And their mask shattered nearby.

You attempt to make sense of the scenario; this bug came here during the outbreak, looking for a safe haven to hide... but they were crushed and pinned, unable to move even an inch.

and you got freaked out at the wrong time, you told yourself “come on Y/N… calm down. You had prepared for this situation and knew what to do, it’s simple, really simple. Stop freaking out, dammit. This is not to moment to be freak out” you were embarrassed that you were freaking at this moment, alone, in a half dim basement, with a dying bug if you failed to save them

During harvesting, it's common to encounter survivors and stray bug. You get that a lot but mostly just you watching and witnessing everything goes by from other grimmkin. You knew it would be simple, easy really… but it took you by so sudden and you’re still a trainee, the lowest rank of the hierarchy of the troupe without any lines at all on their mask. And you never experienced such encounter, and your first happened to be alone.

"Look, look. Just breathe in…breathe out…you got a bug to be saved Y/N. just help them.. bring them out.. and call others" you eventually relaxed from your crazy moment. “yeah yeah… bring them out, and call others..”

"..he…" Your eyes widened beyond the mask as you began to hear them talk "..help…please…." You heard their faint cry…her weak appeal. You walked to her side, laying the torch down as you studied the remaining

"don’t worry, I'll help" her voice gave you a boost of confidence. You groaned as you pushed away the remained crushing her body. It took time, but you managed to do it. Checking out her condition, you could tell she was stuck for a while. She was half passing out, battered, and bruised… not good, and you weren’t sure if she had internal bleeding or not and  she wouldn't survive if left for two hours or more. You had to get her out of here before calling out for help. Getting her out of this basement

You wrapped her arm around your neck and used your staff to support both of you. Thankfully, she wasn't too heavy. Her eyelids were barely open, and her consciousness seemed to be in a limbo in and out. You slowly brought her out of the humid basement, making progress towards the staircase. Unfortunately….

You were frozen in place, your legs stopped moving, when you heard a familiar sound: a groan. You'd grown accustomed to hearing it with the troupe around this fest-infected neighbor land and thought nothing of it. But now, alone in this basement, holding an injured bug, it was pure horror. Because not only you knew whose owner, but because you. are. Alone.

You turned your head slowly to see an infected orange goo bug wailing with its head half seeing you but not fully noticing. Its bright pure orange eyes did not notice your presence, and goo was dropping from their mouth, facing the wall. You cursed yourself in your head. The sounds you're making almost attract the attention of this bug, and you could see many others hidden in the darkness, soundless and quiet, until they were provoked by your sound.

You snuffed out your torch so that it was barely lit and slowly took step by step. You're not going to face it, you can't. You're weak, just a trainee, so your shots aren't doing much to them and are only aggravating them, creating more of a ripple storm. If you make a bad move, you and this bug will both die. And you’re not ready to die a gruesome death yet.

You walked slowly through the darkness, her shoulder still around you. You took another step, slowly bringing you and her away from the basement. One thing you were glad about these infected is that they’re prone be attracted to lights too. You take another step, slowly bringing you and her away and away from the basement. She let a small sound of pain as you pulled her through, though not loud enough to gathered attention, phew. You really need to take her to safety but with how you need to hold her, this darkness, infected behind you and not making a loud sounds really just make your progress slowed to almost oblivion, but you kept going.

During your final step out of the basement, the wooden flooring snapped "WAHH!!" but you quickly regained your balance, preventing you and her from tumbling down. However, the snap was loud, and you heard a faint growl and footsteps approaching "CRAP!!".

Your adrenaline surged as you tightened your grip on her and dashed out the basement trapdoor. You had been heard by that thing, and you needed to get out as soon as possible, so you dashed up to the door and ran, followed by an unknown number of them. you just keep running towards the door, while holding her still very tightly

Until you managed to get out of the door and leaped out in one rapid action, turning your body around in mid-jump and swinging your lighted back torch, a fire hit one of the pillars of the cracked wooden home, and in just seconds, you saw the infecteds collapse with the house.

"UGH!" your back slapped the dirt ground as you panted from your near-death predicament. You gazed at the damaged home, dust flied around, and silence was soon followed by faint sounds of the infected imprisoned in the basement. Your body was shaking from being close to death itself

"Y/N!!"

"Y/N!!"

When you heard the Grimmkin's arrival, you exclaimed, "I got a live one here!!" You waved at them and hissed with your eyes closed while sitting down. Breaking her fall with your body wasn't a pleasant experience, but you looked back at her and sighed in relief. She'll be fine. That's all that matters. She would be okay

Then you saw her in the same hamlet you saved her from, but nature had taken over, leaving just a few frail remnants, while the rest had been taken over by mother nature herself. What was once a village had become a flowery wasteland.

"Panella.." you shout out a few steps behind her as you moved.

She turned around, didn't wear her mask, and returned to where she was looking. "Wow… Can't believe you found me.." Her voice sounded hoarse.

You came next her and sat down. "And I did... I had expected to find you here," you stated flatly as usual.

She huffed and wiped her tears, "I didn't expect we'd be back here again.. but here we are.." She then glanced down on the ground, "I'm here again... now as a different person."

"You always be yourself, Panella," you said. “you haven’t changed much, even in age.”

She snickered slightly at your remarks, "Yeah.. you’re right. I'm still me. Say... how long has it been?"

"a few centuries"

"that long?"

"that long"

Panella murmured 'few centuries..' before returning to her quiet self and said "wow…"

"something is on your mind, panella" you said, not asking. "you could tell me.. you knew me, panella. And I knew you very well. Maybe that'll stop your tears"

She hugged it, burying her face in it.

You reassured again “You trust me, panella? For what’s in your mind?”

 This place, incident, and unfortunate story had a vital effect on what made her fate  and life. She let out an ironic chuckle "…my life…changed to what it is right now.. the memories.. Y/N.. It.. it.." she chuckled more, you knew she was frustrated at her own thoughts, not because she thought it was funny, but because she was frustrated at her own mind. "I.. let it go.. you helped me moved on” she just.. doesn’t that about herself and that incomprehensible made her chuckled with how she doesn’t understand her own emotions. “I had a nice life with the troupe. Being grimmkin, even a nightmare. I basically forgotten about it already.. and when we’re back here… I just… Y/N.. why do we went back here?”

"The flames called us Panella, and we were called here, and next is the hallownest," you stated blankly. “it’s a calling for the troupe”

"of..of course," she looked like she was going to laugh at how furious she is with herself, "and I thought that I would be nothing of it. And yet.. here I am.. back at once I called.. 'home.' I don't understand.." yet her emotions immediately faded down.

"I don't understand myself, Y/N," she turned her head at you, she was crying everything she could before you arrived, and now unable to let out another tear. "I've let go of my past.. but what am I feeling right now?”

"panella.."

You drew her head to your shoulder and hugged her as she did so. "You've suffered a lot, Panella. I understand.. it's not about you not letting it go. You already did. Your progress over the centuries proved that you've moved past your unfortunate tale. What you're feeling right now.. it's reminiscing," you whispered in her ears. "Don't be afraid of that kind of emotions." She hugged you back

You whispered to her about losses and memories, the same out you’ll be saying to your master. The same flat voice yet calming words,  which helped her calm and clear her mind. She didn't realize your eyes showed color for a brief moment, she will never knew, but they returned to their normal hollow, blank slate once you finished whispering to her. She let go of the hug and took a deep breath in and out before opening her eyes again.

"Thanks... Y/N.." she said in a better mood than before, finally smiling.

"your welcome, panella" you said with a nod, "it's just my job as the troupe master's assistant to help anyone"

She gazed at you with a pouty expression.

"And... as your friend too," you continued, bringing her grin back.

"Now that's better," she said, hugging you again, this time for a little longer.

You rose up. And so does her facing the rest of her former life again. "I'll be returning to the troupe, don't be late," you said as you patted her cloak.

"I will.." she said.

Panella turned her head as you walked away, feeling a sense of bittersweetness from your words. She looked at your back with a sad smile and a worried expression, knowing that your words were ironic, not to her but to you. She couldn't tell if it was good or bad. She truly.. felt so sorry to you as your friend.

You had work to do, even if the troupe was off-duty during their days-long journey, as you watched the fading town slowly fade away from the side of your eyes, a goodbye scene you'd seen too many times during your ride at the caravan.

And just right now, you're in a large storage room with nothing but nightmare torches stacked side by side. Their flames burnt steadily without ever dying or burning out too much. To a normal bug, this room would be insufferably hot to stand on, but it's normal to you. You went to one of the torches, touching its handle, wrapping your palm around it, and closing your eyes. A few seconds later, you opened your eyes and moved on to another until you'd finished with each of them. counting the flames

"Hmm.. good enough to summon a vessel," you commented after getting the final number, writing it in your small notebook "The nightmare heart would be pleased-" you.. stopped, slowly feeling intense pain on your head. This.. sudden headache hurts really bad, piercing your head like a thousand fire needles. You let out a pained groan. Dropping your body to both of your knees, holding your head. It was a sharp, like your head being crushed on all direction

"the nightmare heart…"

The headache slowly stopped with you panting heavily, sweats dripping down. It's no secret that your job was headache-inducing with all the problems and shenanigans the grimmkin did. But there's never a time when you get a burst of pain on your head, it’s unusual to have such headaches like this. In the end,the pain subsides after a while. You shake your head violently before taking your fallen notebook and quill.

What was that voice reverberating in your head? It seemed so... hazy. And what did this have to do with the nightmare heart?... or even the ritual? You didn't want to know.

You brushed your cloak and walked out of the room, no matter what, as long as your body and spirit could walk. Nothing could stop you from your mission.

You simply hoped that this didn't happen again, right? Even if you had a strange feeling about it, maybe it's nothing.

Maybe the story of the locations you traveled at Hallownest would be brief and not full of tales and worries, just like in fading town... you hoped so.

Chapter Text

The forgotten crossroad. Well, No longer forgotten that is. As usual.. The next morning, your troupe "suddenly" appeared on the town as torches on the entry were lit, having come in the middle of the night. As expected you had seen the kind of reactions a lot. surprised, fascinated, maybe afraid too... typical. It’s a prospect for a nice harvest, hopefully better than on the fading town, based on the bugs you observe from the troupe. And a few hours ago, the grimmkin distributed posters, so the locals ought to have noticed them in certain areas of the town this early in the morning, then tomorrow night…. Showtime as normal.

A voice called you as you were ready to leave the troupe, "Going around the town as usual,Y/N?.“

you paused and turned to see your master wearing his usual cloak With one small exception, his cloak had a hood on "May I join?" he asked you.

You replied, pointing up his responsibility, "But master still had works on the troupe."

“that... Ah, well. that could be handled about later” he said, kind of failing to offer an explanation. But a good enough

“Fine, master may join”

Then you two headed off to tour the town, which had undergone another remarkable makeover since your last visit. Previously, the Forgotten crossroads was... well, not much. Nothing but empty shells from what were once homes with no inhabitants were visible to you. Now however.. It is full of life, much as the fading town. The past is hardly identifiable with all of the skyscrapers and other structures.

from what the few scouts who reported back after their scouting told you. The palace released a "rebuild program" when the infection vanished. Rebuilding lives everywhere by mass building on formerly unsafe areas. This is what you see now as the outcome. An active village where people spend their daily lives surrounded by bugs. And with news spread that the infection dissipated, travellers came in, raising more populations in spam of decades.

 At the major central park of the town, you two paused at a statue of a bug holding a needle aloft. Grimm reads from the carved text on the statue, "the vessel who saved hallownest." You look at his attire. You might argue that it's just his regular red-gray lines cloak with a hood placed on top—nothing much has changed. During the walk, you knew that everyone was watching the two of us. Though it won't really matter when he performs tomorrow, at least his cowl covered his head enough to prevent bugs from precisely seeing him. And he doesn’t seems to realized the stare at all

It was like déjà vu to him, hitting him suddenly "hmm... why does it feel.. like I remember them?“ he spoke his confusion

"It's just an imagination," you said, turning to face the board next to the statue. Your top priority generally became the information board. When touring a settlement on a distant land or any land at all, information and understanding are essential. Making sure the troupe didn’t….accidentally have any unwanted problems there.

 You scan everything fast. “I think That seems sufficient, master wanna return to the troupe or master wanna see... Nearby?.... master grimm….?”'

And..... He vanished around the statue. You sighed. He had to have strayed off without telling you. Fixing your cloak and your hold on your staff, you ventured up the town. Walking around a few blocks and It always pleased you that his figure is so eye-catching, and tall as well. You soon located him, concentrating on a poster in the municipal park. Still not too far from the earlier statue.

You go right up to him immediately "master grimm"

“oh hey Y/N” he soon noticed your approach

“please, stop wandering off without me”

"Sorry," he said, grinning sheepishly through his hood at you. “But Y/N, look, I found something fascinating!” Taking up the poster, he gives it to you

You glanced at what he was glancing at. An announcement banner, not from your troupe… “bazaar night?”

“Yes! And it is tonight” he said, taking the poster back and hanging it where it had been. “It would be great, you and I going there. All four of us” his tone sounding like a child that were about to get a new charm from their parents. Naturally, one of his traits is that he can be naive near you yet controlled with others

You considered it briefly, "with them both. I have no doubt you will be alright, but keep in mind that tomorrow master’s performing-“

You won't be coming?” And he cuts you off like that. Dissatisfied in tone

“Master grimm. Once more, I would like to but I have to supervise and make sure the troupe and the tent are prepared for tomorrow's performances. Not all of the tents and preparations were completely unpacked yet, as is customary every time a troupe arrives. And our troupe had just arrived few hours ago. I’m sure master would understand. It is a mandatory tasks that I cannot neglect just like that”

“Welll, err... hmm….” He seemed to be deeply in thought with his hand under his chin “OH!” He then struck on an idea, placing both of his slender arms on your shoulders, "How about this? I'll assist with the mandatory tasks and in return.. You came with me to the bazaar?” He peered hopefully over his hood at you.

You state the condition, "only if the mandatory works had been done."

“Deal!” he shook your right hand “well then..” he then snapped his fingers, and you two abruptly arrived at the troupe's entrance

“shall we, Y/N?”

“Certainly. but could master let go of my han-“ and he dragged you around as usual as he excitedly drew you into the troupe.

"looks like someone is being energetic this morning" divine said as her tent was being placed.

"hehe, oh yeah! You two are free for the night? There's a bazaar tonight, divine," he said with a small smile.

“A bazaar, really? How incredibly beautiful. Sure, I would, master. And I'm SURE and will MAKE SURE that brumm too,” she shot back. “I guessed that explain your sudden spirit.”

He went on to say, "Not just that, I helped Y/N so she could join the bazaar with us."

“ah… how considerate..”

“mmhhmm”

“…….yeah…” Divine added, a. forced smile upon hearing "I'm sure... we can all go tonight, even her"

You then left her tent, brushing your palms together, "And master's request are absolute, even if I had no plans to join the bazaar. I will so participate in,” then you take out your notepad and check mark a list.

“is that all, Y/N?” he asked

You put back your notebook, "just... a few more"

“OK, then. be seeing you later, divine,” he excused himself from her.

And divine looked on as you and him returned to the troop. Entering her tent, she leaned over her table and sighed, "No, they can't be, can they? “She sat down, "Y/N certainly knew nothing about it, but did master know anything? I mean.. It might be only due to friends or even acquaintances at work, not what I had anticipated, is it? Am I allowed to... even alerted master to it? Even so, is that a smart idea?”

She spoke with herself, her voice full of nervous ideas. She might be mistaken; she hoped to be mistaken. "I might be overreacting, I should stop imagining things. I.. thought as much.”

So she hoped. She hoped that all she was thinking was in her brain. It had never disturbed her this much before.

It was getting late afternoon, a couple hours before bazaar night. Master Grimm was in the breakroom with you. Your master stared indolently while you worked on an accordion. Brumm informed you that his accordion was not sounding as clean and good as it had been. The cause? Nothing was cleaned by him. He was reckless; everything within is dust. You were unbothered, though. You had a little brush and were cleaning the interior of his accordion. Your job had your whole attention.

Grimm however. There was the piano, he noted. The piano had been there for..., what he knew, really many years, possibly centuries. It sat there dusting on its age, and he couldn't remember or even see someone playing it. Having made his decision, he got up and went to the mentioned piano. All that was there was a basic wooden piano, approximately the size of Brumm, maybe more. It is a moderate size after all. And….that’s all about it. The piano keys had dust on them, and there was an interior chamber. It’s just a typical piano, nothing more, nothing less.

‘just because she played the piano doesn’t mean I don’t understand the essence of music’

He glanced at you, who were still brushing the accordion. He softly smiled, turned to face the piano. He might have pictured you playing the piano while he was on stage, you in a gorgeous dress and him in a fabulous suit, and you two bowing and walking off the stage, holding hands. Or perhaps, for simplicity's sake... Sitting right next to you as you serenade him with a tune. Appreciating your style, your playing, and your musical sense, he clapped his hands just for you in this room, just the two of you. That would be good.

Suddenly… he developed a headache as result. With slightly gritting his mouth, he grasped his head and closed his eyes. Small... The little pain in his brain passed like a wind.

'The piano'

By hearing that, and he opened his eyes. beats inside his head. That was just a little headache, not so bad that he would have screamed or let out any noise, and even he appeared to be clueless about the circumstances. Strange, that was. Then it vanished out of the blue after he heard that voice. Fixing his upright position once more, he shook his head.

Reconcentrating on the piano, he chose to just the pain and focused on it. He suddenly struck upon an odd thought. He struck a pure-color piano key. It made a little sound even after resting there for so long. One little ping, an E note.

He saw you flinch silently in your seat. “Oh,” he chuckled seemingly moving on entirely from that, sporadic headaches "I'm sorry to make you jump, I'm just..." Thinking about the piano... Y/N?..."

You did not answer, yet he still has your back. After so many years, centuries without hearing it. You carried out... That piano sounded again.

“Y/N??” he were… confused, you didn’t replied to him at all

There was master grimm talking. He wasn't where you had assumed he was, you observed. Without your realising it, he must have gone to the piano. His ability to stray from your sight is one of the reasons you always lose sight of your surroundings while you are concentrated on a task.

“ummm Y/N?? you okay?“

You had an obligation to return his call. But your body and even your mouth resist obeying your orders. Nothing came to you to say. You have to make yourself and your mouth speak anything, you had force it to speak. Then… you spoke up, "I'm... fine, just a little surprised."

“ah… I see..”

Then the giant bug accordionist was shown when the door was opened. Totally forgetting about your... moment earlier, putting something else first, ignoring the scene that was unfolding before "Brumm," you said, stepping up with his accordion, "excellent timing. I finished with your accordion just now.”

“Oh, really?” He takes it off your hand and plays a single tune. “Ah.. Sounds cleaner.”

“It was not cleaned by you. It's all dust inside,” you said him, your voice as blank as always

“Oh, well. Heehe.. How reckless am I really? Oh, and master grimm” he recalled. “I wanted to let master know I will be joining the Bazaar.”

“You come here for that, brumm? Just to let me know that you plan to join?” Grimm asks, stepping away from the piano and onto the both of you

“That, and making sure my instrument works. Divine had originally told me about it, and I would have come, but she...she overreacted before I could respond. As though she thinked I might refuse her. To tell the truth, even when I worked with the music crew all day, seemingly with no ends at all. I still occasionally have free times for something like this”

Grimm nodded in response "And we're good, Y/N?” He then looked to you.

“We are, after all, master grimm. I may join the Bazaar, per your instructions.” Much faster as well. Even if you have to correct him a few times, he is a huge help to you.

Part of your work was supposed to be completed by the troupe master. Your responsibility, your work; part of it was not yours to take charge of. Usually, you would slowly assign the troupe master his work until they became accustomed to it. And Master Grimm is still adjusting to his new responsibilities slowly, and today is no different. quite a test. Even with occasional gripping and errors, everything went smoothly.

“Not that I would call it an order more like—”

“Forced offer. Master, I know.”

He laughed. “It’s.. more of a wish or request. Still”, he said, clapping twice, "That's great to hear that you're joining Y/N."

“Ah…. so that explains why you two spent the entire day together” brumm said, looking sidelong.

"It's not everyday we could all four attend an event."

“Nothing could be more true.”

From the outside, Bazaar night of the forgotten crossroad looks like any other bazaar. Attractions, food stands, game stands, not much truly sticks out. Simply said, it's a basic bazaar full of bugs. Several with their spouses or kids. All four of you have been to bazaars before, and this one is just like the others, with a few minor variations. Though your master's order, wishes, as he put it, made you unable to return, you would have liked to stay with the company. You didn't give a care, you're not uncomfortable or anything. You had no problem with his antics and no sentiments at all. It was already second nature to you when he first joined the troupe ten years ago.

“Mmmm~~ here!” He handed you a skewered meat stick that he had purchased as you two walked up to a food stand in this vibrant night filled with lamplights hanging on a pole and added, "You should try one," in a youthful cheerful tone.

What he was wearing... remains unchanged. Cloak with hood on it and you with simply a plain short dress, and the cloak below it, covering your body too. Holding the skewer stick, you watched him eat his. You could see above his hood that he looked... joyful. You witness his happy, carefree demeanor every day. Still, he seems... cheerful than usual. This was the happy he was when you were around. Not while he was with other people, only while you were around. Naturally cheerful still, although... Around you. It was different, no? Something you didn’t thought anything of it

He was biting into his skewer when he noticed you raising your mask a little to eat yours. Eagerly watching you eat. It was extremely taxing, he thought, to have to perform the required task every time the group arrived. Not the labor per such, but the haste with which it had to be completed. Knowing that the job often takes a day to complete, he was amazed that it was completed in a few hours. It was also worth all the effort to have you at his side, at a bazaar. It's kind of nice—

“Ow! Watch where you toss, Divine!”

“Hehehe, Sorry”

Not far from where you two were standing, on a game stand, the other pair grabs your whole attention.

Grimm went up to them both, and you followed from the side, he then asked, "Something happened you two?”

“Nothing, master, is wrong. My shot ricochet back and hit this large fella”, divine said with a mischievous smile.

"she wanted a charm and was really persistent in getting one." He commented

“Brumm, shut up. You missed like four times already” she cut off.

Not a word from you. You went up to the stand owner, tossed it a few geos, and with a throw, earning a dumbfound look from the three "there" to stare at you astonished. “You have it now.”

“how-“

"Game stands always cheat" you said as he left, grinning, "just beat the system" with you following soo

“Ugh… I don’t want that charm anymore” She softly facepalming in displeasure with her eyes closed after watching you two go. After feeling an ominous aura, she swiftly corrected herself, "Brumm, I'm just kidding!"

The night continued as normal. You followed your master wherever he went, whether it was to a food stand or a game stand to try on. You rarely forbade or reprimanded him for his erratic antics because you knew his mood was needed for him to perform better tomorrow. He needed and deserved a little vacation or relaxation, so at least you wouldn't have to worry about his performances tomorrow won't be any problem at all.

Finally, you two settled down on a bench, still at the bazaar. He was sipping from a cup, a little worn out and perspiring from going everywhere at... not even everything at the bazaar.

When you saw his posture, you asked, "Master, wanna head back?"

“Kinda” he said, finishing his glass, “After checking a bit more,”

“alright” you nodded.

Then, out of the corner of your eye among the bugs on the bazaar, one caught your attention. You saw... a grimmkin, well there were some grimmkin on the bazaar. You didn't forbid any of them to come, you allowed them. You weren't surprised to see one or a few, but this one.. you knew something wasn't right. It turned around when you stared at them, they were seeing you during the bazaar. Wanting to say something but unable to. Staring like contemplating going to your or not, what were they want to talked about? You're going to find out why.

After giving Master Grimm your excused, you moved toward them as they were about to go off. "You, stop," you stated behind them

Their instincts told them to take off, but they didn't get very far before you teleported in front of him, ramming at you and falling to the ground while you just slightly flinch at the impact "ow." Then they saw your figure, standing high above them "m-miss Y/N." They were frozen in place.

"State your matter, grimmkin novice," you said, tilting your head down at them.

They gulped, your voice and blank tone sending shivers along with that cloak and staff you were holding, it didn't help,

"I'm... I'm just going... to the b-bazaar"

“Then fleeing from me?” you asked.

“W-well-“

You slammed them with your words, "You wanted to tell me, but you're afraid to do so. You freaked out, not because you went to the bazaar. I allowed the grimmkins if they wished to go here.. no.. you were scared if I'll be mad at something other than the bazaar"

“I… just don't want to ruin your night, m-miss Y/N” they glanced down to the ground without having the guts to soar above you

.

"Whether it'll ruin the night or not. It's up to my worry, not yours to decide. So state your problems" you repeated, trying to be comforting. "Your problem won't ruin my night."

“I... ummmm.”

"And I won't be mad about it" you continued. “no matter how severe it may get”

At last, they gave up, sighing and twitching their arms. "I lost my nightmare torch" they said.

You repeated "You lost your nightmare torch?" Something didn't add up. "I don't think it's just losing."

“well.. it more like I were robbed” they claimed flimsily.

“robbed?” That sounds like trouble.

"I'm.. sorry miss Y/N," they said, their voice betraying their regret even if it was hidden by their mask. "I was just.. walking around, then some bugs came up to me, harassing me. I tried to leave but they snatched my torch. I tried to get it back... I didn't get it back." They spoke with a lot of stutters and pauses, but you still understood the premise. “I tried but they’re larger and stronger… eventually I left in panic.. i.. I’m…”

Then they felt a touch on their head, moved away with their hands to see you petting it. "It's alright.. it's not your fault to be sorry for. Just remember, flames can be reignited, flames can be gathered again, Even if one get doused or snuffed out. We however, aren't like flames. One life and that's it. So don't blame yourself for such and cherished your life while you still can." Your words touched them, even if the tone was flat and rarely with emotions, but the sentences struck their heart. "I'm not mad for losing a little flames, got that?"

They nodded as you, suddenly calmer, moved your right arm away. "So tell me.. what they looks like?" you questioned. "Something prominent features on them."

Calmer now, they said, "I remembered they all wore a red bandana around their neck. That's what stands out."

you nodded, "could be a syndicate or gang members." You muttered  at yourself, establishing your objective now. "You could go back to the troupe now, here." Giving them a few Geo,  " And buy yourself a drink along the way."

“Thank you, miss Y/N” they said, bowing to you and then walking out of your sight.

It sounds like more than just a few mischievous bugs from the description; each bug had a red bandana, indicating a syndicate or gang—a nuisance if you let it be. An urgent matter that need to be dealt with, THIS NIGHT.

“Y/N” you heard him approaching “phew, I thought you went somewhere.. wait!” he exclaimed seeing you walking fast somewhere holding your torch firm

You remarked mid-walk, not looking at him but forward, "I got a dire situation, master grimm... forgive me, but it was far more important than the bazaar."

“we..well, could I atleast join you though?” he proposed an idea, still followed you

“There might be fighting, master.” You mentioned

He laughed a little, "I'm sure. The training aren't for nothing anyway, but what happened?"

"A nightmare torch had been robbed, the perpetrator was described as having a red bandana," you said, summarizing the circumstances

"And what will we do?"

"We take the nightmare torch back send them a message that nobody MESSED with the troupe”

Chapter Text

You closed your eyes, inhaling your breath and opened your eyes, exhaling it. A firebat sprang from the ground as you pointed it at the it, slamming it and vanish completely.

hummed to yourself, "Hmmmm." Focusing further on your staff, a little flame pillar shot up from the ground for a few seconds before vanishing too. "Woah.. now that's.. interesting."

You heard sounds approaching. "Trying your new staff, Y/N?" He saw you outside the troupe and decided to check on you this midday.

You nodded, holding it both hands, "Yeah, I'm still getting used to this staff. It seemed...”

“Not the same? I know. “ He chuckled a little, "its predecessor were a foreign yet amazing mage from a far land."

“Oh?, hmm” Looking at the cool flame blazing on the glass globe, you examined the staff even more. "It definitely possessed different kind of power... I wonder how this got to the troupe. Must have been quite significant story”

“and it was. I heard that she is an excellent magician and fighter.”

 You noticed “Wait?! Master knew who was the wielder of this staff.”

“Now, now..” he sat on the ground, patting the spot next to him. Uncaring that his cloak got dirt  “you wanna know the story of it's wielder?"

You nodded, settling down next to him with the staff in your lap

"Divine told me the story of this staff, it was a very fascinating and dramatic tale.. of that kind.”

Then he started his story, "It was from a cycle ago. Several hundred years ago, perhaps two or three? One never knows. The Master of the troupe back then was reputed to be a recluse, or more accurately, a shut-in who hardly ever left his room, spoke with the grimmkins, even to divine and brumm. All the same, the harvest had to go on and the troupe's existence had to go on. The life of the Troupe in general is like that. it still continue without with absences of the troupe master.”

“I thought it might become a love story” you commented with a giggled

He stroking the back of his head, and said "Well, about that. Everyone on the troupe had no idea that Grimm had a custom every time they visited a town. He would sneaking out at night to enjoy the alone, freedom, and cool night air, then go back to his room as morning was beginning to break. It’s always like that every night, except when they’re on a travel. That's the only outside world he has, alone, serene and in calm of his head Then one day, things... didn't go so well, during one of the town on some foreign land. It was quiet on that moment, and he was sneaking out as usual. Up till the moment he happened to run into a young woman, an adept user of a magic staff, she is a mage fighter in her village.  Beautiful, graceful, skilled, and possessing a keen sense of gaze,that's what divine told me about her.

"Their first meeting... definitely didn't go well, wasn't it?"you asked

“It wasn't only not going well; there was a fight, She tried to attack him believing him to be an intruder, a robber, or perhaps an enemy scout. Though he made an effort to reason, his interpersonal communication abilities failed horribly, so they finally engaged in an almost life-or-death struggle.”

 "Not the kind of first meeting I would expect," you then joked. "Imagine explaining that the first with your love one isn't just an awkward meeting or an accidental gaze but a fight. Would be interesting story to be told."

“interesting it would” Then he went on, "after that, they both sat down and clear the misunderstanding. She was plainly embarrassed and believed herself to be a fool, but he chose to forgive her anyway. Then they vowed to met together on the bench beneath the crimson tree every night at the height of moonlight. a tree named so  because its leaves were red, quite interesting. And gradually they are getting to know one another with every meeting. About his social discomfort, explaining every time they spoke, and about her trouble with her forced marriage custom and how hard she had to struggle to become a warrior mage in her town. Their separate issues caused them to bond, which grew stronger with every meeting.

Then she turned up at the Trouoe one morning, shocking him. Divine told me that scenario was humorous, weird, and heartwarming at the same time. She helped him avoid spending the entire day in his room, getting used to socialized more with her helped. That worked, rather slowly but it worked. He even began to sit down and converse with Divine and Brumm even then. He had closed his eyes to the fact that someone actually cared about his well-being until she helped him realized that brumm and Divine do cared. She helped him to open be more open on himself, and that.. slowly changed his life to the better.” He hesitated, "wish it would end just there. Even during their one of their night meeting, they confessed to each other under the crimson tree during the peak of the moon. It was.. great”

“ and Let me guess.. issue started to arrived? About her forced marriage?” you guessed it

"Yes, exactly. It could be the saddest song if Brumm ever wrote it. because love is not without hardship. Oh, the forced marriage. She once, at very early midday, ran to the troupe while crying as well. Grimm soon soothed her, and she gave her explanation and took him to meet her family, and quite an awkward meeting it were even though grimm had talked to them for a while. Unfortunately he was kicked out when she tried to urge them to allow her be with Grimm, they didn’t budge at all. Then, the troupe was told to depart before the next morning, which was a terrible blow to both of them. And he waited for her as usual at the seat beneath the scarlet tree during midnight before the Troupe eventual left. They didn’t meet or even talked for the entire day. At first, he assumed she wouldn't be there and was about to walk away, and not even two feet, she called him out. She arrived there and they reconciled. She explained to him that she had brought a bag and her staff because she had a plan to leave with the troupe. She prepared to flee her village, her family, her siblings, everything, to be with him and the troupe. She was ready to lose everything just for him. And what then was spoken by him? He declined. I was told by divine that he did such things because... He was not avarice driven by his ego, he understood his place, understood his role, and he considered the effects on everyone around him in addition to his own. Was he prepared to be the only reason, an outsider forcing a young woman to ruin her own surroundings simply for him? Not at all. Divine thought it was not a cowardice to act such way. She understood, as his counselor, that he did that because he really loved her and didn't want to be the one to tear up a family. He knew she had a loving relationship with her family, that they truly loved her beyond their choice to her, that’s what he get when he talked to them before the whole debacle started. That was the first and last time she had ever harbored animosity toward him. She became enraged, baffled at his decision, shrieking at him and bolting in tears.”

“But it ended up good right?” You were eager to hear more of the narrative after its near conclusion.

“Love is without hardship, Y/N. It blooms if you made it through the test. Without bidding the troupe farewell, it left soon after. But not long after they left, news of a hurriedly moving group of travelers leaked out on the caravan at that very moment. When he learned what had happened, the village was being attacked, he was shocked. Attacked? It astonished to learn that the staff had a lengthy history for their Village; a queen had used it on the same terrain, the same land the village used to stood upon when the hamlet was still a kingdom. It was... a legendary staff per se that birthed both believers and nonbelievers of its tale. It had a legend of its own, Y/N, according to which the staff could chain a terrible catastrophe and chosen its user. That's what I was told, not that I know if it makes any sense, in the end it was just a tale. But that tale caused a lot of drama only for a staff member; the attacker was from a nearby village, and they were in fierce dispute since they thought the selected was taken away by force. It’s a lot.

“However the main point of the story. When he heard it was attacked, he hurriedly got out of the caravan and ran as hard as he could to the village. Nothing else but her filled his thoughts. Thankfully, he ran across her on route. She managed to flee the first attack and told him that the remaining residents were kept captive in the village. To cut a long story short, they organized an assault, quite crazy that it was just the two of them. Though it was meant to be simple, it was not.

There was a terrible hostage scenario just before they took care of everything, before they both stopped the attack entirely. They were holding her sister on the jagged edge of the nail,  And that diverted their attention when they tried to negotiated, a fatal mistake. From behind them came an arrow shot, directed at him. She, who noticed it first tackled him down fast, they both fell to the ground, and that's when he discovered she had been hit in the stomach. It was a serious wound, puncturing her vital organ. She saved him but intentionally or maybe intentionally, sacrificed herself”

“wow..” it left you speechless with amazement

“When seeing her covered in blood, he lost it, he snapped with fury and launched a barrage of blows that finished everything. His taking them all out was insane. Then, holding her in his arm, he apologized for leaving, he embraced her close. He were filled with regret, that's for sure...  He was crying, a what if scenario crossed his mind, but what had already happened, already happened. Nothing could turned the time and prevent the situation from happening. In her dying words, she told him to keep her staff to keep him company as she passed away in his arms. It was.. emotional. Divine told me that when the caravan arrived back after he abruptly left, she told me it was… so much to be seen, the crying, the call for her to be back. In the end the troupe left after her burial. He doesn’t want to waste anymore seconds filled with her memories  

"But Grimm knew he couldn't just give up like that, or even fall to be a worse shut in, that would only disappointed her more if he returned back to his old self. He does’'t want her love to him became useless. Not long after, with the help of his two most loyal member, he moved on with his life. And he also made a little tweak to her staff without altering any of the features so that the Troupe could use it, the one reason why you could use it right now.“

You glanced down on the staff on your lap and said, "I didn't know it had so much history.”

“May I hold it, Y/N?" He posed the question, to which you nodded, he raised the staff to the sky with his right hand. A flame throwing-like explosion of flames decorated the sky for a second before it disappears

It shocked you and made you jumped “W-What the?”

He laughed, setting it down on his lap, "He led the Troupe with this staff. Despite not needing one, he made use of it. Fighting the knight to proved them that they deserving of a starring part, and even in his last minutes of slumber,. He clinging to it, not letting go, and as he was closing his eyes.. he hugged it close, remembering her. After then, divine stored it. The way how this staff worked is close the same like the nightmare torches. To utilize it, the Wielder’s emotions is just as important as the staff itself. Strong feelings equate to raw power waiting to be released. And if you can control that, you might mastered it easier.”

After listening the entire story, you glance down, thinking that the story was fantastic, dramatic and heartfelt, and that you would even read it if it were published as a book. But it made you question your own abilities even more, "master. Can I really accomplish it? To possess such priceless troupe artifact?”

“I’m sure, Y/N. I believed that you could; this staff represented protection. Even if it wasn't a shield, the staff represented the person who carried it; all of its forebears used their authority to defend what they really loved and cared about with this staff, including her, that’s what symbolized this staff. And with what you accomplished, Y/N.. I’m sure you could protect the troupe, even better than myself. I am aware that it might not look that way right now. But one day, you will undrstand” he said, extending his right hand to the staff in front of you. “Y/N, I trusted in you. I believd you would be a fantastic assistant to me, and to more masters after me. Will you start to believe in yourself too?”

"…..” you smiled “I will, master grimm," you said, taking the staff with shining eyes. “I'll try to be like her, without the coerced marriage or self-sacrifice, hopefully”

He smirked mischievously at that, "So falling in love with the troupe master? Is that what you meant"

Beyond your mask, your face fluttered, "NOT THAT!! I mean, protecting out for what she cared!” panicking at his abrupt inquiry, you flung your arms around.

He laughed when he saw your reaction. Holding the troupe together? Indeed, you will do that even if your skills are still very elementary. To be the greatest grimmkin and assistant you can be, you will train endlessly. It was obvious you would succeed. And he… wasn’t wrong at all

And you answered his query… "yes" deep down in your heart.

Chapter Text

He waited out outside. He was still standing there, adjusting the hood on his cloak, not really fatigued despite the late hour. He was surprised that he had joined on such a "emergency?" Even so, it was him who suggested joining in the first place

He saw you leaving via the door of the bar. “So? how is it?”

“No bugs inside fit such description” you said, shaking your head.

That is then a cue to proceed to another one. Holding a town map, you two strolled along while he thought about something. You didn't have time to wonder why such a town is so big. You have business to attend to “Could those bandana bugs really be in a bar?” he asked you

You raise your head from the map, and say, "Yes." Though generations may have changed and times may have changed, habit has not. They have to be, they should be in one.

Finding one of them and asking about their whereabouts was the plan. You thought that since bad bloods typically congregate at bars, you would go there to find one and hope that some or all of them were there. And you two have checked this bar twice now.

"I wondered...Y/N” As you two stray, he asked, "I know the flames are important for the troupe... and the ritual, but I don't know that it was THIS important"

“It's not about the torches or the flames, master. Even if one was snuffed out, we would always obtain one; the issue is if we allow this to happen. While we are still here, a gang like them could post possible annoyances. Before it could grew, we have to look after its roots” you said “it is to prevent any future possible troubles”

“Are we getting our hands… you know?“

He went a moment without an answer from you. Before carrying on walking, you paused, examined the map and the surroundings “Not yet. We are strangers on this land master grimm, even if we are aware of how effective it is to solve our difficulties. And it’s not like when we have to deal with robbers or certain beasts, which are OK to kill. We cannot, however, draw undue attention to the troupe because we live in a town of a land. We just leave them a clear message and wish the best. And should they not have listened.. Master knew then what would happen.”

Then you two pulled over at another pub, hoping to find one. You prepared your staff and tucked the map into your cloak. Then, inside with him waiting outside as usual

He saw as your back vanished into the door. Your professionalism really struck him. He was aware of your professionalism, but not that it could go this far. That is the pinnacle of it. Your flat tone, your words, your method of handling things, your stiff and forceful walk all contributed. He was lucky to have you as his assistant.

He turned his eyes. Bugs were out and about enjoying their night, some by themselves, some with friends, some in pairs, and even with their children, even at this late hour. Even if you believed that everything is just the same old routine life with no unique or interesting flavor... He cannot disagree with anything else but himself, though. Admiring life is…. good. To value live, to find delight in the little things in life. It made sense as he watched them go past, some of them glancing at him and forcing him to nod awkwardly. Well that was something.

Suddenly he heard a lot of noise inside "Y/N." He remembered you and followed his gut. Dash in he did.

“Halt!” You pointed your staff toward the few bugs who were going to interfere, most likely the security personnel “I have business with them” Good thing they listened, “I'll depart when I have my answer” you said sternly.

He noticed you lingering and, without even breaking the gaze, pin one of those red bandanas to the ground while using your left arm to hold it around their neck. And there’s some of them are writhing on the ground, wailing with agony. And the customers, either frightened or ignoring it because they assumed it was just another night. Watching it all, he was... speechless.

“Let me repeat myself, where is your hideout?” you said without any emotions. Though their eyes from behind their mask revealed great dread, their mouths dared not to communicate. “Fine.. your fault” you put the top of your staff on their head with your right palm as the glass globe touches and the fire inside shines brightly. Then you slipped your left palm inside their mask and covered their lips.

"Don't... tell her," their friend says, not in the best of voices or physical condition after you knock them to the ground.

"I'm afraid they will," you answered them, their mask progressively revealing their emotions. anguish. It was getting more intense gradually as you held them close even though they fought to wriggle free. Your hand shutting their scream muffled it. They were in an intense pain

“W-What the?” Their friend say, having no word and shocked, their body too hurt to even move. Only watching is possible.

“You feel it, don't you? I can send pain to your nerves. Sending that strong searing feeling, as though you could not die from being burned alive. You might want to be dead from this burning sensation if I increased the pain. So let me ask again. Where is your hideout?” Then you looked at their companion and said, "Or you could tell me instead?”

"I...ugh...," they say, not even knowing how to respond in this circumstance

Not too long after, the suffering persisted. They nodded a lot and gave in. "Good" you say, putting your staff away and stepping aside from their body

They sputtered. hugging their whole being. “It’s…... It’s in the abandoned factory. close to the town border.”

“And how can I get there?“

“t-the... the side alleyway, we used the rear alleyway next to the town hall… please, let me go.. I beg of you..” You get the idea In spite of their terrified and anguished tone

Pulling off their bandana, you gently bowed at the onlookers and said, "Please accept my deepest apology if I ruined someone's night." Then you left with grimm soon followed. The bug curled in the floor, terrified and shaken, the other bugs sat down slowly from the agony, slowly realizing that they had a scorched scar on their mask

“Sooo… What about not drawing attention?" your master asking you You two still strolled around the town, but not as haste as you had been.

“I was just kindly asked them, but i had to protect myself as they tried to attacked me first, so forgive me master, but it was unavoidable. At least we got their location now," you said, raising your left hand while clutching the bandana.

And we're going there now?“

“Yes”

According to what you learned, a factory was operating here during the "rebuild program," but it was taken out of service for... unstated cause. That was before a gang took over, when it was only a skeleton without a body. It is now used as their base of operations.

Taking the aforementioned passageway, you two arrived at the factory's, now-base entrance. Sounds, chattering sounds, could be heard inside. most certainly the proper location.

Master Grimm was just behind you as you knocked on the factory's metal door. And you spoke once the peek hole was opened, showing a mask "Good evening, sorry to disturb your night but your group stole something that we have.." you said, showing them a bandana, "and we wished to get it back, thank you."

They didn't answer for a good few seconds, then the peek hole was sliding close. While you waited, you threw the bandana somewhere else

“So... You have a plan, Y/N?” You looked at your master as you heard him ask the inquiry.

“We beat them”, you answered directly.

The door abruptly flung forward to reveal a bandana bug.  "Get in," they said as they walked inside. Suspicious

Grimm murmured, "It's... definitely a trap." He had a bad feeling about this

You held the staff using both of your hand. “it is”

You started shooting firebat to your left and right as soon as you entered, and two bugs were flung back right away. Their plan involved ambushing you as you moved. That is already well understood by you. Way… a lot.

You issued them with a last warning, "just give us the nightmare torch you stole from us..." and we're going to depart without any harm-“

“Get her!” They drew up their nails and ran up to you once one of them gave the order.

You quickly avoid one attack after another, then giving each of them a point blank shot. But four more are waiting to come up to you simultaneously.

Grimm entered the room, his size forcing him to hunch his head low. "I got this." He said, sending his cloak to the ground

You remind him “Remember, don't kill them, master."

"I know," he said, and then blunt spikes rose out of the ground. launching them skyward, then hitting the ground with a thuds.

Obviously, then the fight started. Grimm and you two broke in the factory, fighting countless numbers of them. Even though you mostly rely on your shots and are not a melee close range type. The troupe assistant still has them beat.

When they attempted to surround you, you whirled around with your staff pointing at the ground. Eight flame pillars surrounded you and stopped them in their tracks. Not too long after, firebats greeted them in the face and struck them down to the ground. then you noticed two of them launching projectiles from their nails out of the corner of your eye. You quickly avoid one, piercing your cloak to the ground. A spike smacked them both down as it blasted sideways from the wall.

And of course not that the troupe master is any match for them, either. He was trained by you. So despite his bigger stature, he managed them really well. Apart from his firebats, he leaped backward to avoid a slash, then emerged in the ceiling covered in his cloaks like a drill, dived down towards one of them, hurried to another, vanished and reappeared someplace else, and struck one of them squarely. He kept doing it until they were all on the ground. “Phew” Stepping over one of them, he brushed his cloak.

As you two entered another room, you saw where they had hidden the torches. The storage area was crammed with stuff, most of it precious and obviously stolen or taken. But you were unconcerned about anything and stooped to grab the nightmare torch with your left hand, which was sadly snuffed out. “Hmm… oh well”

“Is that everything then?” His breath slowing down, he used his palm to fan his own face.

Turning back at him, you said, "No.. We need to make sure they didn't behave."

You two continued going through until you two came to a sealed, office-like chamber. With your staf, you break it down "Is there a leader here?” You stated, walking through the smoke.

Inside, at the far end of the space, is a bug sporting a somewhat redder bandana attempting to open a stuck door that has a fallen bookcase close by,possibly a secret path that has never been used. While a few of those crimson bandanas shield him

“Get them!” Their leader yelled and they launched an attack, but they were defeated a short while later.

... except one, clutching a shield. “You really should leave, boss!”

“I am Trying over here!! Damn door won't open!” they yelled, still trying to open the door, the leader yells back. “Just hold them off!!”

Their shield blocked your staff shots "It will take more to beat me!” They slashed their nail in your direction.

Jumping back, you charged your shot with your staff pointed at their shield, saying, "I know." Your more potent firebats caused them to stagger at the hit impact.

When he saw an opening, your master hurried forward, punching them in the face, then propelling himself into the air, hurling fireballs at them then teleporting to your side.

You complimented, "Good one, master grimm," and he chuckled back, blushing behind his hood. "Can you held this for a second?"..."

“Ah, all right?” He said confusedly, taking your staff in his hand.

Walking idly to the leader, you carried the nightmare torch in your right hand and passed the defeated shield bug as master grimm watched from not too far away.

"I think no use in trying anymore."  You said with their back on you

They gave up and rounded to face the door with their backs to it. Their height was not much greater than yours. "W-what? Just what are you after? You are not, are you, from them…?“

You raised a shoulder and said, "Whatever 'they' you're talking about... we're simply a travelling troupe. What do we want? Quite simply. Stop bothering our troupe”

T”h- that's it?” They looked shocked. “You two went through all of this just to say that?” Sounding totally incredulous,

“Absolutely. So will you?“

“w-well… We will, just please… spare me” they said with a nod.

"Good," you said and swivelled. You knew how these generally turned out, of course. You need to give them a warning, but a definitive warning by their choose not to hear, since garbage like them wouldn't understand or even care about it. The troupe is not to be messed with, hence it is to send them a clear threat by their own decision not to listen. A show off.

“Y/N” Just as you stepped forward, your master abruptly yelled,

That was something you expected, you knew. Your body spun around instantly, your left arm lifted, catching something, a wrist. An elongated nail in hand. They made the cowardly maneuver of attacking you from the back, as everyone else did. and you were expecting it “DAMN IT!” They cursed.

You cocked your head. "Oh?” You turned their wrist so the nail dropped to the ground and you kicked it away. Then, making them bend over on their knees and releasing their arm, "I don't think my message was obvious, was it?” You removed their mask and threw it away, exposing their scared face. “Do you know what was meant by 'through dreams I travel at lantern's call, to consume the flames of a kingdom's fall'?”

“W-What?” Naturally, they seemed perplexed and afraid at how stoic you were during this.

“Obviously none of you will. Its actual meaning will never be grasp by of your generation.” You leaned your head near their scared face and said, "You don't know us, you don't know what our troupe really is, the threat we are to you. You want not to know who you are up against or why. We’re not just some lowlifes troupe from the outside, no.. you never ever wanted to know. You should have knelt before our dreaded troupe and its secret, none of you have any chances to face what we truly are,... At least carved my word on your thick head before I have to see you again without mercy in hand anymore. Stay away. From. Our troupe. Members of it as well. Should your gang ever touched with even one again….”

“What are you going to do? Kill me with everyone else?”

“Kill?? Oh no no no no, not at all. As of right now, none of your gang have perished.” Then they discovered the laying members were still breathing and alived. “We let everyone of you to survive because we still have principles and compassion. Let that burned scar on them reminded you and your gang to NEVER mess with us again or even dared to stole something from us. We’re not the kind to turn to murder. But even as a travelling troupe, we knew how to inflict the most agonizing deaths anyone could ever imagine. Remember that WELL. Or else.. you have to faced a worse wrath than you are having right now, worse than the darkest nightmares you ever had.”

They were staring at you terrified, their backs leaned against the wall, their mouths unable to speak anything. They most surely did not respond. They perused.. before their eyes a monster. A creature who threatened them without any emotion on their face, as if death were standing in front of them, made it much more terrifying.

“Hmmm…” you tap their skull with the nightmare torch and seeing that it was on fire, “Alright then..” You stood up and eventually left. They passed out of terror, as you heard a thud.

After you two returned to the streets, which were quieter now that night was falling higher, Master Grimm finally commented, "You almost scared me, Y/N."

"That's how it had to be, Master grimm.” You responded, holding the nightmare torch in your right hand, "They needed to understand the severe consequences they will face." The surrounding area is still brilliant with lamps.

"Of course," he laughed, "but purposefully baring your back is another else..”

You stopped walking, "and also..." and he stopped too, turning to look behind him. Holding your staff still was his left hand. “Master, I would like to apologize for ruining your bazaar night. I should have reminded master that master doesn’t need to join me on this matter earlier. Now that the bazaar has closed, master can no longer enjoy the bazaar. Forgive me for my error” you two spend the remainder of the evening as it is getting late, the bazaar had already closed. One of your shortcomings is that, when you were concentrating on one thing, you would always forget another. It’s a thing that keep slipping off you. a flaw.

"Y/N" he said, lowering his hood and standing on one knee with his right hand clasping your left. "You know.. I neglected to say how thrilled I am as well. not merely because I went to a baazar that evening. To be honest, I don't mind if I missed the remainder. In any case.. What counts more, Is I could spend a night with you.. That ranks beyond all else.” he said, taking your hand to his face and kissing your rear palm. “that’s… truly what matter the most”

After that…. you two continued carried on strolling back to the Troupe "Do master truly mean it?” As you strolled along, you inquired

“Yeah… Then again, it’s not every day that we beat up a whole gang.” Happily grinning at you, he added, "At least it's nice we could exercise our power from getting rust."

“Guess master's right” you nodding slightly.

Once at the troupe's tent, you two left. Grinning, Grimm went to bed, content that he had enjoyed himself with you tonight. He was considering it a "date," he even planted a kiss on your palm. To you, it was just a gesture of comfort and appreciation. But the memory of that made his heart race. He just did that… very smoothly.

…………………Putting the nightmare torch back where it belonged, you dozed off……………….

No, nothing came to mind. You were glad that you didn't ruin his evening as it won't have an impact on his performances the next day. Nothing about it, not even the kiss on your hand, escaped your notice. You just consider it as one of his typical exchanges with you, but then again, that's him being himself every day. You just thought it as just that. Nothing more, nothing less. Just that.

Of course. From it, you felt nothing at all. Soon after that.. It will be too late when you realize it. Way past due…….. and the cracks… only slit more open after that.

Chapter Text

He opened his eyes and noticed that everything was pitch black around him, all his eyes can see was… just dark. And somehow.. Though everything around him as if it was beingpainted black, he can still plainly see himself as though there were an invisible light lighting the space. He had to be... dreaming, he was sleeping few moments ago

“huh…” He then pondered. He was very aware that he was dreaming, that it had never happened. He would have waken up if he realized he was dreaming "Where am I?” he started to looked around

Grumbling again, he felt another headache, stopping him in his track. Much more tense this time. His eyes were going hazy as it pierced his skull. He felt his body through to his knee. Holding his head as though it were going to blow, he moaned, sounding agonized. “my.. head.. ugh!”

He then heard.. a voice, an unfamiliar distorted voice. With a struggle against the piercing pain, he attempted to look ahead. He made out. Nothing hazy moving in front of him, please. It resembled floating rather more. Something orange, blazing, was coming at him. It was too little for him to see clearly; all he could see was a hazy orange hue. “Who..Are you?” He tried to ask through his pain but the  anguish continued, and he gripped his head tighter.

“…me?..” The distorted blurry voice spoke “I'm-“

Then he was startled awake, "OW!” He slammed his head on the way down and cried out in agony. Then he lay there.. Assuming a sunny sky, he faced his ceiling. Recovering from that strange dream, or from the agony on his head. he was breathing heavily, easing off from the dream and that pain in his head right now. He fell down from his sleeping position.

He sat down with a groan. Rubbing his head. In what world was that? That is not a common dream for him, and what is this sudden feeling of protection brewing from his head? Like he was experiencing something or felt compelled to protect….. You? from what?. He felt like he had to protect you, but… what exactly?

He groaned and steadily got up, leaning against the wall. That morning was strange even by the standards of a troupe master.

“And that’s what happened last night” Grimm said, wrapping up his account.

His two loyals bugs in front of him nodded repeatedly for a few seconds. It was just another typical morning in the breakroom. He went to the office, his head still aching a little. He thought you would be exhausted but you weren't. Counting revenue and creating a shopping list with the lowest possible amount of money spent while delivering the highest qualilty. He chose to leave you alone for the time being just before he asked you to join him. He need to  to take control more of his works. He felt bad with how many works you have to do.

“No wonder you two disappeared out of the blue!” Divine said, "It turns out you two were on a mission."

“About that..” Grimm thought things through. “Had it…. Had it ever happened before?” he asked with a leisurely question.

Divine answered “Actually, it happened a lot more than it did just now. If she suddenly vanished from the Troupe, one of two things always happens. She’s either was solving difficulties or scouting the are… or even both at the same. and sadly... "Divine shook her head as if she was disappointed at the scenario they had to confront. “Things like this were always going to happen. Society isn't all smiles and hugs.” Divine sipped her drink again, placing her hand on the air, "And fortunately, she had this 'special, mysterious skill' that effectively permits her to know every single inch problem on our troupe. Nobody could avoid her perceptive gaze when they try to hide a problem.”  

Brumm interrupted “emphasizing the special, mysterious power, divine. The grimmkins and ourselves are simply too obvious. She could read us like a freaking book… we’re bad at hiding problems from her. One small crack and she founds out in a matter of seconds.

"Eh, Y/N is what that is," she said, raising her shoulder and shaking her head.

He huffed at the answer, it won’t stop bugging his mind “Still... Ten years have gone. How come I never...?” He stopped. A quite few things have been "unfolding" as if there is a hidden destiny binding the Troupe together ever since they arrived at Hallownest, and he wondered if something’s more is about to take the stage. All of the previous decades, that he thought he understood, were... Nothing at all. Though all four of you had experienced many moments and been across certain places, he believed he already knew enough about you, just as you knew about him. It turns out, nonetheless, vain.

"Back then, master," Brumm explained, he had already finished his tea, "far before Y/N became the assistant, when the Troupe had unwelcome troubles. Usually, the Troupe master dispatches a few nightmares to deal with it. But ever since the last cycle, it's been Y/N with a few nightmares, and then... just herself. Less grimmkin, she said, makes it more flexible and draws less attention to the Troupe

"The point is... if the grimmkin had any problem, they usually report it to her," Divine said, "that's why she randomly gone sometimes. And the issue is usually finished in two hours. That’s why it’s normal that we didn’t knew at all. And she also insisted in not telling the troupe master about it. ‘it could burdened master grimm’s mind from important tasks’ her words”

“But Did nobody try stop her? Missions like that may endanger her life” he said, "a lone mission like that could ended up..."

“To be polite, master. Even as your right hand and divine as your advisor” Brumm pointing at himself and divine “the assistant possessed more power than the two of us. Only the troupe master that could, yet it would be immoral to do so as she is merely carrying out her duties”

Grimm exhaled, his words wasn’t wrong either “Even I couldn’t muster to stop her, it… really doesn’t feel right”

“Still, master. I know that you are worried about her but she is well prepared and experienced enough that she rarely returns with minor cuts on her body, that's only the physical injuries she sustained at most," Brumm attempted to comfort. "So I don't really think her life would be in danger with these type of mission, we both can reassure that.”

“That's right. She represents purely competent professionalism. Whatever the randomness or severity of her assignment, nothing could stop her from doing it.” Divine commented “That’s why she is the assistant. Holding an important role on this act, just pure stoic on her”

He leant on his palm on the table and said, "Hmm... I suppose you two are right," tapping his glass with his finger.

What then are you doing at the moment? Managing requests from the sourpuss at work. Usually, grimmkins would have wanted you to decide, at random, whether to agree or disagree. There are exceptions to every rules and obligation. You may modify or waive some of the rules and requirements if they stated their arguments very persuasively. Being the assistant, that is one of your primary responsibilities. That, though, only applied if their arguments made sense. Most of the time, though……

“So.. Let me make this very clear. It follows that you want the flames out in the morning. why?” As you sat there, clutching some documents, you stopped. One master and two novice grimmkin were hovering in front of your table.

“The cause, miss Y/N... it’s…welll..” The master grimmkin halted, they gulped, "It’s because it hurts our head, what we meant is..." Talking to you or making a request to you is like doing a "life or death" assignment. The frightening thing was you, not the repercussions, which aren't all that frightening. They feared your authority even though you never abused it for anything sinister, but that’s the way it works anyway "some of us got really bad headaches after getting flashed on our faces... so... yeahh"

You gave a little nod, "Mmmhmmm, but let me make clear that it's.. a few, not all?

“yes?

"And you," you pointed at the novice on the left. “I take it you do too?“

“Y-yes, miss.”

"The thing is you three, waking an entire room by lighting the lantern there is really an effective and time efficient way than one by one. More than just waking everyone up early, I had a lot of work to inspect and complete. Though I won't alter the flames, I will diminish their intensity for your request but the lantern would still be lit on. Is everyone of you three understanding that?”

They could do little more than nod, "Yes, miss."

Still, you went on, "And for the headaches, I suggest sleeping more earlier than just staying late to wander around or play cards."

You could see their astonished expression beneath their mask, as was to be expected

"You," you said pointing to the same novice "Got up late to go to dorm three and hang out there, then sleep about 12 or 1. That covers most of your nocturnal activities during the two or three day intervals. That’s why you and a few other grimmkin suffered recurrent headaches since none of you got enough sleep. And do not misunderstand me; I won’t simply punished anyone for remaining late. That is, assuming you managed to sneak out of the troupe, but I did hope you would adjust your sleep routine. Given how much work I do as an assistant, I usually sleep for six hours at most, sometimes less. Still, every morning I was able to get up without the use of the lantern. Is that understood?“

They all silently answered out, "Yes, miss," as your remarks really got to them.

“And for the second question. ‘Why the grimmkin no longer allowed to host parties every two months? But three months’ “ You continued "I'm not saying that none of you don't deserve occasional breaks. I understood that everyone of you needs some rewards and entertainment, I gave you guys permission to throw any kind of party you desire. It is hectic, though. The party would also mean that I would have a lot of reports on my desk. many times over. And the reports just getting more and more…. Troublesome each time”

You pointed at the left "Ten months ago, you and few of your fellow grimmkins decided to swallowed on a flame of a nightmare torch in a Truth or dare, and got sick pretty badly. I had to look on many…. Many archives just to find a way to deal with a some tomfoolery" Then the novice on the right was pointed "you, six months ago, you and other novice accidentally spiked everyone's drink, prompting me to punish the two of you to clean the stage alone.

“Of all the occurrences, those are only two examples. Of course, it would be unjust to the others who did nothing wrong, but everyone of you had a duty, obligation and responsibilty to stop any possible mayhem from occurring, including you,” Finally, you pointed at the grimmkin master in the middle “who could have stopped a grimmkin from inadvertently switching up the steed's food with another. You knew the circumstances and were sober. But because of a fascinating story you were hearing, you did nothing. Now, beau becomes somewhat addicted to it, and I had to make sure that giving her more wouldn't endanger her life.

All of you are too many for me to monitor at once. I’m not capable to oversee every single of you to not make any mistakes. Is that understood?“

"Yes, miss," they said, their mood clearly broken.

“Good. Are there any questions or requests you three would want to make now? I still have time for that” you said, folding your arms together on the desk.

“no…”
“…we.. had enough..”
“…yeah..”

Then, while you watched, the three left. It was a sight you saw frequently; to you, it was almost like a breakfast every day. Almost, that is. And without any delay, you returned to your work. Living on a code of principle that perfection is an everything’s goal

There was a knock on the office. Sometimes and somewhere long long ago.

"Come in." You were still at your desk, ostensibly working on a paper.

You knew who was there before you even looked at the opened door. Ah panella, are you reporting on anything?“

“……….”

“Panella?” You lifted your head to see her standing at the entrance. "Is something wrong?“

She shook her head, clearing her mind“….N-no…I'm asking whether you're free or not” she said, heading to your desk.

"I'm right now really busy. regretfully," you said.

“Ah… I see..” Panella... seemed uncomfortable… at something “I’ll just leave then”

“Panella, you have something to tell me, don’t you?” you stated not asking

Trying to defend herself, she said, "I was just..."

“Panella, I knew you. so if it's about my feelings on the matter, I could be confident that I won't be hurtful for anything you said. You know me, I’m not the type to be hurtful at a friend’s word” you said… on a flat tone

Her tone weakening, she grumbled, "Are we... distancing away from one another?”

“Hmm…You mea-“

I don’t mean it like that! it’s just… we’ve been having distance from each other!” she yelled in defense

You answered as flatly as you always do, "Panella, we're still friends—close friends." I am always available to you at certain times. I even entrust you under my direct command, something that no other grimmkin have. It’s just works, panella..”

Worked. You have done enough, though, Y/N. Her irritation continued, "I don't know why you seemed to be so into double, triple, quadruple check on every single work you done and become so… so intense with works!"

“It’s called.. perfection, panella. It’s important for my job as the assistant

“Y/N, perfection does not exist. One is never really flawless” she said.

“Knowing... That all relies on own’s perception.” You refuted back “nevertheless, I strived for the perfect result.. as what I supposed to do”

“Does it really matter all that much?” she murmured

You put the paper and quill down and straighten your cloak as well. “Yes. Because it is my duty as the assistant. I get your want to hang around or spend time with me, I thanked that you cared. While I would really like to, we only began to emerge from the nightmare realm six months ago. And since the Troupe master is still unfamiliar with his new position, He still require aidance for his new work”

You then got up and stepped in front of her, holding both of her shoulders as you were gazing on her mask as she did too “Panella, you and I have our own role and duty in this stage performances,” you said “I play the assistant, and you play the nightmare grimmkin. It was not the same as it was a century ago. Although I can see you missed that, I just wanted you to know that things have changed. It does not, however, follow that our friendship had to break up or finish this way. In the end, it’s just works. It wouldn’t break our bonds”

Panella.. gazed down at your shoulders and could feel your palms. "Y/N, I wasn't talking about our job, the whole thing wasn’t all about that." her hand felt.. weak to touch yours.

“I know where you’re asking, but I hoped you understand, panella. I hope you understand this changes.“

“It doesn't have to be this way.. Y/N” She begged

But you wouldn’t budge. It is your duty after all “It has to be this way, Panella. I trust you can see and grasp it. I'm sure you can accept it nicely.”

She sighed, she nodded in defeat “I understand”

Panella then stepped out of the office. One mood, she was feeling that everything was alien to her. As though she had wandered off into someplace she didn't know. She felt… like that. Something she hasn’t has feeling for anyone, even you for wyrm sake.

But regarding that, who could she ask just now? Who might had answers to more questions she had trying to questioned you. No grimmkin, novice, master, or even nightmares knew a direct answer, and she’s sure that would be far from possible

One name suddenly sprang to her. Her eyes widened with the realization, she looked back at the closed office door…. She had to find out.

She never entered the break room directly. Though she had interest in someone there, she had no interest in that place. Ignorant of how to do it right, she stands on the door. She had to, nevertheless. It’s the only choice.

She knocked.

“Hmm?" a puzzled female voice were heard "Come in." Panella huffed as she entered “She saw divine, sitting in a chair on a roundtable, clutching a white silk. Just her was there. No trace of the accordionist, she saw him with the music crew practicing music, along with the troupe master who seemed to be observing them. “Oh panella? What… brought you here?”

Panella sighed “Miss divine, , I know I shouldn't be here. I’m sorry if I’m intruding but I have to come since I-“

Divine rise up, "woah woah, calm down now, dear. How about we settle this with a tea?"

“i..uh..umm.. what?”

“Well, you almost hyperventilate when talking to me, and your scent is really stressed out. Let's just.. Calm down and just a have tea, we can delay your intention for a few minutes. Is that okay, dear?” She offered nicely

Panella huffed “yeah… that’ll be fine”

“Wonderful!” Divine chirped and walking somewhere "Now have a seat while I made one," she noticed her go toward what appeared to be a tiny kitchen.

On one of the chairs sat Panella. She tapped her hand on the table while waiting... that ended. amazingly well, somehow. In the way she perceived it, Miss Divine didn't seem offended. All panella wanted was confirmation for what she was feeling at the moment. And divine wanted to calm her down before she listened.. well… she did talked exasperated.

Divine soon came back clutching a teacup and saucer. Sat across from her, she handed the cup. Panella took a look, set her mask down on the table, and then tasted it. That tasted... Calming

She saw divine chuckle, and took about half of it in one swallow. She felt her own eyes widen. Taste soothing her mind. Emotions abated. She took a long breathe before letting it all out

“it’s mint tea, courtesy of mine of course” divine smiled “Are you relaxed now, dear?'

Panella snorted, settling back into the chair with ease. “yeah….”

“you  know, you remind me of Y/N when she first came here. Although not exactly the same, in a manner she was an anxious wreck and you were a troubled wreck… well in a way that different yet similiar

“ohhh..” panella commented with a calmed mind now

“And.. Talking about Y/N” She saw her expression shifted on her half mask, more…sadder"You want to talk about her, right?”

“yes”

"Her actions explicitly, correct?”

She nodded

Divine shaked her head as if she was disappointed “that freaking fiend…” she murmured to herself  “Well as you see, dear," divine sighed, a melancholic sigh. ”She is that as of right now. You wanted something out of it, I know. But as the advisor you cannot do anything about it”

“W-what?” Panella sounded astonished, "Miss Divine! How can you say that?! Is that the best advise available?”

“Regretfully yes, dear. It is the only advised I could give. Trust me, both brumm and I have tried before you. and nothing of it changed. Like we're striking a wall. Nothing could be changed. Every time I tried, or brumm tried, it ended up striking a rock, and we were afraid that it would make things worse if we forced more out of it. And whhen I say "you cannot do anything about it," it's really the truth, even if I know you're so close with Y/N and I can smell that little bit of willpower. I understand that you are struggling and that we are both struggling, yet...”

"I have to get used to this?!” She asked, looking directly at the advisor in front of her. “Getting used to this… cloaked her?”

“Indeed, I say this for her benefit as much as for yours. This is no mere light words, dear. It was decided after a lot of myself- and brumm's-judgment. I hope you understand, yeah.. And the same word she used to both of us.”

Panella grabbed herself as her body started to shiver. "But… no… no… no way, no way it have to ended to ended like this.”

“I disagree with you too, dear. But if you tried more, I feared it’ll make her condition worse than it is right now.”

Panella’s body began to shaken even more”... miss..miss di-divine.. can i.. can you give me an answer? I- i came to get confirmation for something? i..i just… I can’t be sure of myself right now. Please…”

Divine moved her seat closed to her, holding both of her shoulder “Go on, dear. I’m here”

Panella shook her head violently, "I simply... had to be sure, but.. If my snide comment upset or insulted you, miss divine, I apologize. I don’t know to whom else should I ask this, but I simply wanted answer.”

Divine clutched her hand “Ask it.. panella”

"is... is...

Is that still Y/N? Or is this stranger I'm seeing?" Panella asked

“….. That’s Y/N.. or what’s remains of her” and divine confirmed her fear all along

“no…no…” panella… eyes began to get teary “I should’ve… I should’ve done something…it’s my fault.. how can a friend like me… be so careless to not be there…” in the end, panella couldn’t hold back, she hugged divine crying “I’m a bad friend.. to her…”

Divine sighed, hugging her back. To panella… that’s the last she wanted to feel about herself. To feel about herself at her own saviour. The saviour who saved her life, who gave a second chance so that she could stand where she is right now. The guilt she was feeling, it’ll forever weight her back. From now to the rest of her life seeing you, she will always be reminded that she failed. It’s not her fault, but would that stop her from blaming herself? No.   

Chapter Text

Grimm understood that his life as a troupe master are for a mission. A never-ending objective for which he is hardly aware of the rationale. Like you, divine, brumm, and everyone else, he is only a performer in a stage play. Though that notion troubled him, he was wise enough to avoid messing things up. All he feels is a need to revolt, something he doesn’t understand why he felt so. He had been feeling a wide range of emotions ever since the troupe got to Hallownest, feelings for which he had no idea why. Simply said.. Like starting a fire without knowing why, it happened in a way where you were "pushed" to do it by an unknown power. A ghostly aura that hypnotized you to do something.

He bided his time till you arrived outside the Breakroom. There he is,waiting for you, having remembered your reminder to go there. He is still very perplexed about the presence of this entire ritual. He discovered that, not in this early decade, but only in the final quarter of the troupe master's voyage, the summoning ritual took place. He knew you knew a perfect explanation for this, though, and he trusted you. He would eventually get an explanation why it existed.

Then you came, dressed exactly as he saw you every day. The one line mask on your face, a staff you hardly ever let go, and a cloak like his. "I'm sorry to keep master waiting, there's a lot I have to do”

"Y/N, that's OK." He shot back, "You really don't have to apologise for every little thing, you know?“

“…okay”

The breakroom, where he was surprised when you two entered. It had changed dramatically. That doesn't seem like the bright, comfortable, and cozy breakroom. The only light sources you two had as the outside sources of lighting were being blocked are a bed in the middle of the room and a lit nightmare torch on each end. It's far darker and has hardly anything inside. It felt like a new, separate space beside the breakroom rather than the breakroom at all. A dark empty room for a ritual, perfect for today.

Where’s… everything?” he asked you

“we temporarily relocated it to a storage room. Ignore not, master. After that, the breakroom will be back to normal," you explained.

“I….see”

"Would master be so gracious to wait while I get everything ready?..."

“hmm?? Okay”

He sits on the edge of the bed, his tall, thin figure still perfectly level. He was watching you... painting a rune on the floor, as he could see via the light of your torch. You appeared like you were using the staff to mop the floor, but you were leaving a scarlet line in your wake. "May I ask something, Y/N?”

You give your words "ask away, master. It won't disturb my task"

“If I’m not wrong, Y/N. Was the summoning ritual supposed to happened later on?? This was way too early for one” He wondered.

You said hazily, "Well.. technically this isn't the supposed way for the summoning," still concentrating on drawing the runes. “Kinda”

“Hmm?” he tilting his head.

You questioned him, "Master, do you know right how the summoning ritual is performed, right?"

He nodded, though you couldn't see it. "The performances was for a part of me to get stemmed, to be used to create a body, a vessel.. then with the nightmare flames, a child was alive."

"Yes," you continue drawing the rune even as he speaks to you. "Stemming was a process when a grimm's 'part' was used as an offering or a vessel to create the grimmchild. The way to do that was by this summoning ritual using the nightmare flames we gathered."

“Though” he thought, starring at you as you drew runes, "I thought this process supposed to happen when a grimm was close at his time. when the nightmare heart began to call."

“Yes. That will be in many centuries from now. It was impossible to make a live grimmchild with the flames we gathered now. The point of the cycle is reached far too early. Because that’s the point”

“That's.. the point?” He said it again, what you had said.

“The summoning ceremony can be performed in two ways, and only those ways. As far as I know, no third way has been archived. It also carries a lot of dangers because the only way it could succeed was with a troupe master.”

“Risk? There's a risk in the summoning ritual?," he asked in wonder

You shook your head and briefly put down the artwork. "Not during the summoning, master, but before that” you then continued drawing again “As I explained before, We need nightmare flames and the troupe master present for the summoning to occur. And therein lays the issue. As soon as I realized it, I made a backup plan to avoid unwelcome danger.

"Let's say, hypothetically," you said as you carried on explaining. “One requirement of the troupe is lost. Given that there are more to be gathered even if one or many are snuffed, the flames are not the issue. But the troupe and all of us would be doomed to extinction if we lost the troupe master. I discovered a lots of experiences of the troupe master’s near-death experiences. and I feared that one day the worse would happen.”

He carefully absorbed your words and said, "Ah.."

“I requested a meeting with the previous troupe master, divine, and brumm to discuss the issue as soon as I realized that. As the assistant, it is my job to ensure that the ritual is carried out properly and that the troupe will continue. I next put up a backup plan. The idea was to begin the calling the summoning early enough to create a body or a vessel at the very least. Even though it is only as little as a charm and not living, a vessel is nonetheless a vessel. With enough flames directed at it, it would gradually take on the shape of a grimmchild. In this manner, we could begin the next cycle fearlessly even if the Troupe ever lost its leader.” You completed sketching the runes and looked up to see an astonished troupe master staring at you

Amazingly talented. truly considered everything," he said in awe.

“I’m the assistant, master grimm. It’s my job, nothing too much.. However, master need not be afraid because my life is to keep master safe from harm.”

“Of sure, and in exchange” he said, chuckling. “I shall extend the same to you.”

You then walked to him “Master.. please lay down on the bed and close master’s eyes" moving on to the important matter

As you told him, he laid his head on the bed pillow and closed it, easing off on his surroundings.

Then you reminding him, "Please remember, master. Other than feeling a weird sensation, master won't feel anything at all. Not a single pain, not a single hurt, nothing at all”

“Alright” he give it a go

Then he faintly seeing a red glow on his closed eyes and your voice chanting words, incomprehensible syllables. Whatever spells he was hearing, your voice reverberated around the room. Your voice had powers even though your tone was remained flat.

"The... Ritual." Then he heard... a weak, unidentified voice, the same voice he heard in his dream, a distorted voice he heard between your loud chanting. Unaware of what to do, he chose to ignore it. He was supposed to not do anything.

It wasn't as strange sensation as you described, at least it didn't cause him any pain. He felt warmth all over his body and the atmosphere tightened as your chanting spells went wild. The dim red glow in his eyes got brighter. He wondered if the glow was because the room shined bright red

“Won’t…..” he silently grunted as the intruding voice returned again. He shut his eyes even more.. ignoring it “…..Work” He just doesn’t understand this bothering voice, telling him cryptic words that he doesn’t understand. Saying little words without giving a context on it. As if making a construction without a blueprints, all nothing but random work.

And everything stops as the voice finishes speaking. The warm sensation fades, the brilliant red light turns to complete darkness, and it's quiet. Went very quiet.

When he opened his eyes, he saw the blackness remaining. "Uhh.. Y/N?" Was the summoning over?

"It snuffed out every flames in here. It usually happened during the summoning," he heard your voice through the darkness. "Stay put, master grimm" he heard your voices again, this time walking somewhere

Then, before getting used to it, he had to blink a few times as you lit the flames.

"Master grimm, how are you feeling?" His eyes met yours, the same as they always have.

He let a small smile "Honestly.. not really a weird feeling at all," he said as he sat You nodded “Good, now let’s…….. what?” he saw your mask went everywhere, searching something like a hungry predator looking for a prey. “Where is the…” then you walked quickly around the room, earning more confused look from him “How… in the- where is it??? It should be here…. This should’ve not happened… this isn’t how the script goes-“

He reached out, "Y/N? Is something-"

"Master grimm, just..." you said, placing a hand in front of you "Just stay put will you?". That’s the first time.. you didn’t addressed him formally… as if you were speaking to just a somebody. Your word had an employee like tone and wording, but just then.. he felt like you addressed him differently

“All right, but why?-”

Then you left the room, leaving him there alone to mull and think.

He looked about the empty room, nothing so different, just him in here, all alone. What just happened? What caused you to... he doesn't know if he called as freaking out or not, but by your sentences, you were freaking out, though your dead tone said otherwise. Did something happen to the summoning?

‘the ritual won’t work’ …….. he remembered the voice. Was it the cause of your change? To which he realized, there’s nothing here, not even a small charm-like vessel just what you said. He rubbed his temple, not even in his ten years on this journey that he had this weird experiences, only started when he arrived at…. Hallownest. Huh-….

Not long after that, he heard talking soon after that as you and Divine came in, with Brumm trailing behind. You and her were having a furious mid-talk quarrel. A very intense argument

"….I've calculated everything, and no mistake were made before or during the entire process. I've done this before, divine, and it worked." You added, elucidating to her.

In the meantime, Brumm went to see the runes and the associated nightmare flames.

He chose to greet him "Good Afternoon, brumm" because you and divine were having a somewhat heated argument.

"Good afternoon, master grimm." Brumm replied, Not having his accordion with him.

"So uhhh," he said, gesturing to you and divine . "Had something... happened?"

"Yep, I can't stop those ladies," Brumm said, then looked at the nightmarish torch in his palm.

Divine shot back at you, "Look, Y/N. I'm not saying it's wrong to make mistakes sometimes-."

“I don't make mistakes” you said in a monotone, "Especially as important as the summoning."

Divine pausedever in her life to be having this passionate debate with you about the whole thing, interrupting both her and brumm on their own matter due to a ‘vital matter’ as you phrased it, and put her arm on your shoulder. "Listen.. I know how professional you are, and how devoted you are to the troupe. It all a caused to you striving for perfection, Y/N. Yes!... you don't make mistakes, we understand that. but, dear. In the end of the day, we’re still an ordinary bugs who could do a small... you know."

Then her voice softened. "So please, dear... Calm down, no need to be so distraught by-"

"I'm. Perfectly. Composed. Divine.." Your statement caused divine to draw her arms away "Brumm!" When brumm walked up to you both, you changed the subject to "you found anything?"

“No… I didn't detect any mistake at all” the accordionist said, shaking his head. “It’s all perfectly normal”

"And the flames... you know where they went?" You shifted to the more pressing matter and wished you had not received the response you did.

Which you had to concede that "it's... well... gone, all of it. Not even a trace of the flames. It's like... they disappeared into thin air. It’s forever gone"

The risk is still all time high, but the contingency plan won't even start a flame, so you sighed, not because of the flames, as you mentioned before, it might be gained again. But how? How could something like this happen? How could the summoning ritual just failed like this? Not even leaving a single flame to be salvaged.

“Y/N? something happened?

Your master anxious voice forced your consciousness back. You turned to find him troubled. Worrying at you “The summoning spell, failed.. failed, master grimm. I failed.. forgive me.”

"Y/N…." he said, getting to your side and calming you with a touch on your shoulder. "Hey, that's okay. Maybe we could find another way.."

"Actually... there is" something sprang to your memory.

Looking perplexed, he tilted his head. “Hmm?”

“Y/N?” Divine then felt strangely about it.

So does brumm "You... don't mean-"

"Yes," you told them, "aside from the summoning ritual. There's the second last convenient method to do this."

"What is it?" he inquired, having likewise developed an odd suspicion after witnessing that Divine and Brumm both had one.

"The other way, apart from the summoning ritual. It was seldom done because either the troupe master doesn't have any love interest or no one willing to. It's only worked for a worst case scenario or if the master grimm had any mates. But it also comes in many risks, way worse than the summoning."

"Y/N.. please stop explaining-" Brumm try to stop you

But no use, as your words coming out "one of the risks was the unwanted drama. The troupe master fate as by the script on the stage play were unalterable, and with him having one, lots of sorrow and sadness may happened, with the eventual left of the troupe to the nightmare realm, leaving the lover to either join the troupe or stay with the child, which makes her vulnerable to the nightmare heart's immortality power... but..." You finally got to the main point.

“But... as I calculated right now, I’m sure no risks may ever happened. So that’s why i’m going to be master’s ritual mate for tonight,” you said, still so casually.

"W-what?!!" he said, stepping back from you, his face flushing red. “w-w-w-wait wait wait”

"Y/N, Y/N.." Divine stepped forward in front of you, unable to let it pass like this "You can't possibly be thinking this as the last resort." Your comments startled her, "This is ridiculous, this idea was too much”

"As ridiculous as it is, you knew it would work, right divine?" I shot back.

"My point still stand!” divine called out at the big bug, “Brumm help me here!"

But the accordionist remained dumbfounded, unable to absorb the idea you had that was too absurd to be real. "I uhhh..."

Divine clicked her mouth, angered at his obtuseness. "Be useful for once, you idiot bug!" Then turned to face you again “We can’t have you do this, Y/N. It’s just too much even for your own good”

“Oh?” You cornered her, asking, "Why?" You stepped forward to her, saying, "This is for the future of the Troupe." You then stepped forward again, making her walk back even more. "I'm not putting you on this trouble, only ME." You then stepped forward again, making her walk back even more.. showing her that you are in control. "So why You had to care, advisor? Out of all, why you?” you keep stepping forward, forcing her to backward more “I thought your wise and smart judgement would agreed with me, you know that, you wanted to agree with me but you didn’t”

Though your words had no tone, the delivery still hits her hard. You had higher power than hers, and she knew she could do nothing about it. But just once, just once, she wanted to stop you from sinking further into the abyss because she still cared about you, but you're just too oblivious to see it. Divine looked down. She had no way to fight your words back, she knew when you addressed her by title, you weren't kidding at all.

“Please understand who is in power here, before you decided on anything, or even dared to-“

"Y/N.." Brumm interrupted you before you could say or do anything worse. "That's enough... I'm sure she's more than fully aware of her place"

“Right… right..” Huffing, you removed your cloak. “Now will you two leave this room?"

Your words shocked them again, especially master grimm. And he just didn't want to have it even more; his face was too much of a flustering mess. Not only did you say it so normally, you didn't even think twice of it and immediately put yourself in this situation. Your devotion at its best, something he never realized how far you would yourself through this.

“u-umm… uhhhh.. i….” Grimm wanted to get away, clear his mind from the madness he witnessed, so he nervously laughed, "o-ohh.. look at the time, so many time wasted.. anyhow.. I had something to do." He then quickly walked out of the door, without anything, just leaving.. just like that, ignoring your call even. He couldn't even say another word about it. No words could come out of his mouth. He couldn't muster to say anything. But it was getting way too uncomfortable for him. He needed to leave this room, now.

Wearing Your cloak back, you said, "hmm... guess he needed more convincing. Whatever, could you two bring this room back to usual? There's something I have to do."

“Sure, Y/N” Brumm decided to answer it for you while divine holding her emotions from bursting

Then you turned to leave them both by alone as you left.

After few moments, Brumm groaned, "Divine, you know better not to challenge her.”

With her back to him, Divine's body started to tremble and she said nothing. Staying quiet

"D-divine?" clearly worried Brumm, "Hey, you okay?" he assumed she was going to cry, from the hurtful and challenging words you gave to her.

No, instead she let out a loud, uncontrollably laughing, "BAHAHAHAHA!"

Brumm facepalmed and sighed heavily “You really had to laugh, haven’t you?”

"I can't," she said, her expression visible on half of her face. "This is too ridiculous to not laugh at!" and she laughed even harder. “That freaking fiend! Hahahaha”

Brumm huffed. But in the end, her laughs slowly died down. She wipes tears that fell from laughing then sighed “wow… so much from our miss assistant, right brumm?- OW!”

"First of all, stop starting trouble with her and second, she's Y/N, divine. That's how she is. We know how many crazy things she did for the troupe, and we both know it's not our place to even try objecting her decision. We don’t wanna know how far she’ll do for the troupe” his voice.. then breaks a bit “I.. don’t wanna know anymore, I just don’t”

She stroked her head after being smacked, "I know, sorry for snapping at her… but I just couldn't stand her bringing herself down like this, I.. snapped a bit. That freaking fiend literally asking to fall down to a deep abyss”

"Then again," he said, his arm crossed, "I'm wholeheartly shocked that she was willing to put herself like this," sounding incredulous.

"You know how she is, brumm. She's allergic to the term failure. Like that one time, or that other time," she said, tally of previous incidents

"I get your point," he said, shifting the conversation to "let's just... focus on this." He waved his hand across the room, "though was it odd to you that the summoning ritual just.. fail like that?"

Put her palm under her chin, she said, "When you mention it.. yeah.. and knowing Y/N, it should've never gone wrong in the first place... maybe the nightmare heart wasn't pleased?"

He expressed his suspicions, sensing something was wrong with this ritual at all, "and what? Taking all of the flames? That never happened if it weren't pleased, if it did then the flames wouldn't just gone like that. it's.. unusual, it's like..." He said his suspicion, he knew something’s not right with this ritual at all. “it’s like they wanted us not to do the ritual, or maybe.. stop the ritual altogether”

She shook her head, "Oh, don't be so stupid brumm. I would belived more in Y/N doing it with him. The ritual is the essence of the troupe. Our entire existence and the whole troupe itself and even the nightmare heart itself because of this tradition."

“Yeah.. yeah.. maybe you’re right, hopefully there’s a better way out than…”

She groaned with her fist clenched "Yeah, that. I just hate that we can't do anything at all about-"

"Divine.. please.. what happened is already happened, we can't change what had happened," Brumm reminded her, feeling the same way.

"That's what I hated about it, brumm. I hated to accept that fact."

“So am i… so am i..”

Chapter Text

Mistake, fallacy, defects. Even if it is a natural part of things, it is something you never wanted to be connected with. You simply cannot take it; you want to avoid failing the Troupe. Thinking that you have... let him down is not what you desire. Or disappoint all of them. Just you.. felt that way, you get such deep wounds from failing. Ignoring the reason, you simply detested the sensation. Ever since the start, it has been that way. And you hated that

Midnight, you were standing outside a room. You sighed and looked inside at the several beds before carefully and without a creak opening the door. Just focusing on one, you moved there, placed a glass there, then turned to continue walking.

“Y/N?? is that.. You?” You heard her voice and paused. The voice without resentment, without even a trace of hatred. Simply said, that made you feel worse right now. “Oh! You brought me water.. thanks”

“…….” You just turned your back on her, not speaking to her. Your only desire was to just walk away…. still you were unable.

"Y/N," she calls you out, worried at you. " Go to sleep, okay? I’ve heard what they told me…”

“Listen.. it’s not your fault, besides..” She tried to lighten the mood by saying, "It's not the first time I got crushed under-" and then coughing violently, "ow... my back."

"………Rest well, Panella," you finally said, walking away from the medical room before she could say anything.

Then you... weren’t sure what to do now. You just felt the air is smothering all around you like a suffocating air that slowly took your breathes away. You want to sleep but you felt not want to, you just.. don’t want to sleep for the time being. So you chose to stand outside the troupe without your staff. Breathing in the crisp, windswept night air on whatever the troupe is in right now. You take in and out the quiet moments via your mask, eyes closed. It’s just.. calming in a sense.

Then you heard behind you, footsteps approaching the troupe's entrance. You knew who it is.. “Master…. Master haven’t asleep?”

Master grimm answered "No," standing next to you. “Just not feeling like it.”

"I see," followed by a brief period of quiet, you look up at him and then on the ground "is it... because of.. me?”

“…. Hey Y/N.. wanna take a walk with me?” He gave your question no thought at all.

“…Huh? Umm.. Sure.. I guess” That.. took you by surprised

To be honest, it was not all that horrible; walking with him was consoling. There is no specific route to follow; you two just... traversing this nocturnal city at random pathway. Taking the wind and the cold and relishing the silence at night. Walking only, no talking without a single word being spoken throughout it all. You two spend nearly an hour doing that before at last settling down on a bench together.

Walking around is pleasant. It calmed down our head from anything, from works.. right, Y/N?” You were sitting next to him when he inquired while looking down on you

“…..” It felt, you can't argue. good, as if walking with him brought you peace of mind. "Yeah," you said, shakily. “It is..”

Grimm knew, he had to talk about it, there’s no better way than right now "Y/N..." he said at last, "I was informed about this previous two days, of you nonstop working left and right about this incident. That is not how you have to be, Y/N. I never requested that you work here or wanted you to in a…. worrying manner. If you carry on, it could seriously damage your health.”

“…. I deserved it, master”

“It's not all that horrible of an a-“

“Ten Grimmkins, five novices, three masters, and two nightmares were injuted in the incident. Six grimmkin had minor injuries and four had significant injuries that required them to spend a week in the medical. Not only that, but over half of the arena stage was burned and It’s going to costs large sums just to have it fixed, and it somewhat damaged our troupe name with the possibilities that the palace of this country could be hesitated to invite us to perform,” you summarized everything in a single breath

He… wasn’t surprised for you to said that “Y/N…” he said your name in a more worrying tone

”Just easing the issue won't do, master. IT IS that much worse.” You continued in a  dejected tone

“Y/N.”

“And lastly.. it is my idea to begin with.. I pitched that idea and it.. failed horribly-“

He can't take it anymore, "Y/N!!" so he ends your statement, "Please stop blaming yourself like this.” Holding your shoulder, he said softly, "Don't worry me any more than I already am. Stop… I can’t stand seeing you like this”

Still, you gazed down on the ground. "Why?” Still holding yourself responsible for everything “Why wasn't the master upset about it? If master merely yelled at me for doing wrong, would it be better? I deserved that.. i.. deserved it”

Shaking his head, he sighed. " If I did.. then I failed as your master, I failed my assistant. until I took my own pride, ego, and honour seriously would it happen. That's not my style, though. I DO care of others, my grimmkins, including you, Y/N.”

You gave a little nod, realizing he was right. “But I promised to be like her. To protect the troupe, to devoted my life to it. Striving for perfection” Your hand clenched while saying that.. seemingly frustrated at yourself

“Y/N. You're wrong," he said quickly. "Listen.. She could have saved him without giving up her life if perfection had been in place. She wield the staff to do so but she does otherwise. Everyone makes mistake Y/N, everyone is not perfect. No one is truly perfect”

You didn’t say anything, you let him talk.. his words were right, he wasn’t wrong at all. You knew that, and he cared about you. This night, on some land’s city, on a bench just the two of you on the middle of the night

“Remember that one time when Divine unintentionally caused Brumm to misstep and fall during his play? Or when Brumm bought the tea leaves? or when I teleport way too far from where I meant to or inadvertently burn something?” He gave a few instances in a kind and consoling tone. "We all make mistakes. The grimmkins, divine, brumm, even the master the troupe, not just you. We are all prone to make mistakes. It is a part of us. We make mistakes, we learn from them, and we get better, okay?. ? I don’t want you to be all this gloomy, giving up, and hurting yourself; that will only make things worse rather than better. Because Death is not fearful….”

"What's fearful... is giving up," You finished the sentence. It is the wise words the troupe used from the very beginning even before you joined. The one you cherished close to your heart always. Everyone know and utilized it on themselves, you included.

“And I’m not saying this to alleviate the incident, because no matter what, it is still pretty bad. No.. I’m saying this, Y/N..” his hand touched yours, it caught you off guard as he intertwined his fingers around yours “Because I want you to understand, that you’re not alone in this.. You don’t have to carry this weight. I’m with you.. Together. You never carry this responsible alone, you know?”

Together... In an instant you gave him a tight hug right away. He gave you a hug back after that. “Thank you, master… thank you… I needed that so much, thank you…” you said in a grateful murmur.

“Your welcome, Y/N.... anything for my assistant” he answered. Patting your back.

You two spent several excellent minutes hugging, and on this chilly night, you could feel his warmth. That was... lovely; his hug brought you even more tranquilly. At that, you felt better overall. Resultant of him. You felt lighter than before, you felt better because he’s with you.

You two finally walked back to the troupe holding hands, not letting go even once, till you both came to a stop in front of your room.

"Thanks for tonight, master." You said, grinning "It's actually nice to have someone to talked to about what happened."

“No problem, Y/N. That's wonderful to hear” he said contentedly

Then, standing before his tall, thin figure, you pondered about something that has been bothering your mind ever since you ranked to assistant      "May I ask something, master?“

“Ask away, Y/N. Not a permission request necessary.”

“hihi.. I forgot. It’s regarding my potential, that is. I mean… divine senses it, and you feel it too. But that always made me wonder, what is my potential exactly? To what extent am I capable of greatness? Greater still than she was. I just have no idea what I'm capable of, no matter how long I give it thought. I'm just a trainee who jumped to the second highest position."

“Hmmm.. how do I explain it?” He stroked the back of his head, " To put it, Y/N. After our encounters, I just can see your potential strength. Your statements, your choices, your decisions.I have a feeling that if you trained yourself, not as a trainee or a nightmare, but as the assistant, the troupe would flourish under your direction. I sense that, and something divine smelt in you.”

“oh…”

“I know it’s an unsatisfactory response. But one day, you can see on how amazing you have become, would you continued to believe in yourself for the meantime?”

You nodded at him “Yeah, I will”

“Good, well.... have a goodnight, Y/N.”

“Goodnight, Master”

After after, he vanished behind a corner as you were watching him. Being the assistant and your mysterious past are both full of wonder in your life. Still, you were happy to have someone like Panella and him who really gets you. You can’t stop to having a smile on your face.

*****

“Feeling better now, Panella?” You asked her as you visited her in the medical room

Sitting down on the bed, Panella said, "My back still hurts at times but I think tomorrow, I can go back to work." 

“Especially after what you did, just don't push yourself.” You reminded

“Whaat? Is it bad if I pushed someone away and then got crushed by debris?”

Crossing your arms, you cocked your head.

“uhhh.. i’ll try not to do that again, and I’m glad you felt better too, Y/N”

“huh? Oh hehe.. you noticed.. yeah..” you reconciled from last night “I had a talk with master grimm, it ended up made me feel better when I talked about it with someone”

“Why not me then?” Asking without yet donning her mask, so her pouty face can be seen clearly

“Panella, the only thing you can do is just laying on the bed for the last two days, you were miserable that time”

“hehe… True, she said, lifting her shoulder, "but I'm happy he spoke with you. The last two days, you have been blind to everything.”

“Wait.. Did that related to him somehow?“

She grinned cheekily, "It's only talks between the grimmkins Y/N, might be true, might not."

“Well.. “I want to hear it,” you said.

“hmm…. Nah, it’s not something the great assistant should hear. It’ll ruined the surprise if it’s actually true”

“What surprise?”

She put her index finger on her lips "Nope, can't tell," she said with a little giggle, then snarled at the agony. “ow..”

“what a tomfoolery, alright.. I’ll wait it out” you eventually gave up.

“There you go!” She patted your shoulders

You stand up“Well, talk to you later, panella. There’s lot of works just for fixing the tent. It has a large hole and the performances is delayed for a few days” you stand up and walked away, off you go.

“alright”

When you arrived to the stage arena, a lot of grimmkin was cleaning the stage. Most of the flame gathering was redirected to assist reconstruct the stage over the last two days. Brumm was there.

“Hey brumm!!” you waved as you approached him

Playing his accordion, Brumm greeted back, "Oh hey Y/N.Supervising the stage?”

“Most of that, anyway. and why are you not pitching in?” You enquired. Crossing your arms

Showing his accordion, he said, "I'm helping with the morale here, this hands only good with the music instruments anyway."

“Hmm.. typical” you said, laughing softly. “And How’s is the instrument doing? I forgot to ask”

“Luckily, nothing was broken or burned. All soundly returned to their storage area.”

"Phew," you said, "I'm. happy, the last two days I missed a lot of things”

“And” he continued, "You essentially disregarded us at the time. Two whole days without any communication with you, got all of us worried”

“Ah..” you nodded at his words, you two observed the building work with him playing his accordion. Grimmkin clearing up the last of the trash and tearing down some sections to be rebuilt. “Even divine?”

“Even divine and master grimm. They were both waiting for the proper moment to discuss it with you, but you were just veering left and right. Not allowing them an opportunity.”

“I didn't really think about anything except the incident," you said, staring down at the ground.

“Yep.. that’s why they both were planning something once we left this city”

What? "Plan?" That’s the second time you heard it. “What Plan??”

Still playing, he shook his head, "I regret not knowing. Divine won't tell me because I might accidentally spoil it like a loud music.” He groaned softly “If only she realized she was the chatty one out of all of us”

"Hihi...” Then you looked at the huge hole and let the sun in. Is there... a way to cover that?"”

Brumm glanced at it as well, continued playing. "Fortunately, , this isn’t the first time the troupe had to change the crimson red tarp. Still, it was modifiable.”

“That’s a relief for once-“

“Y/N!!” a sudden yell surprised

You and him turned to see her waving at you and dashing to you-

“DIVINE LOOK OUT-!”

Then a small flying debris hits her head

"Yikes," said Brumm, then carried on playing as normal.

As you hurried over to her, you assisted her “You okay?”

“I’m.. oh yeah! We got good news Y/N!” she held both of your shoulders, lightly shaking it. Ignoring the hit she had moments ago

Her enthusiasm disoriented you. “Huh? What??”

“A grimmkin located a fantastic vendor to supply the troupe with Tarps! The same Crimson hue as ours and to top it all of, it’s considerably more affordable!” Excitedly speaking, she said We’re currently about to order the tarps but I had to report to you before we did so that’s why I’m here!”

“G-good but stop shaking me for once”

“Oh, right” she laughed.

"Anyway, that's one thing done," you quilled in your notebook after pulling it out of your pocket. “You may order it, divine. Make sure the tarps are just the right size, and length though, for what we need. And don’t forget to, hmmm” you think for a bit, "order a few extra tarps in case we ever need them in the future"

“Got it Miss assistant!” she bowed at you

Laughing, you shook your head. That became your nickname whether you liked it or not. Everyone else, saved for brumm and your master, has said as much. “Yeah yeah”

“Well, talk to you later, Y/N.” Divine walked away but you immediately realized something

“Also, divine, what are you planning to do anyway?....Divine?? Hello??!” You asked, but she purposefully disregarded you.

“That is a another issue altogether, Y/N. Have a good day!” She left right away after that.

You smiled even at her ambiguous response, your palm touching the place where your heart raced. The nightmare's heart became a piece of yourself. This near immortality of yours is the reason you have survived this long. Many people who cared about you made your heart race. But considering what surprised divine and master grimm might have in store for you, it never beat this rapidly. Your master is all you can think of.. you knew there would be more than just last night because he cared enough about you to make a plan to cheer you up. And although it never made you gasp for air, you were excited. assuming you'll spend everything this plan calls for. beside him

You chose to disregard it and give something else your whole attention.

****

Grimm arrives in his office, exhale deeply. Any scheme you have to call forth the grimmchild is simply too much for him. He's simply not ready for that just now, and it's far too filthy. Breathing gently, he leant back in his seat. He simply finds the ideas to be too much.

The door then opened.

“Y/N? w-why are y-you here?” he promptly asked

“…??? This is my office as well, Master; we share it.”

“oh.. right right” he clicked his mouth “I..uhhhh… forgot”

You went to your table, and take a few papers to your cloak “Maybe I could help master’s nervousness about all of this.“

"Y/N..." he just wished not to hear more out of it

“If the master doesn't want to view it, how about donning a blind fold?“

"Y/N.." All he wanted was for you to stop.

“Or perhaps—”

"Y/N, Y/N." He walked up to you and  knelt down beside you while firmly gripped your shoulder. Feeling as though he was going to burst. “Please.. I just.. don’t want to do any of this, okay? I’m sorry but I’m just… I’m just not ready for it. I don’t want to do any of it”

You sighed, glanced at his uneasy face and nodded, "Master's orders are absolute. I shall not ask the master to do it any longer. But I want master to stay safe from any harm for now on”

“alright.. alright..” he lets your shoulder go “I’ll… I’ll be safe..

You walked towards the door but stopped at the frame, reminding him"But if master had a chance of heart, my offer still stand," then you left with the sway of the cloak. Leaving him there

He huffed and went back to his seat, decided to focus himself on paperwork. He wondered.. if this voice going to return back or not…. Something is terribly wrong with the troupe or going to be terribly wrong. Something is going to be…. And he just.. hoped to never face that.

Chapter Text

Normalcy was to resume the morning following the whole summoning ritual fiasco. by staying in the breakroom to have some divinely prepared tea, but it's completely quiet there. Simple tea drinking from time to time, no conversation. No talking and all awkward

Reasons? They had you there. Grimm spoke normally with the two devoted grimmkin before you entered and seated down. After then, it was just awkward silence that you were unaware of.

Up until divine chose to end the awkwardness, "Soo.. Y/N, good to see you here. Did… did master asked you here?”

“I… did not, divine” Grimm replied swiftly.

You said to the three of them "I came here on my own accord. Does my presence unpleasant for all of you?“

“Not at all. Oh, most definitely not, Y/N," Brumm informed "It's just... been a long since you, well... went in at your own decision."

You nodded “not many schedule today and I don’t know what to do” you drank your cup of tea and got up, fixing your mask again. "Anyhow, thank you for the tea divine, it was lovely."

Then you left just like that…. from an interesting morning

The silence then lasted for a few lovely minutes before divine broke it once more. ”To be clear, yesterday is the cause, right? This is not us to stay quiet like this”

“Of course”

"Certainly"

Answers came from both.

“That's.. Good to know, that was really awkward I don’t know what that fiend planned to do, but hopefully it’s not as ridiculous as yesterday,” divine sighed at her seat “Master didn’t take her offer, right?

“no… I just.. not ready for something as far as that, divine," grimm said, tapping his glass with his chin on his other hand. “She might not have come here for that reason; I told her no, and she listened. “

Divine got up from her chair and said, "I see. Talk to you gentlemen later. I had to attend my tent or else she bombarded me with reports request, you know how she is” Divine quickly walked out, leaving the two bugs by themselves. Brumm doesn't need to go anywhere; the new instrumental was added, and the rehearsal with the music staff went well. So he just sat there, pulling out a sheet of paper and a quill to write a new piece.

Grimm looked at that idle piano. piqued his interest. "Hey brumm, you’re not going anywhere right?” Master Grimm inquired.

“Not at all, master” he said, lifting his head from the paper. “Is there something the matter?”

“Sort of. I wanted to know more about... Y/N.” Grimm was wondering about the piano, the fact that you were a pianist intrigued him, a part of you that he never knew.

“is it because of…” With a few body gestures, Brumm obliquely alluded to the incident yesterday.

“Well, Sort of.. Whether I will or not is a question. You know, but at least I wanted to get to know her better.”

“Well.. Y/N had a lots of story behind her cloak, way a lot for a single sitting. She is a special grimmkin, one of the busiest bugs I have ever seen, burning longer and stronger than scarlet flames”

“I was… wondering about the piano, brumm” he glanced at it briefly. “Could you relate a story involving her and the piano?”

He chuckled “Mrmm, that’s a good one” The accordionist ducked his head beneath the table and grabbed his instrument. "May i play a tune to go with this story, Master?“

“Sure, go ahead” Master grimm gave the all-clear and straightened up in his seat.

Brumm started playing his accordion in a slow tempo “This.. is the story of the assistant. Far from her masked self, she was once stand side by side with a piano. Assisting the troupe in her musical way, with each note assisting her play. Master grimm, this is the tale of the was pianist, Y/N.”

*****

“Phew, thanks for all the help, panella” You sat down on the ground, your back against the wall.

"Anything for the miss assistant!" she lightly answered next to you.

You two work all day in the troupe cleaning the unused storage area. After realizing that this kingdom will gave a huge inflow of supplies and flames and that the current storages would not be sufficient. You then made a list to clean the storage room and went to the unused storage and checked at it. You slightly hissed at the amounts of… stuff you needed to clean. And you want to finish it within a day since your master is having a meeting with the kingdom.

But happily, Panella passed by, so you have some assistance with the work at least. Three hours is still excessive for such.

“Was this room really necessary?” Panella asked you while using a piece of cardboard as a fan, "It hasn't been used in really long decades though. Like I'm sure we have enough space left."

With your mask resting on your lap, you said, "Well, not too long, Panella. Since this is one of the many large shows the troupe had, there's a lot of going into the storage, but the grimmkins sorta went overboard on it. We therefore needed it”

“And just by two of us as well?” Panella asked, her breath slowly calming down, "It would be much faster if you employed some grimmkins you know?"”

You laughed uneasily, "Wellllll, about that.. Panella, you know what happened last night. Their performances were over the top as well. Likely much outside of our means and the resources of the performer. I feel sorry for them in a way, they must’ve been really tired after brumm got muscle ached and probably in debilitating pain after yesterday”

Panella laid down the cardboard fan and said, "Well, first of all, that's really kind of you, Y/N. And second, you really needed a break. Did… did master made you.. did all of this?”

“Actually not at all, hehe. He never gave me the impression that he was weighting everything. I was yet adjusting to my new position, so.. What I have kind of bores me since I was just doing paperworks.”

Then she sighed. “Y/N….”

“Anyway” you say as you get up and stretch. "Let's finish this work,"

Working side by side, you two kept tidying the storage area, arranging the shelves and sweeping the dust into the bin. Right up until...

“OH! I found something” panella exclaimed.

“Hmm?” You walked to her, intrigued, and said, "What is it-oh!..."

Just lying there brushing off its age is a wooden upright piano. Sitting near the far end of the room, and hidden by the many stacks of waste.

“A piano?” You said, your confusion muttering, "How could a piano get here?”

Panella struck a white piano key, saying, "And still working. Wow" they say, tapping on the wooden piano, "And still in good quality, now that's some great wood. Not bad"

You waved your palm over the dust. “Whatever it is, no matter how or why it's here, our job is done.” You place your arms on your hip and say, "Well onto me directing the supplies to here"

“You should get into a hobby, Y/N.” Panella abruptly said

“Excuse me?” It surprised you what she said.

“Y/N, you worked nonstop and even when you were bored, you do even more works. And when I looked at the piano, you needed a hobby” panella, explained crossing her arms “A suggestion from your dearest friend, Y/N”

“I uhh..”You stroked the back of your head, "I'll.. try.

After finishing up with the storage room, you two were sent to your separate ways. You returned to the office to finish up some papers. And the one silent office forced you to think a lot, making you thinking far deep in thoughts. You looked at the hourglass; your master is still away from his meeting. Just why you always expected him to come back, to wait for him, to welcome him back to the troupe, was beyond you. He leaves the office lonely every time. It is simply... uninteresting without his presence. Without his light talk with you, or when you two discussing about your performances or his meeting. You missed that even just for a few hours.

Speaking of boring, you recalled what she said to you before you two left: "Y/N, I know it's ironic to hear this from someone who doesn't have a hobby too, but try to find something you like, something that would alleviate your mind from work. . That made you relaxed and happy. I’m worried because you could get stressed pretty badly without something to ease your mind. And you needed it more than me, Y/N. For you will have more demanding work and I won't be available every day.”

Sighing and shaking your head in your seat. Does panella even aware of your complete lack of interest in pursuing a hobby?. Unlike ike some grimmkin who ended up joining brumm's music crew or performances, you never thought to have a pastime even during your time as a trainee. And just what was your favorite hobby?

Flames gathering?... No, that's more like switching employment than a hobby; you work largely on troupe-related tasks and seldom outside of them. Having a tent store like divine? That is also more of a work switch than a hobby. And you don't want to start delegacy chores just now since you were rather poor in social groups and meetings. That being said... Beyond that, what then? Leaning on your seat with your arms crossed and your eyes closed, you gave it some more thinking this time. This is not as easy as you believe. What else was there to do with your time as the assistant? Doing it like divine won’t work, doing it like your master won’t work, then who else-

Your brain snapped as you finger did too, “THAT’S IT!”

****

Returned to the storage area, you carried a little brush with you this time. You opened the door, hurried to the piano in the rear of it.

You swept it and the interior compartment clean of dust. You cough a little bit along the way since there are a lot of dusts to brush off. “How long has this been here?“ You wondered.

Eventually though, it was completely brushed, and pressing the key made the note sound far clearer. Ok, where to place it now? You thought about the breakroom. Of which.. Pulling this thing to the breakroom may take a while, and you're not going to ask Panella for assistance, you're bothering her enough already. You huffed, you were sure it’s gonna take long

A loud cracking noise followed as you began to push the piano outside to the door. It will be difficult, you thought as the piano just made it outside. You panted. It’s really heavy even for a moderate size piano.

“What the heck is that loud noise?” Someone nearing you exclaimed.

Turning to look, you saw... “Oh, Divine!” You waved at her as she went up to you.

"Hi Y/N, what are you up to?" she said, looking startled as she saw the piano. "By the wyrm! Is it really…” She moved closer, carefully brushing the wooden piano “Never thought I would see it again. How long has it been?... Way too long, I supposed” she said, laughing a little at herself.

That.. surprised you. "You know.. Regarding this piano, divine?“

“In a sense. I have witnessed the incredible things this device accomplished in its day. Her tone and voice were wistful, "I would love to tell you more but it's all fall to brumm, you should ask him about this piano." You were even more interested in that.

You nodded, "I see. May I have assistance carrying this to the breakroom as well?"“

“Indeed, but for what?”

“I.. well.. need a hoby, sooo-

“You were giving the piano further thought? That’ll be great if you do, Y/N. At least it doesn't have to be aged by sitting in storage.” She sounded glad in her tone.

Her assistance made the process of carrying it to the breakroom much easier and faster as you two brought it there. It was next set up with the wall facing you. As she excused herself away, you waved. You wondered where the big bug was when you got back to being by yourself alone, but you didn't give it any thought.

You grab a chair and settle in front of the piano, removing your mask and setting it down there as well as placing one of the music notes you discovered on the stand. You glanced at the rows of notes standing. Before you start playing, something you have never done in your life, you take a breath. Although it will sounds awful, you have mentally prepared for the worst play you may do. You hoped that you still have interest to learn more of it

But then… it went really well. You nail the first row of the notes. Matching the note exactly that has to be played “Okay? That’s.. interesting” you were taken aback by your own performance. You know, somehow, where to push the key, which white note should be played, which black notes that should be played.

You attempted something, setting down the sheet music and picking up a tune on your own through emotions. You saw yourself at the troupe on your first day, being someone new and something new.  You are Y/N, but you have grown personally from your initial training days, becoming a much more confident person. As a gentle song played, your fingers pressed with the feelings you were experiencing at the moment, touching the white and black keys on your own instinct, but still creating a beautiful tone, remembering the hope you had. Now, though you would have preferred to decline, fate has chosen you to be the assistant. Out of anyone in the troupe, it’s you, a grimmkin trainee. And you learnt to become the person you are now, little by little. You improved personally and progressively gained self-confidence. Slowly but steadily—

The breakroom door opened, "Kairi??“

Your Play stops suddenly, and you look to see the accordionist at the door. "Oh.. “Oh.. good afternoon brumm” you greeted him

“…Oh.. Y/N, hey.” He greeted you back, seemingly relieved of something “I thought I was seeing something but alas, it’s just you” he went to you with his accordion still on him “I’m not expecting you out of all to play a piano” and patted the wooden piano gently “And being so good at it too”

“Yeah.. i just.. don’t know why” you said. "I simply... did.”

He nodded, "Mrmm, I see.. and what song are you playing now? It sounded beautiful"

“I.. I just...” you lift your shoulder ”played it according to how I felt at the time.”

He murmured to himself, "based on feeling.. ah..just like them."

You stopped a moment, "Should I..." His words, sentences, and posture at the moment piqued your interest. He seemed to be playing back a happy recollection in his mind. "Should I know who they are?“

“I think you should, since you were playing on their piano right now” he said, somewhat nonchalantly.

“W-what?!” you stood up from your seat “I’m so sorry brumm, I didn’t knew-“

"No no, it's alright, just sit back down, Y/N." He said, pointing back at the seat. ”I'm sure Kairi would gladly passed their piano to you."

"O-okay." You said, sitting down again. “That being said. Who is Kairi?'

“Kairi..” he reminisced, holding his accordion before going to a slow tempo “They were the right hand man before me, they were the leader of the music crew before me. They were my predecessor and I was their successor, but most importantly, a dearest friend of mine”

“Ah..” You joined in trying to match his tempo, which you did. His beat had you following it as they were in time with one another.

“Have you ever played the piano, Y/N?“ A rhetorical question

“Strangely enough.. I never remembered playing a piano” you said, still keeping up with his speed.

"Really? Playing based on your present feelings is on a moderate level, Y/N” he replied tilting his head. “Or even right now, playing while having this kind of talk. Something like this could only be done by a really intuitively aware and sensible musician.”

Your finger ceased pressing and he soon stopped too. "I don't remember at all." You said, "I just knew, I knew where to press, I knew which piano keys is which, I knew how to make a melody... but I didn't know why I knew… I don’t-“

“I get it, Y/N. There is no need to make yourself recall or to feel inadequate for your perplexity. Let’s just.. focus on playing, alright?”

“Okay” you nodded.

You two continued playing "Say brumm, could you elaborate on Kairi?“

“Sure, the beat quickened a little, and you followed along. “Could I tell a poem along with it?”

Poem? It intrigued you “Okay”

He cleared his throat and got right into his play, without pausing.

He clears his throat, and began starting without ever stopping on his play

“In a world where music enchanted the soul,
A pianist and a accordionist played as one whole.
Their melodies intertwined, creating a symphony so fine,
Captivating hearts with every note and each line.”

“Back when I starting playing in the music crew, I chose this accordion unlike others with more grandiose instrument. I was discouraged to play with the accordion, until kairi convinced me that any instruments can be grand with the right way. With them, we started to get along

“In a world filled with envy and pride,
A pianist and accordionist played side by side.
Together they created melodies so sweet,
Their music was a language that couldn't be beat.”

“Kari was... especially dear to me. Without them, I could not live by the values they instilled in me. I would not live the troupe like it were music; we were a formidable duo. An accordionist and a pianist that enthralled everyone who heard it, even our troupe master. We played all days and all night, making tunes inspired by everything from a blossoming flower to a waterfall. expressing through music the beauty of existence. If only… if only it could last forever. If only so” his he said, his words ultimately tinged with grief and a little anguish.

“On a stage they performed at their master's request,
Entertaining the crowd, giving it their best.
But jealousy reared its ugly head that night,
And tragedy struck in the form of a fight.”
 

"It was when visited a kingdom on a faraway land, a walled city with the castle perched high in the center. We originally planned to be a typical week of performances, but the kingdom extended an invitation for us to perform in one of their theaters. Obviously, Master Grimm asked if we wanted to. Kairi agreed with the crew as a whole. If only... if only...” he said, shaking his head. “No… nothing that transpired is changeable.”

“what.. happened?” Feeling that this story was going to take a worse turn, you asked him.

His play became slower to match the tone of melancholy. It almost seemed like the accordion and piano were crying when you played. “I had never before used music to express the sadness of life until that evening. It was my first and longest play ever”

“The pianist was targeted, doused with acid so cruel,
Their life was destroyed, oh fate so cruel.
The accordionist mourned, his heart torn in two,
Playing his instrument, his pain shining through.”

“A-acid?!” You stopped playing out of instinct, your hand covering your lips, and you looked at him in disbelief and shock

“Yes….” but he never stopped playing, not even a single hesitation "It was after we just finished, after we finished performing, after the crew received their round of applause. That’s when tragedy happened, that’s when one’s envy and jealousy took over as we were about to leave and were discussing a new play. For severe chemical burns, they were taken to the medical right away. Days by days of excruciating torment, with my accordion playing the only thing to ease their suffering, I stood by their side, never leaving as i’m with them enduring the pain. Unfortunately, just as I opened by eyes the next morning, theirs never opened, forever…”

“i…” You can’t fathom at how truly sad it is “I’m.. so sorry to hear it, brumm. And sorry for.. bringing it up”

I’m fine if you play again, Y/N. I’m already moved on, as I mentioned, so don't ever stop on playing the piano because of me. what they want me to do the last time before they died.”

“His sorrowful melodies filled the air,
His grief and loss, too heavy to bear.
The troupe master noticed his grief-stricken song,
And promoted him, where he truly did belong.”

“There was never a moment when I stopped playing after they died. All days and all nights, I played. Even at the depth of the pain and the number of memories it evoked. Up until the day master grimm discussed it with me. His promotion of me to his new right hand and the leader for the music crew startled me. As it happens, Kairi left the master a will before they died. It is...to think about elevating me to their position of successor.”

“He became the right hand, the master's trusted guide,
His accordion weaving emotions, he could no longer hide.
In honor of the pianist, he played with all his might,
A tribute to a friend lost in the shadows of the night.”

“Then.. slowly by slowly, I moved on from them. Taking the mantle of the leader of the music crew to which is what you see right now, Y/N” he ended his tale so does his poem and his play, leaving silence to take over

His story, the one of friendship and music, astounded you. “I apologize now for reviving your memories, brumm. “

He laughed slightly, not having any sadness on his voice "I actually don't mind if you start playing the piano. I’m sure they would be delighted to passed over their piano to you if they were here.” He sounded genuine, as if no pain or injury had remained.

"Okay," you nodded quietly.

"How about this time we play a happy song? I think that’s enough on the past”

Your lips turn to a smile.“

Then you two continued playing, this time in a more happy tone than before

***

“And that is... one account of how Y/N, the troupe assistant, began to play the piano. The assistant who loved music as well, till, sadly, the piano now waiting for their master to come back to play them. Waiting in centuries and more centuries," Brumm concluded his story, and his drama ended with quiet once more.

“…wow…” grimm commented the same way you did. “That’s.. an amazing tale, brumm”

 “Many thanks, master.”

“Is it.. really because of works that she stopped playing?” he asked

Brumm stopped a moment and said, "Yeah, she got busy with works that she no longer play."

“Ah... That is a shame. It would be nice to hear her playing sometimes.” He breathed out,  eventually comprehending you more. "I think that’s good enough for starters."

The accordionist stopped the master as he was ready to stand up and walked away “Master, wait. I forgot to give you this," he said, setting something on the table. "I'm sure this'll help master to know her better, I think it’s better to know her only by her, it’s much more better”

As Grimm accepted it, his eyes grew big. "Brumm, you're the most devoted bug this troupe master has, I'm thankful."

It made Brumm laugh a little. "Well, your welcome master, I'm flattered."

The breakroom door opened, showing you holding your notebook "Good morning, master grimm and brumm. I'm sorry for interrupting, but master, you got a lots of report that needed to be dealt with. It's about greenpath, our next destination," You reminded flatly

“Oh okay, well see you later, brumm”

“Later, master”

The accordionist then watched as his master and you departed the room. Oh how pleasant it is to remember a time when everything was normal, when everything between the four of you was normal. Well, just like before.. no use in clutching the past anymore. Taking the cups and saucers to the kitchen area of the breakroom, he washed them at the sink and hung them to dry off on the rack.

"Brumm," Divine suddenly showed up in the kitchen behind him "What did you just give him?"

“Divine?” he turned around to see the advisor looking agitated “That’s not so much of a greeting” he was surprised to see her here

“Brumm i’m serious, what did you gave him? I can almost say his eyes beaming with excitement as he walk with Y/N”

He sighed, sometimes she can be unpredictable at her antics. He answered what he gave to him

Then her expression became utterly shocked, "Brumm! You stupid bug! Why did you gave that for?!!"

He was taken aback at her sudden yell “Divine, calm down. Master is just trying to know her better after yesterday, why are you freaking out about?”

"You KNOW why brumm! You knew why!"

"...," no, that can't be.. " Alright alright, now you're just..."

“I’m NOT PARANOID brumm!!”

“I’ll believed more if they ended up doing it than what you think right now!”

“It is like that, really brumm! Use some common sense!!”

“There’s no way, divine. It’s hard to believe that! I mean last cycle was-“

“Last cycle is last cycle! Not every grimm is the same!”

After ranting so much, she really panted; what she saw just thanmerely made her worry worse.

"Divine.." He attempted to console her, "Let's just calm down, you're not thinking rationally."

"I. AM. BEING. RATIONAL…” She said, pressing her words “I just.. I need to sit down”

“Yeah let’s just… do that first” he agreed with her

They both sat down, completely silent for the few seconds after that intense yelling

Speaking first, Brumm said slowly to not cause more yelling "Divine, I kinda get it where you're heading, but I'm sure master grimm is trying to know her better like the previous master, just as master and assistant"

Eventually, though still agitated, she said calmly, "It's not like that, brumm. I can understand whether or not master grimm had THAT look on his face. And what I saw just now is the same as how her first master grimm looked at her. Look! I've been suspicious ever since the bazaar, at how he's trying badly to make sure she joined, and they going to take care of that gang, and he was being curious in her. I'm just scared brumm, I'm scared how it will turn up in the end."

he sighed. "Fine.. let's just say your suspicion is plausible for a large number of reasons are. If your suspicion is right, what do we have to do about it?"

"I just.. don't know," She groaned lightly, "That freaking fiend doesn't even understand what chaos she'll went through, nor does master even truly understand what's under her mask no matter if he tried."

"Alright, how about this, divine?" he asked. "Let's just.. wait and see? I know you're worried of her, but if we act irrationally or in a bad timing, we might make everything much worse than what it needed to be. And we'll act appropriately if things got bad"

“You stated that before, and look at how things turned out. It's still terrible.”

“Well do you have any better idea?”

“…No.. I don’t”

Wait, the one plan they both detested was the safest one they could think of just now, the safest without violating their vow to her,a plan for an event they both hoped never happened.

Chapter Text

You woke up, yawning on your bed. 4.30AM is when you looked at your hourglass sand clock on your small desk designed for it. You awake in time.. as always. You sat down, stretching your body. You do your usual routines when you woke up, tidying up your bed and take a shower inside one of the door on your room.

You dried yourself, walking to your wardrobe and picking your clothes (depends on you), then took a cloak from a coat hanger along with your Troupe mask. You looked at yourself in a full body mirror hanged on the wall, you wore your cloak and mask….. You blinked twice, looking at your figure on the mirror

You pulled the cloak closer to your body as you stuffed a notebook and a quill along with your staff and opened the door and-

“Good morning, Y/N”

That surprised you “Master grimm? Master was... waiting for me?” Usually, he wouldn't act in such way; he was meant to be up later. Way later than you expected.

“Not that long. You always in time every morning, so might as well I wait” Though he seems a little tired, his voice is clear and in good spirit "I just want to accompany you on your work if that's okay."

“Does the cause matter in particular, master?“

“Not really. There’s not many paperwork today”

But with his seemingly arbitrary requests, you knew he was up to something. You were aware that he was aware that you were restricted by your job to accompany him whenever the troupe visited a city. The only reason you HAVE to accompany him was because he was a naturally curious guy who wanted to see and explore everything. But, that interest could get him lost and forget his route to the troupe.

“Sure, but I’m not going to the breakroom this morning, master.” You choose to put up with his plan

“That’s fine” he normally answered

The grimmkin must to be roused from their dorm as your first routine. Lighting the lantern in their room was easy as usual. He was merely observing as he trailed you and saw the flames brightened the entire room. It was quick, just merely opening the door and with a focus on the staff, the entire room woke up, and you just moved on like that.

“May I try?” he offered as you opened the last dorm room

“Sure”

The room brightens as he snaps his finger and flames fill the lantern.

“My eyes!”
“I can’t see anything!”
“AHH it’s Too bright!”

which were overly brilliant and turned the entire room into a scarlet red blip. "Oops," he snapped his finger again, and everything resumed normal, guessed he put too much power on it, way too much power than intended.

“Hmm.. Good enough, master. Come on” You said, stepping aside and ignoring the mistake that he had done. He closed the door and softly followed you while peeping at the grimmkins recovering to the bright light. He’s sure that they’ll be okay. It’s just an intense beam for five seconds, hopefully.

When he said he had completed his works, he wasn't lying. It was piled on your desk and some in the cabinet as soon as you two walked into the office. You are not criticizing; you were just curious about his ideas that made him so productive. With him handling some of your papers this morning, it went much more quickly than it used to. You were wondering what time he fell asleep last night if he had planned everything.

After that, you two were standing at the back of the troupe. You two were burning old or useless documents that’s no longer useful for the troupe. Flames scorching the paper to an ashen grey, and you two standing there, just looking.

Just striking up a conversation, he said, "I was curious how you could count everything that fast, Y/N.”

“It was nothing special to me, master. though, It was my job as the assistant and it wasn't the master's responsibility to account for the troupe's financial gain. Master only got the final summary, and as usual, our discussion determines the results”

“Well.. Was my performance good atleast?“

You nodded, "Even though the master made a few mistakes and took a little longer it was good. Master has been getting better for the last ten years.”

Your praise made him laugh quietly. "Does that mean I could take over some of my works?“

“No doubt. We may give it a shot at the next location, where I will supervise master's work and assess the finished results. But it would mean that master would have to reschedule and busier than what master used to," you reminded him, the two of you still observing the burning papers.

“Well I wouldn’t mind, you’ve been way too busy with way too many works, Y/N. Besides it’s about time you know?”

You answered, "Okay then." not too long later

The flame burned in silence for a while longer. The smell wasn’t so bad, after all, you were used to the smell of burning. You’ve been striking too many foes with fire that it’ll matter anymore, unless it’s a large beast.

“We should return back, master-“

Then his comments halted you as you began to turn around. “Do we burn like flames, Y/N?” He asked haphazardly, his tone changing

“Pardon me, master?”

“Do we..” Staring intently into the flame, he said, "Do i burn like the flames?" Is the spirit of the crimson flames burning within me?“

"We….," you stammered at his abrupt shift, "Master’s do."

“Does that explain why fire never burned me?” His hand advance toward the blazing flames. The smell of ashes still lingered on. “Warm, not burning, not painful. That’s how it felt. Nothing about it hurt at all. It seemed.. cosy, it doesn’t hurt at all even if I stepped on a raging flame. Flames that would burned everything but me, flames that would everything but my very own”

“Yes… it’s master’s power… as the troupe master”

“Of course” He chucked mischievously “The power of the troupe master may be traced back to the first troupe master, who pounded the hearts of the numerous grimm before me, and that made me wonder.” Pulling back his arms, he turned to face you, his scarlet eyes feeling like... scorching your masks, as if it was burning your souls, "Do you burn like The Scarlet Flame as well?“ as if.. it wasn’t your master

"M…Me?" That words… no.. no... the words mean nothing to you anymore "I don't think I do-"

"Yes, you do, Y/N" he slyly cuts your sentences off, "Your souls flame like the searing fire. The nightmare essence that engulfed our troupe. Your commitments burn brightly like the scarlet flame. Does that also make you fireproof?“

You shook your head, you gripped your staff with both of your hands as it clenched on it “No, it shields nobody from the fire, not even me. Only master do”you said, feeling strange at your master.”

“Oh really? That’s just..” he then smiled “That would be unfortunate, would it, my scarlet flame?” his voice.. darkened

“H-huh---NNNGGHH!” It was as soon as you saw his smile that your head hurt. With your right hand cradling your head, you leaned on your staff. It hurts so bad it feels like thousands of needles penetrated your skull. The pain is almost unbearable to you…

A little image of the troupe flashed at your thoughts, "The nightmare Realm…"

That aches so much that the surrounding noise numbs your hearing. You could only clinch your own jaws from screaming at the pain; you heard nothing else. All sounds suddenly went muffled, you weren’t having a normal headache. It’s… unusual

You felt a touch on your shoulder, “Hey… hey… it’s okay, I’m here…” He was kneeling and keeping your shoulders together as the agony subsided and your eyes opened, he was kneeling and keeping your shoulders together. His eyes pity you. He looks... Usual, as he was before “You alright, Y/N?”

“I’m... good” you said shaking your head as the headache gradually subsided. "My head just... aches a little, but I'm alright.”

“That’s...  nice to hear. You made me worried, should we..”

You declined "No... We can continue with works, I feel okay." You now stand normally, your body nearly collapsing from the agony but you persevered.

"Oh.. O-okay, but don't push yourself if your headache persists.”

Back to the group you went, him trailing after you. He looked back at the flame slowly snuffed out, he wondered what had happened to him before, the entire thing when watching the flames. He shuddered a little since it seemed almost like he wasn't himself for a moment, as if he had this… weird desire to do that.

***

Still, you two ignored it, even at the Grimmsteads' stable. Your master petting beau’s head. She purred as she leaned in to his hands and relished the petting.

"So cute," he said, "I was wondering how you could talk to them, Y/N. Quite the discoveries, that.”

“Well… when I realised that the nightmare heart connected every aspect of us. I came up with a hypothesis that I could telepathically link my consciousness and travel to a realm of mind where the language of the mind is universal, where what you think is what was being said and I was right. When beau initially spoke with me, she was thrilled with the idea to talk like this and Arion, was also taken aback, but he spoke with me like we were colleagues.”

“Does it imply that every grimmkin can do it?” Still petting him, he inquired, and Arion sat there, uninterested.

"In theory, yes, but it's not necessary to try since the grimmkin intellect is far more sophisticated and complex than the steeds. . A normal physical conversation is more viable, so there’s no used in doing it”

“I see..”

Then grimm waited while you spoke with the steeds; it's fascinating to watch their eyes light up with nightmare essence running around the stable while you stand there, securing your staff like a pole. He pulled the brochure that Brumm had given him out of his cloak. It excites him, he gently chuckled. Everything, including taking you to a bazaar and this, is well worth all he had to accomplish. Though he can, he knows it's wrong and doesn't want to force you to go with him. He therefore made the really easy decision to just make sure you had no job for the day. That always, however, motivated him to work more actively and productively on his duty and even yours.

Then you went back to the real world as the nightmare essences all about you began to fade. He swiftly reapplied the brochure to his cloak. It’s not for you to see it.

“Is that all, Y/N? did they request something weird again?” It was while you two were walking to the troupe that he asked.

“Thankfully not” you said shaking your head. “I was simply warning beau to not get overly freak out about the monthly check-up like he did the prior one.”

“Of course. Quite a few messes she created last time” he said,  softly as he remembered that she had fled the stable a few months earlier.

“Still, I believe she will pay attention, hopefully. I told her if she didn't stay calm during the checkup, I'll strip the'special red drink' from her next meal” You replied, pulling out your notepad and marking it, "Now where master want us to go?” you asked him while still writing your notebook

“Hmm?” He tilted his head

“I take it that's what the master wants?” You looked up at him as you put the notebook to your cloak “Master had a place to bring me to, that’s why master was so productive this morning, am I correct?”

He laughed, " Oh you got me, Y/N. Yes, I did want to take you someplace before we head out tonight,”

“Alright, I have enough hours of breaks if that's what the master wants, so let's go now that I'm free. But wear the-“

Snapping his finger, his cloak changed to a more hooded one. That was quick “Done

"O….kay… I'll let divine know about this, just in case something happened," you excused yourself and went to her tent

He reminded “Alright, but don’t be long”

“It won’t….”

She is easily found; she is usually selling her items from her tent. Which weren’t far from where you two are.

“Ah Y/N, what brought you here?” she asked you, she was holding a box in her arms

You quickly informed her, "I just wanna told you that I'm going with Master Grimm today; if anyone had a report, put it on my desk for the time being."

She exclaimed “Wait, Y/N-"

Then you merely left her tent entrance like that, "Later."

Divine moaned with concern; it was such a brief conversation that she never got to respond. Give up? Waiting? She was not usually fond of the concept. This waiting game killed her.

She doesn’t understand why brumm is so keen in waiting, this waiting game is gonna delved into a chaotic mess if they didn’t do anything. Why did that oath matter so much to him anyway? But she was wise to not try to do it herself. She was wiser than that. she’s the advisor after all. She put the box down on the ground and peek as you two began walking away. This isn’t right… she wanted to intervene and stop them, but alas.. she couldn’t.

***

“Master, just where are we going?” You two ended up standing at a tram station, and you wondered why.

He chuckles, but suppresses it. "Oh you'll see, Y/N."

To be honest, it’s quite far from the troupe, particularly if one had to take a tram to get there. Many bugs are there, waiting for a tram while standing or sitting about with the each of their own objective in mind. A few glanced at the troupe master before going back to own businesses. And some were bringing carts. You may recall that the scouts had informed you that the tram now had a cart portion, a more expensive alternate to get to a location without needing to go a stag road. You just want to get back to work but you were stuck sitting here waiting for a tram.

Looked under his hood, you saw the same eagerness he had before the bazaar. You knew it’s important for him to stay in a good mood, you just wondered why it’s always you out of all. He never wanted divine or brumm to accompany him, always you. is it because you were a professionally trusted member?-

The tram then pulled over as the gate opened, well now for something much more important. A throng of people to get by, but that seems much simpler because of his tall, slender stature shoving everyone aside.

Giving the pass, you took a seat with him on your side. Bugs are seen taking up a seat by themselves at random and, via the window, a special carriage for the cart pullers.

After everyone was seated and a bell rang, the tram moved. Unaware of what to do, you placed your staff on your lap and scribbled a plan for future projects in your notebook, while your master… seemed to be on his own mind.

Then a second bell rang as the tram slowly stopped; when you were concentrated, time truly flew by quick. That’s good enough, at least.

“Resting ground?” you tilted your head as you two find the name sign just as you walked out “Are we here to respect the passed away, master?”

"Sort of, but it is part of my plan going here He walked away which prompt you to follow him immediately

The whole time, you two prayed on the graves of the warriors who died both during and after the infection, as well as those who were unable to survive to see beyond it. Many bugs also do the same too, honouring the dead,

“Master grimm? Come on” you watched him pause and fix his gaze on the same statue from town hall.

“The knight… the vessel who saved hallownest…” the troupe master just mumbled to himself “I…know them...? who are-“

"Master." You poked his arm.

“Huh? Oh sorry sorry” he shook his head and walk with you, guess that won’t matter for now. He remembered the main reason he was here.

Both of you strolled till at last a big blue field caught your attention.

"“Blue.. lake?” You asked him “That’s why we’re here for?”

“mmhhmmm” He nodded and said, "The blue lake, a never-ending supply of lake that rains down the city of tear under us, which also on our destination"

“Guess we’ll reserved a small boat then” you stated

The lake was deserted the last time you were here, and other from a few infected, there were hardly any bugs. And now when they were paddling their little boat across the lake, it was alive with bugs. You were impressed. It was nicer this way. At least the beautiful scenery won’t go to waste.

He started rowing with a hum emanating from his lips after you two managed to get a rowboat after standing in line for a long, but he stopped after they got far enough.

"“Oh yeah, I got something for you, Y/N” he said, pulling a flower from cloak coat and giving it to you.

“Thanks? Isn’t this a delicate flower?” Holding the pure white blossom by the stem, you inquired.

“Yep, Favourite flower from one of the five great knight of hallownest… uhh who was her name again?”

“Ze’mer, that’s her name.” you set it gently on the boat “She was also famous for her biography story, about her unfortunate love story with her lover, the daughter of one of the traitor mantis.”

“You knew the story, Y/N?” he asked

"Read one; will the master give the other flowers? I think it was obvious that master had more than what master had," you continued on to the flower subject.

"What do you mean, Y/N?” You can tell through his pretending ignorance that he does have anything else.

“Master, you do," you said quickly.

You can interpret his body gestures and his expression. A signal that he most definitely had more of than he showed. You were right, by the humiliated look on his face.

“Hehe, you always know me, Y/N. I uhhh” He pulled out a pale vase with a bunch of delicate flowers from his cloak. “I was meant to put it in your room after today. I know It was unnecessarily many but It was an assortment of lovely flowers that would never fade. And that looks nice to look at." he said, setting it down on the boat.

"It is, thank you for your kindness, master," you said, genuinely not minding a vase of flowers in your chamber. To tell the truth, you gave it very little thought. That never bothered you.

He laughed and then sighed, leaning himself over the side of the boat to view his own reflection in the crystal-clear water. “Do the troupe, Y/N, detest water?“

“Of course not, master. It’s only the nightmare torch that suffers from it, and the reason City of Tears never has a scout mission is for this. The fire would go out with the rain. Yet performance is still possible as usual” you said. “The troupe could live side by side with water, even though our flames were immortal nemesis with it ever since they first existed”

Looking at his own mirror, he nodded. His features; his glances; his scarlet eyes. All about him is... just him. And you are everything about everything else. Nothing about his appearance changes in the last ten years, except for his height and maturity.

Using his right hand, he swirled the water. Water is just water, nothing particularly noteworthy or unusual. And the azure lake was quiet, with little sounds. Unlike the grounds, the lake, not many bugs were making loud noises. With only splashes of water from time to time

“Master!” You yelled as he threw himself off the boat and splashed loudly into the sea. The boat shook because of it and you had to hold on as it swung left and right. . You went to look at where he fell, you saw only water drops. "Master? Are you-”

Then you were jumped because you are startled by his head abruptly emerging from the water. Worse, you fell as you were slipping off the boat.

You are complete incapable of swimming. And your drowning is happening gradually.

“Heehe.. I've been itching to do this for a long time… Y/N" He looked up at the boat to not see you there, then he heard strong splashing noises from the opposite side of the boat, as if someone is attempting to stay afloat— "Uh no, Y/N!“

“Master! Help…i.. can’t swim” you cried out to him, your body thrashing about in a terrified voice to keep afloat. You are falling slowly into the deep ocean, unable to swim. You were attempting to hold your head above the water but you knew it would be available. You were attempting to hold onto the boat back but you were unable to. For the first time, you were afraid, afraid that you would not survive That the life you lead could-

Then, as if someone had touched your body, your eyes opened again and you realized you were not drowning. You clung fast to the person who had grabbed you.

It was him. "There, there.. I’m here with you, again. Honestly i don't know that you can't swim, my dear Y/N.” he said, putting his slender arms over your hips while you were holding on his shoulder. “When I was little, I used to swim here with my caretaker occasionally.”

"I could never swim, I had... no times for that," you said, panting and ignoring his little story as you used one hand to keep your mask from coming off.

“Ah I see.. I see.. well you’re alright now, I’m holding you” he said comforting you while floating above the water

“Why…Why master suddenly jumps off?” you asked, your voice returned back to your usual flat tone “Why master suddenly jumps off the boat like that?”

“Sorry. I didn't expect you to slipped off the boat, Y/N. I was just wondering about taking a swim and somewhat forgetting that you were here." He laughed nervously,  “And I didn’t expect you to slipped off the boat, Y/N. Oh yeah.. sorry too for getting you soaked too”

You spoke back, "I didn't mind," your cloak feeling thicker around your torso and clearly saturated wet from the water “Can master..... Return me to the boat, please?”

“I would.. but I want to just… enjoy this moment, Y/N. Just lounge about this big pool and act... unhurried. Just floating on a big water reservoir was so soothing.” He hummed, "Yeah.. It's rather nice, would you agree?

You huffed, "Okay, but don't let me go"

“I won’t, miss assistant” he chuckled, holding you closer

Then, that was it. He drifts across the water, a little distance from the boat, and you two say nothing; you are still holding him tightly. Although you were aware that many bugs would be able to see this awkward act, you decided to let him be happy. He wouldn't start any more problems later on with these shenanigans. You just float along with him, fixing your mask back on

And him? He enjoyed this. He recalls that his caretaker used to treat him like way when he was learning how to swim. Trying valiantly to avoid falling eight feet underwater, he held his body above the waterline. Now it's the reverse, him hugging you tightly. He smiled the biggest he had ever smiled, yet he could feel his heart burning like fire. “Was that pleasant, Y/N?“

Just faint splashing noises could be heard. “It is, master.”

He chuckled much harder now. “Glad to hear that.”

You and him were the only ones on this haphazard spot above the river. You holding him close and he holding you back close to him He wanted to say it now, but he knows it’s not the appropriate time yet. He wanted a… more nicer tone and atmosphere, not on a wetter and soaked one.

After some time, he finally assisted you in raising back to the boat and entered himself. Thank goodness your staff is still on board, else it might sink well below the surface.

“So uhh, how do we go back to the troupe like this?” he asked, he didn’t think this one through

"No need too, master” you took your staff and tapped it three times on the boat. Both of your cloaks went dry as a spark of flames shot from each of you and steams rose to the air. “There.. now we’re dry again”

“Thanks, Y/N.” he patted his dry cloak and began rowing back

You were fixed on the small waves the boat was creating. Swimming never appealed to you at all. Deep water and you have far too many negative things to happen. One of your flaws as the assistant is that you are not a swimmer. You cannot also fly above it, unlike other grimmkins. Only few specifics who does. And that only counts a few fingers. Two of them were Panella and you. Two people are not able to fly.

And it brought you on a long memory…. A really long memory… just as you see him rowing the boat back without any second thought…. a memory when you served him

Chapter Text

Though it happened years and centuries ago on a different part and time from the troupe burning incident, it was a long long time ago and still related as one, entwining with each other. Because of course, they are integral about you.

"And there's another one...," Panella said as the caravan departed the city mid-night. Only another one among many the troupe saw.

"Yeah," you said to aside her "at least this one is friendlier in terms of its people."

"I'm happy on that, nevertheless! "She reached from her pocket a map. "Let's see... we visit here next, right?” She aimed something at the map.

“Yeah, right there”

"That's... going to be a long path.”

"Not really," you followed the line from the target "We're going through here."

“A cliff? That cliff, Y/N? that doesn’t sound like a good idea” panella informed you worriedly.

"Why thus?" You asked her back

She told you, "Well... from what I’ve heard from the locals, it's an incredibly territorial territory for some…… wild beast. They claim that during this month, it's their mating season, something like that. They therefore grew quite protective of their children. And I find it quite unsafe if we had to go there as well.”

You briefly considered it, and huffed before giving her a smile "I'm sure there won't be any trouble along the way. Panella, this is the simplest path to get there. Apart from that, should we come across one, we will simply knock them out, as always”

“i.. Hope so. Panella remains worried about it "I just don't want my end to be mauled horribly, I know this is normal during the caravan trip but sometimes, it’s just……".

“Come on, panella!” You laughed "You know I always be on your side," placing your arm around her "Like you remember last time when you got taken to a mole hole by that... Thing? And I went in to save you and suddenly there’s an intense chase to get out of there before we were buried alive just at the last second?”

“It’s… that unpleasant, Y/N. I felt like we were walking on a tunnel maze”

“Butttttt, my argument still holds true. We can manage it going forward jointly.”

She snickered at your heroic tone "Is that a hopeful banter from the assistant?"

“hehe… sort of" you stroked the back of your head "Then again, tt's my responsibility anyhow to keep hopeful when no one could, okay I'm cool, I know."

She answered sarcastically, "Of course, miss assistant, you're always cool."

You two laughed it off and then split off on your own. Apart from slight heart fear, you gave it little thought. You get terrified a lot as you never enjoy having to say goodbye to anyone, you don’t want that to happen. Having fear of failing and losing her, seeing panella pulled down by that….. thing drives you to a strong adrenaline and a foolishly daring attempt to save her. But the troupe had their own danger, and you’ll be in the frontlines to help your members, whoever it is.

Though the troupe is not always in a clear sky, there is always conflict just waiting to surface. Bandits, thieves, raiders, creatures, wild animals, harsh territory, harsh weather, etc.; when you became an assistant, you understood how tired it is to be handled; it got you thinking at how your master handle it without you, almost seems like a difficult task if he had to make the ending decision himself every single day.

Speaking of the troupe master, "You're not going to sleep, master?" You asked once you stood on the office door's frame.

"Soon, Y/N.," he answered brief

"Can I... assist?” You inquired tensely, and you... don't know why you were so tense all of the sudden

He chuckled at himself, "Y/N. I guess I can handle this paper alone. You stressed yourself with yesterday’s meeting that we had to go to.”

"I'm.. Not sure whether I performed good.” You said nervously

"You did wonderful, my dear. For a first conference, you did great.”

Ah yesterday, the symphony of nearly ruin of yours. Government officials and ranks would as usual want to show up for meetings with the troupe master on the unexpected tent appearances. That things master grimm would handle personally, although occasionally he would want someone else with him. And normally that would be divine, but she knocked herself out on her bed due to being sick. And it doesn't sound professional to force a sick member or having a sick member joining a meeting.

“Y/N, you did not fail the meeting yesterday. Besides, I’m sure that will help your experiences the future time. When she first showed up for a meeting, divine also behaved like that. At least the meeting was not with the castle's monarch, which would be challenging for you and stressful.”

You huffed "I guess... master's right," and nodded, slanted yourself against the opened door frame.

It was meant to be brumm, but the bedridden divine advised you instead, so much for being sick. Ultimately, though, you falter and joined. At least you wore a mask; else, your nervous expression would ruin everything.

“Well, Goodnight, master. “you greeted him off

"Goodnight, Y/N".

But given your length of employment, you realize you had to make ready for a more demanding work, particularly with your second most top position. Of course it’ll be demanding much later on, you just had to get ready for the true task as the assistant

***

You woke up and the darkness still exists. You heard loud bangs all around, like a thousand of pebbles striking the caravan, a rain. You sat down and checked your hourglass; it's hardly through midnight, and you're not starting to feel like sleep even. Well so much for a nap. Oh well.

You got your staff and mask, changed appropriately, and left your bedroom. You looked left and right to find hardly anyone; if it were not for your staff, it would be really dark and hardly noticeable. It has been a perfect lamp and nightlight for your room. You don’t know where to go until you felt… weird, as if there’s no movement at all. The caravan stayed still. Fascinating; something had to have happened if the caravan sat motionless while it was raining; you pondered how the two steeds would have handled such weather. They had a strong weather endurance, no matter if it’s cold, or warm, they rarely get sick…. And speaking about sick.

You walked to where the driver meant to be in charge of the caravan. You wanted Arion, especially Beau, not to become sick from the heavy rain; or else, her treatment would cause headache to your head. You also wanted steed not to get sick. As you kept on your trek, the sky roared to life with a bright light.

"Hello," you greeted, walking to the front of the caravan where you could see the driver grimmkin seated with the leash stay in their hand while your master sat close by.

"Oh Y/N, good to see you here." Your master greeted back while the driver bowed to you before returning to their seat, merely holding the leash while the uncovered window hole in front of you was quite ravaging.

It's not just any rain; it's a thunderstorm, hardly anything but the two steeds could be seen. Not even the lamp flame dangling close to the steeds does the light far. The winds also blow fiercely; you could hardly see anything little being pulled off the road by them. And the steeds just standing there idly, not even minding a care for the heavy rain out there.

"What led you to come here? You have problems sleeping?” he asked

“No, the heavy rain woke me up and I don't feel like the sleeping."„ You said, pulling another chair to you, "And speaking of rain, is that why the caravan just stopped moving?

White light flares and a lightning strike strikes the air as the voice moves through with the heavy rain.

"Well… for starter" he pointed at the outside view "And we're now also at the cliff dividing the two cities, but with this rain, wind. Just wait it out; the muddy, somewhat slippery ground is better left unaltered. Furthermore, not helpful is the low visibility.”

You nodded, right… the cliff, the damned cliff that the caravan going to went through

"Maybe after the rain slows down, we could set a modest tent for the steeds to warm up for the meantime- “

“Don't!” You exclaimed, then realized your suddenness and started to back down, clearing your throat "Sorry, what I mean is, master... I advised we simply go across this cliff once the rain stopped; there’s… beasts reside here”

“Oh right... beasts. Brumm did indeed tell me all about it. It's unfortunate that our troupe arrived at not so wonderful season” he remarked, his back reclining on the wall while comfortably sitting.

You removed the panella map you received before "Driver… Do you roughly know how far we have descended the cliff?”

"From what I’ve seen, we have passed fifty-three trees.” They explained vaguely, “I… uhhh, didn't remember how far, Miss.'"

Leaning outside the window, you removed your mask, squinting at the trees, then returned to your seat "That means... We have not yet halfway through; quarter...”

"Is there... anything you are thinking about, Y/N?” He asked you.

“Not much. Simply said, once the rain stops, we should follow the escort protocol.” You suggested this to him, “We are not running the danger of being attacked on the way down this cliff. It’s a risk we won’t take for safety measure”

“hmm… That sounds like a great idea. Y/N, you're right” then your master agreed with your intended course of action, which made you grin broadly.

" As always!"

You will do your very best not to fail the troupe, ever.

***

Once you noticed the edge of the cliff, you hissed; it was a steep descent towards a roaring river down below. This would be such a terrible destiny to find. That of which you don’t want to find out.

"Wow…” Panella remarked aside from you, "It's a pretty deep fall."

"Yeah... and watch where you walk, panella. This morning the ground seems somewhat muddy.”

"I' will Y/N. Glad you addressed my worry.” Panella grinned.

"If it's involving our livelihood, of course I would reconsider," you patted her shoulder "Now come on."

Escorting the caravan were you, panella, and four other nightmares. There were little tinkering sounds of a fallen drip of water from the trees, the warmest sunshine in the morning following the rain, and it looked so serene, dangerously peaceful that could tricked anyone passing by

Your path of travel was somewhat muddy than it should have been. While the nightmares just flew naturally, you two had to tread cautiously since only you and panella were the members who walked and an embarrassing fall would follow otherwise. You sighed, lucky them. At least you weren't laughed at for a non-flying member, and you glad panella also doesn't.

At first, the trek went exactly usual with the caravan lagging behind. And the caravan was midway across the edge. Not far, at the right side, lies a T-intersection, a cave. The caravan just had to stroll through; it had no mean to travel inside

And barely few meters away, when the escort was ready to pass the cave. “Halt!” Y You raised your free hand, felt a presence, but any presence right now is never good until you can be sure if it's friendly or hostile-

"Awe look at that small creature!”
“So adorableeeeee!”

coemnted from some of the nightmares, talks about professionality. You guessed everyone would probably fall for a cute tiny four-legged critter with two ears and vibrant yellow fur on it and whiskers.

"Panella... wait," you gripped her arms as she was going to approach it "Don't approach it."

"Ehh?”

Holding your staff in both of your arms and the tip pointing straight forward "Danger is coming," you ordered, "everyone... back few steps away."

And just as you were finishing your sentences, a big being emerged from the cave, the same little one but more vicious and terrible. Its claws rip your skin and fangs could bite your bones. It roared as the tiny one explored the cave.

"By the fires! That's large one; as large as that infection we encountered long ago” panella expressed her worried

"But unlike that time, panella... we're ready and coordinated" you comforted.

You couched your voice "Remember everyone! The mother is simply looking after her children; do not kill her. Try to knock her out, but avoid using a lethal attack. Capacitation is another approach or just make it passed out. Understand?!”

“Yes miss!!” Everyone yelled back, then as the fight started the fearsome beast attack.

Your master spoke from the caravan seat via the window opening “You needed help, Y/N?” He saw enough from the caravan seat. Given the beast and the left-leaning deep fall, the chance of danger is far too great. The nightmares won't have trouble, but panella and... and you concerned him. You could fall since you can't fly.

You who hasn’t charged in yet, turn your head around "No need, master. We shall take care of it. Master could act should things grow worse.”

His uncomfortable groans at the approaching risk "Be careful, Y/N"

He watched while you participated with arms crossed outside his cloak. And as he watched, the combat went smoothly. Your approach made sense given the way the beast battles. Though it's a big creature, her attack could be clearly understood since she is a four-legged beast, hence mobility wasn't very good. One nightmare would divert its attention with an attack and teleport as her claws slashed at the beast. Finally, the beast was hardly very intelligent. It ended up performing the same thing when she was attacking numerous sides since it couldn't adjust or modify depending on her failure to attack everyone. It went smooth because you had strategy and not boldly attacking without formation. Many travellers and passerby doesn’t possessed the same strength and power, hence they fall.

Till she collapsed on the wet ground and cannot last anymore. You held up your hands to stop the attack frenzy. She was knocked cold since it was still breathing. You strolled cautiously to it and poked the head with your staff. Relieved, you said, "Alright everyone, we defeated it!."

The little group then burst in cheers.

“Now that's a nice fight, master?” Divine asked next to the troupe master. She chose to observe the continuous struggle; sadly, Brumm just cares about playing his accordion and not about anything else.

"Yeah... yeah... it is," he answered her, continuing observing as your group neared the passed-out beast.

"Hm? Master does not sound too certain” divine observed of it.

“i.. don’t know, divine. I was having… this need to drive them clear of it. There is something terrible wrong” he was in this nervous condition. "I'm not sure why...”

He observed as you intended to move the beast aside to provide room for the caravan. You to walk several feet away and direct everyone to move it away. You then remove your mask and huff, the battle wears very heavy. But work is work

Just as they were ready to cart it away, the beast’s eyes opened and roared as she trashed her body. The nightmares instantly backed aside, but panella moved too late and got headbutt by it, throwing her to the edge cliff with an agonizing cry.

With that…. in rapid reflex; you let go everything "PANELLA!" Then hurriedly dashed she fell and tumbled off the cliff. You seized her hand and jumped and fell yourself to the muddy ground right at the brink of the precipice.

“Don’t let go! Don’t let go!” She shouted as she watched the great fall toward the river below.

“I. WON’T!” You tried your best not to fall off while you groaned as you hauled her up with such force.

You sat down with her on her knees and panted as well. She seems a little unsettled from that. That is almost fall and death experience.

“Y/N!” .You heard master grimm outside the caravan standing next to the steeds. Once he saw panella get thrown off, he ran out.

“We’re… we’re good!” you yelled back

“NOT THAT!” He gestured to the beast.

Exactly after he said that. And you turned to witness the beast pounding her two front legs to the ground after lifting it high. The sound of slamming was loud. And that generated a minor tremor on the cliff; last night's really strong rain caused the earth surrounding you two to swiftly fracture. You two still hang on the brink of the cliff.

Not much you can do; it happened practically at the blink of an eye. Still, you picked it out right away. You pushed her away exactly as the ground breaks to a perilous tilt, one instinctive motion devoid of thought.

Then. You fell. You fell down with a scream.

"Y/N!!” panella yelled but your master yelled the loudest. You can see him suddenly showing up at the brink of the cliff trying to catch you in a split second. Only... it's too late to grab hold.

His face is clear to see. A frightened look. The one you recalled seeing it once, only this time... as if death were approaching him. No; it was approaching you instead.

You tumble. You tumble. You tumble into the strong current river and hear a loud splash against your back; you cannot swim to be of any kind of use. You can’t swim, and you were drowning fast.

You had the worst experience with water the very first time. The sensation of approaching death, the sensation of a slow, chocked death as your nose and lungs were fast to be filled with water and your body were carried away by the tide, and hitting whatever it is with your body. You never trained on handling this. You lacked experience on the fundamental on what to do when your body was violently tossed.

Your eyelids slowly failed to close down, you want to breathe but all you feel is water as you gradually lost breath. You feared death? Never. Death is not fearful. You suddenly remembered the reason you pushed your close friend away

Was it paradoxical and depressing that you did not just because she’s your dearest? Sadly, it is the little portion of a bigger percentage explains why you do what you do. If she falls, you don't want to see her body; you don't want to witness yourself failing to save someone. You save her mostly because of you fear of failing. As the assistant after all, you were in charge of whatever injuries the grimmkin acquired. You hate to see yourself fail, and failing to save panella? If that doesn't make you fail on your duty, you would wish to be dead.

Death…. Silent death-

Something grabbed your hand “NOW! PULL UP!!” with a low shout. Then you feel something dragged yourself out of the river like a winged bird. Your hazy appearance shows nothing but a blur, yet that voice...

Then your body fell back to a solid ground as you, on your hands and knees, had the most severe vomiting, pushing the river water out of your lung system. Then you cough fit as you exhaled the air the best that you could.

“Y/N!”
“MISS Y/N!”

Still, your inhales and exhales were the most powerful ones you have ever produced. Someone holds you to keep seated down "Don't lay down, sit.” You felt a pull on your body."

Slowly... you can tell who it was: "P-p-panella?" You said in a quiet, whimpered voice.

Then you were dragged to a strong hug by her; you could also see the nightmares flying just next by. Also looked at alleviation.

One of them sighed relieved "We'll... go back to the caravan and get them to pick you here"
“Indeed, master were probably stressing out right now.”
"You stay around with her, panella."

You nodded weakly to them as they headed back to the caravan. Panella was very silent, soaking too, and she hasn't let go from clutching you with her head on your shoulder. You attempted moving your head, but it stings. You forced your hand to touch your temple and saw red. Ouch…

And panella were fast to discover your unexpected wound "We should... lean you on a tree for the meantime," panella said to you, something was off... about her voice; while she still wore her mask, you couldn't really focus on her face. And just now your brain cannot process anything. “Looks like you hit your head.”

Your body remains weak, hence panella had to assist you in getting to a nearby tree and lay back on it. Your body still shaking from the cold, and the whole drowning. You relaxing your breathing as she sits next to you.

“You alright?''

Your voice shake as you spoke “S-s-sort o-o-of..” You tried to raise your hands; your hand and legs are still feeble to be moved and you are gradually acquiring the vitality. Like your body, it was unsteady and unstable; but you could manage

Panella held her mask and dropped it on the ground. She was…. Crying. “Why you do that, Y/N?”

“p-p-panella?” You softly expressed your worries, even if your voice still shake; you tried to lift your hand to her cheek but she grabbed it on her own both hands instead, clasping to together.

“I almost lose you…. we almost lose you… I’m sorry…” she was crying…. Worried sick of you. “I’m sorry…. For not reacting in time…. I’m sorry…” It was because of her slow reflex that caused this incident “I… I don’t want you to die, Y/N…. I don’t want anyone to leave me anymore… I don’t want to lose anyone again…... you’re the sister I never had… the sister…. That I wished.... You’re special, Y/N.” then she hugged you again, this time much tighter “Please…. Don’t do that again… I don’t want to see you gone like everyone….”

It gently started you to break down. You knew her rightss from beginning. From the first moment you saved her from her infected village, from when you stayed by her side as she healed from her trauma, from when you assisted her about the troupe, allowing her away from being just a stranger. You two share a relationship; you never realized she considered you as the very important person in her life, nor as unique. She regards you as her own sister, something that warmth from the coolness of the ocean brings. She was the one who stayed happy, the one who smiled a lot, the brightness of the clear sky because of……. You "S-s-s-sorry...," sorry; that is all you could say to her. A word of forgiveness

The caravan then arrived, and you were ushered indoors. Divine clearly anxious and relieved to find you alive, brumm almost had a flashback of kairi, that didn't make everything easier but he's glad his piano buddy hasn't left the world yet. Divine clearly scolds you for jeopardizing your life. Where's the master?

Though you had change for less damp clothes and you were in your room with the door open, you were still shaking from the near-death experience. You were also bandaged across your forehead; you were lucky that your head damage was minor, so your brain condition did not deteriorate more than a minor concussion. Still, your head stalks.

“I’m not exactly a doctor, and I don’t know why divine asked me to be everyone’s but your condition is stable, Y/N.” Spoken by brumm, checking on you after bandaging your bleeding head “You might still shivers for now but I’m sure you’ll be alright after a good rest”

“t-t-t-thanks, brumm” you said as you settled down covered in blankets in your bed.

He nodded and walked away but he stopped at the doorway “Just…. Try not to die, Y/N. I don’t want another one to perish just yet” and off he goes outside your room

You smiled and leaning comfortably on your bed. You really do make everyone worry. Soon divine also arrived to your room.

“Here is your tea, Y/N. especially made for you” She place the tray on the desk close to your bed. "It'll help you warm up."

"T-t-thanks," you nodded

"Call me if you need something," she said and turned away.

You grabbed the cup and sipped on it. Ah, the taste, the soothing effect of the mint tea momentarily eased your tongue and lungs. It's not helping much with your shakiness, but it's lessening it. You set it down and inhaled long.

"Hi, Y/N. Feeling better?" panella walked in “I brought your staff and mask that you dropped earlier," Her mood had recovered to a much better state.

You gestured at the desk, "y-y-y-you could set it there."

"alright,"

"p-p-panella... w-w-w-would you mind... s-s-s-sitting with me?” You merely needed some companionship; you asked.

“Sure, I’m here with you” She sat on the bed next to you, joining on the blanket, Y/N.

" s-s-s-so... how's the caravan?” You found yourself constantly wondering by the caravan trip across the cliff.

"It's good; tonight, we will make it to the city. No problem at all”

“G-g-great”

“Y/N, please come on. Miss divine and mister brumm are handling your task for you on the meantime; it is not the time for focused attention on work, especially after what happened”

You weakly giggled "r-r-r-right... how... do you save me, panella?”

“well... it’s umm… pretty wild” She rubbed the back of her head, "After you fell, my immediate respond is also jump, I didn't think much than just save you." She said “Luckily, the nightmares were quick to fly by, hence when I swam to your place, I made plans for them to raise us once I could hold you. It's crazy.”

"i-i-i-i... see...... e-e-e-e-explained a lot."

“You can’t swim, can you, Y/N?” She then inquired.

You slowly shook your head "T-t-t-that's why... y-y-y-you weren't shaking?" Panella hasn't shook at all from cold and rather confident to jump in to help you too

“Yes. I was taught to swim and to withstand cold something like that back in my days in my village. Y/N, you should aim to learn to swim sometime. It will enable you in an emergency like this and I can teach you correct swimming technique."

"M-m-m-maybe... not often c-c-c-c-close for now" you stated quietly

She laughed softly, "Of course...," …” she leaned on your shaking shoulder and you leaned on her too

You were thinking about her comments "P-p-p-panella... you meant... e-e-e-everything you stated earlier? "

She sighed "Yeah.... When I considered you as my sister, I was not lying. You were my sororal. Seeing you fall makes me realize at my incapacity to assist anyone in my hometown. I have lost all of them. Then you arrived bearing that blaze. Well at least I could make part of it back-off; helping me out, being my friend, and always there in my hour of need. At least, I was not worthless for once.”

“You always never, panella y-y-y-y-you always never. B-b-b-but you still owe me t-t-t-that many rescues that I did”

“Oh, I’ll return the favour next time, Y/N. But that’ll mean you have to be in danger first”

You two laughed together after that. Then you recalled of something crucial.

"w-w-w-wait," you exclaimed "w-what happened to that beast?”

"Oh, yeah... that's right," she huffed. "After you fell off, I was told the beast was going on a rampage, but master... he took that beast out in seconds, he didn't kill it at least, the grimmkin describe it as a fast flurry of assaults, something like that. Then he screamed at the nightmares to help you. That is how they were there. It’s quite a story”

Master Grimm……. Did that? Did he lose control that severely? is that the reason he was hardly seeing you at all? Have you... does something bad? did that... act of sacrifice disturb him?

And speaking of him, … he walked and stands at your doorframe to check on you. He appeared to be gloomy? He seemed to be trying his hardest not to look at you, but more than that, you could see he is in a terrible mood. “You Okay?”

"y-y-y-yes, master," you stuttered at the frigid sensation you get while panella just froze there, not saying anything.

"You're dismissed Y/N for the rest of the week. Make use of that to recover yourself.”

a week? You... seemed astonished; a week is far too long. A couple days is more than plenty compared. You don’t need a week for such.

"B-b-but…,"

“I would hear no objections” Then he just left like such after stating it.

"Oh yeah... and the master troupe is not in a good mood today... his expression worsened after your fall, forgot to mention that."

"…….." that still renders you speechless.

What happened to him? Is it… your fault that you caused him to be upset? You… were worried… you were worried at him; he never behaved that frigid around you, not even when you two were strangers; it... caused chills worse than what you felt just now. You never saw him forced to suppress his feelings.

What... happened?

Chapter Text

Then night arrived; the caravan hasn't yet arrived at the assigned city. Why? They were waiting till late enough so they could "suddenly appear out of nowhere," right on the edge of the city. They so erected a little tent for the interim. Something to pass the time, just outside the city’s border.

While the troupe master was at his desk thumping the paper, you were sleeping in your chamber. When the caravan is traveling, work is not considerable, thus he could obtain much more early slumber, a necessary relaxation for his troubled mind. Closing the office door and patting his cloak, he headed to his room. But he immediately halted halfway across the walk, and fixed his scarlet gaze on your door. His mind had been weighted the whole day; he groaned and carried on his stroll; please, he simply needed a little break and wanted to close his eyes. particularly following that incident...

No, he doesn’t wanna think about it, he just wants to let it be or he would snap. Before the corruption on his psyche burns him from the inside out, before he might walk to a blazing fire ofberserk. Before he….

Someone is waiting for him at the door, divine and brumm.

Once more, he sighed—more frustrated and depressed this time. “Is there any specific reason you two were here?” He asked sarcastically, "I'm confident that-“

"Master...," divine cuts him off "... I saw what happened few hours ago."

"Divine... I'm” He facepalm himself “I’m…fine; we don't have to do this 'therapy session' ever again; I-".

“Master." She interrupts him, once more "The reason why it's so fundamental and important for you, is few hours ago, that coldness you gave to Y/N.”

"I agree, master," Brumm said, clutching a nightmare torch on his hand. "The grimmkins doesn't understand what only we both understand, that also means Y/N. She does not know why her master behaved in such manner or what she observed. For the two of you, the belief she could have added with her sometimes erratic emotions are not good at all”

He closed his eyes; there was a reason he both needed and despised it so much. Things he had to do, he knew he no longer needed, but ever since he stared his scarlet eyes at you more, the storm within him began to boil up. His eyes opened "Fine, let's just... get this over with."

He hated this so much; he had tried to stop himself from doing this, but he simply snapped like that. Until they were far and deep enough, he trailed alongside them outside the trailer and onto the forest. Only him, divine, and brumm here.

"Now, vent it out master," Divine urged, she and Brumm just a few feet apart.

“…… What is to be vent out, divine?” He asked rhetorical once more, his voice subdued.

"Your displeasure, master. You know it's not wise to keep anything to yourself” divine advised him gently.

"……..." he tightened his hands forcefully.

And divine could see it "And always remember master, you didn't fai-".

Then he snapped "WHAT MAKE YOU THINK YOU CAN SAY THAT?!!”

His abrupt shout surprised both of them, but they let him shout everything out.

"Do you have any notion the terrible hours after her fall? I was literally THIS CLOSE to reaching her hands, divine! This close! What would you say I shouldn't blame myself for not saving her?” He yells, loudly, and sparks of fire fly out of him. a scarlet spark of fire.

"Why a nightmare could simply leap to save her While i! The troupe master himself not able to!! If only it were not for that damned beast, I could just jump!" This idea tormented his thoughts as he released his pent-up feelings and screamed everything. He hated it so much, he hated letting his emotions overwhelm him, but at the same time he knew he needed to vent it all, to let his emotions set free or else it might affect his welfare, he had to and HE HATED TO DO IT "She was this near! She was this near, from falling! I am in charge of every single grimmkin under my cloak! Still yet... I fail... I... i- "He doesn't know what to yell anymore; he doesn't understand anymore.

“AARGGH!!!” He yells and strikes his fist to the ground, producing a fire sparks display that bursts to the air and sends warm sensation like a burning coal.

He wanted to cry and yet he couldn't, he wanted to bawl his eyes out and yet he couldn't, he wanted to shed a tear and yet... he couldn't. He could only shout it out in the open, and gritted his teeth.

"I failed to save her." His voice dropped... “I failed… I failed her”

The two devoted grimmkin can only sigh as they watch the whole thing happen. A troupe leader rooted deep below the surface understood the life of their kin and members; when one of their own died or hurt, it also fell under his responsibility for not being able to stop it. And the troupe never safe from possibly hazards and problems; sometimes it took tolls on him as he weights all that responsibility.

"Divine... you understand why I promote her to assistant....” He asked her, still staring down the ground with his hand clenched tightly "…...Why I choose her to be an assistant?”

"Based on...that reason, I assume?”

“.... Was it wrong for me to advertise her so quickly? Even in knowledge of her "issue?"

"I would have to disagree.” Brumm responded, I know master didn't simply promote her for that same reason as master's, it's a little part of the reason but we know because of that... potential she harboured, that's the greater reason master promote her, we know that "

His arms began to quiver, his body started to shake, then slowly, everything around him slowly burst into flame "I don't want her to carry that burden alone... it was never hers to be carried with... but mine..."

Divine shook her head seeing all of this "Brumm... you know what to do".

He nodded "I know..." then moved few feet ahead to use to torch to absorb the slowly burning flames, should it be allowed uncontrolled a forest fire could result.

Divine approached to him, stroking his shoulder "Master grimm... Listen, none of us are faultless, and you never fail her. Master, however, had to know that master no longer has to bear that weight by herself. Neither master's nor Y/N's burden alone; no, you two can weigh it jointly, when master felt heavy, Y/N will be there to lightened the weight and so does the opposite."

"But I want Y/N not to be burdened by such responsibility," he added softly.

"Do masters wish to do it alone?" She answered back, "Do master want to carry that alone forever? Till master's mind broke to pieces? Do Masters wish for that?” She understood it's harsh, but the only appropriate phrase to tell him that is

He was completely silence before he sighed again and standing up, patting his cloak “I’ll be heading to the caravan” and just walk, disregarding her words “Wake me up once we’re ready to settled the troupe”

Stubborn as always, he was, she facepalmed and shook her head at his tomfool. "Not only we're dealing with one but two, what a harmonic pair they both are."

Brumm stated, "Well they both have their own complicated self-issue, divine," walking to her carrying the staff straight after absorbing all the flames "But... I do have a good feeling that they can work their similarities together. I am quite confident about that.

“So do I, brumm. So do I” She thus observed as his tall, thin form vanished from her view.

***

Everything went normally as he observed the grimmkins erecting the troupe tents; and based on the gloomy surrounding structures, it appears as though this will be yet another large harvest the troupe may get. From his vantage point, he can also see the scouts hanging posters on a nearby wall, lamplight, pole, whatever the locals might find visually appealing.

He returned inside the caravan before it was set down; he has not much on his chamber to be taken in the troupe, but it would not hurt to check.

Then he stopped at your door, held the knob, and found it not locked. He opened it cautiously to still find you asleep. Looks like nobody bothered to wake you; they all appear busy fixing the tents right, including panella, and unpacking the caravan's boxes.

Walking to your bed "Y/N, we're-," he stopped right as he touched your shoulder and felt warmth on it. No that's not a good thing to be felt; he gently put his palm to your neck, leaving speechless with his eyes opened wide, and felt your heavy breathing. "Y/N..," he said softly your name. He gently lifts away your cover and embraced your body, carrying you tightly on his arms.

Since the main tent is already up, he bring you outside the caravan and onto it. Walking pass any grimmkin who observed the entire incident, he doesn't give a damn about what they could say; his sole concern is your welfare.

"Master, Is something- Then brumm was there walking on a corridor, but eventually shushed by him.

"Don't be loud, brumm," he said softly. "You'll wake her up."

“Oh, forgive me, master” The accordionist quickly followed, murmuring softly, " Is something wrong with her?”

He gestured "touch her arm".

Brumm followed then realized he meant "Mrmm, she's...burning up" in a worrisome manner.

The troupe master nodded, "Yeah... listen; could you bring her items to her room? I don’t think she-“ he was cut off by your little whimper; nonetheless, he’s still feels relief that you are still asleep.

“I understand, master. Her room was in the usual place” He pointed it out

Grimm nodded and brought you there, still holding you close to him. Opening the door, he softly laid you on the bed as though he were guarding a delicate egg. Then he settles onto a chair close to your bed. He gently touches the bandage on your head; he just noticed you were hurt. He stared down on the ground; his mind cannot stop traveling to that one single moment, the moment when he was about to hold your hand, just a bit inch further and you wouldn't be in this predicament. He just had to live with it; he knows what happened cannot be changed.

Brumm soon came in to hang your items, while the troupe master sits next you, not caring at all His thoughts already revolve on your situation.

"Soo, she’s ill?" Divine who heard it from Brumm decided to check up with you also.

“Yeah.. the water seemed too cold for her body to manage.”

"Hmm... I'll make her a soup then, master could head back to-";

"No." he shook his head "I'm staying with her for the time being."

"…. Alright, if that's master's want” Divine left the room "Oh and the water system's already running if master want to know" and walked off someplace.

Knowing this, he decided to grab a small bucket and towel from your bathroom. He opens the tap to find the water already running, so he filled the bucket.

He then went back to his seat, soaking it, squeezing the excessive water and carefully laying the towel on your head. Hoping that will help with the burning sensation.

And that made you flinch awake as your eyes finally opened "My.... Head... You tried to sit down, but he forced you back to your bed.

“Woah Y/N. Stay still; right now, you're burning up.” You could hear your master voice close by.

"Burning... up?” Your voice also becomes hoarse. “But master, are we not burning with flames?” And keeping your eyes open seemed weighty.

"uhh... not in the literal, Y/N".Your question perplexed him as "You're having a fever right now, that's a different thing"

" oh...."

He rubbed the back of his head "And since you woke up... I'll go get someone to you, just stay still okay-,"

He was ready to stand up, but you grabbed his hand right away, taking him by surprise. Causing your towel slide off from your head “No…. I want master to stay," you said, somewhat whimpering, "don't leave."

“Alright” He sat back down, took the towel and soaked it again on the small bucket and put it again on your forehead using one hand since his other were being held by you. "Could you... let my hand go, Y/N?''

You hugged his slender hand, "No... I don't want master to left".

"I won't leave...," he said, then he became curious by something since this isn't you at all "Y/N, what is one plus one?"

"Huh?" You really don't grasp it at all. “Uhh number?”

"...," he chuckled slightly "Forget what I said, looks like the fever caused a slight dysfunction on the head."

"Is that... bad?" You questioned sounded like a drunk grimmkin during a party.

"Hmm... not really," he said raising his shoulder "It's just a high fever you were having."

"So... that's why my head hurts a lot...” You said to him, groaning a bit “Master... where are we?''

He answered, "Your room, we're finally on our next destination, and I supposed outside must be dawn already," then asked, "And would you let go of my hand, Y/N? It's getting cramped.”

"I don't want master to left..."

He softly smiled "I promise I won't."

"Promise?“

"In nightmare heart’s name I promise"

You nodded and let his arm go to which he lifted both of his hands "See? I'm still here, not leaving very often.

"yyaaaayyy" You released a little feeble cheer, then coughed violently and hissed since your head hurt more.

"There there" he calmed you down and grabbed the towel off your forehead, soaking it once more and laying it back on your head.

He decided to stay with you even though he knew he had performed tomorrow and most likely had paperwork on his desk that he needed to finish. He just cannot ignore you. He cannot, hence he will not mind staying late to complete all of it.

Then someone knocked even though the door was opened.

You were the first to see "panellaaaa," and you excitedly said name her.

Panella entered and bow to the troupe master "Good morning, master grimm."

"Morning, panella," he says back, rising from his chair "You could have the seat if you want".

“Thank you, master." Panella then sits next to you, lowering her mask, putting it down on your small desk "Hey... how are you? “

"Sick...."

"Yeah..." She felt your neck “You got a high fever, Y/N.”

"I hate it at least somewhat."

"Well, so do I." I’m sorry that you had to go through it. Though I hoped you wouldn't get sick from the fall, sadly you are”

"sorry?" You got perplexed in the context "But... You don't act in any improper manner."

"Wha- oh". She laughed, then held your hand. She knows the same as your master does "My… it must have been a quite nasty fever, but not to worry about. Miss Divine requested me to get groceries to cook an herbal soup; I hope this would help you soon."

Hearing their chat from behind, Grimm exclaimed, he had an idea "Hey, Y/N? Could I perhaps leave for a little? There is... Something I have to do; panella could keep you occupied for the meanwhile”

" Master... won't be far long?”

He shook his head, "I won't, so may I, please?”

You nodded, slightly, "Okay...."

"Thanks" he approaches the door but pauses at the frame "Oh and panella, make sure to apply the towel on her head occasionally".

"I shall, master."

Then he went, leaving you with your dearest, Panella. "He's kind.” You said.

“Yeah, he is. You are the assistant after all. He values you.” She then chose to soak the towel and apply it back on your forehead.

But you grasped her hand and put it on your cheek "I want rub" before her hand could be pulled away.

She laughed somewhat, "As you wished, miss assistant."

Closing your eyes as she brushed your cheek, it was strangely consoling. " You are... not sick, panella? You felt cold.”

“No… It must’ve been because of the outside that made me cold.” She sighed deeply, something somewhat pains "I don't know why I'm the one who didn't get sick. Maybe I was used to heavy water more than you…” She sighed “Y/N, you've been hurt enough; I…. kind of wish it was me instead of you.” Her pupils stared away.

Your eyes opened to meet her "If you do....” You grasped her hand and intertwined it with yours. “I would really wish the same. I'm simply happy panella is fine.”

She turned back to you, her smile back-off "Yeah... You're right."

***

"Good morning, divine" he greets her once he got to the kitchen section of the breakroom

"Morning master," she says, seemingly getting ready to create a broth with a pot.

The breakroom does have a kitchen, though it is not the only one. The troupe operated in a way that might seem irrational and illogical. Perhaps because the troupe hardly needs to eat at all. Not because they cannot but rather because they have only motive for enjoyment of food. Of course, they have the power of such thanks to the nightmare heart. Although the breakroom's kitchen was primarily used for making tea or any other beverage, it is nonetheless a completely functional kitchen that could be used for cooking; it's just anyone rarely had any cause but now.

“May I be of assistance, divine?" He provided.

"That's so kind of you master, sure,"

He has the basic skill to create something basic, like soup, even though he is not a master in cooking.

He took a knife and sliced the vegetables into small pieces, if the basic was just cutting vegetables than yes. That basic.

“Master, had she woken up?" Divine asked as she salted the broth pot.

"Yeah...," he tossed aside a chopped veggie and grabbed another to cut "She's also.... Confused right now”

“Confused?”

“Her high fever caused her to become in a muddled condition of dysfunction. To be honest, it would be humorous if she hadn't been sick that is." He slightly chucked thinking about it

She also giggled hearing it "I see... well hopefully this soup could ease some of that fever."

They both made the soup together; he placed meat and sliced veggies in the broth and watched till it boiled with steam fuming to the air.

"Does it taste good, divine?” When she tasted, he questioned.

"Yes, I supposed this is good enough for her," she said, pouring it to a tiny bowl and setting a spoon on top.

And grimm put it on a tray and was going to bring it when divine stopped him "Master... I know why master did all of this. Listen, don't be too hard on yourself. And I'm not saying that it's not okay that master take care of her, but master still has works, master cannot just sit her all day."

"…… Divine" he said in a cold voice, not at her but at himself "…… She's priority" and just went away with the tray.

She sighed once more, shaking her head in incredulity "When will he ever realize...?" said when he departed.

Was he... critical of himself? Was his motivation personal guilt and self-loathed? He gazed at himself at the hazy soup surface. He cares about you, but is it because you’re just his assistant and friend? Alternatively, is it because he believed that he was responsible for your fever?. He is unable to declare for sure. All of his attention was directed just at you, be damned the works he is supposed to do. He merely wanted to be at your side until you recovered.

***

Later around midday, he still was in your room with you. You were seated with him, having your second bowl of soup. He was feeding you while you leaned on your bed with many pillows acting as a back support. Your second bowl of the soup makes you extremely happy.

He chuckled when he saw your look "You loved the soup, Y/N?"

"mmmhhmm," you agreed, "Master is a fantastic cook!"

Hearing that "N-not really," he slightly blushed scarlet. “Divine's the one doing it all”  He feeds you another spoon "I'm just cutting the vegetables, that's all."

“Still, it's wonderful!” You mumbled, "it tasted... delicious."

"What would you like?”

“The broth was warm; the spices were exactly right. The vegetables were nice as well; everything."

“Well good to know that, Y/N” he chuckled on himself

“And i… also like master’s eyes” you commented on his eyes

“Oh?” He tilted his head “Why so?”

“So red… so scarlet… it’s… mesmerising” You said giggling at yourself like a drunken grimmkin “So… pretty”

“W-well” your compliment got him slightly embarrassed, usually his eyes would give a piece of fear to it, a dreaded troupe master with a menacing look and aura. But that obviously not going to work on you “I also… like your eyes, Y/N”

“My… eyes?” you tilted your head in confusion

“You got a lovely pair of crimson eyes, a darker shade than mine”

“I… have that?” You think confusedly, slurring at your own words “I… never have that, have i?”

“You… were, Y/N. Only when you were deemed powerful and worthy enough that you could bear such colour. That usually happened to the nightmares, even panella”

“Am i… worthy?”

“You are…” he answered in a low tone “You always worthy to have one, Y/N…” He then noticed the bandage around your forehead “Also, we need to change your bandage” he decided to change the topic

"Alright," you said.

After you finished your bowl and laid it away He gently unwrapped the discarded bandage, hissing slightly at your wounds.

"Is it bad?” You sought him out.

"Not... that bad but... still bad" he said vaguely "Alright... for the next part, it might sting a little."

"Okay"

He huffed and poured a little alcohol to a cotton, gently swabbing your cuts.

You yelped and grabbed his cloak tightly, closing your eyes and gritted your mouth "hurts...."

"Just hold on okay," he asked using one of his hands to massage your back.

You nodded somewhat and stayed on while he gently swabbed the cut, trying to do it without causing you too much pain. He stopped swabbing the wound at last, then gently rubs your back as you still hold his coat. "Hey..." He dabs the tears from your eyes. “You okay?“

You opened your eyes, nodded at him "Heads... stings," and gently let go from his cloak.

“Well... You're fine now.” He gently wrapped a bundled bandage on your forehead. “And there you go”

"Hey master…” You asked, finally laying down comfortably after he wrapped the bandage around your forehead "did i... Made master upset?''

It shocked him "N-no... of course not, Y/N. You never made me upset.”

“But yesterday….. what happened? Master; appear mad; am I failing master-“

He objected "no, Y/N; You did not fail me. You never dropped short of me. It’s just... it’s just..” he slightly stuttered on his word “It’s just…my thoughts has been in a storm," he remarked, hands tightly held by you. "I... felt like I failed you, Y/N"

"Whaatt?" Shock but weak, you stated "why?”

“Y/N.... you” He sighed, "I almost got you. I was just right next to grabbing your hands. And preceding that. I felt strangely as though something might go wrong. It turns out as well. I was correct. But I couldn’t… even manage to save you"

"master..." you drew his hand to your cheek, "does master still feel guilty?"

He doesn't reply to you "……".

“Master… I don’t think... master fail” you closed your eyes as he brushed your cheek “We both each had a feeling that we… failed but we never… elaborate that together…” Even though you don’t know what you’re saying, you just said it anyway “maybe… we don’t have to fail alone, it hurts more. It’s better to fail together, we can help each other”

Still... He knows what you were talking about, the notion you were talking about... it took him deep in his thoughts, you were right, divine was right... that thoughts made his heart felt…. lighter, it made his heart calmer now… how foolish he is for noticing too late.

“Master.. I’m feeling sleepy” You yawned with your eyes barely able to stay opened “can master… tell me a bed story?” You snuggle more on your bed

“A bedtime story?” He then gave a real joyful smile "Sure...."

Then he started recounting a tale that he made up on spot "so one upon a time, lived a traveling band performing music to whatever destinations they went. And it was governed by an amazing and enigmatic leader whose audience rarely knew, but his members. Although his member knew him as a light-hearted, funny leader, they never suspected he harboured a resentment toward himself.

"Like the leader, his partner is a fundamental band member as well. She is smart, friendly, beautiful, and sweet. Under their direction, the band aimed for that that was audible thousands of winds. But nobody knew, not even at her partner. She also harboured a strong grudge against herself and placed blame on her shoulder as her partner does. And neither of them knows that they share the same feeling.

"till one day... a member loses one of a vital instrument because it was... ummm stolen. Obviously, both of them began looking for it. They both had to hunt intensively all over the land until... just as they discover it. Regretfully, it was already beyond any repair. They both started to blame their own selves for the failure and carried those weight on their own, not aware they bore identical”

Then he hears your hands lay weak and you were snoring. He could pull his hands away with ease, but... he still continued

"Until they both discover shortly that they had the same burden. Then they discussed it, knowing one another's sense of inadequacy and with that... Their love grew even closer. Why? Because... They will now share the weight, not just one-sided. . When one felt heavy, the other put the weight on themselves and vice versa. And with that, their path became much clearer and shortly the band was well-known all throughout the land”. He stopped the story that he made up. “The end”

He stared at you, smiling and peacefully asleep. He knows; the situations are indeed different now. He no longer like he used to, he no longer had to carry the burden on his shoulder, he no longer had to go through the failure he felt alone, no longer he had to fall apart in front of his two most devoted members. Now… there’s you that’ll always be there for him. Those bearing the same weight as he does.

He went near your face and kissed your cheeks "Get well soon, my dear" He whispered, taking the tray with the bowl and left your room after cleaning it. He had to perform a lot of duties piling on his desk, enough of self-blame anymore.

Even if you forget it tomorrow, even if the recollection was foggy and you no longer remember the entire detail even after you at last recovered from the fever , he will forever and always remember that.

Chapter Text

Greenpath, a floral city located west of the forgotten crossroads. Following the boat voyage with your master, the troupe proceeded to their next location. Greenpath is…. unsurprisingly a city known for its natural surroundings. Since your last visit, it appears that they have incorporated the nature of Greenpath. . You can see from the troupe at how they demonstrates how the city coexists with nature, as their cave-like houses merge with the greenery.

Of course, that is the nature of the mosskin tribe. You've read on tablets or papers that they now use that just a number of members of the Mosskin tribe managed to survived the infection till the end of radiance. And eighty years later, it appeared that the tribe had prospered, judging by the number of plant-like bugs roaming the floral metropolis. Not awful in your opinion. Especially since it was less than a century.

“Uh… Y/N” After settling in a secure place on Greenpath away from acid lakes and thorny vines to which took a while to find, the troupe received a letter "We got a letter" told by your master as he entered the office with a green sealed letter.

"Was this typical, master?" you inquired, remaining fixated on your paper. Only giving it the smallest care.

"My guess... yes" He sat down on his chair and opened the seal, "Let's see..."

“Dear mysterious travelling troupe

In light of our profound reverence for the sacred law of unn, we hereby extend an invitation for you to attend a meeting with the mayor of the city, in order to discuss your unpermitted and undiplomatic visitation. Those who fail to comply by the prescribed time tonight will be met with the full extent of legal repercussions under the law of unn. We extend our appreciation for your anticipated cooperation during the meeting. May the enduring strength of our tribe's bilateral relations with the palace be perpetual.

With sincere regards, the mayor of Greenpath.”

"Yeah… pretty much usual" he put down the letter after telling you the content. "They... really loved to threaten us all the time; what are their problems, anyway?” He puffed at the passive-aggressive letter. It is just a threat disguised with polite professional language.

"The trouble, master grimm," you set down the quill, "is that they have every cause to be concerned by our troupe's unexpected presence. Our appearance, placards, and even our tents have given the potential to pose a danger. Especially in the aftermath of the infection, where peace and diplomatic relationships across all tribes and species are required to rebuild the land." You said in a blank tone.

"Guess… you're right.." He leaned farther into his seat. “I just wished they’re lesser hotheaded in asking it”

“Whatever it is..” You looked at the sand hourglass on the desk and sprang up from your seat. "We should head right now, master."

“Wait, right now?” he’s profoundly surprised “Like at this exact moment?”

"Yeah.." you take your hung staff "we're heading there, now"

"But we...," he covered his face with his hands and sighed nervously, "But i haven't planned on what I should say."

" Just our intention, master. Simple as that."

"I know… it's just" he clicked his mouth "… I wasn't used to a meeting like this, I was worried if it went wrong and… the worst-case scenario"

"I could do the talking, if that's what the master wants," you volunteered.

"No.. I’ll….” He rises up, straightening his cloak, "I'll do it…Let's get this over with.”

You nodded, knowing that occasionally he preferred to do the talking rather than you. It's about his image of a troupe master. His frightening appearance and mysterious voice that chained interest, yet his small assistant doing the most of the talking, makes him less of a troupe leader in his own eyes.

Whatever it is, you two then leave the troupe and head to the reported location; he was attracted by the surrounding landscape, the live greenery, the 'smoke' of the acid lake; everything is green to him and that took his attention. You two were strolling on a wooden bridge right over the acid lake, and he was leaning on a railing, staring at the corrosive water below him. You paused and looked about, still receiving attention from everyone despite his hood and he didn’t seem to noticed the staring.

"Master, come on," you call him out.

"Oh!, okay." He then went along back with you.

The mosskin tribe here was not as primitive as you may have seen previously; they are now more contemporary in terms of attire and architecture. Their buildings are composed of wood and integrated into their subterranean system. And it's safer to wander about with the bridge they built. However, the corrosive water makes the area hotter at times, although it is generally safer for both children and adults to walk on.

And speaking of construction, you two arrived in the mayor's office. It's a massive structure that blends in with the vegetation nature and wood construction; it's the most eye-catching of them all, with a mix of green and chocolate colors with vines growing around it and surrounded by sharp fences and gates.

"Wow... Is that a statue?" He pointed to something at the apex of the building's roof. “Who’s that?”

To which you also see "That’s... unn. She is their god, and they were fervent believers. She purportedly created the law of unn for the mosskin as well. Something like that. The mosskin are quite devoted at her even during the infection”

“Interesting..” he simply commented

“Hold it right there” You two approached the entrance and were halted by two standing guards on the other side of the gate "State your intentions!" One of them stated.

You pass out the letter to the protected guard through the gap of the barrier "We're here for the meeting as your mayor requested"

They exchange a brief glance before returning to both of you, "Ah! Of course..." now with a gentler tone "We've been expecting you, come on" as the other walks away to the building, probably telling the mayor of your presence.

The gate was immediately opened, and you two walked down a tiny pathway with scenery of a quite simple bush gardens on the left and right, while being led by the guard. You took a quick glance at your master, who had a look of distress on his face. He was usually like that whenever he needed to go to a meeting, he’s still hasn’t used much to it. But you knew he was gradually growing accustomed to it; he wasn't as freaked out as he was when he had his first meeting.

You two were waiting at the two standing doors, which were constructed of the best smooth chocolate colored wood. Soon later, both doors were opened, and you were greeted by a line of maid bugs on the left and right, bowing as a welcoming gesture. To be honest, both of you have gotten more 'spectacular' welcomes from other land which sometimes can be excessive, but that is not a complaint; it is a nice one in the end.

"Like just telling our intention isn't going to cut it, Y/N," he said to you as you two were finally seated at a wonderful tiny roundtable in an attractive greenish conference room. Waiting for the mayor: "What if they asked me a question I didn't know the answer to? Or the sensitive one? You know that we still haven't effectively addressed it in our training.”

"Because the true training is to truly improvise it, master. A training with prepared questions and answers would not be successful enough. The real training is to adapt on a sudden question" you said in a blank tone. In a more… normal emotions "Besides, master can make up outstanding answers on our last meeting."

"Well..." he moaned, leaning back farther in the comfortable chair. "I won't deny it, but that worry still lingers in my mind. I understand I was meant to be this strong master in front of our audiences, but only my appearance and voices were flamed as assertive, not my conversation."

Then distant footsteps can be heard "The usual plan, if master don't know what to talk, then signal me as usual…" you swiftly said to him "…Then I'll do the talk"

He grunted hesitantly and nodded, "Thanks…Y/N" taking off his hood down.

Just as he said that, the door opened, and a fancy-looking mosskin entered. "Forgive me for keeping my guests waiting; I had an important thing to attend to. I wasn’t expecting such swift response" said a male mosskin, wearing an attire that indicated he was an important bug. His attire included a green robe, white gloves, a top hat, and a cape. "You must be the troupe's master, I assume?" and a voice that was fitting for a mayor.

"That's right, it's nice to finally meet the mayor of this lovely town." He rises up from his chair and shakes hands with the mayor, who takes a seat on the opposite side of them. Good enough for a warming.

"That's wonderful to hear," the mayor replied, his hands firmly folded on the table. "It's fantastic to finally meet who has been the talk of many. As you two were unaware of, I am a fond historian. So, I understand the legacy your dreaded troupe had left for the centuries, it was enthralling”

"Oh? how much do you actually know?" Grimm inquired, his hands folded on the table. It was a high-level talk between two 'power beings' that you witnessed, but on a much lesser scale than the meeting with the royal leader as you sat there, monitoring everything as normal.

"A lot, troupe master. Your kind has always made for a fascinating conversation. A dreaded troupe, companied by the scarlet flames. Most of the poems and stories I've heard have always piqued my interest, particularly the poem that accompanied them. What was the objective of consuming the flames that they sought? For what cause did they harvest the flames? May I have the answer since you’re here?" The mayor politely inquired.

Grimm said, "Forgive me, but that is not something I could answer."

"Of course.." He chuckled softly "At least I could meet with the leader of the troupe himself, that’s already better. And I hoped our lovely town could sated your harvest, of course-"

"I'm sorry," you said, raising your hands. “May I have a word on this?”

“Y/N?" He whispered in confusion, wondering what had transpired so fast. This conversation has been going well by his views.

"Who… Are you?" The mayor inclined his head.

"I'm the troupe's assistant, and it's great to meet you, The Mayor of Greenpath. I would appreciate it if you could direct us to the mayor's genuine topic of discussion. We would love to have a small discussion, but it would be best if we foreclose this crucial matter the mayor wants to question us about." You remarked in a single breath without faltering. “We’re thankful for the casual chat already”

The mayor grumbled, "You've got a sharp assistant, troupe master. I am truly amazed. While I do want to have a brief, relaxed conversation. You were correct, assistant." He then stands up from his seat. “I've received reports of what happened at the forgotten crossroads. While I'm relieved to hear there are no casualties, the news is extremely unpleasant." You're both familiar with the situation he’s talking. Guess what occurred at the bar spread like wildfire. But you had no option. "And I would like to avoid future altercations in my city, so please explain yourself."

Just as the mayor finished his sentences, grimm tightened up in his seat, and you knew he could feel it as well. If he said the wrong thing or failed to persuade the mayor, he would be in grave danger. Armed soldiers are waiting outside the conference room you are currently attending, ready with their nails and shields, and if the mayor gives the signal, you two will be in danger… no the entire troupe would.

You looked at him; he was clearly apprehensive about this. After all of your hardships and hazards, he wasn't as terrified as he had been. But that will not calm the turmoil on his chest.

"W-well…what happened was-" You noted the small stuttering in his voice, which is not good. He's slipping out.

You chose to interfere, or else things would grow worse. "What happened was, mayor, it's not our choice that it happened."

"Pardon me?" He titled his head slightly.

"Since the mayor understood us from the outside, I'm sure mayor recognized how important the nightmare flames are to us. And just so happened…. A bunch decided to mess with us. Our history and folklore are inextricably linked to the flames. The flames that we wield, the flames that we grip," you explained clearly as you held your staff and a little crimson flame levitate idly above the glass globe “We never wished harm upon others... We never intended this to happen."

"Is that why I received reports on everything?" The mayor reconfirms with you.

"Yes, that's why-"

Grimm suddenly extended his tiny palm in front of you and exhaled. "That's why our troupe had to do what was required. The flame is essential to our long-term survival. We did not murder them, Mayor of Greenpath. We merely give them a lesson: never mess with the troupe. We didn't kill them because they didn't know who they were fooling with and I hope you know who you're messing with now. Is it completely clear?" Seeing you take over the conversation, demonstrating incredible boldness while also setting an example. It…. inspires him to try and gives him the confidence to speak up.

The mayor sighed and nodded, sitting back down and said, "I suppose you two are right." The sensation of danger then gone. The armed bugs left, indicating that he was convinced. "Forgive me if I was being harsh on my letter and my words… these decades have been a pain in the head for me"

After a while the doors open, revealing one of the maid bugs carrying a tray of food in a bowl. "Ah... About time," the mayor said quietly, tipping his hat. The maid then laid the silver tray gently on the table before bowing and leaving, "If the troupe master happened to arrive later, then we would have better serving for the both of you"

You dissipate the flame from your staff and took something that looked like a cookie, lifted your mask slightly, and ate it. You made a hidden gesture, and he quickly seized one for himself, saying, "That's fine, we're grateful for anything." Before munching it to his mouth

“ah… grateful” The mayor nodded and laid his hat on the table, “acknowledging gratitude can manifest itself in several ways. The words grateful can also... Stack and overlay on each other.

"I was grateful when I was among the few who survived the infection, I was grateful when the palace accepted these forgotten and almost extinct mosskin tribe during our critical time, I was grateful when I was trusted to rebuild our city, and that nothing went wrong for the past eighty years." He sounded relieved, most likely because he was relieved that the troupe was not a threat to their small city. Seeing his and your remarks, full of compassion and honesty, he was delighted, no, he was grateful. "Troupe master, this is the only city that Greenpath has for now. We wanted to restore and repopulate what we had finally reclaimed, but we were sensible enough to realize that everything takes time." The mosskin mayor huffed, stood up again, and walked towards the window of the meeting room they were currently in. "Was it true that your kin had reached near immortality?"

Grimm glanced to you for approval, and you nodded. " We did… The power of the troupe” he said, approaching the mayor, who was much shorter.

"I believe your troupe must’ve visited Greenpath during the infection; how bad was it back then?" He inquired in a hushed tone.

Grimm hesitated and signaled you. Of course, he will not know what transpired throughout the infection. But you do; you've witnessed what happened via it, even the exact seconds when it vanished.

"It was even worse…" You replied from the seat. "The infected mosskin will attack anything that isn't the same color as theirs, the acid water had no safety to prevent anyone from falling, and these chargers that came out of nowhere. It’s a hazardous dangers"

"I guess we're lucky to be alive after that. You two have been accepted to perform here; I'm sure our inhabitants, including myself, would enjoy seeing it."

Grimm exhaled deeply in relief, "That's great to hear"

"Alright, the meeting has been adjourned. We could continue our chat in a lot more peaceful place than here." The mayor suggested to both of you.

Grimm was curious, but spotted your motion from your seat. "We'd love it, but unfortunately we have important business to attend to..."

“Ah.. that’s quite a shame. Well, hopefully our city might interest your troupe” The mayor bid farewell

***

The meeting was quite something. Of course, this is not the first time anything has happened during a meeting; a revolt assault occurred previously when you and your previous master were in one. It is a risk to have such reputation and fame, but one that you are prepared to take. In the end, it's a little portion of a huge narrative, one that would be forgotten after the flames were extinguished.

"Do you feel that too, Y/N? I'm not hallucinating, am I?" You two were walking back to the troupe, so he chose to speak with you after some awkward silence on the way.

"No, Master. I sense it too." You verified his feeling: "There is an impending threat just inside the door we were in. They were about to ambush us if we failed"

"Ugh," he grumbled to himself, "I was so nervous that I stuttered and almost slipped up. I almost ruined our chance here."

"But master handled it nicely in the end," you countered. "It's the first time master took over the talk in the conclusion without my involvement. I'm impressed; master has improved."

"I just got a boost of confidence, Y/N. it's.. Nothing too much," he nervously chuckled with a flustered expression that you missed. "Hopefully I can retain the same attitude at a more... Higher meetings."

"I'm sure master would"

"That being said, should we worry about the incident at the forgotten crossroad? It sounds like it spreads like wildfires." He discussed his concern with you.

"It would be slightly bothersome but it's nothing to be worried about, master."

"I hoped so. We still have scouts at that location. Do you think it's a good idea to recall them? I had a bad feeling about it," he remarked as you passed through a wooden bridge with groups of bugs moving past. "If it were a talk that even reached Greenpath, I think those red bandanas must've be embarrassed to death"

"We…. could," you thought, keeping your staff tight. "But we still have unfinished harvest in there, and they have already received our message, master.  We've already showed them what happens if they tamper with one of ours. Master knew what happened to those who did not listen."

"Yeah…but its stench of burning bodies" he remembered one of the incidents, it's just some bugs who placed their ego over their common sense. The only way to stop them is to burn them to death, even if it causes problems for the officials. "It never smelt good, and sometimes the smell can be headache inducing"

"I'm sure master could get used to the smell later, we have forever for it"

"True…" he acknowledged, but was instantly captivated by a pleasant fragrance, "OH! That looks interesting," he instantly walked to a vendor booth, whose vendor was scared by his frightening stare and size.

"Master, wait up," you swiftly approached him and made sure he didn't cause a scene.

As always, hope is only a hope. If fate has already chosen their fate, hope is merely a coping mechanism to reject or alleviate that inevitable. Hope does not change fate; it only gives courage to those who wish to change fate, but it cannot do it on its own. However, unlike fate, one has the ability to select who owns a hope and how that hope is to be realized.

In another place, a scout grimmkin was seen hiding behind a tree. They appeared bruised, and their mask was barely intact, with cracks on several sides. They panted as they leaned against themselves. "Hopefully they don't see me" they muttered to themselves while panting. "Remember the procedure... remember the procedure, come on! You were trained for this. Don't mess it up." They clutched themselves, slightly ever shaking "I need to get back to the troupe... And inform Miss Y/N." They attempted to fly but hissed at the pain. And swiftly fall back down. "“Get up… get up… come on… do this for everyone… come on, me! do this for everyone…” They forced themselves to fly… "And for that… kid." The only reason they got away was because a guy distracted them from being caught. They could do nothing but watch as that boy was beaten badly before being dragged to the others… he wasn't a grimmkin, but that act of bold bravery nonetheless… This isn’t his problem but willing to put himself for it… the scout look around before going as fast as they could. It’s a long trek but they have no choice…

And hope can transform a person's fate; it never leads to giving up. For life and death are closed, as devotion and delusion are. But death is not fearful, what’s fearful is giving up

Chapter Text

It was early morning at Greenpath. So only a few were awake, but those that were were going about their early morning days. They may be making breakfast, exercising, or simply doing their own thing. There aren't many bugs on the streets yet, but there are enough to keep the place from seeming vacuum. It was an ordinary morning for the numerous residents of Greenpath's small, only city.

The mayor was having an early cup of coffee. And on his desk, near the saucer, was an opened letter with the troupe's stamp. It was only a quick, short request for a meeting. There is no explanation as to why; merely that. However, given their encounter a few days earlier, he would be open to a talk with the troupe master. He was just interested why. He witnessed nothing less than fantastic performances on the last night so there shouldn’t be anything wrong.

The mayor's aide knocked on the door to his office, saying, "Sir, the troupe master has arrived." That was really fast. Not even an hour after receiving a response letter agreeing to the meeting.

"I'll be there" he sips the content and put the cup back on the saucer, straightening himself from his robe and proceeded to the meeting room he had with the troupe master and his assistant.

And, to his surprised, he was alone. "Good morning, troupe master." The mayor addressed himself.

"Good morning..." he said in a hushed tone, "let's just... bypasses the traditional small chats and just get to the vital detail."

The mayor then took a seat across from the towering master. "Did that explain your assistant's absence?""

He nodded.

That means… something bad must’ve happened “Did anything happen last night during your stay at Greenpath? I was shocked you wanted such an early meeting. I was absolutely certain that last night went totally typical for your ensemble."

"No, something happened last night," grimm said, folding his hand to the table. “Terrible, but not on Greenpath.”

The mayor nodded, attempting to comprehend "Not on Greenpath?" He cocked his head, perplexed. "Forgive me, troupe master. I understand you're in a bad state of emotions right now, but I believe it's best if I was made aware of what happened last night. Maybe I can help the best I can."

"No." He shook his head "We didn't need that kind of help, we only need you to understand our situation and not doing anything about it"

“I see… Can you clarify what happened before….. this meeting?"

Grimm huffed. To be honest, he would prefer to sleep than attend this conference; he tried so hard to sleep last night but only managed a few hours. He knew he needed to have this discussion and explained everything to the mayor. before it reaches him first; else, everything will go terrible due to misunderstanding.

***

The group relocated yesterday to a much better and more strategic location since the mayor was due to audience. As a result, your hands were full of tasks and checklists that you needed to complete. It was quite a large list with several walks left and right. But that didn't stop you from completing your duty.

It was night, near to midnight, and you were still at your desk. Even after a couple hours of performances, Not even papers were done. No, there’s a lot that hasn’t been done yet.

"You're not going to sleep, Y/N?"" Your master spoke as you raised your head from the desk.

"Probably later, there's still things that I needed to do" you murmured. "Master could head out first if that’s what master want"

He puffed. He was exhausted, and he attempted to help you through the night, but he knew he couldn't stay much longer on his desk, and he was intrigued about how you were still full of energy to accomplish more, more like… worried.

He went up from his seat and said, "Goodnight, Y/N."

"Goodnight, master"

"Do not sleep late, okay?"

"I will"

He then closed the door and went. You heard his footstep walking away before placing your quill and looking at your palms. You were clearly shaking, your pulse was pounding from being so sleep deprived, and it was becoming difficult for you to concentrate or even thinking straight. You sighed, but that wouldn't stop you. At least until the paper was completed. Tiredness will not keep your hands off the quill.

You straightened up at your workstation, removing your one-lined mask and placing it on the desk while wiping your face with your hands as you leaned yourself back. The summoning ritual issue continues to bother you. The failure makes no sense at all throughout your time with the troupe. Of course, the summoning was something you constructed by stitching together the troupe's past customs; it is not something the current group is accustomed to. But that worked previously, so….. what happened? And this sudden headache you get along with some weird static voices… no, you decided to ignore it and focused back on your work before you collapses

As time passes, your senses are suddenly jolted by something unexpected. Troubles, but nearing midnight? That's both unusual and awful. When you heard a faint call for aid from outside the troupe, you quickly put on your mask and sprinted to the troupe's door, gripping your staff.

“please… help…” The scene you saw was a scout being held on by a nightmare, surrounded by a group of masters and novices engaged in their own discussion. You had quite a chaos "M-miss Y/N!" They exclaimed as if you were a saviour coming to save them. They attempted to rise up but were stopped by their nightmare's colleague: "Please... help… us…"

"What happened?" You asked the varied group, something worrying happened with how horrible the scout’s condition looks right now.

"We, ummm," one of the novices approached you, "we were sneaking out of the troupe when we came upon a troubled scout. We brought them here to see you, despite their poor condition and murmuring we’re….. not in trouble, are we?” Sneaking out in the middle of the night was forbidden by the troupe, and they were more terrified of being penalized than seeing one of their own in a battered state.

You ignored them and knelt before the scout. "Explain"

"They…. took everyone! They took everyone, miss Y/N! I can't…. I can't do anything to stop them" they said in horror. They were in a state of panic and unable to focus on their remarks. Flying for days to Greenpath is not an easy undertaking.

"Who? Who took everybody? What happened?" You asked again.

"They… they wore…" They coughed terribly as they slowly lost consciousness again. "Bandana…. Please…” their hand gripped your wrist, tightening it… they were begging in desperate, you decided to let them “Please…. Help…” As they passed unconscious, their grasp loosened and their mask fell off their face.

"……" you collected their dropped mask and gave it to the closest novice and got up. "You two" pointed to the only two novices. "I need you two to bring them to the medical room, now."

The two novices nodded and began to gently carry the scout after being handed it by the nightmare. You watched as they were carried away.

"Now, the rest of you, come with me," you said again. "I need all of your help in this if you all don’t want punishment."

"Yes, Miss Y/N!" they all said in unison

Then you sensed familiar footsteps approaching behind him. "Something happened, Y/N?" It was him, Walking towards you

"Master…" you turned around to face him. "I thought master was asleep."

"….. I felt a terrible omen. Did anything happen?” He seemed worried as he questioned, "What's with the grimmkins here?"

"They didn't listen, master" you swiftly explained to him.

"Who? Wait, you mean…."

"Yes… Those red bandanas kidnapped our scouts in forgotten crossroads I'll go there and save them; the master may wait-"

"Y/N…I'm going" he stated

"….. Alright," you nodded. “If that’s what master wanted”

The small party then moved to the outside of the troupe; the mood became tense as it had been days since the previous report from them. Time is of the importance, and they need to get there immediately.

"How do we get there, Y/N? It's quite far from here," he inquired.

"We have no choice but to use the usual way." You stabbed your staff to the ground as you concentrated your strength into it, generating crimson nightmare essences in the air. "Everyone! in the circle" you told the grimmkins, "I'll teleport us there."

"Hold on, the usual? Have you had enough power for that? It's quite far from here" he stated his concerns, while "At least let me assist you with it."

"No…" you shook your head, the fire on the glass globe ran wild within, and a sigil formed on the ground under, enclosing everyone inside. "I need master to take us back here after we saved everyone. Master understood how to accomplish it, I’m sure of that and there's no need to worry; master will use the staff to reduce the power loss."

"Y/N...I don't think you're strong enough to do it. You haven't rested since yesterday. Don't force yourself to do it," he pressed his concerns into you.

"No need to worry, master. I can do this." The sigil began to glow, and the nightmarish essences drifted around, creating a show. A demonstration of your great strength as an assistant. "ARGHH!" Then you yelled, raised your staff, and spun in a quick circle. The staff sparkles as brightly as you did.

And in the blink of an eye, the landscape and surroundings change. There is no more emerald greenery, only a city of concrete, like if you were flipping a page in a book. You arrived to the forgotten crossroads in a couple of seconds.

"Y/N!" He exclaimed as you sank to your knees, and he swiftly knelt beside you.

"Miss Y/N!” And so do the Grimmkins, who are all coming to your side.

"I'm…. fine..." you responded, panting heavily. Force yourself to stand up in the thick of everyone's worries. Honestly, it depleted you more than ever before. It wasn't intended to be this horrible, but you were drained from your mental and physical strength from the unending amount of work you did during the day. You felt dizzy, as if you were going to pass out, but you couldn't just now; you can't fail your duty, you can't fail anybody, and you can never fail your master. "Let us just... Go" You walk first, as if you hadn't fatigued at all after forcing yourself to transport everyone to a forgotten crossroads by yourself.

The party then heads out to the abandoned factory, prepared to confront whoever is there. But there were no bugs or even anyone inside. As if it was abandoned and never occupied at all. It was completely silent and black in the middle of the night.

"No one's here," one of the grimmkin said.

"They must've run away, cowards" followed by other

Noticing the situation, he decided to do something "everyone, spread out in groups of two" master grimm commanded, feeling as if he needed to do more than just stand and observe. He noted your stance was a little weaker than usual, especially because of what you did "Search the building and call out when you find them, got that?"

"Yes, Master!" Everyone responded as they went their own ways, while you remained with him.

"That's…. This is an excellent idea... "Master," you said to him, attempting to mask your fatigue on your voice. "We should… look around upstairs"

"Y/N" He grabbed your arm before you could walk away, "I think you should sit down instead"

"Master…. I'm fine," you attempted to object, despite the fact that your condition was not good. You can't do nothing when everyone is working for a cause, especially one as crucial as this.

"You said you were alright, yet you are forcing yourself to stand up. You're not fine, Y/N," he muttered, resting back against one of the walls. You two are still around the beginning of the factory, while the others have already gone their way.

"This is a severe matter, Master. We can't appear comfortable about it," you said in a blank tone. "Besides, I'm accustomed to it already. I'm used to pushing myself to the limit."

"That doesn't make it okay," he complained further. "In fact, it was worrying."

"I know… I always know"

"Then why? Why are you putting yourself through this?"

"It is my responsibility, Master. As an assistant.”

He groaned silently in answer. To be honest, he has no idea what is going through your head or what is driving you to make this decision. All of the anguish you're going through, all of the weight you're carrying, what drove you to do this? He knew he wasn't ready to take on all of his duties yet; he needed to study and attempt more before he was ready. But not this way. He doesn't understand your desire on this self-inflicted misery.

Before he could answer, they heard a faint cry from the second story. "We'll talk about this later, master," you said as you rapidly walked to the stairs, with the sway of your cloak.

Eventually, he chose to join you. Being cut off due to an urgent topic at hand. You two take steps towards a newly broken door, which appears to have been forced open, while additional grimmkins slowly congregate.

There were less than a dozen chained-up scouts in the room, all in horrible shape. Some passed out, while others remained barely awake, and none wore their masks, which were thought to have been destroyed after being captured. And their shape is not good at all; it is only because they have the power of immortality through the nightmare heart that they have lasted this long, if only barely.

You counted the scouts in your head as you looked around the chamber, watching the grimmkins cut their bonds, All in counts except one that managed not to get caught, but there’s… someone there that caught your gaze.

"Who is that?" you inquired, carefully approaching the lying body. They are not a grimmkin, but someone else. An insect with an antenna and a tattered grey cloak.

"A guy….. tried to….. help us," one scout stated while being hold close by a colleague. “Eventually…. He gets caught but… he helped a scout to escape…”

"I see.." explaining the scout who was able to reach Greenpath; though, what would happen if he wasn't there? It would be a terrible ending to a story. You knelt alongside him; he had received the most severe thrashing of the group, with bruises and dried blood all over his face and body. If a day passes beyond today, he may not be able to live. "You there.." you shouted out, gently prodding him with your staff.

After a while, he grumbles and opens his eyes faintly. He has a vivid eye. A brilliant eye with a small will to survive. His antenna replied with a slight but fleeting movement.

"We're here to help if that's what you're hope. Do you have a home?" You questioned him blankly, while everyone was aiding the scouts and grimm was silently observing.

He shook his head, that intrigued you.

"So, you're homeless; is there a reason for that?" You inquired again about his exact history. "Or you can't recall why you were alone?"

He gave another shake of his head.

"So, you've lived your life, trying to survive without understanding what your purpose or reason for being was. Despite this... You still care for others you don't know, even if you could turn a blind eye to it…" you paused, seeing that he may be beneficial to the troupe. A bug having no direction and no significance. Bugs like you and Panella, who will always be devoted to the troupe, are a rare kind to be seized. “I could grant you one of two wishes. I could offer you a fast and painless death so that you could have mercy and be free of this horrible world. Or you might join our troupe, live with us, perform with us, we’ll give you shelter, food, and we could help you find your life's purpose. Your choice… touch my staff if that’s your choice, or not”

Hearing that, he slowly moves his hand to the bottom of the staff with the remaining strength that he had. You could see he wanted to live, that he hadn't given up on life, and that he wanted to see more than he had. He has a unique opportunity that might change his life. Then a finger brushes your staff as his arm drops to the ground.

"Alright, and lastly… do you have a name?" You asked for the final time.

Surprisingly, he shook his head again so he’s nameless….. And yet wanted to uncover the purpose of life.

You nodded and said, "From now on, you will serve under the cloak of the troupe and the nightmare heart. You will start at the bottom and try to ascend to the top; you will have a mask, you will have a shelter, you will have a purpose, you will harvest the flame for the troupe, you will dedicate your vessel and soul for the succeed of the ritual, you will wield a new power only for the troupe. And from now on… your name will be, Ultramarine”

His eyes enlarged and antenna perked up when he hears that "Ultra….marine…" spoken weakly for the first time. His name came from his eye color. He gently closed his eyes again, this time with comfort and a smile as he passed out.

"So, is that it?" Grimm approached from behind. "We have a new member?" He chose to discuss since it appears that everything is done.

"That's right," you rise up and patting your cloak. "Would that be okay, master?"

"Well, I wouldn't…. mind. He may be handy, so we went back?"

"No… not yet… consequences needed to be delivered, the damnation to those who didn't listened" you hinted at them “Until that, we won’t returned”

He huffed, "Of course... "

***

Outside forgotten crossroad, concealed from view. There are several bugs in a warehouse that appeared to have been built in secret for an emergency. They appeared to be in good spirits, with no signs of fear or gloom on their features. They appeared to be hanging around as usual, chatting about whatever came to mind and laughing behind their mask while lamplights flickered in the night.

In another part, which appears to be a basic workplace with a chair and a table, a bug sat with no worries on their face through their mask, in contrast to a bug that was nervous about something while clutching their mask in their hand. Something is wrong in the air right now.

"I can't believe you actually dare to do it," they muttered uneasily to the other. "We had enough of making one or two enemy, and now we make three who can annihilate us by just two persons."

"Hah!” The insect snickered, seemingly unconscious of the danger. "What's the big deal? They're a traveling troupe, not a gang that will never leave this land. We'll wait them out and take our base back"

"But you didn't have to mess with them. They're not playing around with their threat; what if they found they hadn't received a response from their members? " Imagined the anger that’ll flamed their eyes once they saw with their eyes of what we’ve done” the bug answered back, worried about their well beings “We should’ve not gone through with that plan”

"So, what? Do you want everyone to mock us because of your burn scar?" The other bug pointed to the visible scar on the face, "how can we grow and expand if everyone treats us as a joke? So much of our renown and identities have been wasted on some circus!” They groaned deeply, "They won't find us here, hallownest is too big to be searched day and night, so get out of here and have a drink with the rest."

They huffed a worried air "Fine…" and marched to the door, saying "Farewell" to their leader

"Wait, you drop your bandana, ah whatever," the leader said, leaning back farther in their seat. It may take weeks, but after they go, they will return to reclaim their reputation and restore the red bandana's power. "What's the worry?" they reasoned, "They won't find us here, a secret, isolated, and remote part outside of forgotten crossroads. They'll have to travel through a long cave to get here. Besides, what's the worst they can do-" then they leaned forward and wiping a sweat "Why is it suddenly hot in here?"

"I told you…we'll always find you, no matter where you hide." They stop on spot like a statue, hearing that dreadful emotionless voice.

They turned and screamed when they saw you and grimm in the corner of the room. "No way! No way! Impossible!"

You stepped forward with your staff ready, "All we ask is a simple request, but you were blinded by your own ego. We never lie about causing the most excruciating death conceivable.”

"Wait, wait!" They attempted to beg while crawling back, "I don’t mean to-" you didn't give them time to explain as a flame flew at them, shattering their mask and falling to the ground. No... The flame did not kill them; instead, it entered their lips and passed into their neck with a choked gasp. They coughed as it passed into their stomach.

On the other hand, you panted heavily and began to tremble. "Now….. Face your... judgment," you whispered meekly.

He knelt alongside you and held your shoulder, expressing concern and gratitude for your efforts “That’s enough, Y/N… you’ve done what you could…”

“I… understand” Your disorientation worsened as you moved your palm towards him. You were on the verge of collapse.

The leader used this opportunity to make a daring escape out of the room, shouting "help" along the way. They didn't follow their lives already ended as the flame entered their mouth. Worse than being burned to death.

"Master… i…" Everything around you started to get… dark. “…. Forgive me… I’ve done…. What I-”

With a thump of a staff, "Y/N!" he cried as he swiftly drew your body to his as both of your cloaks touched. He took a few seconds to analyze the situation before mumbling "Y/N…" in a low quiet tone. He hugged you tightly and closed his eyes while kneeling on both knees. "Why...? Why are you doing this?” he said, aware you weren't listening but still do anyway. " I never asked you to... to torture yourself like this," one of his fears, unfortunately happened. "You understand everything about me, every secret and weakness that I bore… but why… no matter how hard I tried to understand you, no matter how my flames brightened a dark abyss, I couldn't understand you at all… I couldn't understand your devotion to the troupe." Every time I attempted to comprehend, study, and know more about you, I... I just... I couldn't..." he embraced you tighter, pulling your head to his shoulder. "I'm sorry... I’m sorry I couldn’t understand your way of thinking… I’m sorry" was his first frantic request for forgiveness, despite the fact that he had done nothing wrong. He caressed your back and made sure your mask was on, saying, "I'll handle it...you rest easy."

He heard several footsteps coming, many of them. He could hear their surprised, horror, and worry, which made him mad, really mad. He was mad because they hadn't listened. To be honest, he doesn't always comprehend their obstinate ego even when death is there in front of them. He's furious, and seeing the shackled scouts in such a horrible state has left him speechless. He wished they would perish in anguish and burn for eternity for what they had done.

 He opened his eyes and looked at the red bandanas poised to assault. For a brief moment, a rose of a spike emerged underneath them. then…..

Silence. Complete silence. He had to protect you with his cloak from the little bit of blood that splashed upon them. No... It was not a dull twisted spike, but rather a really sharp one. They were impaled and skewered by the spike, which suspend them from the ground with deafening stillness and blood dripping down the spike. The spike then came down, and they fell to the ground, blood polls beneath them. Grimm grasped your staff as he stood, still keeping you close to him.

He stepped over the dead as he ventured through the warehouse where they are currently. Everyone in the warehouse was impaled by spikes, not even noticing that they’re already dead when it’s too late, save for the leader, therefore there were little to no sounds except for their footsteps. He strolled past the laid-out bodies, each trying to breathe through a perforated lung or a hole in the chest. He notices another individual, who is attempting to regulate their breathing. It was… the other one that he saw along with the leader.

"Please…." They coughed blood as they implored "Spare-" before their entire body burst into flames. He moved past as their screams cut through the blazing heat. No compassion, no mercy, even for those who are hesitant. Everyone are to be judged equally.

He approached to the warehouse's door, approaching the leader who was in horrible anguish; he wanted to just kill them right now, but he knew they deserved every second of that suffering of slow burning pain. They struggled to hold on to his legs as the flames scorched them from the inside out. He simply kicks it aside and watches in complete quiet as they spend their final moments in never-ending agony, unconcerned by the foul odor. He pokes them with your staff to ensure they have died. And when he got no response, he went out of the warehouse.

He took a second look at their disgusting hiding place. He pointed to the back of the warehouse with your staff, and the warehouse were set ablaze. He takes one more glance at it before using your staff to teleport to the front of the abandoned factory, where the rest of the grimmkin are waiting.

"Everyone" he glared at them all with a scarlet gaze that could burn anything at its sight "It's over, we're going back”

He lifted his staff and conjured a sigil around everyone in a matter of seconds, with nightmare essences flying everywhere. He then secures his grasp on your sleeping body. Then…..

They departed.

Chapter Text

" thank you for the understanding".

"It’s a delight, troupe master. But I do hope something like this could be prevented in near future, others won’t be… eager to listen like I am”

"......... ideally”

Even though he attends the meeting personally by himself, things went smoothly with the mayor. Following hours of vague, non-detailed explanation, the mayor realizes his current condition. And the troupe is therefore saved from unavoidable consequences. He then went back to the troupe via a quick teleportation. Today's morning was really brilliant, not as empty as it had been few hours previously, more bugs now filled the street and having a look at the front of the ominous troupe tents. He entered the troupe and headed for his office. But then… he sighed from a dubious sensation just now. Then he moved somewhere. He doesn’t want to believed his hunch but he had no choices.

He waited with his back slanted on the wall till he noticed a door opening "Master?"

"Hey, Y/N," he said, "Where are you right now?" In a judging manner

You went quiet for a moment “I’m….. heading to the office, I’m sorry I couldn’t woke up in time I’m just-“

"Y/N" he cuts you off "Look... just, go back to bed. You need at least a day off; you collapsed few hours ago for the troupe’s sake”

" Master, I'm good right now-"

"Y/N" he cuts you off once more, this time his word had more weight on it "I haven’t sleep well, and I had to attend a meeting with the mayor to explain what happened even though I don't want to. I just… simply wanted to say it one last time, but go to bed, okay? You need more rest” he understands that saying this is a little rude coming from him, but his mood has been terrible from the moment he got up. Though he is aware that is not even near to what you went through, though it won’t stop him from feeling awful. "I promised I could manage everything today."

You sighed and nodded "Alright, if that's what master wanted".

He nodding back "See you later, Y/N."

" Later, master..."

The door closed then, and he groaned as he massaged his temple. His confusion of you is another cause his mood had been terrible. Even after a decade of being together, he recently learned you are still a "stranger" to him. And your answrs to his questions about you, doesn't really speak to anything about you. Particularly last night when out of nowhere, his two devoted grimmkins started to seem somewhat odd for a minute or two.

"She'll be okay, master. She's just... weary. That's... simply how Y/N is sadly” Divine comforted him.

Some of the noise following his teleporting everyone back to the troupe woke some from their sleep. Why not? It’s a commotion when the scouts were taken to medical room.

"That still does not make any better, divine. She falls directly in front of me; that alone makes one anxious enough.” He sighed tiredly “You know.... That had me wondering: how did she originally get appointed as an assistant?”

And he could swear; her glances show a small pause as if something about his query tickled something on her "Oh that.... That one...”

He finds her shift confusing "Yeah... you know the story, divine?"

She stopped and seemed somewhat reluctant in speaking.

"… Divine?” He called her aloud.

She murmured, "I don't... remember," at him.

"Oh, you do not? That is really unexpected.”

“Yes... yes... apologies...”

"You good, divine? You're acting weird right now," he asked her.

"I'm good, Master grimm. It’s just... well… my mind still foggy after being woken up” she cleared her throat

"ookay," he murmured slowly, that makes it no less strange. Until he questioned her about Y/N's history, he was confident she was behaving normally.

"Ah! Brumm!” She called out to the accordionist, "Thank the flame you're here!”

The accordionist welcomed them both "Good evening you two, or midnight."

Grimm nodded at him "How were the scouts?" He asked him “Were they fine?

"They're in a stable condition. Some were in really poor shape but would soon recover, though physically.” Brumm described in great detail "Their mental psyche would need help with how traumatizing it could be to some, and there… might be shifts in the distribution of the scouts, but much more needed to be discussed by Y/N. I'm not in a position to implement such adjustments, and master would most likely wouldn’t want to.”

"I'm not particularly knowledgeable on that department, brumm. Regarding Y/N” he paused for a moment "Do you know the reason she started working as an assistant?"“

Like the advisor, he too becomes irritated; although not as clearly as divine did. But he could see that through "“Unfortunately, master. I have forgotten about it”

“Ah.. you too. You know, I was wondering why you two would remember every little thing she did in the past but not the important tale like-minded-“ He then groaned, clutching his head in a mournful manner. It hurt so suddenly, so terrible. He was so exhausted.

Brumm advised him, "master should head to bed right now," making sure he didn't tumble "we'll handle it in master's stead."

“I guess so."he said, fixing his cloak "Goodnight, you two and... thanks"

To be honest, that was a somewhat strange minute between the two. He is now caught, fascinated more about you and your narrative, wondering more about you. But who else could have recalled about your advancement, several centuries ago? As he settled on his desk, he considered He handled the works as much as he could without you; at least, he hasn't had anything significant needed to be finished, simply some little nitpick. He put down the Quill; his constant thoughts about keep diverting him from his job; at least ONE should be able to tell him a story, but... who? Who else might be able to? Who else that could remember the great detail?

He recalls something, perhaps... someone known. It's a last-ditch, maybe frantic attempt he may consider, he stood up from his seats.

***

He greeted each of them, "Hello... you two," he paused for a moment "Wait.. Are you Arion or Beau?” He really something

To be honest, asking the steeds is a rather stupid concept, but just now he could only think of one solution. As there is a means of contact with both of them, one should be able to inquire. Since their main responsibility is to draw the caravan, he wasn't sure whether they remembered or even cared to recall; however, it's worth trying.

One of the steed is asleep on the floor of the stable right now; the other simply sat down and got up right away as he got near "Uhh.. Y/N told me what about them? I could have sworn that she once told on how to distinctions between the two," and he doesn't know who he spoke to right now. Is it beau or arion?

He could tell they looked perplexed as the horse in front of him slanted their head to the side while the other merely dozed, not noticing his presences.

"Ah whatever," he pushed it off, "So... is there a way for me to talk to you two?” He questioned them, "I know Y/N used her staff to do so but could I do that without one?" He went on, "Uhh you can comprehend what I'm saying, right?''

“Hello?” The steed only gave him a glare from their mask as he waved his arm infront of their face; he did not get any reply. He caressed the horse head and murmured "Well... so much for trying". He then focused further on their mask, the two black eyes. He simply continues looking more and more into it without knowing why. And his head aligned with the steed that was only staring back at him. A looks without even blinking, not once.

Then, when he did…., he became aware of how differently his surroundings seem. There is a vacuum scarlet ground of emptiness without end in sight. “Where am I?" He inquired as he surveyed about, he was sure he was at the stable moments ago

"We're now linked to a space of mind, master troupe". Said by a male voice,

He flinched slightly at the voice "What the? Who are you?” he called out into the space, to the whoever it was.

“…. In front of you”

"Oh...” He was looking forward to just… see the steed. The other one still slept normally as the stable vanished and left an empty void. "You have to be... arion and the one asleep is Beau. Wait: How can you move me here?”

"I simplu linked our minds to you as we stare each other, troupe master. Usually it is not feasible with the others, but ever since master had the strongest connection among all with the nightmare heart, I was able to do so. And that's why we could converse telepathically right now in a secluded zone while in the actual world, master merely gazing at me” remarked by arion with a strict voice. He heard from you that arion is an apathetic, laid-back steed who seldom cares about anything in the world, the reverse of beau, a chaotic, hyperactive stallion who is always in high pitch for virtually anything. But the arion he now saw is much more concentrated "Is there something that master interested in a modest steed like us?” He bowed his head.

"Uhhh just one: have you two ever remembered a story explaining why Y/N was promoted so quickly?” Hoping he would remember, he asked him, "I was wondering how Y/N could jump from trainee to assistant."

"Why... yes I recall why. For the whole month, it was an unlikely narrative, but I was honestly shocked that master had to ask us. Miss Divine and Mister Brumm would have known, I am certain. They were really watching it closely at that day”

"They... forgot," he stated short

“forgotten? Two of them?” Arion sounded in incredulity, as though he expected other response from him.

That got him suspicious: "Yes, they… didn't remember," he said, wondering whether they were purposefully hiding something. Arion's shock level makes it nearly hard for the two to forget that crucial time.

"That's... shocking. Still, master, not to panic. we could and can tell you the whole thing in great detail.” Arion affirmed him

Huffing in relief, the troupe master patted his own chest under his cloak. "That's… excellent to hear"

"Now if master would pardon me for a bit...," arion turned around and headed to the sleeping steed "Beau! Rise! Master grimm is asking for our loyalty!” He exclaimed at Beau and use his front legs, poking her.

She murmured in a drowsy tone, "...arion... shut up".

" Wake up; you sluggish steed! Master requested for our shown commitment!” Arion was almost to screaming.

“Stop…. Playing…” She continued, still with her eyes closed, "... master grimm... won't talk to us."

"Umm... I am," Grimm said, still standing in the same spot

"Master!" She rose up in all legs right away as she heard it and hurried to him "By the flames!! It's masterl! Master Grimm is chatting with us here” She remarked sprinting around him, "Oh, I was really honored!! Talking to you, master troupe, is an honor come true!!” and then screeched in excitement 

“Beau!” Arion ran to her, smacked her with his head "Manner!" and stopped her from sprinting in circles.

“Oh right!” Both steeds are already facing him. She cleared her long throat "What is that master requested?"

Arion told her, "master asked us to retell the story of why Y/N got promoted".

"oohhh" she said in wonder "Wait, that story or ‘that’ one??" she underlined on the second "that".

"There's just one narrative, beau; forgive her for her messy behavior, master. She can be childish in an inappropriate moment.”

"That's okay; I'm not trying to start formal conversation."

“And speaking of formal..” She joked about "what's thiiiiss... the steed arion is being different," she giggled at herself “You're terribly stiff for being formal, it wasn’t you around Y/N"

regardless their differences, they got along really nicely regardless how irritating beau may be or how indifferent arion sometimes; he could partially relate the things you had to bear with both of their antics. At least... They at last started their story.

***

in the arena stage, you were lying in the seated area. There are no performances throughout the day, so no audience to be seated one. Usually, grimmkin would linger out and having conversations, discussions, or breaks. And there you are, staring at the red scarlet tarp of the troupe while no one disturbed you, or maybe they just didn't know you were there. To be honest, it's decent when no one’s bothering you.

You were just closing your eyes for a few seconds "Fancy seeing you here, Y/N," and then opened to find a head hiding the ceiling view. Of course… it has be her.

"….I thought you were on duty, panella," you boredly asked her.

She said softly, "I was... but I'm in a break right now". Something dropped on your face "And I brought you something."

You groaned, grabbed the object, sat down, shook your head clear-wise. a bread loafs.  "Oh.... Many thanks; from where did you get it?“

She was eating her own bread, "some locals sell it, though with their condition, don't expect the best quality."

“I never did” You nibbled and it was... tasteless but passable. "With the infection on this land, what luxury can we expect from them?" you said.

“You're quite fidgety when bored, aren't you Y/N?” She teased you, "Still gloomy about everything, hmm? You should smile more throughout these periods.”

You groaned once more and ate another mouthful, "I'm not sure when it'll stop, panella. This dullness is a reality check reminding me that I'm terrible at everything” and finishing your bread.

"Y/N...," she stroked your shoulder, "I know you're envy at my promotion-."

"I'm not!" You objected "I'm just…..envy of myself for still being a trainee while you became a nightmare. I would never hate you, never.”

You could never have been jealous of Panella's achievement. But your heart hurt as you watched her being promoted to nightmare while you were still a trainee to this day. After you saved her and grew close, and became best friends, Panella accomplished many things. You were glad for her to be moving on from her village, but you? Who were longer than her and still unable of accomplishing any kind of success? Indeed, that irritates you much of the time.

She laughed "I know... I know... I’m just kidding but that's not good, to gloom oneself like this," then she got an idea just as she finished her bread "How about we walk? That should help to relax your mood”

“I’m-“ You were going to complain, but she pulls you to get up and pulled you while you could do nothing to resist,  

She said with absolute certainty, as she pulled you from the stage arena "WE are going on a walk, I'm not seeing my best friend sad forever"

"alright...," you murmured, using your other hand to adjust your mask.

The second reason you’re in a bad mood was the few outside activities available to you. For a good reason, the infection. Indeed, the same orange ooze epidemic that previously tore throughout Panella's hometown. Except for the higher level, to which panella but not you, your master prohibited outside activities or task based on divine's advice, with the upending dread of the grimmkins's safety. You were so bored out of sheer ignorance unable to accomplish anything at all. Almost nothing.

The two of you were strolling as you gathered yourself and held your torch tightly. You won't be in any risk with panella at hand. She would shielded you from any incoming infected, and in one shot she totally stopped them with a burned crisp stench.

"We should not travel far, panella.” You expressed your nervousness “we do not know how hazardous they may be.” From where the troupe tents are located, the infection isn't very harmful at all. But you knew, from the furthest depth of this adjacent region from hallownest, there are many deadly creatures lurking.

“Relax, we won’t. we’re just going to talk a small walk around. And if they showed up, I'll shoot them out for us," she answered with assurance. “That’s what I’m here for”

Then you halted midway through your stroll and she stopped too. On a barren land devoid of sounds as the infection had already devastated the area. Only you and she are here. The ground dries, but neither of you is.

You mumbled to yourself, staring slightly down on the ground, "If only I could. If only... I could be useful".

To which through your mask, she her plainly hear it. She removed her mask and held it in one hand, "Y/N... You already are. If you weren't... could I be here? Can I become nightmare grimmkin, standing on both feet, donning this mask, and holding this torch?”

You likewise removed your mask and shook slightly "No...," unable to envision a future without panella should you not have found her in that basement. That idea might send you totally shivers "It's just...."

"It's just what?”

"I simply felt panella, a bit… uncomfortable.” You were not only envy at yourself, but also had this feeling of failure, of foundering, it suffocating at sometimes. “When I had this…. sickening thought, of failing, of feeling like I failed the troupe for not being a useful asset at all, for not… achieving that which could thrive the troupe, it... ached so bad, almost chocking me.”

She sighed "If both of my hands weren't occupied by these two, Y/N. I would happily hug you right now. To be honest, I would gladly forward my advancement to you. No; you deserved better, higher above the nightmares” she said. Hyperbole it.  

"above the nightmares like divine and brumm?" you let a faint sorrowful grin. You chuckled "Guess only one could ever wished that."

"Y/N! I'm being serious-“

Then you two heard a faint cry, that of suffering and aid requesting. You two hurried to where the sound originated after donning the mask. A novice flying in terror towards their direction. And based on their voice, something horrible occurred.

“Thank… THANK the flames you two are here!!” They gasped in fright but also showed some little relief.

"What happened?" Panella asked, avoiding also terrified by their mere voice.

“We need help! Some of the grimmkins got trapped far there with those infected!” they stated quickly

“Wait.. how?” now it is you that asked

"Some of the villagers... t-they… begged some of us for assists with the infected wandering.” They halted for a bit amid their panting. “Then they… followed, out of sympathy, then... it spiraled out of hand for us to manage, and they’re in danger."

"What?!?"And panella cannot disguise her shocked voice "But that's really risky! Not even the best of the scouts is permitted to venture far. You all understood well to not show sympathy for foreign territory we do not have businesses on!" and her wrath at them

“W-we’re sorry! But please…” they flew lower than her, and begged “Save the others… they don’t let them die… I begged of you”

….... You don't wish to just watch; you only could watch. This time you spoke before she could "..you go back and tell everyone, me and panella will go and help them." You wanted to be useful. “Got that?”

They nodded “Thank you, thank you!”

You instantly grab panella's wrist and ran off, she put little opposition before rushing along with you "Y/N, you realize it's a bad decision. Not just the two of us could pull them out.”

"I know," you said warily, "but we have to make sure there’s no casualties and that they’re safe. We will go keep those infected off until the troupe brings the nightmares to escort us out.”

"Well, that's a bold idea but I'm in!” Full of bravery even at this ridiculously stupid audacious of a scheme, she replied, "You'll definitely get a promotion after this."

“We’ll worry that later”

Chapter Text

"There's always exists someone with the heart of a leader, but Y/N... is different," arion said, noting "She's interesting type of grimmkin"

" Different indeed, arion. When she led the grimmkin, she had a leaderish quality unlike others." Beau also noted her odd behavior, as if she had a secret objective with her tenacious achievement. "We are lucky that kind of talent does not go to waste".

Master grimm nodded, "Yeah... I'm very agree on that. She’s unique and professional”

“Hmm? Master looked worried, I thought master was supposed to be fascinated by it” Beau pointed it out

“I am fascinated, beau…. It’s just… her devotions. She’s burdening herself with these… works that are just… worrying”

“It’s completely understandable, master.” Said by arion “but that’s how she is for centuries. She devoted herself on her duty as the assistant that she pays no attention on her own well beings”

“But the flame that came from the sparks is quite bright” Beau commented on it too “She does her job really well, and that’s why the troupe hasn’t had any troublesome trouble for quite a long time. The troupe thrived because of her dedication”

“But there’s no way only she could do it herself…” grimm brought a point “Everyone could do it”

“Yes… everyone could but..” Arion let out a slight distressed sigh “… she brought it upon herself. Y/N doesn’t have to do everything, but she put she keeps… pushing herself to be so. It’s what she wanted and keen to be, and none of us understands her reasoning behind it”

“For summary, she’s quite the woman with mystery, master troupe.” Beau said “Quite… the mystery one”

***

“Is that all panella?” You asked her

She panted, straightening her torch, "Yeah.... well, barely”

Both of you continued and went behind a fallen log, peeking at the many wandering infected.

“That’s… quite a lot” you hissed “I thought they were supposed to be less crowded”

“Well this isn’t hallownest, Y/N, unfortunately. I don’t think I can handle all of them on my own…”

“If only I could…”

She patted your shoulder “Hey… there has to be another way than just fighting them head on”

“We… could distract them.” You proposed an idea “They are attracted to something bright….. and brainless”

“You sound like you had an idea in mind” she giggled

“I do…” and pointed at the log they were in “And a clever one”

When the infected saw a bright flame from the distances, they went to the flame like it was food, just as you planned. And when they group up, they didn’t notice a log were rolling to their directions and when they do… it already ends. It was honestly a simple idea yet it worked at your side.

“Wow… that was a stupidly working idea” Panella commented as she looks at the bodies of the infected

You chuckled “I know… come on!” you pulled her away.

And in the ends, you two reached to where the grimmkins evacuated on an abandoned house while the infected fills up the place, and panella quickly handles it all.

She panted more as the last remaining infected were being put down “It's safe now! Come on out!" she exclaimed

From the towering house, the grimmkins slowly flew done. Some grimmkins always undervalue their surroundings since they may soar above and subsequently neglect their safety. They're not above threats just because they can fly and teleport. Everyone usually has it lurking about.

“You alright?” you went up to her, holding her shoulder together.

“Just… slightly exhausted, but I’m okay” she reassured you

You nodded at her.

Then she focused at the grouped grimmkins holding their torches in shake "The audacity some of you had" and about their safety, it always snuffed out her happy chirping tone. She has time to be serious and professional for once, which is pretty fair. Others, though, she is always sunlight. “Not only you all endangered yourself but also achieved nothing in the process.”

"we’re sorry...." they all said

The scheme proved to be a dismal bust. Though risky, such recklessness never materialized. The residents that sought assistance all bitten and needed panella to be put down. And by diverting the remaining infected, they may both buy time, but times that are quickly ticking down

"We should be careful and find a better hiding place," you say, tapping her back. “They might return in any seconds right now.”

“But where?” She turned around at you "trees won't sufficient when they could climb and spew acids, and there's only trees here".

The grounds then rumbled out of nowhere. It shocked everyone. Then out of nowhere a tree falls at them, but everyone moved away in time. And more of the infected were approaching when the dust fell.

Panella asked you in a slight panic "Y/N... we need a better idea if we wanted to survive." While both of you were quickly to gather with everyone "and I have no plan on this."

"I'm trying!" Then you noticed the torches the grimmkins dropped to the ground. "maybe-"

The rumbles then persisted and suddenly a big infected four-legged beast passed through. Everyone was afraid, even you, but you stayed concentrated on the torches, including yours...

“Run!”

Then everyone took off while the monster chases from behind them, it was an intense chase as panella trying to stall the monster with a flame, yet that only does little to blind it.

You could see a tree in the front, and you immediately ordered her “Panella, now!”

She then took a shot at the monster at the face and it was blinded for a few moments but crucial moments as it didn’t manage to dodge the tree and hit it head on, giving all of you some times.

“YOU TWO!” one of the grimmkin shouted at the both of you, you two turned to see a cave entrance “OVER HERE!”

You two then quickly followed them inside. (DELETE LATER:Hide on cave idea, the monster ram itself on the cave trying to get in, you saw opening of the cave, you took the flames to yours, and through the hole, you distracts it away)

“Damn…” panella panted as she leaned her hand on the cave’s wall “This is… quite the workout… you guys okay?”

“we are…”
“I’m scared…”
“Shut up… we all do”
“what do we do now…?”

The grimmkins said to themselves, they were scared, which is understandable. Both of you and panella are too, but freaking out and cowering in the ground won’t do any good at all. You had to be brave, you have to, or else you all won’t make it out alive.

It wasn’t a long cave either, more like a space that someone made. It looks used to be recently made for mining, with abundant number of pickaxes and helmet, but it was eventually ended off due to the infection.

“Panella! Look out!” you decided to look outside the cave hole to see the monster ramming itself to the place all of you were, which why you took her arm and pull her in the cave as the place itself shook with the monster’s ram.

“Can this thing just stop chasing us already?!!” She cursed, the cheerful and soft panella were switched. Something you slightly weren’t expecting to see.

The hole thankfully was small enough from getting the monster inside, and the other infected were taking distance from it. But that’s not good news, it wasn’t a long hall, and with each ram it did, only times will tell that the cave collapses.

The monster ram it again, prompting panella to pull a grimmkin from a falling rock, you look to the ceiling, the ‘cave’ won’t last long with the monster ramming it. You clenched your fist, something must be done right now, but what?

Then…you see it, a crevice, a small gap of hole in the ceiling to the outside. You pointed it out “Up there!”

The ground shake again as the monster roared and ramming it yet again, ignoring its own damage that had done to itself, as if the monster didn’t understand pain and head trauma.

“We won’t escape with the monster chasing our trail!” one grimmkin giving a point “Even if we go through that hole, it’ll chase us again!”

“Then what?” the other objected “I’m not letting myself buried here!”

Of course… even if you all escaped, it’ll lead to more danger. You wished that the escort would came, but relying on luck and hope won’t do any good now. You HAVE to do something, but what?

The cave shook again, and with that… when you saw one of the grimmkin dropped their torch, you understand… but… is it a good idea? Is it going to work?.... you can’t have a moment to think and decided with common sense, you gritted your own mouth, it can’t be…. The only choice, is it?

……..

"Dammit!" You told yourself as you raced to the dropping nightmare torch and gradually absorbed the flames to yours until it was snuffed empty. “Give me all of your torches, now!” You ordered.When the moment is pressing, no sensible thought comes when the time is urgent.

“What are you doing?” She questioned you, as she watched you take everyone’s flame to yours. Making your torch’s flame burns bright, as strong as the elites of the nightmare.

“A plan…” You then got up and walked to her "Now listen here! When I gave the signal, you help everyone out of here and find a safe place."

Hearing that from you... she felt negatively and worriedly something "Y/N?"\ What are you planning?” Your voice isn't right, your dubious idea isn’t right. It isn't...

“Just believe me panella; you trust me okay?” You reassured her, dodging her inquiry.

"Y/N... what do you have planned?” She asked once more. Your comments make her concerned about a forbidding incident.

The ground shakes once again, and when everyone were distracted to control their balance, you jumped and climbed to the crevice as you move through it

"Y/N!" She cried loudly, but you didn’t respond. Then the monster stopped, she looks to see as if someone attacks it

"here goes nothing." you murmured before fan-like waving the flames higher and brighter above your head. It finally drew in the monster. It worked.

“Y/N!! NOT YOU DARE!” Her terrified cries could be heard; she wanted to get to you but she couldn’t do anything, she understands what you planned, and she feared more than what you imagined

Looking at you, the creature growled and went towards you “GO! NOW!” You shouted at her at the cave’s entrance

She watches as the monster went away from the cave, as she run to the entrance. "Dammit, Y/N!” She grimaced her mouth and tightened her fingers on her torch as she watches you and the monster vanished, she wanted to follow you down, she doesn’t want to leave you, but she had no choice, she had no choice but to yell at the grimmkins who were stunned at the monster’s disappearances "EVERYONE! COME ON!!”

***

"That... occurred?” In total disbelief, he asked.

“By everyone’s word, that’s what happened.” Said by the male steed "not having other choices available, that is exactly what happened: she opted to divert the monster away using herself so everyone might have a time to escape. Far from the perfect scheme’s outcome, but plausible one”

"She did that..? Wait… that means… She might therefore do the same right now?” He experienced a flash of insight that sent him into terror. He doesn’t want that moment to happen

"No need to worry, master.” Beau was attempting to calm his fear “After centuries, she's still here with us in full health. She survived. In what way? Well…. after she given everyone opportunity to flee they crossed path to the group of nightmares grimmkins and master grimm! Well, the previous, previous master grimm. Oh yeah! His expression, you still recall correct arion?"

“Of course, Beau, I always will. “

"what... happened?” He asked them of this nebulous term he questioned.

“Everyone stated he had a worried face as panella swiftly informed him the situation and the bold act of distraction that Y/N does. Hmmm… no”Arion shook his head, " Saying that he had a worried look is an understatement. He looked like when someone could clearly see death approaching, extreme terror of fear and distress. When all feelings are being burnt out and one rule supreme is left. He raced passed everyone, quicker than anything the nightmares could follow, the precise moments he got the exact word of your condition.

"Woah...," grimm said. “He’s… that caring to his kin?”

“He was, he was that protective to us when dangers ensued, but everyone keeps saying that his look were… hmmm” beau turned to arion “Thinking about that, does he have the ‘do the duty for the troupe but have other hidden reason supporting it’ kind of look like Y/N, arion?”

“Could be…”

“He… had other reason that protecting his kin?” grimm asked

“Maybe yes… and maybe not, who knows?” Beau giggled at herself “It’s been centuries ago anyway, so it won’t matter much nowdays other than a trivia”

“Uhhh …. Right… so…. what happened next?”

***

You panted as you huddled behind one of the trees with the extinguished flame from the torch. You only acted out of pure pressure; you never planned any of this, it’s an idea that came out of pure desperation. Fear of death took control, and…. also, a drop of... relief. Panella should have an opportunity to bring everyone to safety. You are helpful once in a while-

You attempted not to make a sound as you heard the snarl of the beast from some proximity to your hiding place. Tightly gripping the torch and without whimpering. That creature wont’ go away ascend, it won't vanish until it finds you, but also… it can’t climb. No, not the tree; the tree would be readily knocked over. But you could plainly see a little climb to a cliff few meters on your front. You have to give it some tries, you have to, or else it could finds you if you lingered too long in your hiding.

Not knowing it was a diversion from you, the monster decided to investigate a little rustling it heard, While you slink to up the stony cliff, if only you could fly. You kept rising, few minutes from safety. "come on... come on" you said to yourself in your mind.

Regretfully, luck is not meant for you. Suddenly you spotted an infected standing on where you were meant to get into as you ascended; they emitted a faint scream when they saw you too but clearly identified by the monster. And in terror, your hold relaxed as it sought to lunge on you. “No!”

As you fall, you let a minor discomfort groan of pain; but, the infected strikes their skull and dies right next to you. Still, it is not the issue. You tried to up and flee when you noticed the monster's orange eyes on you, but you are exhausted and in pain from the fall. Their claw strikes you, sending you far into a tree with a painful scream, causing your mask to come off next by side as your back slam the standing log. You could only see as it smashed the torch that had fell from your hand, crushing it half and releasing all the flames inside. "N-no...” you weakly said, but you couldn't even stand up. Your only coughing from your mouth is blood, and you fell some body might cracked a little.

Then it turned to you as you are its next target. Then it dashes to you when you lacked the will and strength to move. That relieved dip vanished as soon as the torch were out. You failed, once more lacking usefulness. As a grimmkin, your primary responsibility is to defend the nightmare flames; you neglected that. Unbelievably, you cared more about your obligation than about even your own life. Along with that insight, you start to shed a tear as it charges you. You’re going to die as a failure.

Abruptly, from nowhere, a spike emerged from the earth paled the monster. The monster stopped mid-air as its body were skewered, you were in shock to see that. That spike… could only mean one thing. And as if that's not enough, someone appeared, levitated in front of it and snapped their finger, the monster bursts into a raging flame as its entire body were set ablaze... wait, master grimm?

Indeed, it is the only troupe master, that of master grimm. Then he swiftly turned around at you while the monster could only do nothing but roars as it were on fire while still impaled by the spike; you could not properly see his expressions as everything around you slowly became foggy. And you passed out with your eyes fall shut.

Thus ends a chapter of this story.

***

When he got back to his office, he was satisfied with the whole tale the steeds had to tell him. Although that doesn't really assist to understands you yet, at least he knows how far you will cross the line and how committed you are to the troupe that you are ready to give your life for. That explains your abrupt ascent to assistant role; yet, he understands that there must be more than just this. There has to be more, but this story sated his unending curiosity, at least for the time being.

Though he didn't pay attention to it, he leans on his hand as his other was writing something on a blank sheet with a quill. He was wondering if it would satisfy his insatiable interest in you and if it would be all worth of. He simply... wished it as well. He may behave properly and sate his minds from distracting curiosities the more he understands you.

He grumbled and slanted his seat backwards "What the?!!” then really losing it upon reading what was on the paper.

‘Do you feel as though you are not yourself?’ exactly written in his handwriting.

He dropped the quill right away and grabbed the paper, "How can I... even written this? I-“ He was left speechless, he wasn't even focusing at the page at all and letting his wrist move, he wasn't even concentrated on producing something comprehensible. In what ways may he... “what… happened to me…?” he said to himself “What exactly is going on with the troupe?”

‘Do you feel as though you are not yourself?’ He realized, really, that he was not himself sometimes. as if he were someone else. As if he wasn’t…. grimm. As if he was… another being foreign to himself.

What happened? 

Chapter Text

“Do you then seek for answers?''

... minutes went instead of seconds.

“hmm?... You not going to respond to me?''

Still another second passed before he chose to respond with a question.

"who are you?" he asked short.

Once more back on this damned dream, with a scarlet flame flying in front of him. His head has not suffered much, and the flame voice still jerks as if it were speaking via a filter. “Just Who are you? Where am i? Why are you intruding my mental space?”

"Woah.. Now now...," the flame helped him to cool himself. "That's a lot of questions on a single breath you muttered. Actually, I'm not going to hold you responsible for it. You asked a lot of questions, true; yet, given our time, there is not plenty I can cover.”

Grimm grimaced. He only desired his usual slumber, and yet he thing shows up on this… dark area with this flame once more, albeit in a smaller headache generating capacity this time. He cannot just simply trust anyone; you teached him that, particularly given his disorientation regarding the last few days on Greenpath and….. just everything in general. about him, his loyal grimmkins, You, the failed ritual, and without explanations on the spark of a torch, It drains his head a lot.

"Fine. How can I believe you?” He crossed his arms "I don't know you, and I don't ask to be here in the first place."

"That’s because I know what's happening to you, and I would gladly wanted to pour everything outright but we don't have the time for a telltale," the flame sounded reluctant about…. something

"You discussed not having time from what? Or, precisely, who?” Grimm inquired, the flame sounded as if it was afraid about something…. like hiding from some hunters that could emerge and chew it at any seconds.

“Listens! I am your key to every oddity you have been seeing; I have not time for this! Every single time you behave like someone else!, and every single haphazard!” The flame snapped at his unwilling to cooperate "The most important thing is, don't let Y/N know about it. She is not going to-”

He cuts the flame words off "How… How do you know her?!" right at that. From what source do you know Y/N from? Just who are you?"

"I-“ The flame groaned, then slowly distanced after realizing something "We'll chat later, and perhaps in a better terms and lead somewhere than nothing. Just be your normal self and kindly…. Don’t went too far on her past for your own sake.”

“Wh- what’s that supposed to mean? HEY!” He yelled to the vanishing flames, who began to dwindle like an extinguished fire. “Answer my question first!”

……

.....

Then with a blink, he wakes "Ah!” He shrieked at himself, grasping on just before plunging head first into the ground. Panting, he murmured, "that was... close," He gently sank down on his feet and patted his chest from the adrenaline surge. "That was…. what was that?...... This is just… this is just getting strange” he then strolled gently toward his mirror to see himself on the reflection. Though that was his own, was it actually really his own? He lightly runs his hand across the mirrored screen. He was himself, the scarlet red line cloak, the fiery scarlet eyes, his recognizable and tall posture, and his tense expression. Still, these headaches and dreams he had been getting, together with his mind bursting with everything, what happened to him? And now, why? Why now when they are in Hallownest? His mind was been stuck on a perpetual spin between keeping it himself or telling you away, and that’s a choice he can’t… firmly decided at the moment

When he chose to stroll outside his room on the caravan, he was shocked to find the corridor covered in dense fog. "Why is here so foggy?" He remarked. Still, he could guide his way to the driver's area, gently walking at least somewhat obscured vision, he could path his way to the driver’s area, slowly walking at…. whenever hours he is right now. He hasn’t checked his hourglass beforehand anyway.

When he entered there, a voice said, "Good morning, master". Of course, he recognized right away from the familiar voice who it was.

"It's.. Early morning, Y/N?” He questioned among the thick fog engulfing the area, seated as you offered him.

"Not really, it was almost dawn, two hours away from it.” You explained “Master hasn't had good sleep?''

Don’t went too far on her past for your own sake ' he shook his head at himself. No, no; this is not the moment for to-

"No?" You said, matching by his head movement.

“Huh?” He snapped from his thoughts "N-no, I mean... I wasn't feeling sleep." And decided to change the subjects "Soo... we're in fog Canyon I presume? With all these fogs encircling here

"Yes," you nodded. "As the caravan reached the fog canyon’s territory, we were informed by the border’s guard about the heavy fog in the middle of the night, warning that 'the thickness would disorient our pathing's' and told us to wait until noon for better clearing, but we could handle the fog ourselves."

"CAN we?" He turned to see outside the driver's window hole and saw just fog with no end to them "It’s pretty hard to see".

“Look above, master” you instructed.

To which he only vaguely noticed a circular medium-sized gelatinous creature "Is that... an ouma?” One of the ouma's tentacles was tethered with a rope linking to the caravan, and... a bug was riding on it; he could just faintly see it when he squints his eyes. "Ah... so our request at last passed? "

“Indeed, master. They have agreed to be our guide across the fog.”

You suggested to him a request regarding fog canyon, the next stop. You suggested guiding the caravan across the heavy fog of the fog canyon by use of an ouma rider. Which idea was instantly approved even if they had to spend quite the geo to voluntarily lead them on the middle of the night. Was it unnecessary? Yes, but he believed you had a good reason why to rushed in much early than just waiting for the fog to soften up.

"Y/N, should you be on your room? He asked you, "there's nothing worth seeing on here; it will be some time before we reached our destination with the slow walk."

Of course, the caravan couldn't venture with the customary speed given the limited visibility, hence the steeds had to travel slowly while Beau just hummed silently on herself and Arion was staring blankly into the distance as they both slowly walked forward. Oh! Beau judt asked him what he saw oArion answered "fog, all we see is fog beau. There is nothing except fog and more fog; so, cease asking the same question.” She laughed at herself before going back to her regular pantomime in humming

"I will be fine, master."You shook your head at him "I would stay at my post here until we arrived, we could not know what could happen at any moment of time."

"I know bandits and raiders existed; we've…. dealt quite of those already; but, I'm sure no one would even try with how hard it is to look-". He tried to convinced you, but his attempt failed terribly.

For what reason? The caravan stopped suddenly; you were propelled forward from your seat but he held your shoulder right away.

“You okay, Y/N?” he asked

"I am good, master……. Could master release me right now?."

"Oh, right right" to which he promptly does "What happened, driver?” Then questioned the driver of the caravan.

"Per usual, master grimm. Someone stopped us” They said unfazed, they’ve been used to this kind of sight, letting go of the leash gently. “Should I let the nightmares to know?”

“No.” you said, adamantly declining as you took your staff and patted your cloak "I could handle them myself, master could wait here for the meantime,"

“In the thick of the fog?! I go, Y/N. You are not doing this alone," he said, one from which you could never dispute or refute. “I’m helping”

" Alright... “

Dealing with troubles like this is not unusual or rare; there is always a type of bug that pirates and pillagers travelers for a bundle of priceless or worst case scenario, a ransom. And it's common that you had to handle them in a stylish manner; they were knocked unconscious on the ground before leaving them in that position.

Still, it has its own challenges sometimes. From in the middle of strong rain, or a storm, sometimes during the city the troupe were in or when they packed more force than usual, but you can handle fairly naturally. It is your job as the assistant to guard the troupe, to be the frontline.

You instructed him, "Sharpen your sense, master," as you just block a nail with your staff, forcing them off before giving a fast shot; the others swiftly moved back.

"I'm trying, woah!" He just dodges a swing from his side and responds with a great hit “This is pretty bothersome, Y/N... This awful fog hindered our vision”

You shoot a spike few inches behind him right away, knocking one out that attempts to sneak on your master "And they seem to be using it to their advantages, they're no mere amateurs".

Of course, the fog can be really annoying. Both of your movements stopped to become only a statue with the poor visibility. You two cannot go in or far from the caravan. Though it was only failed attempts, your assaulters used the fog to get an advantage. The attack stopped last eventually. Not even a fog can stop both of you at all, it seems like they have run away or…. Waited.

" Was it... over?” Still on his positions, he asked, "I didn't hear anything... at all” nothing, only utter silence covering the fogged area.

"Hmmm..” You set down your staff “I supposed it is...,"

There was just the impending silence, with a slight breeze of the cold wind.

" Hey!” Then you two hear voices from above; the ouma rider "Why aren't we moving?"

Grimm answered, "Just small disturbances," yelling at the sky "We'll continue in just a moment-."

‘Look out!’ He tensed momentarily and stopped his words from coming out, who had just said that? He could swear he heard someone warning him. He turned to face his own surroundings. He is not facing any approaching threats, so then...

‘NO! HER!!’ Just then he turned to glance at you. Your guard dropped to fix the ouma and its rider, not looking behind you for someone slinking in with their nails drawn "Y/N!” No; there was no necessity for you to pretend to throw your back over at Greenpath. it was a real cowardly action that you didn’t think at the moment

As you heard him, with reflexes and rapid computation you whirled around and raised your staff. Your staff and their nail had a minor collision, and a little sting touched your arm. And not even a seconds later, a firebat fired upon, burning them to a clean fire. You moved back ahead, grimm shortly afterward, quickly teleporting them and stabbing them to end as they fell to the ground while still on fire.

He turns and speeds at you "Y/N! are you alright?” His speech to you came out as terrified.

"I'm... alright," Your blank tone response, as if you hadn’t almost lost your life moments ago "But…. Master doesn't have to kill them though; we're not supposed to take their life away” You peep at the dead body that are burning away on the ground/

"O-oh come on now, that is an emergency.” He stroked the back of his head, feeling awkward at what he had done. “I-I had no option but to…. kill”. He loses himself, most definitely.

"That's fine... we can- ow” you let a small voice of pain as your left arm stings and as you touched it... the color of the troupe was in your right palm. “Ah… I got sliced” You said nonchalantly, as if the slice on your wound is just a small matter. "That's inconvenience-woah!”

Your master suddenly grabbed you and hurriedly carried you inside the caravan "Driver, we go now. Area’s clear"

"Of course, master," the driver bowed once more and asked, "Should I... see this as an emergency?"

“N-no, not at all. Just drive normally” grimm started to walk away. You could see the nods from the driver before the caravan started to move slowly.

But you could also sense his great concern radiating from his eyes. Though this kind of wound was common to you, as if the cut were highly life threatening in his eyes. He was the type to be worried about you, but… what drives him that made his worries tenfold?

What happened to him? You pondered

**

“Stay still, Y/N. and keep pressing the wounds” he advised you as he strolled elsewhere near your view.

You watched as he brought you to the caravan's breakroom and settled you on a chair after stashing your staff nearby. 

" Master, I'm perfectly fine," you said, the same things you had been repeating to him over and over he appears to disregard. You wanted to stand up and stop him, but you can’t deny his order as it would made him more agitated, so you just sat there, pressing the slice wound with your palm.

"ah there it is," he said, grabbing a little bandage and a tiny alcohol swab. He comes back straight next to you. " Alright... show me your arm".

“…” You took it out for him; small specks of blood had trickled from your arm, “Master, believe me; I could manage it by myself. I- "

"Y/N, I would rather not hear another justification... okay?” He then cuts you off just like that

"….alright" you choose to keep quiet "It's just... a small wound."

He huffed, then begins swabbing your flesh "If needed to be bandaged, it doesn’t apply on being 'small wound' Y/N, especially a long cut like this."

You quietly hissed when the alcohol hit your wound "I…. understand master's worries, but I'm well experienced and endured harsher pain and injuries before.” You didn't try to excuse but give a reasoning as he then slowly wrapped the bandage on your arm."

“Then…. what would happen if you couldn’t stand it?” Theoretically, he queries. "What if you could not be able to tolerate such suffering? What would happened to you?”

“Then I would try; I would try my absolute best to attempt to bear it. My life is for master and the troupe; that is the duty of the assistant” You said blankly, almost finished bandage wrapping.

“Then what would become of me without you, Y/N?” He pauses halfway, stares down on the ground, not at your arm anymore. Without your direction, without your... encouragement, without your support. Should you perish, should your life snuffed out, where would the troupe and myself find themselves? I-“  he halted and made a little cough after realizing he slipped his words out and came back to bandage wrapping.

“I mean... you're the most priceless resources on the troupe; it's not the time to put it to rest, I still need you to monitor my progress, my… power, and help me lead the troupe. Ten years is still not enough, ya know?”

“I know that…. But If I died, other can take my place, master.” You assured him with your words, not your tone.

“Could they? Y/N, can they match your caliber? Truth be told, you are irreplaceable," he said. “There’s no Y/N unlike you.”

“Though one day, master will be bested me, even as I am as master’s teacher and mentor, I am not above master and never will. Master grimm will be stronger than I do. When the times arrived, of course….” You said in a blank tone “Master will be independent”

He couldn’t help but feeling flustered “That’ll come eventually, but for now… not yet. You are still needed”

"Ah…. so... that's... the rationale?” You asked, rhetorically.

“Was it mistaken?” He answered back, then completed your bandage.

"No.," you soon responded; you already knew he had other motives for such, reasons you would not have bothered investigating since that’s his privacy, but it is an interesting one, one you couldn’t put your curiosity away "... Master quite changed ever since we arrived in hallownest." You pulled your arm away, checking the bandage on your arm.

“Aren’t I already?” He mused over

"Hmm... true" Was it a welcome shift for you? He was still himself, the same master grimm who behaved like a toddler around you at times, or you needing to be by him or else he may cause trouble because of his impending curiosity, but... maybe it was a flutter of flame that passed by your eyes, or maybe simply an illusion of the fog… yet you could feel that he was slightly different than weeks ago, but slightly.

“Sooo… how’s the result?” he asked, signaling at your arm

"Pretty delicable, thank you” you set your robe over it “I will return to my place; master could go to sleep right now.:

"Sleep? no, I'm not ti-“ He yawned and sighed at himself “….Yeah I'm tired."

Since your journey ran straight past his room, you two strolled along the corridor of the caravan. Before you return to the front driver supervising the whole foggy trip, you two barely spoke.

You glance back at the bandage he covered your left arm, caressing the pure colored wrap that had just started to fade from blood. Your master, is still your master. Every master grimm is the same; they developed, they learnt, they matured, they grew adult, and be independent as they stands for themselves, beckoning the end of one of your duty. What then caused the variations concerning him? Although you were delightful that he developed as a troupe leader slowly by slowly, at the same times you pondered about his secret motivations behind all of this, not because it annoyed you but rather a little wonder that sprang from your thoughts.

You once again check the bandage. as though its very presence hypnotic you. Ah…. That brings you to a memory, one that now… only feel like you were gray.

…...

.......

***

"Everyone, this is our great chance here!” Rising from your seat, the three audiences watched you as you spoke with confidence" A city of entertainment, a city of shows, and wonders, where all performers, circus, and attractions co-exist on a rivalry to chained audiences to view their performances. From there, we might have fantastic harvest! We must thus be particularly extra. And I just have the great plan to do so! One that was crafted carefully!”

One raised her hand; it was the advisor "Y/N; I’m sorry to tell you that we gathered nightmares flames, taken from one darkest mind's vessel and manifested physically as a scarlet flame. I don't really think a place of….. happiness and grin would be sufficient, my dear."

And other spoke about, it was the accordionist "And other than having to compete for audiences, bugs do many... many unspeakable things just to bring their competition down... it's... not risk worth taken, especially on a city where dirty, cowardly, and manipulated acts are common everywhere…. We can’t risk it, not anymore" he spoke quietly on the last part

"Oh...” and just like that your enthusiasm snuffed out like a candle... “so we're not there for... performing?"

"No," brumm shook his head "We're heading there to restock, ah... I realized something......I supposed we haven't clarified that when we discussed our destination days ago."

Someone gently laughed as you sat down from the pure shame and disappointment in yourself, covering his mouth. You knew that’s not a mockery one, but a delighted laugh "Let's see... you made a plan about the things we're performing, am I right?"

"K-kind of, master.” You replied in a hushed tone. That brought you to a recollection few weeks ago. One that was overshadowed by the enthusiasm as you learn the news, but… ended up returning back to you.

"May I see the proposal you made?". Master Grimm asked you “I know we’re not performing on this city, but that doesn’t mean we’re not performing ever, I would love to hear your plan” it was his way to reassured you from your… excessive expectation

Your mind drifted someplace else on the deep thought of yours, your former excitement replaced by sense of dread and sorrow; like a flutter of flame, it just happens.

You were excited one minute and then completely empty like burned ash. As if every positives emotion were being stripped away in a spark.

"Y/N?" your master asked one more "You okay?"

Your voice practically gone. What happened to it? They were convinced that you were cheerful moments before, “I….” you close your eyes as stood up “Forgive me for... the nonsense idea... i... I’ll j-just... get back to work” you took the staff and just went away. “There’s… things I need to look over”

"Y/N, wait," Divine exclaimed "We don't detest the notion that you are planning-“

Wearing your mask back and standing at the frame of the opening door, "I'm... okay, divine," you said, interrupting her. "It's... fine." Then… you just left.

“Y/N…..” Divine muttered, turning her head to the rest "I know she was embarrassed about the idea, but... I don’t expect that she'll be this upset, did we... gone too far on her?"

Brumm huffed, "I love her commitments but… I don't mean to offend her like that…."

“You two, no.” Master Grimmkin broke his silence after observing everything, objecting the two devoted grimmkin "You two did nothing wrong, she’s just... disappointed at herself, that's what I saw from her gloomy face before she wore the mask."

"Over a misunderstanding?!" that surprised both of them, but generally it was a harmless idea, one that they didn’t and won’t made fun of.

He shook his head "No, I think her idea and the conversations reminds her again of... that incident few weeks ago."

"So, she still sulky about it...," brumm muttered to herself "... I thought she moved on past it."

"This is just... worrying," Divine groaned at herself "Master, I’m terribly worried... she can be as fragile as a candle, and her line of work doesn't and won’t ease her issue easily. Giving her the position of assistant could worsened her condition much further."

"Please… give her a chance, divine," grimm objected, "I understand your advice, I understand your worries for her, I totally understand, but we have discussed this last time; we truly believe of her potential and it could be useful for the longevity of the troupe."

"I do... smell her potential too, master. That interesting and peculiar scent she gave me... but I advised this on behalf of her condition, and wellbeing.” Divine then turned at the accordionist “You understand what I’m talking about, right brumm?"

the accordionist nodded softly. "I understand your intention and worries divine, It is worrying at times and I can’t help but to feel worried”

“Give her a chance, divine” Grimm objected "Remember that idea we discussed privately, we're here for that reason too. We just need to be for her, divine".

"Alright… is it about time that I get to know what plan is this?" Brumm asked, crossing his arms "I felt like I needed some context on what we're doing here."

Divine laughed "Oh fine, you big bug, just... we're here for the special carnival".

"A carnival?" brumm tilted his head in uncertainty

"I was told by another traveler that this city is hosting the biggest carnival of all land, there's a reason why entertainment solely exists here," heavenly raised her shoulder.

"That's... a weird idea, I was expecting... something more than just a carnival," he said with a little disappointed note.

"I'm with you too, brumm. But after discussing this with master grimm, we agreed to give it a try, a chance for her to relax more, at least...”

Brumm mused, "I'm not... against the notion, but could that... improve her issue in the long term? I feel like we’re just delaying the inevitable”

"In the end, she can only help herself with her own resolve," said Grimm. "but... she deserved a well-earned break, so does all of us, and the grimmkins from the nightless harvest. A holiday of some sort." He said "That's why our course of destination went here, brumm."

“I understand, master…” the large bug thought it at himself

Divine mumbled at herself, "I hope this idea worked, master. I just wanted her to completely break... her not wanted to lose her will, for her not to feel worthless... I wish... to never see it evermore".

“Divine…” Brumm sympathized with her

She shook her own mind from the terrible ideas she had "I'm way passed it already" and grabbed the leftover teacups to a tray "There's no use lingering in the past." Then she left to the kitchen.

“It’ll work...” Brumm could hear his master murmur, one meant for no one but his own, “…. It has to, I’ll make sure of it…” He had to make sure of it.

Chapter Text

"Oh wow... this city is noisy." You said, holding your head from the volume.

"What is your expectation?" panella raise her shoulder "A city where entertainment burns freely like a forest fire, of course it is loud”

The city is bursting with eager visitors and bugs peeping through the city even at this noon. Panella characterizes it as a market lined side by side like a food stand, selling attractions, events, and shows. Fortunately, less crowded than the rest is a section of the city designated for rest and lodging. But that doesn’t mean it is peace and quiet, it is still loud, albeit lesser rather than when the caravan had to pass through intense traffic line with the other wagons and caravans.

Since the group isn't supposed to play, just few little tents were set on the ground with the caravan stays as such. And right now, you two were sitting on a bench close to the area.

“So! What did they say?” panella asked, switching to a fresh subject of interest.” Did they like the proposal?"

"oh... that," You twiddle your fingers together, "i... didn't show it."

"What??? why?” She moved closer toward you, panella. Justifiably shocked

You sighed "I just... don't think it's a good idea after... last time."

"Y/N...” She weakly muttered your name, it left her slightly disappointed “We discussed this earlier. I thought we had done with the past."

"I don’t know, panella. I mean... I was ready to display it, but I'm just... not sure, i... can't." You tightened your fist “I just… can’t”

Panella grumbled and grabbed a piece of paper from your pocket with one quick motion "Hey!” and the suddenness of that, got you screaming.

"You’ve been spending days trying to perfect their act, you noticed that there's... an essence that the troupe has been lacking as you keep observing.” Panella stopped as you grabbed the paper from her hand. “It would be a waste if you didn't try, Y/N."

You pulled the page near to your chest "I know...." Showing a painful expression as you took off your mask, putting it on your lap "I just... needed more time to process everything, to think about... about what I am doing, my duty... everything, is that fine for you?"

Panella sighed a sympathetic breath, taking off her mask too before proceeded to embrace you "And as you did mine...." and murmured to you "….I'm here for you to lean on, always".

You gave her a hug back "Thanks."

Honestly, it provided you little closure while it does a little. That incident still plagues your mind from time to time, you understood that it’s not totally your fault, that chats with your master cleared that. But would that burn the memory of the occurrence? That you can just move on smoothly?

Unfortunately, no. You didn’t go… crazy like during the incident, but… it made you anxious about every decision you made. You always understand that your decision has consequences, but... you never wanted it to go like this, and it caused you to slowly grow anxious of future decisions you will be making. You can't bother anymore of it... you can't.

***

"Is that everything, master?" you inquired just as you laid a paper on a particular stack corresponding with it.

"Yes," he nodded from his desk, "There isn't many things to do other than restock on this city, so the work had been minimum."

"I... see," You looked at the hourglass resting close by, it scarcely even night " As expected, quite earlie." you said, stretching your body as you stood from your workstation,

"Where are you headed?" he wondered

You patting your robe and took your staff, "Back to my room... I supposed, maybe hanging around in the breakroom for a while".

"Oh, Y/N," he chuckled "and missing the fun of this city? It would be a waste to miss before we left, how about we went to one of the carnivals there?"

"Carnival? Like... right now?" His question caught your attention just little.

"Why not? The other grimmkins had already gone there by now."

“oh… right” Do you… want to? A lot of grimmkins had left for the night, leaving the caravan slightly unprotected. You do want to check it out, especially after being offered by panella, but... you can’t leave your post just like that. What if something terribly happened when you were away? You’ve heard a lot of robbery cases on this city, pickpocketing, extortion, break in onto unoccupied traveler’s room as they were away “Well… have fun over there, master”

"Hmm?" He leaned his head "I'm asking you if you want to go with me, I can confidently say that you’re free for the night, am I right?"

“O-oh” You responded, looking aside ever so slightly "I'm... not sure, I had to guard the caravan from... suspecting intruders while master is away."

He huffed, "If you were worried about that, brumm decided to not go. He said about... wanting peace and quiet while working with his accordion, for information. He could take the steads while you were away."

Your lips trembled. Do you truly want to? What's preventing you from getting there anyway? Why you felt little reluctant about his request? Is it still about the paper on your pocket? About your whole talk with panella?

"Y/N, please. he quietly begs, he doesn’t want this plan to failed before it even started “I've seen you stressed over this entire week, I think it's about time that you have some time to relax your mind off, to have a break from the endless mundane duty” he sighs after that “but... I'm not going to force you if you didn't want to-";

“No” You said, "I'll... go, I'll go with master," and you have no justification for disagreeing, therefore you just went on with him. A small break won’t hurt at all, especially when you were with him.

"Ah...splendid." He jumped up from his seat and softly said, “Come on."

Street lights hanging on a line, orange hue, bugs and traveler like wandering by and visiting their hearts content with some grimmkin flew around the area as you two left the parked caravan. The night environment grew more brilliant as you two strolled by. There were lots and lots of sea of wandering bugs, but it is the entire city after all, so it was drawly balanced throughout, not too packed. It was smart of them to proclaim as the central of entertainments, with influx of incomes from the rent of the performers, their food stalls, etc. People lived through means of entertainment, with the supplies of goods had to be imported from other cities and villages alike. Keeping the city stable as it is.

"Wow...," you exclaimed in wonder through your mask "This is... quite the place."

He laughed softly, "it is... nice, but crowded."

"Oh, it's fine for a troupe master that heights above all." You responded sarcastically,

"Well, can't exactly argue with that, can i?"

"Y/N!!" But as you two were ready to keep on, a loud familiar screech caught some notice in you two.

"Panella?- oh damn!” you cried out as you steadied yourself from falling under her ‘almost-like-tackle’ hug.

"I thought you wouldn't come, I almost grew bored spending time alone, it’s no fun spending the fun alone!" panella said, gently dragging you away "Well now that you're here! You must see these incredible discoveries I came upon. There’s another troupe like ours, but waters! Waters, Y/N! it was provoking, enticing!-“ and so on that you hardly follow through.

Looking back at your lord, he simply waved a little, "Have fun." He watched as you vanished with panella to a corner.

Is it feasible? Could a little moment of momentary pleasure help you solve your dilemma? He is aware, too, that it will not be quite simple with a single spark.

‘Giving her the position of assistant could worsened her condition’ Yes, he always knew far before divine told him that…. for the first time, you were always frail even at lesser faults, and beating yourself too hard on it. But he does not want his defined choice to be the catalyst of your suffering, he wanted to be otherwise. He has seen the work of the fruit and knows what you are capable of. He worried about you as much as the troupe's future for the long term. But he thought it addressed both issues simultaneously with one answer by pushing you to assistant. A decision he never regretted.

***

The evening goes on as you both enjoyed the night on the bright light of the city. Panella shows well…. quite a lot, from the game stand, snack stand, attraction stand, and increasingly more of stands scattered here and there she is presenting you. Her voice tells you she was excited to show you everything like a spark just about to be a fire. That's panella, your dearest friend who always makes everyone sunny and rainbow; she was always the happiest one, with a smile and tone that fittingly matches that. And she may be sympathetic and compassionate, like she has always done for you.

"OHH! What is that?” Her sight was shortly to be at another stand; yet another stand, and went ahead of there first, while you.... you stood there, just watch her back from behind. Staring with an unfathomable admiration.

She always grins, she always smiles, as if her dark painful past meant nothing now, as if she had no weights on her shoulder. She changed from when you first save her from her village, from troubled traumatic bug to a… brighter bug only in a matter of years. She can be sad, as if she wanted to mend your heart or as if she were about to lose you. But that’s what made her special.

You reached from your robe the paper. Just one paper, with dark lines forming rows of alphabets, an idea you eagerly proposed to enhance the performance. It was only a portion of your employment; it was not the greatest accomplishment of an assistant, but one you truly proud of. You might exhibit it, you can just show it.... but those thoughts keep tormented you, that fear burning you nonstop.

About the ramifications, about the terrible outcome and... you were terrified, horrified, Not failing. failing the troupe you dedicated your life to, failing the responsibility assigned to you as the assistant. You were afraid.

Just as you were ready to put it back and stroll to panella, an unexpected blast of wind flew the paper from your hands into flight. "oh no, no!" You exclaimed as you started chasing it, not recognizing panella's perplexed look as she turns around to find you nowhere

You can’t lose the paper, not yet, not now. You have to get the paper no matter what even if you accidentally bumping on… quite many bugs since you were paying attention at the flying paper and not what was in front of you. Every time you bumped, you said awkwardly "sorry," "forgive me," "excuse me." Before resuming your chase.

The paper flew to a rooftop; you look left and right then teleporting yourself to the specified rooftop with a spin. It was seated close to the brink. One mistake step can cause you to tumble through someone's place; while, too slow could draw many people's attention. You carefully walk the rooftop. "Come on, come on," you said to yourself as your hand poised to reach it.

Unfortunately, it got flew by the wind again, so you jumped off the rooftop in last-ditch attempt to capture it. only to softly nudge the edge with your hand. You yelled at the fall and teleported yourself to the ground.

You panted "that, somewhat. was... close… uh Hi” you said with awkwardness as few bugs watched and shortly afterward departed their own way.

You continue looking for it before managing to see it on the ground, quite far from the crowdy area, it looks like a park garden of some sort.

The paper flew once more but finally dropped back on the ground right front of someone…. "Hmm? What’s this?” …Who is stooping down to pick it "Huh... Interesting-OH!"

Then you snatched it right away, swiftly turned around, and hurried "Y/N" only to be stopped when… He… called your name "May i... see it?"

You halted dead in your track, your breath stopped in just that instant. You just went to your master's face, forcefully grabbed the paper, and then turned away from him. That alone is insulting enough coming from you.

But he... doesn't even get offended by it, none at all. he said again after he heard only quiet from you "I won't force you to show it, but we need to have a talk, Y/N".

He saw you walking somewhere, not away but onto a part of the garden, and sat on a bench. He sighed and went to you, sitting directly besides.

Your head dropped low, gripping the paper as though its concealment were absolutely essential to you, lips quitches.

"Y/N, what's wrong?" he asked rhetorically “I'm here if you need it; we've already discussed this”

You twitched in your seat for a second, you really don’t want to talk about this, but binding this alone would hurt you even more "I’m scared master” you said low, "I'm... scared."

“Afraid of what?” Naturally, he also understood what you were talking about; the only dread that chained you from the very beginning. When you were starting as a grimmkin trainee

"I don’t want... that incident to repeat, I don’t want anyone to get hurt because of me, I don't... want to fail." Fail…. That single word.

Of course, he sighed in concern; one of the numerous events that affected your mental health "So still with that... issue of yours?'''

You nodded gently, facing the ground, putting the paper back.

He gently comfortingly rests his hand on your shoulder "Before I proceed, I just want to make sure. Have you given up?"

You shook your head "No.... Because what’s fearful is giving up” the second part of motto, one you kept at heart, one you find difficult to keep.

"Good, keep it close Y/N, because...” He Stopped for a moment and then…. sighed, moving his arm away "What a hassle"

"Master? What's wr-“

"Sshhh," he tapped your mask with his slender finger, his expression normal yet he seemed wary of something.

" What was I before? Oh of course, keep it close Y/N; because, give up is far more painful than death itself” then continue as if the moment few seconds that have passed had not existed at all.

“Really?” Even the question itself, which you already understood, you really had no idea what to answer.

Oh yes, yes.. you see” He raises a finger on the air "That's why we say... death is not to be fearful, what’s fearful is giving up’ It's the ‘mantra,’ or ‘spell,’ previous me uses”

It caught your interest, somewhat neglecting the anomaly in the air right now. You became quite interested as you had never heard of this new material at all. "He produced that?"

“Not exactly. It was her who did, back when he was beginning to give up on his own life, she gave him the word which kept him going on and subsequently etched on the troupe.”

"Wow.” You said in wonder.

"But before we started not giving up, Y/N...” You watched his fiery scarlet eyes fled off somewhere, as he spontaneously rose from his feet, elevating his right slender arm in a rapid session "... First, we had to live."

You were struck dumbfounded; you couldn't properly react at what just happened; even stuttering as you up got from the bench. Even if you sat right next to him, the little few seconds you saw were... unintelligible. "wh-…. What?” You could only mumble that from your mouth.

Grinning, your master said "Well... look what I have here," holding one palm over a hooded bug. "Whoever you are, that is one bold move to target a troupe master."

"M-m-m-master." Your professionalism lapses momentarily but gradually you regain your wits.

"Hmm?"

"That bug... belong to one of the raiders that stopped us earlier” you were just shook by what just happened; you were not nervous or shaking, only taken aback by the suddenness.

He laughed "Ahh interesting" while still staring intently at the bug chocking on the neck who’re elevated from the ground.

And your master started to use such theatrical language and tone. To be honest, save from performances, it made you wince. The settings are not working; without separating reality from fiction. You knew he always exuded that dark atmosphere, radiating a sense of troupe master, one that brought him such reputations, but this? One could argue that it is akin to a theatrical performance, one that is so overdone in terms of body act and languages that it only made sense in a theatrical-

You shook your head; just now, you shouldn't be considering his captivating acting right now, there’s matter to attend to.

"Hadn't enough from the scar we supplied? Hmmm? You all left with just defending ourselves as the only option. And you give back our mercy by what?... From the rear, trying to cowardly kill the troupe Master? Hah!” He chuckled, clutching the bug further more on the neck. "I can see that your… group has been blazing for retribution, one that is blinding all of you from making sensible choice. Oh, just what should I do with you? any idea Y/N?” He turns his head towards you and sports a somewhat sinister smile, one that terrifies anyone but the troupe and you.

“W-well I mean.. uhh” You stammered a little then snapped your finger as a thought clicked on you “Oh right, we should give them a last warning... One that ideally will be listened to, yes?''

“Hmm… that’s a nice idea but-“

You noticed something in a glimpse "Master!” and yelled out suddenly

Just as he turns back at the assailant, he neglected to see that they had taken out a nail as he turns back at the aggressor. “OW!” He let them go in reflexes while yelping in agony. He bent down on his knees.

They ground themselves and started to run away in an instant.

You were not going to allow that slide away "HEY!” You grabbed your staff and aimed a fire at them that landed on their left shoulder. They still ran for it, though. "STOP! You're not going to be able to-"

“No” he said with his left palm in front of you, "No... we're not risking troubles in this city"

"What-... Alright” you huffed, lowering your staff as you walked to him "Master…".

"I am… Alright... ow... that hurts a lot.” He winced in pain, his left hand returned back to his right, tightly held.

It was a rare occasion when he got hurt. He always maintained his defense that it was practically hard to get a hit despite his tall stature, unfortunately he lets his guard down from a false security and inevitable got stabbed.

"Let me see that," you went ahead to check his wound.

"It's... not really significant, Y/N. It's only a stab wound-“

"Master was bleeding a lot from the wound, it is very much serious if it first aid weren’t applied". You told him the situation. Though not an emergency, it requires immediate care. From his right hand, bloods were coming out; some were already dripping on the ground. "Now sit back on the bench." You told him.

“I- fine..” He did as advise, and much to his surprise you took a little bandage and a swab from your robe. You placed his right hand on your lap and started to treat his injuries as you had taught for.

"I... wasn't expecting you to bring such, Y/N," he said while his right hand was quickly rolled with the bandage.

you said, concentrating on the damage, "I prepared it just in case... for emergencies, mostly in case master did some antics and got hurt." Sweat drops from your brow as you focused. “For instance, master's acting moments just now.”

"W-well.." made him slightly flustured "I was.. hardly bored. Still, thank you for the thought. Your rate on it then is?”

"It's uhh Good," you said, pausing slightly to raise your shoulder "Though it's definitely bombastic and not in a proper context and setting at all. That kind of thing is like someone learning acting for the first time and giving too much spirit to it. It’s much more fitting in a stage than real life”

With his left palm on his mouth, he softly chuckled, "At least I phoned my performances well."

After some time, you finished wrapping the bandage "it's done, master" He raised his arm to check on it, then you removed your mask and set it on your lap while you huffed your breath, wiping off the sweat.

"Wow... Y/N, you really performed fantastic. It's well banded” he praised you on this.

"Your welcome" you responded back.

He looked at the bandage for a moment then said more about it "We’re… not so free from mistakes, aren’t we?”

"hmm?" You thought at his remarks.

Leaning on the bench, he gazed at the dark sky above "Even a troupe master like me can still made blunders and errors, such an energizing feeling, wasn't it?"

“Is… it?” You asked, wonderfully glancing at him.

"I've led my own life avoiding myself from getting harmed, sometimes I slipped and get hit, but usually... from an experienced fighter or a skilled nail wielder who did, not some lowly bug... but it's... not that bad of a feeling, right Y/N?"'

"It is not something to be embarrassed about, master... It’s what we are. Always…” you tightened your fist as you muttered, “… made... mistakes, we just… have to prevent it”

"Hmm... maybe I won't" he said so nonchalantly.

"What?”

"Not deliberately getting myself wounded, Y/N. But like... expect the errors arriving; it's lot more pleasant, isn't it?” His head dropped down, now at you as you two locked eyes.

"That... can be scary...” you answered back.

"It is... it can cause us paranoia even, but... we needed to be glad, that the situation doesn't get any worse than it is," He said, showing you the wrapped arm "You know, Y/N? Although a cowardly attack can be embarrassing for a troupe master, I'm glad it wasn't as severe as it is…

"Now imagine... If i didn’t not anticipated that attack, I could’ve been in a worse condition right now, and you might freak out even more, further blaming yourself."

You got taken aback by his last word “i… it’s….”

He smiled at your weak response. He knew, he always knew. "I understand, you felt you were partly responsible for my safety as it is your role as the assistant, but don't allow it scorched your mind... I'm not telling you to take our difficulties lightly, Y/N. However, you cannot also handle it with too much considerable consideration; balance between it is therefore essential.”

You sighed; your hands clasped on your lap "I hate it, master... I hated that... feeling".

"I understand. Unfortunately, as I indicated before, we are just mortal with almost immortality; we are no gods with perfect accuracy. Even it cannot stop us from erring.”

As if inviting you to hold it, he laid his right palm open on his lap. You hesitantly did so. His tenderness is felt on his thin fingers as you held hands with him

"I know your particular situation; mistakes can be painful. But that is not a reason to drag us down from doing anything or justify anything. Sometimes we can keep trying to reduce our mistakes and be happy the outcomes were not that… critical. It can be good, and we should be appreciative not only of our achievements but also of our mistakes. Because we can learn from it and become better as our guidance, not fear”

You understood what he was talking about, the fundamental core problem of yours. The sense of failure, one that has been tormenting your mind from the beginning, the one you never understood. It... constantly stung at your heart.  

"I know... words are simple nothing but mere sentences... so how about this? You provide me your ideas and proposals. We could accomplish it together and You won't be alone handling the failure then either.”

His concept opened your eyes and slightly softened your hold on his hand: "Is... is that alright, master?

“Of course, then again, your obligation also belongs to me. I could set my schedule to have some consultation about a concept you might have...”

"It... won't be taxing, master?”

"No," he shook his head "now that I have less to worry about, it will really help the weight I carry to be lessened. As I mentioned before, we share the weight and will carry the results of it together. Is that okay to you, Y/N? then again, I have the right to know what’s going on with the troupe”

"I..." Is it okay? You felt something loosen more on your heart. The idea of failing always hurts, the worry of not accomplishing responsibility is always scary to you, but... having someone, not only supporting the weight but at your side during the moment of failure is... soothing. You would love to consult your plans to him "Yeah... I would love that".

"Great..."

“Actually...” Before you would lose yourself, you took your hand off his and onto your robe, pulling out a paper "Do.. Master would want to review it?''

He nodded “Of course...” He grabbed the paper and perused the contents, clearly enthralled by what you had written in "Wow... This is… this is some amazing idea, Y/N, even better than the previous one. There might need to be some change for… safety reason so last time won’t happened, but the troupe could benefit from it”

He glances to you; not expecting the response he observes, he let a little smug "Oh.. You believe me to be bluffing, aren’t you?"

“W-wha.. no.. I’m.. I’m happy that master liked it!” You resisted, a little in panic.

He chuckled “Believe what you want, Y/N. Just be not surprised during the next performance; I am the main act after all."

"W-wait!! So... Actually, master will make use of it?” You sounded in a disbelieve but more joyful attitude.

“I never say no, have I?”

You then cheered at yourself. The level of thrills was unimaginable "Thank you! Thank you!” You lunge at him and gave him a hug "It will be an honor to see the performance, master!"

He blinked for a few seconds and laughed tensely “You don't need to phrase it that way, Y/N" He then glanced away from the side "Ahem…could you uhh?"

You turned away in your seat, embarrassed with a crimson face, "Oh-sorry, I... don't know what got into me... I guess I got way too happy".

It was getting awkward, as you two were sitting in silence, each embarrassed from that sudden hug. But thankfully, you two soon after heard footsteps approaching, “Y/N! Y/N!” You heard a familiar voice you recognized really well.

"Ah! panella! Here over here!” Rising from the bench, you waved at her to grab her interest.

She exhaled with relief and hurried towards you, "Where in the flames have you been? Suddenly you vanished, I had to look everywhere to find you and uhhh- "She then noticed the sitting troupe master staring at her "Am i... interrupting something?"

"Not exactly," Master Grimm said instead, rose too from the bench "We were wrapping our discussion for the night, now if you two would excuse, I have other matters to attend for now." Ending the conversation with such haste.

You both bowed at him

“Later master” you waved at him

"Later, Y/N" He whirled about vanishing into the darkness with a tiny flame sparkle.

Putting the two grimmkins by themselves. You went ahead and grabbed your mask and your staff, which had been sloppily resting on the desk.

"Soooo.. What were your two conversations about?” Panella questioned you.

“Oh it’s nothing… other than accepting my proposal!” you shrieked happily at her

“He really did!?” She becomes lost in delight and grips both of your shoulders.

You nodded, "He likes the script very lot, and we might actually saw in on stage on our next destination!”

Acting childish, jumping merrily, and speaking in a high pitch tone was... really well deserved, it is a way to express boiled down happiness, one that could burst into flame at any moment, a moment of happiness and relief you will really glad to have after so many years of anxiousness.

It is… truly, refreshing

***

On another side of the vibrant city, a bug that has been running for so long finds a stop on a quiet alley and slants on the wall, breathing desperately. Though they ran more than they required, dread seized over and they ended going farther than predicted.

Why not? They failed to assassinate the troupe master, getting humiliated and only managed to inflict such stab wound that messaged nothing at all. It supposed to be a message, but what they got was somewhat different.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Sadly, not barely a minute after stopping for air, they were seized once more on the neck by none other than their target before they could react. They were reared from the ground, therefore augmenting their lack of air.

"Honestly.... Do you believe I will really let you leave? Knowing this, you are merely a feeble bug assigned by your boss to execute an impossible deed. Alone, without someone on your side, without friend, just worth nothing by their perspective but a small flame.”

Still struggling, all that is useless. Their fate is already decided as they can do nothing but watch

He sighed, slamming the insect to the alley wall, they coughed in agony as the brick broke a little on their back "They knew... that you, a member with a nail could not do much to even kill me, but they still send you anyway, a duty you could not decline. Their message isn’t my death, but your attempt. Your pitiful attempt is a message from theirs, telling me that they could send someone worse to kill me, or anyone in the troupe. Heh… it won’t matter at all when we pay them a visit"

“…P-please... s-s-spare.. me..” They tried to beg, a begging that finally meant nothing.

"… I could offer something more than mercy, I could offer you a place in my troupe. Unfortunately, I regretfully see a glimmer, one that keeps me from doing so. Deny it... if you wish, but if I were to take you in, you would merely expose us to them, therefore betraying us. Your heart was set on the validation you would get in return by your group, which engraved to your very soul and would cause you to stab us on the back regardless of how kindly we treat you. What a waste...”

"N--" and such. Not even a word whispered, their neck jerked.

He let them fall to the ground, with their head on the wall. Cause of death? tripped and smashed their neck on the wall; predicted so. He whispered to himself, "so much... of a wasted potential"

“Ow…” Then he snarled, grasping his bandaged right arm. Although that wound occasionally stings, he was not the kind to utilize his left.

He raised his head somewhere and fixedly examined the wrapped bandage. Just that he noticed you and panella strolling side by side in the distance, ah... possibilities. Your appearance, posture, the way your will remains unbroken, the way he raised you from the dark depth’s abyss of mind, the way you treat him so caringly. It was you who set his heart racing-

He shakes his head from such thought "Hmm... I see what she meant, that was... a very exaggerated acting.” Commenting on his word's moments ago.

He soon disappeared in a blink of an eye.

Chapter Text

The ensemble soon settled on ‘the archives’, the city of Fog Canyon, and the teacher's remnants. It was obvious from a magnificent edifice that drew your and many attentions. The preserved lab of the teacher herself.

To honor the teacher, the white palace decided to leave the lab intact, with all of the knowledge for everyone to read, as her namesake was. So that a similar situation and tragedy does not occur again in the following future, and everyone can learn from it.

"So, the jellyfish-like monster was derived from her?"

"They said that it was possibly, and the odds are very much likely, master." You said,

You were both staring at the statue of the dreamer herself. Honoring her sacrifice by doing her part sealing the vessel. There was also a smaller statue next to it.

"That's Quirrel, right?" He asked, "He must be an important bug to be placed near the dreamer."

"Yes, that was the apprentice himself. He was a pleasant individual with exceptional optimism, who remained cordial unless provoked. His nail art is of impressive level. With that kind of power, he could live to see the end of the infection and start a new life, but ultimately, he lost his purpose, which was to end his teacher's life. In sadness and loss, he disappeared, leaving his nail alone and never to be seen again.” There isn’t much for you to tell about him. He was… just that, almost mirroring you in some sort when you learned his demise.

"Oh yeah… you do meet him during the infection. Well, I can see that his appearance matches what you described about him. What a determined bug."

"Yes, he was," you said, staring at the stone figure. Staring intently without blinking an eye.

If fate had not intervened, if you had known, you might have been able to snap some of his senses back. Attempting to wake him from his depressive thoughts resulted in his disappearance. Everyone speculated that he left to discover new purpose in life, but you knew from your conversations with the hooded bug that he was lost in the abyss, wandering forever without a path until the darkness finally consumed him. But you were too late to realize his fate and only saw his nail in the blue lake. You will not be like him, and never will be, you had a cause to die for and a reason to stay, which kept you going as an assistant. One that—

"Y/N" you turned to the right as you heard your master's call, jerking you out of your reverie. He was a few steps away from you. "Come on, let's look around somewhere else"

"Alright," you said, relieved he hadn't wandered off by himself. He walked first, and you were about to followed him, only to accidently bumped with someone in a torn cloaked bug.  "Ah, my apologies"

You were going to proceed till the hooded bug, grasping your hand "No need to…" it sounded, raspy and weak, like an old woman's voice, since you can't exactly see what the face looks like "… The calamity… is coming soon, it will… never matter"

"…Calamity?" You were going to resist and withdraw your hand when you heard her raspy, aged, and apprehensive voice. "What calamity?"

“Calamity…. The expanse of dream in past was split, and One realm now must stay apart, with Darkest reaches, beating red. Oh… The terror of sleep-” She stopped due to a heavy cough from her lips

“I…” You immediately pull your hands away, "I have to go," you were suspicious, but you don't have the time to bother as your master disappears even more, not realizing that you weren't following. You stared at her, a suspicious yet curious one, as if there were no crowds of bugs and only the two of you for a few seconds, even though there’s plenty of bugs walking by.

You took a quick walk to your master, as you went to look back one last time to see her already gone. That… verse is one that you already familiar with in the history of the troupe. But why and how some old bug knew about it? The verse line was about the nightmare's heart, which she didn't finish due to her coughing. And what calamity she talks about? And the sudden hand grab she made as if it was a premonition?

"Y/N? you alright?" he asked you as you looked down throughout the stroll.

Alright? You were always... alright... "Yes, I'm fine master," you said in a blank tone as you two continue walking by

***

"So, it's a library now," you muttered to yourself.

"Library? It's more like a lab than a place to read books," your master said, straightening his hood and looking at the greenish menacing edifice with a foreboding gate.

"It was, this was the lab where the teacher resides, where she does her research with her trusted apprentice. And to honor her name and dedication, they repurposed her lab to a library," you explained, holding your small notepad in your hands and reading the information that you had obtained.

"As her namesake… Will they have the book that we needed?" he pondered

"A slim chance, but worth trying, even if it was close to impossible." You returned your journal. “There could be a small speck of information that we needed”

He sighed, side staring at you, in a slight pity "Don't beat yourself up too much, Y/N. I know how important the summoning ritual is to you and the troupe, but that doesn't mean calamity for the troupe,"

Calamity…. That word again.

"It won't be, but it's not a chance we'll take for granted. Unless if master were up for the-"

He purposefully coughs with his palm on his mouth, saying, "Ahem, still not ready."

The remnants of the lab were actually pretty cozy, with no fogs hindering the sight. There was a lot of ventilation on the wall, with its metal grate, circulating the fog. Lanterns hung on the many parts of the wall, illuminating the inside of the library. And many paintings depicting the teacher and her apprentice, many come from prominent artist.

After dealing with the receptionist, you two entered the main door, onto the large library itself.

"Now that's…. a lot of books," your master exclaimed, both impressed and… annoyed.

"It is…" You went away from the numerous stacks of volumes sitting on bookshelves. You two won't find what you were looking for in this section of the library, only loaded with history and facts that are unnecessary to what you needed. "That's the result of endless archiving for many decades. Where old knowledge was preserved for future generation"

He followed, still perplexed, "And how will we find the book we needed in here?"

"We won't... well," you paused a few meters from a stunning massive wooden double door. "….In this section, anyway," you firmly stated.

The door was guarded by two familiar knights in white. You remembered the armor remnants you saw laying on the ground back when the infection was still rampant. Then someone wearing a dark red ceremonial robe approached the door, and the two guards immediately stood in the way, but after giving them a letter, they both nodded and let the bug in. After the bug closed the door, they walked back to their post.

"That's the symbol of the king's idol" your master pointed out at the interesting drawing on the letter "We could fabricate one and make them let us in"

"No," you shook your head. "While forging a letter could be conceivable, we cannot risk having trouble with the White Palace, not yet. They may also have a verification system, so it is not a risk worth taking.

"I'll teleport inside and find the necessary book we needed. Unfortunately, master had to-"

"I know I know" huffed the man. "I'm too conspicuous for this mission, go ahead Y/N. I’ll wait"

"Thank you" You nodded "And please, stay out of trouble, master. Also stay inside the library until I'm done"

"I will"

As he stated that, you spun around and vanished, possibly inside the restricted area.

"And there she goes," he said to himself, walking somewhere in the library. “Hmm.. let’s see”

There are a lot of books on here, with titles that are quite long and spark a small interest in him. There's a book about the agriculture of hallownest, the cultural history of each state of hallownest, and one about the great peak of the kingdom before the infection with the great five knights, a section of them to be exact. There’s a lot of varying books in this wide hall size room.

He took a dark brown book from a shelf and read the title. "What an intriguing title," he said with curiosity.

'The way of a leader from the way of the White Palace.' Sure, the title is a touch theatrical, with white on the word ‘leader’ and ‘white palace’, and reading isn't much of his taste, but giving it a try won't hurt at all. At the very least, he can pass time waiting for you to finish while learning more about his hometown that he… barely remember anymore.

He proceeded to sit on a set of wooden table and chair. And just as he starts reading, he set it down after a few pages to process his mind. It's not about the book itself, which begins with the history of the palace and how the wyrm built his dominion; it's about the thought he had while reading the following phrases.

‘Understand your fellow colleague, their needs, their hopes and their dreams. And shall, you can act upon the fact’

It… clearly made sense, with how the pale king formed the great five knights that fabled across the land. They didn’t just appear, the pale king's creation of the famous "five knights" obviously required a rigorous selection process before they could carry the name.

"Can I even do that?" He mused. It's easy for him to comprehend divine and brumm, both of his devoted grimmkins. They're always open to him and give their own opinions. He can easily piece it all together. They are unique in their own way, which he understands it altogether. Even if divine can be playful and annoying, cracking unfunny jokes or teasing brumm, she’s still a competent and wise advisor as her role. And brumm are a very chill music enthusiast despite his large size, both being his right hand and leader of the music crew.

Of all, he wasn't like the wyrm, there is no kingdom to control, and he only needs to grasp one complex bug, not five.

"I want to understand her more.." he murmured, moving his head to the guarded door. "If only... there's a way." He turned back to the book, reading a few more pages. The book also contained illustrated art, which helped him read the book’s content.

And, as if his hope had been heard, he heard someone walk past behind his seat, softly cursing to themselves, "This is the third time this week, I don't understand her obsession with these types of books, oh well."

Maybe… just maybe…  he wanted to observe who was putting the books back and taking one while carrying a list of paper, or maybe because of their… scent. "Wait…. You…" Grimm muttered, putting the book down. "Aren't you…. Ogrim?" yet his voice is more confused than amused.

The white defender is recognizable by his stance, body, appearance, and size, as well as his peculiar stench. However, he does not resemble the 'one of the five great knights' portrayed.

He realized someone’s finally calling him. "Hmm? Someone noticed me?" he let out a short chuckled, taking his gaze away from the bookshelves, and exclaimed at who he saw "Ah! Quite the surprise of whom I meet" He stood up and bowed to the troupe master. "Welcome to fog canyon, troupe master. I hope you had a nice stay in hallownest, and sorry for not noticing your presence moments ago."

"A-ah.." Grimm was surprised by his sudden formality, and how personal he sounded"So, you... knew me personally?”

"It's more appropriate that I knew 'a' you. In a time when our kingdom stood tall at its peak, our king met one on the white palace, and I had the honor to witness, troupe master," Ogrim said to him, honoring the troupe master as his king did the previous one.

"I see…" well, it would make sense. It is the cycle and there has been a lot of grimm before his time. "Uhh listen, you don't have to be so formal around, it's nothing important."

The white defender chuckled "Alright"

Grimm noticed the stack of books "So, what's the books are for?" he inquired, just making small chat.

Ogrim set the stacking books on a table, checking to make sure to get the title right or else he had to dig back here. "A duty from the princess, she had divulged herself to reading books for hours at end lately, and I had to get her books back to back, and honestly…" he sighed. "It can be infuriating to keep travelling from the white palace to here, but duty is duty anyway… and speaking of the white palace, your troupe will visit I presume?"

"After few stops, we will. It's one of our many destinations" He explained.

"Glad to hear, troupe master. And we're… sorry for the troubles that all of you had during the travel." His voice was somewhat lower, with a trace of little guilt. "I've heard of what's going on."

"What's going on?" It took him minutes to digest it. "Wait! So they—"

"It's not like that, troupe master" responded Ogrim. "Forgive me for being so vague… it's just… the princess and the white lady were quick to solve the puzzle of the recent incident. Not that your troupe were in trouble or anything, no, no. Merely… we're sorry for any inconvenience"

“Glad… to know that” He had to inquire to understand the entire situation of hallownest. "It's... still hasn't stabilized, yet?"

"Not much" Ogrim pulled a book from a shelve and placed it in the stacks. "But it's improving. The remnants of the infection had slowly dissipated, and we're regaining our territories back time by time. Who knows, maybe we can populate the abyss one day. But.. not everything has been going smoothly, even after eighty years later."

The defender took a chair and rested. "For example, the mantis…. Still isolated themselves from us, and attempt at diplomacy had been hitting a wall so far. Now let's see…" he looked at the list again. "Ah… so another one from the restricted section again-"

"You're going there?!" His heart skipped a beat.

“Uhh… yes I am” He was taken aback at the suddenness of the troupe master.

 "Can I…. go along?"

"To be respectful, troupe master, it's a restricted section for a reason, one that such information is very rare to have and is in the process of preservation, as well as dangerous information that is stored that could be troublesome if leaked" Ogrim said with a thorough explanation of the library's section. "Is there any important information that the troupe master needed?”

"Ummm…” He can't just say he wanted to get in only to get to you, and he won't reveal the issue with the summoning ritual either. “….About…that…"

The white defender chuckled, "But of course… I shall not ask. Just as the pale king did, I respected and trusted whatever you chose, whatever it shall be." He then walked to the door, "And as a thank you for recognizing me, at least. I wasn’t that popular among the folks, almost forgotten even"

"Wait... So, I… i can?"

"Of course," he nodded.

And just like that, as they approached the restricted area, the guards immediately bowed and opened the door for them, letting them in so casually. It was a moist area with a cyan-like atmosphere, unlike the pink-blue color of the fog canyon. It was similar to the previous section, but quieter and with fewer shelves. The bugs wore the same dark red ceremonial robe with a hood, and it was dimmer than the other section.

"I guess this is where we parts way for now, may you find what you're looking, troupe master." Ogrim took a bow. "And we'll be waiting for your arrival"

As he began to walk away, the troupe leader felt compelled to say something "Thank you for the help, White defender, I couldn't ask for much more than that."

“Ah…” But he stopped, as if he was thinking what grimm just said. "That name…is already dead, just like the rest of my friends. There's no white defender, just what's left of it, troupe master, a coward." Ogrim stated, not even turning away. “A coward that lives with shame”

He wanted to say something as the sorrowful huge beetle began to walk, but he had already upset him enough, so much for attempting to be respectful.

***

"That's not what I expected to hear, master." Your tone was bland, but your words conveyed a surprised tone.

"So do I, he was just in the right time and moment," he replied, sitting opposite you, "and I had to ask, so I did."

You huffed, "I supposed i don't have to wear this anymore," removing the extra layer of the dark red robe.

"Where did you get that?"

"A sleeping bug on their chair." You mentioned it casually, as if thievery were common.

"Ah." He then glances at the startling things on the table. "So… you've found the book?"

You neatly fold the robe at the table, "Surprisingly, yes. Someone archived or wrote the history of our troupe. 'The Scarlet Flames, The Crimson Flames, And the Dying Flames: History of the Grimm Troupe'" before picking your staff and transcribing the words with the quill.

"That's… an overly dubious long title for a book, and it's also… quite thick in sizes. How many pages are there, anyway?"

"Hundreds upon hundreds" said you. "I've confirmed to the last page"

He was speechless, "Wow, can you really copy all that in one book?"

"No, but I've brought four blank books, which all of it will be enough to store it"

He saw the quill, imbued with the crimson flames as it levitates on its own, and began writing on the blank book, only pausing to dip the ink. Because they weren't and couldn't be allowed to take the book outside the section or even the library itself, one solution was to copy the entire content and paste it on a blank book. Of course, the idea was impossible due to the sheer sizes and lengths of the book…. If physically by hands.

"The fact that someone actually wrote it was… already shocking. Who was the author?"

"That I also didn't know, master," you shook your head, as the sourced book's page was flipped to pages '42' and the imbued quill began to copy words by word. "There's no mention or even a claim of ownership on this book. It's a history book nonetheless, with tales and tales and more tales about the troupe master before I even joined, that I might have to verify."

"You're not going to copy the entire book, are you?" Considering the book, it's not going to be a simple task to deal with, and it may take weeks to do so. "We don't need all the information, just about the summoning ritual."

"I.. could, but that inputs of information may be crucial for the future of the troupe." You could study and understand the incidents and events of the past, maybe leading to a greater contingency plan that you could build around it "We need this, master. It's a strong suggestion from mine"

"I'm…. not going to prevent you, but we won't have enough times before our scheduled leave" He raised his arms in protest. "At least let me help, we won't have to perform until tomorrow night"

"Ah…I see" Your only response.

"And no, it's not because I have a plan or something, I did this because of my duty as your-"

"It's about the 'misty fog' festival in a few days, isn't it?" And your one flat sentence shut him down with a single truth.

"N-no…" then an awkward silence "…Yes." And a confession "It's not so fun without your assistance, Y/N. So please!" He leans forwards and put both of his hands on your shoulders. The staff shaken a bit and caused the quill to drop to the table. "Please let me help…" He exclaimed in a low tone, withholding himself from being too loud.

You remained quiet for a minute, it's basically your daily snacks already "Sure… Master's order is absolute, I have no rights no deny…."

Finally, after a quick learning session and some minor setbacks, the quills quickly began copying the entire book. It was one of the troupe's abilities, the imbued quills scanning the letters on the book and writing them on the blank one, with the nightmare flames possessing the feathers of the quills, which was why it was possible in the first place.

"Amid the labyrinthine intricacies of bureaucratic governance, where policy decisions often oscillate between ideological extremes, influenced by both overt and covert lobbying efforts from multifaceted interest groups?..… uhhh" He interrupted his reading. "I'm not… sure what I am reading now or what I am saying at all”

"They were talking about how the pale king reformed his kingdom, and his intricate way through any means." You described it to him. “Means that are clean and dirty but achievable for his goals”  

In the meantime, you two decided to read a book together as you sat side by side with an opened book. However, the book you chose was too hard for him to understand due to its vocabulary. But it is an interesting book for him to read as a troupe master, if not for that issue.

You went on "Unfortunately… what he did ended up being the start of catalyst. He's a king, wise king even, but he's no god, nor he's capable to think of any repercussion, consequences that came unnoticed. you know why, master?"

"It's… his ambition, isn't it?" he assumed. "It's his desire to rule that blinded him, to which realization possibly came too late. He wishes to rule, but ignoring about the radiances and her threat"

"Yes" You nodded. "Ambition is a great thing to have, just as master's ambition to be the great troupe master. But sometimes, one's ambition can be dangerous, it can cloak anyone in a thick layer of darkness."

"I see…"

His face was flustered, he always loved reading sessions with you, especially when he was an early master troupe who didn't know much at all. The way you explained things to him as you two sat together, and how you would gladly help him understand something he doesn't understand, even if you had to repeat it a thousand times. And with both of your bodies and cloaks close to each other, almost touching, it can hypnotize his focus.

"I'll check the book, master," you said, heading to the side to double-check the work.

Seeing your shrouded back, he had an idea "Hey, Y/N, can I tell you something?"

"What is it, master?" you asked, still maintaining your back to him.

"I… I just wanna say that-"

"Don't!"

Suddenly, he felt as if he'd lose his breathing, as if the words that were about to come out were being burned away, when a loud voice in his head yell. A yell that both sounded like a warning and a threat. He couldn't say the word at all, as if he just lost control of his own body and his own mind, preventing him from continuing his words. What… happened to him? To his own body?

"Master?" you turned around to him, noting that the copying process was still going well. "What is it that master is trying to say?"

He jolted slightly in his seat, and your words brought his body back to normal. "Huh.. uh.. oh it’s…" he felt his body's control return, words finally able to come out naturally, "it's.. nothing, I just want to read another book, if you wouldn’t mind"

"Sure, go ahead and pick another one"

He nodded, stood up from his seat, and began searching through the shelves. That's what you thought as you glanced slightly at him.

To him, he found himself staring at the oblivion, at how absurd the few moments were, with the same voice he heard during the fight on their way to fog canyon, and the same voice he heard on his 'nightmare'. What happened to him? Why did he sometimes feel like he wasn't in control of his own body? He looked through the catalogue of books and picked a random one that interested him. He needs to figure it out or he might lose full control of himself.

The day carried on.

***

Night, pure cold and foggy night. The cold struck you as you walk seamlessly while the red cloak was waving with the wind and the only source of light was your staff. You had just returned from the library, sneaking in while it was closed and heavily guarded by patrols that roamed the restricted section. You had to snuck and hide yourself while continuing to copy the book with the first blank book out of the four that are needed to complete it. Something that your master doesn’t needed to acknowledge or found out.

But on your way to the tents, you noticed a figure out of the corner of your eye, barely visible through the fog, and you had the instinct to follow the figure, you knew that you had to. It’s no normal bug during this midnight, you felt like they might be someone you had to confront, it might’ve looked foolish if you were wrong, but would you even care a single bit?

You immediately turned sharp and began walking quickly to the figure, following them, but they quickly faded through the fog, and a search and find game began. You kept trying not to lose sight of the shadowy figure that keep walking farther and farther from the city, they keep going left and right through the thick night fog, while you had to follow whoever it was, but with your sharp intuition, even after you lost them for a few minutes, you managed to find them and fully see them clearly.

"You…" You noticed who it was as you approached. It was that elderly woman that you unintentionally bumped into, wearing a ragged robe. She was standing on the edge of a cliff as you two ended up on the far edge of the fog canyon. “So, it was you that I’ve been suspecting”

“Ah… You” The elderly woman turned away from you and murmured

"I don't mean any harm, but I have a question I’ve been meaning to ask. What do you know about the calamity?" You inquired, standing a few good meters behind her.

She coughed for a bit "This land… was unbalanced, far from peace, far from composure" And murmured, her voice becoming more and more raspy. "As another weight, bringing down the scale to a side once again, once more. And once it finally fell down, the calamity will soon arrive. There was never a peace after the infection, all but false illusion"

"Unbalanced, calamity, scale, weight…" you whispered to yourself, attempting to piece everything together. "And what does it have to do with that…verse you said to me?"

"Ah… my dearest tribe… once again, I have befallen an eye to the future…" She doesn't respond you, muttering to herself. "Just you did… as all of you did…"

"Answer me," you said, taking a step towards me. "What is the calamity? What is the imbalance of this land? When will it collapse? I need answers." You felt something is going terribly wrong. She ignored you, and the position being the edge of the cliff was enough to put you on stance.

“forgive mine soul, for we hast distanced aroint from our belief, for we should’st’ve not accepted that wyrm 'i the first place.  for we hast betrayed our own.  and may.  this former land of ours, survive.  for the calamity to forbear.  And may.  we met again, mine dearest tribe. 'i another haven, far from the eyes of the calamity”

"What are- HEY!" You teleported to her as she leaned forward and about to fall off the cliff. "What are you trying to…. End…. Your………." You paused in your sentence, in quite surprise.

You grasped her ragged body, but no air or energy came out of her, only limpness, as her life faded with the cold body on your arm. She’s gone… just like that, a stranger you could’ve not bothered to care. You never did.

You fell into a deep stillness, pulling her hood aside to look who it was. “A… moth” Realizing that, you decided to let her go as her body fell off the cliff, letting it fall to the abyss. Seeing her body finally faded, you knelt to retrieve your fallen staff and noticed an empty vial on the ground.

You lifted it up, only to see a small remains of a green liquid, and sniffed it, tasting an unpleasant sharp stench. "Poison… so that's how"

You went to where she falls and threw the vial after putting a little flame inside it. You can watch the lights fall, only to halt at a small puddle and disappear along with it. You know what that was, an acid lake that hasn't been destroyed or hasn't yet. If someone falls...

You walked away as if nothing happened "Calamity…. Who or what is the calamity?" you wondered as you walked back to the troupe.

Chapter Text

"Let's see," Master Grimm said, quickly going over the contents of the copied book. "Everything… is good for book number three, Y/N." The sound of paper turning is audible, as innumerable pages are turned to the next number. "No jumbled inks, no hazy text, no incomprehensible words. This copy is flawless.”

"The same goes for the fourth." You closed the book "At last..."

Copying all the content has taken far longer than you anticipated. To just copy the entire book, the troupe had to stay an additional day. For you, it's somewhat important, even though it might not mean much to others.

In any case, the purpose was accomplished, and you anticipated that you would learn anything significant about the summoning ritual while reading. Something that could solve the mystery of the ritual's failure, which has always seemed strange to you and nearly difficult to accomplish.

"Then, I'll put the book back," your master stated.

As you prepare to bring all four books for reading, you just nod and place them in a tall stack.

On the other hand, your master walked over to the book's esteemed shelf and gave the front cover one more glance before remarking, "What a book," with a slight sigh.

He…. had a terrible night's sleep. in a way that he was unable to express directly. . He looked at you, then at the shelf as he puts away the book. For one day, a new reader might come to finally took it.

 "Will you just cease interfering with my life?” He still recalls the question he exclaimed to that flame last night as he reappeared in the dream space yet again.

The flame replied, "So much for a greeting. Well, I'm glad you two found that book-"

“I SAID, Stop. Messing. With my life!” Evidently irritated by them, he interrupts the flame in mid-sentence. "I am certain that I heard your voice! You did all of that, and I know it! Who else might it have been? And just who exactly are you?” However, he remained perplexed by the entire situation. “Why do you constantly invading my dreams, and who are you?"

The flame simply ‘stared’ at him, saying, "As much as I wanted to tell you, who I am isn't essential for now. It’s not the time just yet… no, not now. Until then, stay out of trouble, one that you’re trying so hard to approach”

"SO WHAT?” He was. I'm furious now. How ambiguous they have been to him, the flame's casual voice. "This is my life! My own life! Give up attempting to dictate what I can and cannot do. You have absolutely no knowledge about her!"

"….You don't either."

“I….” he moans, unable to deny that from the flame. "I don't know what you're planning, or what your agenda is, leave me alone!"

"I wish I could,” The flame replied, floating like a faint scarlet fire, “But you have to believe me if you want to live to see another day. I understand that you're upset and that you couldn't trust me, but keep in mind that I'm acting in our best interests. After this is over, you'll thank me, and I’ll thank you back”

Grimm could only groan at this act of deception he was engaging in. When a voiced flame unexpectedly enters his dream, can he trust it? That was aware of him and the troupe somehow? That suddenly takes possession of his body?

"Just," he sighed as his clinched hands grew weak. “Please give me some time. I don't like you, and whatever you're controlling or knowing in my life, but if you're so eager for me, trust you. I'll answer the next time we talk" he replied coolly. “I need time to reflect.”

“Hmm… Magnificent… I supposed” the flame… ostensibly look elsewhere “And perfect timing…” and also gradually fading “Let me reiterate my caution… Don’t look into her and her past. You'll regret it, I won’t repeat myself anymore if you don’t want to heed my warning”

Regret it? Given his knowledge of you, what would he regret if he pursued to find out? He keeps thinking about it as the flame goes out and he wakes up the following morning, and as he was putting the book away. What regret comes from that, he thought as he stared at the book that was left alone. Once more, he is unsure.

Another brief exchange, but this time the flame is making it relevant. He was still unsure of its plan and was debating whether or not to tell you, but he felt it wasn't appropriate given how busy you were practically every day. He simply needs to remain silent and wait for that encroaching scarlet flame to respond more. Until then, it is a problem he had to deal by himself

***

Following the acquisition of the books, you two made the decision to take a walk about the area, primarily through the market area. You had a specific grimmkin in mind. One that was accountable and commanded by Divine.

Due to the large number of people selling items and bugs wandering around, the market was extremely crowded. Your eyes are searching the market for that grimmkin, while your master's was glancing around it.

"Miss Y/N!” They called out to you, and there they were, wearing an ostentatious-looking hat bearing the troupe's logo, it’s their fashion design. They were a grimmkin—well, a special one, as their bodies and structures were different from those of other grimmkins. Like you, panella and the person you helped, they are a refugee who has turned devoted to the troupe.

“Clad” You call their name “How did it go?"

As they stood erect, they remarked, "Found one per your request." Clad is an extremely loyal grimmkin—almost patriotic. Like a knight, as many have said, They always take consideration of their work. "I also brought a sample."

You checked the contents of the supermarket bag after taking it. “Hmm…” You thought it looked nice. It's an nice-looking viand that will sufficiently bolster the troupe enough-

"Miss? They interrupted you by raising a hand and said, "If I may... ask."

"Go ahead," you said, lifting your head.

They hesitated, saying, "Master Grimm... he's...umm"

“Hmm?” You looked in the direction your master should be. He vanished from his location, yet he was conversing with the vendor while standing infront of a stall. , "He'll be fine." You chose to leave him alone this time, he didn’t stray far from your vision and he didn’t caused any troubles.

You turned back to them and said, "Now….. Which stall do you get this from?"

"Over there, miss," they said, "I decided because it was a promising vendor out of many."

You were silent and started to move somewhere. "Come on," you said.

The hat grimmkin is a little surprised, but they are straightening their hat and following you from behind. After a while, you two stood a few feet away from the vendor's point of view, watching it through the numerous on-foot throng.

Clad wanted to know why, but you two just watched the vendor because they knew you had a valid reason to do so. And you two noticed something intriguing not even fifteen minutes later. Surprising, but not really terrifying, just surprising clad while you were neutral towards it.

"Listen, Clad." You started talking. "As you were aware, we are neither saints nor heroes in this tale, I have said enough already. Our responsibility is to gather their flames as we have no business interfering or becoming involved in their affairs. And the same is true of the bugs we met.”

“….” They merely stared at the sight playing out without saying anything.

"Identifying the bugs we're dealing with is a crucial aspect when we survey and observe the area where we stay. No matter what their past may have been, we need someone we can trust in the present and now.”

"So, was this one a huge deal? I didn't know it could be important," they said to you, voice full of disbelief and amusement.

"Hmm… It is not quite, in my opinion. “You informed them “that although a dishonest vendor who connives to defraud their customers isn't always the worst, it is at least bad for the troupe. Even though they aren't the worst out of all, they are still a vendor that we would never want to do business with, never" you said.

Although the quality was excellent, who sells it is more important than the supplies. Even though two sellers may provide identical products of the same caliber, it's crucial to determine whether or not they do it in a clean manner. Because it's difficult to trust a dishonest vendor, particularly when it comes buying something as important as supplies for the lengthy trip, it's not worth the risk. You don't want the troupe and their earnings to be wasted on useless wind ashes, even if the risk wasn't too bad.

"Even though it might not seem important, each and every location is crucial. We wanted it to be fair. A clean vendor will be much safer than a dirty one. It's better to be safe than sorry to avoid any losses. They're here to make profit, and so are we." You closed your long conversation “And that’s why, a dirty vendor would scam us with that opportunity than a clean one”

Clad sighed, seeing their error. "Pardon my lack of insight, Miss Y/N. I should have known better." and looked down at the ground "I didn't—"

“I'm not here to point the finger at you. Clad, this is only but a lesson from the assistant to whom that divine trusted.” You took a piece of paper from your cloak and handed it to them. “I have surveyed the market as I looked for you, and I got one or two stalls that I believed to be trustworthy, but I might be wrong, so I want you to observe the vendor and report to me if you deemed it to be trustworthy, then we can ordered supplies from them once you reported back to me.”

Clad bowed properly to you and nodded, saying, "Yes, miss!"

"We can put this discussion on hold for the time being. I need to see how Master Grimm is doing before he might unintentionally... messed something” You were about to walk away, but you stopped when you realized something. "Oh, that reminds me, how was he?" you asked

"Him…” they muttered for a second “He recovered pretty well, miss Y/N. And I believe only a matter of time until he became a trainee," Clad told you, their voice a mixture of devotions and a hint of unease. "He still needed to get used around the troupe, the rules, and his new living space before that, and also learning to use the nightmare torch"

"Good, watch him closely for me. I know you're not used to having to do this, but I want someone to supervise him as I don't have enough time for that, and I believed you are the perfect grimmkin to do so." You paused, turning your head at them and peering at their mask "Of course, there's a good reason why I ordered such, you understand, Clad?” Then, in a blank tone, you stated. "You two are now friends, whether you like it or not."

They huffed “Yes miss…” Clad bowed once again, demonstrating their dedication to you. "I'll comply with your instructions"

They watched as you walked somewhere with the sway of the cloak. They stared at your figure with an astonished look. They whispered in astonishment, "So that's... the assistant." Although they have heard a lot about the assistant and her work style from their peers, it is far more remarkable to witness it firsthand. Now they understand why you would fit such power, even for a special grimmkin. It gave them the determination to keep going.

***

It would quickly become monotonous if you recounted every time you attended a festival, bazaar, or simply went out with your master. It's the same thing repeatedly, just with new locations and situations. Follow your master, wait until he is satisfied, and then depart, adding a little something that he offered you, such as watching something with him or preventing your master from being stabbed by an oncoming bug….. Not often but quite the numbers. You felt nothing towards it, because it was your responsibility to protect him from harm, particularly when the summoning ritual failed and you were still in the process of reading the first book, which tells the story of the troupe's founding, long before the two loyal Grimmkins joined.

You weren't the only one who had experienced the misty fog festival. You two had witnessed the festival's outdoor stage performance, which featured a huge square wooden stage that stretched far across the ground—something you've seen far too often. You sat there writing in your little notebook while your master watched with delight as they performed an ouma trick show. The artists would jump from ouma to ouma and execute acrobatics. You don't care about it, and you wouldn't care at all; the group couldn't really replicate the performances, which were a tradition in the fog canyon.

You stopped writing your notes for a second when an ouma flew through just above the audience seats. You felt a slight wind and heard your master's astonished cries.

"psst, Y/N," you heard someone mumble your name as they walked toward you.

You lowered your writing "Divine?” It was divine, with her body lowered Since a few irritated bugs complained that she obscured the view, due to her size "Why you were-"

"Just…. Follow me already. It's getting cramped to stay like this," she interrupts, sounding uneasy nevertheless.

You peek at your master, who is engrossed in the play. He won't realize you're gone for a bit, “Hmm…All right.” You put your notebook aside and got to your feet.

There must have been something significant for Divine to call you both, for you both left the stage play and went to a somewhat distant location…. Right?

To be honest, no, absolutely not. You were hoping for something urgent, important, or crucial, but it was only an issue that you could deal with later, that wasn't even worth writing down in your notebook. “….We… needed your help with it, Y/N.” She is the adviser, thus even though her communication style and tone is unusual right now, her concerns aren't that outlandish. "Brumm wasn't there, and I couldn't handle it myself."

Holding your staff straight, you remarked blankly, "You know that I can't do that right now, divine. As much as I wanted to assist you, it's least important than master's."

"I can go with him—"

She seemed persistent enough for you to agree, but you abruptly interrupted her, saying, "You also know that I can't do that, divine. Master Grimm typically becomes quite irritable when I'm not around or goes unnoticed, and the summoning ritual is still a problem that needs to be resolved, which is a duty I can't shirk."

“I… ugh!” She sighed, unable to make a good excuse “Come on, Y/N, lend me a hand for a little while."

"You know that I can't," you said, shaking your head. “Report it on my desk tomorrow, It wouldn't harm the troupe if your problem was put off for one night. now if you’ll excuse me”

she grabbed your hand and pulled it through your cloak while you were just two steps away, "Y/N… come on, don't just—" She practically begs, but why? You should not be concerned about this issue, much less the advisor. What other reason she had that she didn’t tell you?

You pulled your arms away. " Give me a few hours, divine… At least until master's were satisfied and head to rest on his chamber. And what was so urgent about it that you were willing to grasp my arm?" You asked, didn't caring that she was willing to hold your hands like that.

Divine mutters, "Well... like should I really need to tell you why, Y/N?" as if she is still pondering her choice, whether or not she should continue like this or not.

"Tell me what? You inclined your head, saying, "I didn't follow."

"Aren't you genuinely unaware of it?’” Divine got ready to confront you, to make hear it from her "About... your whole interaction and all that."

"With whom precisely?” You thought, were you unaware of this someone? Was there anything you didn't think of?

"Obviously with our-" She was going to tell you the whole truth, right in your face. that for a time, she and Brumm keep hidden. It only takes a few words for her to state it directly in front of you, few words to you directly.

"Ah divine!” However, abruptly, Brumm showed there and called her, cutting off her speech. With his accordion on his back, he came over to you two. "I've been trying to find you. A grimmkin told me that you needed my assistance.” He then began to yank her away before she could say, "Come on, no need to bother miss assistant."

"W-what?” She was taken aback and perplexed by Brumm's unexpected entrance. "H-huh oh... W-well, looks like I don't need you anymore, Y/N." She stammers at the beginning but continues, "Sorry for bothering you, have a good night!"

 "Have a good night.” Brumm said as he continued to take her away “We, miss advisor, had a lot to talk over…" he said in a rambling voice that gradually faded as they get farther. 

You give them a small wave in return, saying, "Have a good night, you two." It was. Strange. There is a sense of urgency in the situation based on Brumm's body language and voice tone. Given the way that Brumm just showed up, began talking extensively without giving her an opportunity to answer, and then he dragged her away without hesitation or even a little conversation. Was her problem really that bad? Maybe you won't know till later.

You returned to your seat just as your master noticed you "Hmm? Where have you been?"

"Just nowhere, master, You straightened your seat and explained, "Divine asked me for a little talk."

“I see… well, at least you’re in time for the next segment.”

You didn't bother to watch as you were going to check your notepad, but… You hear a piano melody. Both the black keys that created a melody and the white keys that were clicked cause you to shiver a little. It was followed by the violin that strings beautifully with the piano. It was….lovely.

You heard your master mutter, "Hey, Y/N." He didn't realize you were clenching your notepad, not wanting to see the performances. "You used to play the piano, don't you?"

"Yes, I was," you replied softly… or tried to.

As though expressing gratitude, he chuckled softly in his chair and said "It would be nice to hear you play... If you had the times that is, I'm not forcing you or anything, hehe."

You let out a sigh. Even if you can hear such a wonderful music, you don't want to look at it. You could share some of your thoughts with your master to improve the piano's performance. However. It was already fantastic, already. You're glad and appreciative that he didn't make you to play.

To play that damned piano.

***

"A little bit to the left, no, not too far to the left, slightly right, good” From a distance, you gave a few grimmkins the order “Now burn!"

The Grimmkins lit a lying tree trunk on fire with their torches. "Hold…Hold…."  It swiftly sets everything on fire, as the tree began to burns away “Alright, panella now!” 

"I got it!” Panella focuses her torch and strikes it with it, cutting it into a few pieces. As she and a few others swiftly shove the flaming tree pieces aside.

You then used that as your cue to spin your staff and aim it at the flaming pieces, absorbing the flames and eventually extinguishing them from any fire. It keeps on until there are no more fragments left and the path were cleared.

"Phew," you said, removing your mask to use as a fan. As usual, it was energy-draining but nothing that you can’t handle. "At last..."

Although that's not much of a problem, just a fallen tree blocked the caravan's path, and the fact that it was in a forest made things more difficult. You needed to exercise additional caution because burning it down would be dangerous and could start wildfires if the fires ended up spreading too far.

"Y/N, you okay?” Panella approached you and inquired. "I got you something."

"Thanks, I'm fine." You grabbed the bottle from her and chugged it down, feeling refreshed. With a sigh of relief, you wore your mask and said, "All right, everybody! Return to the caravan!"

Clearing the path of any obstructions and fallen logs is just as common as many other responsibilities you have. It is almost mundane and you’ve experienced in dealing with it a lot, even when something unexpected happen.

"Are you two good to go on? As soon as you passed the steeds, you asked them.

And they both made a sound that sounded like content. They seemed to be good to continue

"We just need to get through this forest before we can rest, so just a little bit longer"

After years as the assistant and decades with the troupe, you're accustomed to a lot of responsibilities. You were well-versed in all aspects of the troupe, including leadership and, of course, being an assistant…..

***

…..And being directly beneath the troupe leader as the second in command. That's who you are, a fate one you never anticipated, and occasionally you're still surprised by how abrupt life can be, how life can suddenly change in a matter of seconds. Like right now, when you were deep in silence of the minds and staring at your ceiling in the middle of the night, unable to be asleep.

That evening, Panella congratulated you on your anniversary as an assistant, something she does every year to honor your accomplishment. She is kind and always looks forward to you, but you were thinking a lot… tonight.

Throughout your life, a lot of things occurred in the troupe. In a single night, from being a trainee to the second-most powerful Grimmkin. In additions, there are also challenges associated when being an assistant. From the fire that nearly destroyed your mind and spirit, and the drowning that nearly killed you if it weren't for your best frie.... ‘Sister’ coming to rescue you, not forgetting that terrible fever you had that you couldn’t even remembered most of it.

It is up and down, joyful and lamenting, happy and sad. After going through it, you've changed and are now much more than the grimmkin who nearly held the distinction of "longest trainee." You became… different

You sighed as you sat on your bed. When you don't feel like forcing yourself to sleep and your brain is still working hard from all of your current thoughts, it can be difficult to fall asleep. That’s when you got an idea, and made the decision to leave your bed, stripped of your mask, and made your way to the breakroom of the now-established troupe tent who just arrived.

You made your way to the piano in the dimly lit room and sat down with a chair in front of it. Oh how you haven't played in quite some times, and when you did previously, Brumm gave you some piano-related advice that you might need to know, so why not putting the advice to a try.

As your fingers shifted to the black and white keys, you huffed and closed your eyes. This piano plsy is your second method of mental relaxation; the first is, of course, Divine's peppermint tea, which is unmatched by anybody or anything else. But the sensation of letting your intellect, emotions, and despair all flow into a melody is lovely, really lovely as it soothes your ears.

You were proficient at playing the piano even though you were certain that you had never touched one before, thus you never learned how to play it. You were fortunate to be able to play the piano skillfully, but you didn't care as you moved from one key to another without looking and with a smile on your lips.

While playing, you were unaware that someone had entered the break oom until "Ahem!” To get your attention, they purposefully cleared their throat.

You jolted a little and stopped suddenly. "M-master?” When you turned your head around, he was standing there.

He yawned and remarked, "Hey Y/N." standing slender with his scarlet cloak.

"Wait! Why is the master here? I believed that masters were…”

He rubbed his scarlet eyes and explained, "Your play woke me up... I can hear everything that goes on in the breakroom because my room is closer to it.:

"S-sorry, I didn't… I didn't mean to wake master up," you said, suddenly making everything more awkward for you. “I…. Well, I'll just-"

"No," he said, preventing you from getting up from your chair. "I never said that you should stop playing, have I?" he said, chuckling briefly.

"W-what?” You weren't expecting him to say that, so you were taken aback. You believed he wanted you to quit playing, not telling you to stand up.

"Say… You're okay with an audience, right?" he said, bringing a chair to sit next to you."

“Yeah… I’m okay with it.” You shifted a little in your chair, and he sat so tall next to you that you had to lift your head to gaze at his slender form wearing his usual cloak.

He nodded his head "Then play for me, anything you wanted to play,"

"O-oh alright."

You inhaled and exhaled before starting to play. At first, it was awkward, but you quickly relaxed, your play became softer, and the melody began to take shape. You wondered how he would react so you took a quick glance at him, and his expression showed that he was impressed, completely soothed by your play.

"Brumm once told me… " he said, closing his scarlet eyes as you played, "That you can play a piano, I was curious yet I never had the chance to witness it nor to ask." his scarlet eyes opened "And your play is amazing, Y/N" he said.

His thank you praises make you flustered, though you continue to keep up.

he appeared to be considering his thoughts, before he muttered to you "Pardon me if this sounds personal, but you never knew why you were skilled at the piano, no?"

Your fingers slid to another key as you shook your head, saying, "No…. It just happened, as if I knew where to hit the right keys, as if... I've been a pianist when I'm actually not."

“And I take it that's why you can't sleep?” He inquired.

"It’s…. well, not like that” You halted your play and then continued, "I wasn't... in deep thoughts about ‘that’, but…" You couldn't help but let a giggle “I can’t believe how far I’ve became after panella congratulate me for the anniversary for being an assistant”

“Time do go fast, Y/N." he laughed. “As I mentioned to you that day, you do develop into a fantastic assistant.”

He looks away somewhere else "Because life changes…." You could tell his tone changed to a... sad one? "A year, two, or even decades ago, we were not the same person as we are now. We are living beings, it is normal for us to change, that’s the nature of living. However, we were never able to alter who we were at our core. Like Divine and Brumm, they have experienced a thousand things, thousands life, but they have never changed of who they were. The same irritated brumm who had to cope with it, the same mischievous divine that sometimes annoy him”

“I wonder….. if I would remain the same.” Your play slowed down as you asked him. “In a hundred or perhaps two hundred years, would my…. Y/N remain the same?"

"There's a chance that one may change altogether, almost become a different person, but… I felt you'll still be you, Y/N, I hoped so” There is a tinge of uncertainty in his voice, but he quickly shifts the subject " "Ahem, so what do you think about performing as the pianist for the troupe?"

You sighed "Unfortunately, I can't. Being an assistant is already quite busy, master, no matter how beautiful it may be. For the sake of my health, I had to decline.”

He laughed and said, "That's okay, at least what’s matter, I can be your unique, special audience."

You then proceed to play for him while humming a song. "Hmm… yeah."

You couldn't stop thinking about it even after you parted ways and quickly went back to your bed. Playing the piano for him in an unexpectedly private meeting with him, just the two of you in the break room, made your heart race, and you couldn't help but grin as you went back to sleep.

For the troupe's assistants, it was just another day.

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

Chapter Text

Days later... when everything seemed to be normal for you.

"Y/N, I'm not sure how to express my gratitude for all of your assistance."

"Master, I'm carrying out my duty. As your assistant, that's all I can do.”

“The flames are setting in… the scarlet song is coming at its end…. The encore had already been finished… the dance had concluded… and the starring role had been chosen…” The troupe master sighed “Before my eternal slumber, I want all of us in the breakroom tonight”

"Of course, master."

You left, but you were still your blank, concentrated self. You didn't feel anything, after all, it's your responsibility for the troupe's future, the nightmare heart, and everyone else present. Before the hibernation began, you made one last check of everything. The troupe was placed to sleep in the nightmare realm until they were awakened by the summons of the soon-to-be master troupe, at which point the cycle began anew.

Every room, including the supply room, the grimmkin's dorms, and the light you'll use to wake them when their hibernation is finished, was being inspected.

"How did the torches? Inside a storage room, where the torches were kept, you asked one of the grimmkin.

“Every single torch had been stowed correctly, miss Y/N. Everything was in perfect condition, evenly distributed, and ready for use following the hibernation.” They explained to you “Although it wasn't many, we have extinguished a few torches that Miss Y/N was determined to be defective too”

As they were talking, you examined each and every torch. Even though everything was in order, placed neatly, and had no defects or damages, but you had the feeling that something wasn't quite right. "And from the nightmares, the torches?"

“We continued to wait for the other two despite that. Given how busy the chosen knight was everywhere, the Grimmkins calculated that it would be about three or four days before the ritual was over.”

No, it wasn't about that, but something was clearly strange. They were correct about the nightmare torches, but it wasn’t about…. That. The spark aroma of the nightmare flames and the atmosphere of the nightmare essence made you uneasy. Something is amiss, something occurred here. And with the time of the ritual drawing close, you had to find out the truth behind it.

"Miss Y/N, is there something we did incorrectly?” When you simply left the room and they followed, the Grimmkin asked you.

"…..No, there was nothing improper done by your group. You’ve done everything correct. We won't have anything else to do after, so you can take a break after making sure the other torches were set up.” You had to find out, and began walking away “You're dismissed.

“Yes, Miss Y/N!” Then they bowed to you before leaving.

There's a problem…. Something is wrong.

"Mrmm, thank you for accompanying me for a while." In another location, Brumm spoke to the knight as they walked on the entrance on the distance village where the stag station sign was located. "Will I be okay? Naturally. If I weren’t okay, I wouldn’t be far here.”

The knight gave him a nod.

"Throughout my time with the troupe, I've seen a lot of knights, adventurers like you, but you're different.” If it weren't for the knight's offer, he wouldn't have left the cocoon until later. “I'm not talking about your size, but you're an interesting one, something that made you stick out, mrmm.”

Then, when it soared close by, the grimmchild produced a humorous chirp. “Ah.. The grimmchild, how was it? Have they caused you any trouble?"

The knight shook their head, and brumm pats the grimmchild, sighing at what’s possibly could happen

"Mrmm, I'm sticking to what I just said. Do what you have to do, whether you want to do the ritual or not, since I wouldn't harbor animosity. Naturally, you don't have to decide right now, Mrmm. Once you have gathered all of the flames, you can make a decision yourself”

“That’s correct…” Suddenly, as though you had just walked past them, you were there, standing nearby, leaning on the wall "Collect all the flames and complete the task we began."

"Y-Y/N?!!” Because he wasn't prepared for it, Brumm was in complete shock when he saw you there. "H-H-how c-c-could…" he stumbled in his standing.

The knight chose to draw their nail after noticing your ominous animosity and Brumm's terrified demeanor. The grimmchild, who is typically aggressive to everything and almost everyone, cowered in terror and hid behind the small knight, who was also perplexed by the flying child's sudden changes.

"You could escape our master's scarlet gaze, but you forgot… another pair of eyes that oversees." You brandish your staff "And I'm not here for a fight, knight… I'm here for a business you had no right to interfere with… so go, collect the flames and finish the ritual… or else, don't stray from the script you were meant to be…."

The knight appeared uncertain, they could attempt to fight you, but was it a sensible move given that the other two were terrified of you, including the grimmchild, and your controlled flat tone? Even though they haven't known the accordionist for long, they are concerned for his safety and understand what he has been through, and brumm recognized that they were doing this to help him.

“I’m not repeating myself…” you said, as your staff glows crimson… “Leave us alone… and finish what you were meant to do” You wouldn't dare hold back if they didn't stand down “And let me remind you that the stage could still work without your presence." You said flatly, displaying power to them. "After all, it's just formality of the ritual"

They didn't know if they could hold out for more than a few seconds before a fight broke out, but they have fought worse and stronger foes before, they’re sure that they would’ve won…

Then they felt a hand on their shoulder "Enough… lower your weapon." It was brumm, who said that "I can't let you do this, it's my fight not yours. I… I  can handle it myself, mrmm." No, he couldn't let them. He only asked for their assistance to achieve his objective, it was never their problem, never their burden, rather, it was a problem with him and the troupe. Despite how heroic that is, despite how kind they are, they didn't deserve to be in danger for him. He doesn't want it to be in vain and doesn't want to commit another sin by letting someone died. "I know you're worried, but I'll… be fine, I'll be alright, I promise."

Just before a fight started, the knight, who was looking at him and you back and forth, made the decision to put their nail down, thereby ending it. They gave a nod. With you on the way, everything changes, and Brumm's perspective on everything. He doesn't want anyone to be harmed by his conceit in this circumstance.

Without even a secret message anymore, he gave up and told them "Good, now go and collect the remaining flames. You still have a lot to do, don't you?"

They don’t want to do this, but that’s his request and as they passed you, the grimmchild still concealed on their back, they nodded while gazing out into space. But you stopped them with your staff. "Listen well, I don't want to hear any shenanigans, so go, collect the flames, and finish the ritual, no more strings, no more agenda, no more hidden intention if you wanted to live,"

Fortunately, they listened when you let them to pass because it was unquestionably a threat, not a senseless one. As they headed to the stag station, you watched as their figure vanished into thin air with the grimmchild following nearby.

Then, as you looked aside to where the knight had disappeared to, there was silence. It was quiet, as though nothing had occurred. Brumm was still frightened and unsure of what to do at the time. could he trying to talk you out of it? or simply flee? Or just… freeze in place in his heavy breathing and thud.

You started speaking in a flat tone. "I was still amazed at how far one could go after seeing so many naughty, mischievous, and impish grimmkins. And it's coming from you out of all… it has to be you from many…"

“Y-Y/N, I- I didn’t mean to-” brumm he felt something seize his legs., he watched shrouded spikes slither up his body from the ground, “Y/N!, Y/N!, wait!"

Everything he had, including his accordion, flew away as he was flung hard against the wall with a loud slam, but it was too late, the veiled spikes grabbed him tightly, wrapping his stomach on the wall. As you emerged in front of him, your staff pointed, he moaned in agony and pain.

"Of all the problematic grimmkins I've dealt with, the biggest sin came from you." He can tell that you were prepared to kill him by what you just did. “I’m… disappointed, brumm. You’re better than this, leader of the music crew and the right-hand man”

"I... I d-d-didn't mean to... I w-was just..." Brumm shivered. Without hesitation, you were prepared to murder him, not holding back at all.

"Brumm, you meant it. That's what you meant when you came up with this plan and took your time to sneak to this place” You interrupted him off "Everyone knew one unwritten rule, all grimmkins knew it, and that is… to never forsake the troupe and its master.. Even the naughtiest of the Grimmkins would never be physically harmed by me, I would never touch them, no matter how annoying or rebellious they can be at times. However, you brumm…”

"W-wha-. Y-you can't possibly do this…” He was shocked. Killing him? Here, at this very moment? "Y/N, I'm b-brumm, your friend, your colleague for centuries…"

As the veiled spikes started attaching him to the wall, you responded blankly, "And the right hand of the troupe, and the leader of the music crew too… yet you commit the worst sin imaginable. You ought to know better."

“W-what… what would…. What would divine think about this, Y/N? what… what would master think? What would everyone think-“

"What do you think? That I've killed the right hand, the right hand that tried to banished the troupe, the same one that nearly led the knight to deviate from the script, that also forsake the troupe?" You interrupted him once again. “I’ll accept the consequences either way...”

"I-"

"Enough…" You interrupt him once more, this time with a hint of irritation. "Normally, I would just end you without hesitation, but why, brumm? Why must the worst sin be committed by you?.... why?” You paused as you forcibly take off his mask “I'll let you defend yourself for a few minutes.”

"W-w-what?” Although he was surprised, perplexed even, Brumm understood it was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

"Tell me why you do this…" I said, as the globe on your staff started to glow dimly. “….If you wish to live… Mask off”

Brumm had to try something "I just can't stand the ritual anymore, I just can't," even though he knew he didn't have much time, even though this is ‘mask off’.

"Why?” You questioned him.

"Y/N, aren't we merely enslaved to the ritual? Everything we have done… Desecrating numerous places of the dead was one of the countless atrocities we committed. This…” he paused for a moment. “This endless, repeating songs of sacrifice… shackled us, it chained master, even the child, even you…”

“Brumm, we did this out of loyalty to the troupe and the master. That's our part in this tale. We were chained? There were no chains, those chains were the result of your own manifestation. Don't you realize? The troupe's banishment will only make our situation worse.” You respond to him in a flat, blank voice, "If I haven't stopped you, your selfishness will lead us to destruction."

"Y/N, we hurt everything. We disrespected the fallen in this way and tarnished the land like ravenous vultures and barbarians, preventing them from resting in peace… this is just too much, too much for everything around us” he tried once again

"If you're attempting to draw a comparison between ourselves and barbarians, you're wrong… We performed the ritual as best we could. Did we have to perform such cruel horrible deeds? No, I never permitted or approved of such filth, only because it is our only last decision. That’s the reason, we never put our hearts first. We are not saints nor heroes from a children's book, but we are also not cold-blooded savages or monsters. This is reality, not the fantasy you're having whether you like it or not. We only did what’s needed for the troupe, for the ritual and for everyone. We kill… we burn… not because we’re as low as raiders or bandits, but because it is for survival”

He was rendered speechless by it. No matter what he did, no matter how he tried, everything fell to deaf ear to you, with you giving reasons and more reasons. You’re the assistant after all.

“A song…” though, he needed to try to convince you. He had to… right? “… that never ends… is no song at all, Y/N. Although disobeying the master is painful, isn't it more painful to see this uncertain cycle continue? We had no idea what this ritual's ultimate purpose was…”

He thought he almost got you, he knew he is close to crossing that line by vaguely mentioning it, he knew it’s wrong for him to even mention it, but he was desperate to make you understand… but he was wrong, you answered back still in a blank tone. "A song that never ends… turned into an eternal journey, brumm. but it was freed from time and conclusion, becoming the purest song that flows endlessly and reverberate endlessly with those who still listen. I assumed you would’ve understood it from your recollections with Kairi”

You hit him with such words that he was unable to say anything more. In the end, you wouldn’t budge at all

"You were desperate," you say, “continuing to disregard the consequences for us. I know it hurts, but what's worse is realizing that it will damage us even more. Have you considered that? Have you considered everyone you've known? If your plan succeeds, what will happen to them?"

He was even more stunned "I haven't." He hadn't really considered it; what would happen to him if the troupe was banished? To divine? To you? To every Grimmkin who was unaware of this. He was so tired, so fed up of the ritual that he just ignored everything.

You shook your head as you responded, "Enough," as your staff began to glow brighter. "You failed to persuade me, and regret is useless. Now it's time for your eternal punishment."

“Y/N!” he cried out loud. “Y/N! NO WAIT! Don't do this, please!” When you ignored his pleas, the spike began to hold him even tighter to the wall. He became immobile, as he spotted you charging a shot that would kill him,

"What a regrettable way to go…. Goodbye, brumm." Despite this, your tone remained constant, as though it were just another workday, as though it didn't matter to you… as though… everything…

“Please don't! Y/N!" he screamed out of desperation and terror, and he immediately blurted a sentence “PLEASE STOP! I DID THIS FOR YOU!!" He closed his eyes and yelled.

He felt the fire flung at him, yet the collision smacks next to him. when he opened his eyes a few seconds later and saw a crater on the wall next to his head. He was still alive, you redirected your staff to the side just in time to before hit him.

He turned to face you, but he couldn't tell how you were looking. You were motionless and somewhat in a state of shock. You were motionless.

"Y-Y/N..?” Even though he was still afraid, he attempted calling you out since he had to ask.

"..Explain," you said quickly, your mind snapping back.

"What-"

"Explain," I said. “What are you saying?"

“Y/N, you-“

“I. Said. Explain”

“U-ummm…” He inhaled deeply before letting go of some of his dread "It's just… I d-did this for you, Y/N. Yes, I detested the ritual of binding our master to the slave of fate. But when I think of you, Y/N, I just can't take it any longer, I can’t avert my eyes anymore” He panted slightly after saying all of that in one breath, trying carefully crafting his words "I've lost them, I've lost kairi, my music partner, my dearest friend, but I knew that they still have the spirit to continue living and to play the piano until their last breath… and I… I… I felt like…." He paused slightly, he can’t lose himself in his emotions and saying the wrong thing, but he had to went on, he had to continue “It hurts a lot to lose kairi, yes… I could never forget that, but it hurts even more seeing you like this, Y/N. It’s… painful”

“…..” You gazed down at him, you lowered your staff "You did this... for me?” For once, you felt anything, and your voice breaks down ever slightly.

“In stark contrast to Kairi, I noticed that you had lost your piano touch. It… ugh… it hurts more to see you than to lose them, and I simply can't take it any longer. They wanted me to look up, but … you… I … I just..” He paused, thinking, Is that enough already? He hasn't been ended yet, and more minutes have gone by. "Y/N, I can't stand to see you like this. Therefore, I… I had to…”

".."

“….” Brumm was trembling and hesitant to continue, but he made an effort to speak clearly then the shrouded spikes relaxed and released him, pulling away to the ground.

You hurled his mask at him, and it struck his face as he took it to his arm. "Fine, you've persuaded me," you said, and your tone went back to its original state. A voice, blank and soulless.

"W-w-w-wait... am- Really, am I?” He inquired incredulously, putting his mask back with shaking hands.

“….” As you retreated to give him room, you disregarded his words "Get your stuff and let's get back to the troupe."

“Y-yes.” He stood up and grabbed his accordion and the torch that dropped when he was flung against the wall.

As you led the way to the front, you quickly exclaimed, "Let's go." Brumm followed you from behind, sighing with relief because he still had one more chance to live.

He looked at your back while you walked, watching the cloak move and sway. Perhaps he had unrealistic expectations, attempted to tear down an impenetrable wall, and continues to argue to himself that he could have the opportunity to do so, only to be confronted with the reality that he is unable at all.  He and you seemed so far apart and so distant. Even during this walk, he felt like a faithful lower rank follower and not as a friend as he trailed you from behind. You two were incredibly quiet during the trip, with the occasion shot from your staff ending one or two infections as he flinched and stared at the burning corpses, quickly trailing you back.

Without anyone realizing that a life-or-death catastrophe had just transpired, they proceeded to enter the tent, passing unsuspected grimmkins and even divine who was finally returned to her tent.

You abruptly stopped, and he did too. "Now, listen to me, brumm," you said, turning your back on him, "I don't need your sympathy…. I don't need your pity at me. I am who I am, not like Kairi. My life was fine, and I only did what I had to do, not for any other reason you might have thought of. I advised you to concentrate on your crew, yourself, and your commitment to the troupe.” You turned around and approached him as he stood there in terror. "So, listen, Because I'll only say this once, engrave these words to your mind" you said flatly as you tugged his neck down with him letting a small yelp as he was forced to knelt down. “We'll act as if we've never had any feuds, this... never happened, this incident never ever happened. And lastly… If I or if master or anyone ever saw you attempting to forsake or sabotage the troupe and its ritual again, there won't be a second chances, I won't give you mercy just as did previously, you're dead… without any more words. This is your first and final warning, understand?”

He nodded rapidly.

Finally, you let him go and snatched the torch from his grasp "Have a good day, brumm," before leaving to continue your duty that had gone beyond schedule due to him. “And don’t forget your last report before we departed to the nightmare realm. Ah... one last thing, master asked us all to meet in the breakroom tonight, don't miss it."

He held his breathe and gazed as you vanished, leaning against the wall and then falling to a sitting position. Inhale…. Exhale… inhale…. Exhale… calming himself from the near death situation.

He continued to be alive, alive, alive, alive. He was allowed to live…. But… why?

***

".....”

“…….”

"And that's..., how it ended," Brumm said in a quiet voice, letting out a sigh. It always hurt for him to retold this story yet again

"…”

He doesn't have to inquire about her response. Just sheer shock as the cup she was holding slipped to the table and nobody seemed to respond or take action, causing the tea to pour halfway and the cup to roll off the table and hit the floor with a loud crash. Even after hearing that... that horrifying story, no one would bother.

“Was…. Was it…. True?” She questioned him, nearly incredulous.

“It's as authentic as it gets.” Brumm explained slowly, "You asked me that time if I wasn't feeling well because I was… acting odd for the past couple of days." In just a few seconds, Divine could understand a lot of information. “Well… Now you know why”

“B-but h-how??!!… Y/N a-a-acted so..”

"Normal to me? She didn’t lie at all at about pretending that it never happened.” He added in a low tone, "Back to her usual self the next day… it's… jarring for the first week. But I soon… move on”

The advisor is unsure of how to react to this. Sadness? Fury? Fear? Revulsion? Or a complete breakdown? This is too much for her to handle calmly…

"And when I replied that I wasn't feeling well, you simply shrugged and made me a mint tea, as though that would hel-“

“OF COURSE, IT WON’T HELP AT ALL!” and divine couldn’t hold it anymore, snapping out uncontrollably, losing herself to her exploded emotions getting up from her chair and pacing back and forth while screaming on top of her lungs with full anger "What in the flames is wrong with her?! Has that damned Fiend gone mad? Without feeling guilty, she nearly murders one of her closest friends?!! What is wrong with her!!? Can’t she just stop with this endless façade and stop destroying herself?!! We tried to help her and she so damn stubborn to even accept one!”

Brumm let her to vent, even responding with the remark as she panted "So just only she gone mad?"

“SHUT UP BRUMM!! You gone mad!!” She shouted, pointing to him, "You've gone mad too! The troupe being banished? What were you thinking? You were meant to know better than that! Even the lowest of trainee knew not to attempt such treachery! Master gave his trust with that information, so why? Why would commit such atrocities?!”

“I still regret my actions, divine… but if you asked why?” He crossed his arms and sighed "Like you, that's all I can think about is… her."

Divine groaned under stress as she fell back in her chair. Grabbing her head with her claws, she said, "I'm at a loss for what to think!! I just don’t know anymore. If only we knew better, if only we noticed sooner then… then… AHH!!!!” and let a high pierced scream. “i… just don’t know anymore, brumm. I don’t know anymore…”

Brumm waited until she was done "You're frustrated, divine," he sighed. Brumm placed a comforting hand on her "We're frustrated at Y/N, we hated how she had become, she's… stressful to be handled, I understand that, divine, truly… I did. Trust me… I've felt that way too many times, the guilt, the weight, everything…”

“Then, what's the point? what's the point of everything you just told me?" she questioned him. “What purpose it served when neither of us could do anything to stop her?”

"My point is that she's... unstable," Brumm stopped. He leaned back and clasped his hands "That's the best word to describe her…. She's so devoted to the troupe that she's willing to end me that time. She had no mercy at all in that flat voice of hers. The point is, divine, is that desperation would only lead us to the abyss” he reiterated. “Both of us wanted to help her, but desperation will only make things worse for her… and it’ll be… frankly, ironic to see that our kind motive became her fatal destruction..” he laughed, a laugh of stress and annoyance.

"Well, brumm, what can we do?” She questioned him again in the hopes that he would have an answer and allay her fears "What can we do help her? sooner or not, he’ll… he’ll…” she stopped in her words, unable to continue “And I… I can’t stand to watch it happen”

“Neither do I.” He sighed once again. “We are both in the same page here. I understand how you feel, but we would face more irresistible consequences if desperation took over. You are aware of his skill at maintaining a façade… it’s bad”

"She'll see it through nonetheless." Divine groaned, "I…. hate feeling so hopeless, brumm. I detest it; I wish we could take action instead of doing nothing… that’s all I wanted…”

“…. So do I, divine. So do I”

Other than being quiet about this, is there anything they could do? Both of them desired to deal with this situation, but they lacked the authority to do so. They lacked the courage, and the risks is too much to handle. They had to be careful, but… for now.

Their only option is to remain silent.

Chapter Text

For the two loyal grimmkins, days went by in uncertainty. With blinded eyes, they observed the master and assistant engaging in seems to be a friendly conversation. Except for the two, none of the other Grimmkins were aware of the dread and the potential catastrophe that could happened.

The day continues as though nothing had occurred, as if the master weren’t trying to get close to the assistant, nor does the assistant thought so.

“Hmmm… uhhh” Even with the aid of a lumafly lantern, the fog made it difficult to read what was written on the pages, so the master hummed to himself.

"Master, did you have problems reading?” You inquired, observing his irritated, intent expressions.

"Yeah, absolutely, Y/N. I swear, this fog in here is…." He paused and sighed to himself "Doing papers at night on this site is really difficult."

"Master, don't trouble yourself.” You eased him “I'm here to help you, so rest easy with the paperwork until we leave tomorrow” You offered your hands "For now, I'll read what you wanted to read, may I?”

"Oh, thank you." He gives you a book you’ve found at the library's restricted area that contains the first section of the troupe's history "I'm just on some pages regarding the troupe's history, way before the whole existences started, even the troupe and everyone inside it"

you nodded. A master troupe can read even in low visibility, you remembered the previous master's first time reading in total darkness sometimes, you even had to advised him to stop doing it because it would damage his vision. Truly…a memory that held no significance for you.

You started reading it to him, explaining how the nightmares and dreams coexisted like a cycle, in perfect harmony when the light and dark were exactly matched. It was a peaceful time. The text didn't say who started it, whether it was the radiance or the nightmare king, but it didn't matter in the end, what matters is only the imbalance, ruins, and destruction that followed. That is, until everything falls apart. And two siblings eventually break ties as their fight rages on

“Again, with the god of light… that nickname always mentioned everywhere” He pondered as you paused “Why didn’t they just mentioned her name?”

You told him, in your blank voice, "No one wanted to remember the radiance, and her influences she caused. Obviously, even if they tried, no one could forget her because of what she did and what she brought to Hallownest, and her marks and remains of destruction are still visible even after so many decades pass by"

"I guess so, but she's gone now, isn't she?"

“Indeed, she and the entire hallownest were killed by the knight. I went. N-normal" You came to a halt when you suddenly had another of those excruciating headaches.

"Y/N!” Grimm cried out as you leaned forward and let the book fall to the ground.

"Unbalanced..."

"Returned..."

As the voices faded away, you jerked back, panting, unaware that you were leaning toward your master, who was tightly holding your shoulder.

"Those headaches again?” He inquired, concerned for you. “Seriously it’s been getting…”

You retreated a little from him, much to his slight enjoyment at being near you. "I'm fine, master. Don't be concerned about me.”

Headaches… He thought. He appears to be experiencing headaches as well, however he is unsure if they are the same as yours. Then again, that foolish, annoying flame on his slumber continues to annoy him and very nearly takes possession of him.

After you had largely recovered on your own, he stated "Alright, we're going for a walk."

Pardon, master?” That really took you by surprise. "A stroll through the misty foggy night? It didn't seem like a safe idea. There’s nothing for us to see but fogs”

He got up, dusting his cloak softly, and added, "My caretaker once said that a walk would help ease a mind, learned from the best. Might not be the most sightseeing but a walk is a walk nonetheles”"

When you heard the word ‘caretaker,’ you were silent for a second, but then you nodded. Master’s order is absolute "All right, but master must remain near me. This area wouldn't be very kind to us on a foggy night.”

He cheered to himself and his scarlet eyes lit up. Oh, how different he is to you than everyone else. In any case, you took your staff and fixed your one-lined mask as you two left the office.

The night wasn't too horrible, despite the thick fogs and not much to see other than a few meters away thanks to your staff lighting the area. Even so, it's a pleasant stroll as you two relished the chilly breeze. Since you continued to elevate your staff to maintain space, even touching sides, he had to be close by. However, you don't think about it all.

He chuckled to himself after realizing the predicament you two were in. "You know, Y/N, there's something almost poetical about this right now."

"Oh? what is it, master?"

“Should I though? I’m not so much of a poet… might be a bit too… overdramatic”

“I’m not going to judge…” you stated blankly

“Hmm… alright alright” he nodded "Don't get me wrong, but observing what we did right now… it felt like you were the one to light my path, even during my times of confusion or disorientation. Because you’re here, you’ll always be here, Y/N" It's only an afterthought that made him smile under his hooded cloak yet slightly flustered him. "I'm not alone in this, in my journey; I'm not wandering aimlessly or without direction. You are the one who illuminates my path, much like you are doing right now with your staff.”

"….. That are some very wonderful remarks. I supposed you can say it that way," you said without emotion. “Of course, as your assistant, I will undoubtedly help all the way to the conclusion of the story, whether it's my end or master’s. But no matter what, I will always be here, I will stay as the assistant”

“My end…. huh” He fully understood what you meant, of course. The ritual that went to a halt and hasn't went anywhere at all. He had been informed by Brumm and Divine that the ritual was meant to mark the conclusion of the troupe's voyage, so does his. He won't dispute it because that's his role to play, but he shouldn't worry about anything because he still has hundreds of years till his time comes…. right?

He then was stunned when you both passed something and he paused to examine it. "This... statue once more..."

You instantly halted yourself as well, gazing at what he was staring at. Once more, it is the knight statue that saved Hallownest from radiance who were immortalized by statues all around hallownest, one of many that both you and he saw.

"I heard that they were short, shorter than what this statue depicts." He murmured to himself, "Was it true?"

"They are," you told him. "They were very small and short, sometimes called little knights. They are nearly as big as the nail they are using. However. Even though they were only a vessel of many that has failed before them, they never shown any fear, despite being a vessel. I never saw how exactly they defeated the radiance... but I’ve heard that radiance…. She is tall, almost majestic, but they eventually defeated her with the help of the princess, hornet”

“They… beat her….. the princess help…I …. Help too?” he said, shaking his own head, that must be wrong… Long after the infection was over, he spent his entire life with his caretaker. Then... Why did he think he was involved in this? Why did he feel as though he knew the knight? Does he...?

“Master” You snapped him back right away. "We ought to go on with our stroll."

he snapped back, "Oh of course, of course." As you two continued to walk, he glanced back at the statue and then back at you.

One day, you might tell him that truth, but honestly? For now, he doesn't have to worry about it. It is merely a fragment of a recollection that has no significance whatsoever, a memory from many, many decades ago when he was still a grimmchild that you can still recall. You stared at him for a while before turning back to face him. He had changed and matured since you first saw him that day.

***

"Y/N, are you in there?" It happened when they were in the domain of nightmares. But before that, your door was knocked on by divine. But she was confronted with deafening silence, which made her sigh, "She can't just go to hibernation right-BY THE FLAMES!!” She opened the door to a startling scene.

You were laying upside down with your cloak tucked tightly around you as you opened your eyes. "Divine, what is it?” You fell to the ground, landing on your feet after flipping your body. "Have I missed something?” as you pulled your mask off your bedside table and put it on.

She is still unable to speak, as seen by the half of her face. She had no desire to see you in that state.

"Divine," You repeated yourself and she jolted out of her reverie.

“Ah, apologies, apologies, Y/N. I didn't think you would sleep that way. I nearly thought I saw…” She interrupted herself before shifting the topic. “You do know that you don't have to hibernate in that way… Hold on, were you in that position hibernating all this time?"

“I did..” you shrugged about your sleeping position “I always did because I believed it was the more proper approach. Anyhow, What's wrong here?” You chose to concentrate on the primary subject.

"Oh, it's just the usual grimmkin behavior here. When it comes to waiting for the next master for decades, you know how they are. I attempted to manage, and brumm tried to manage, but some rookies and newer trainees...” She shifted her claws to explain herself, saying, "Uhh, how do I express this? Like making a toddler swim? Or instructing them to use only their bare hands to battle a ten-foot monster? Or-“

You raised your hands in front of her and said, "I understand. I'll discipline them right away.”

Of course, issues always arise in the nightmare realm during the long hibernation. Not every new grimmkin would be used to it due to that it might be a very intimidating and perplexing concept. Unlike the dream realm, the nightmare realm is a place of nothingness where they have nothing to do. Sleeping is the quickest way to wait, and the only way to wait is inside the tents.

You took your hanged staff when the divine said, "Y/N… you’re fine, right?”

"I'm all right if you were concerned about what transpired.” You said in a blank tone, "I won't allow what happens to interfere with my role as the assistant, as long as I still breathe”

“But still, what happened to you that…” She paused and sighed once more. "All right, I'll show you where they are."

“And divine… you should try to be slightly assertive to them” you told her when you two made your way “You can’t always expect me to disciplined them”

“I tried… brumm also tried, but your way is more effective. We tried to follow suit but it doesn’t work as well when you did, Y/N”

When it came to handling unruly grimmkins, you always had your ways. With very few instances, you don't believe that using physical force to teach the trainees and novices is a smart idea, even if a Grimmkin has done many atrocious deed. Naturally, both divine and brumm had their own ways, but authority from a higher position typically aids in their understanding more, particularly when it comes from the troupe's assistant.

"You realize why hibernation was necessary, don't you?” You discussed what the divine informed you with the trainees and novices. “Why did our group have to wait in this manner for the next master?"

There is a hint of anxiety in their tone when they all say each one "Y-yes, miss Y/N."

“But.. m-miss” one of them said, raising a hand "It's... kind of boring if we did, I guess…"

"Well? Would you mind if I explained?” You knelt before the aforementioned trainee, with their hands in front of their chest, holding together.

“W-well, n-not..uhhh not boring if we sleep, it’s… uhh it’s just… we wanted to… enjoy our vacations…. You know, miss. Playing around… so ummm… why do we needed to hibernate right now when we can… well, wait a bit more?” You don't get much of a coherent explanation because they were trembling when they told you but you admire their guts. They knew that you meant no harm, that you won’t lay a hand on them unless it’s a last-ditch effort.

“I thank for your explanation, but…” You tilt your head in response to them "Listen, little grimmkin. Hibernation is an important aspect for the troupe and everyone in here. We waited in the nightmare realm since the troupe had no reason to continue performing while the master was ‘away’. I know that some of you may be afraid of the idea of a long slumber, but it's the quickest method to wait. There is nothingness all around us in the realm, which is a world of nothing. Because of this, none of us, not even the steeds are allowed to leave the tents and must hibernate within.”

"B-but."

"And, hibernation doesn't just happen.” You interrupted them, saying “One cannot just sleep one day for years on end; there is a process that only higher ranks of the grimmkins could control on their own. For the lower ones, trainees, and novices like all of you present, the advisor, the troupe's right hand, or even nightmares had to use a spell to put you all to sleep until you all were sufficient enough to learn it by self”

"Now…" you said, holding the grimmkin's shoulder as they gave a little shriek when you do "do you wish to never sleep? as loneliness from being cooped up inside with no outside lights, sounds, or sky, and nowhere to go? When there is nothing to do and you wish to hibernate but are unable to do, eventually having to wait for years and years for when the times arrived. Would you like that? Do you want that? Feeling isolated and on the verge of going insane? Mind breaking away with useless regret?"

"N-no? I…. I don't." The grimmkin trembled in terror.

"I remember, you were the type to love seeing around, and understanding new places that we visited? I appreciate such a hobby, such a socialize grimmkin you are, and the few of you sitting here" Your tone is constant and unwavering. “However, how long will you remain sane if you wait around the troupe in complete stillness and have nothing to do? Usually, remorse comes too late, and you don't want to find out how hurtful it may be.”

As they absorbed your words, you went back to face the remaining of the grimmkins who were watching in terror. "Now, would all of you go to bed?"

All of them nodded, and some of them said "yes." And based on their demeanor and appearance, it won't be difficult for Divine and Brumm to put them to rest. You got up, then. "Good."

You turned around and approaching Divine, who didn't seem very astonished. “Divine, I believe you and brumm could handle the rest”

As you made your way back to your room, you passed her without waiting for a response. "See, that's why I told all of you that no one wanted troubles with the assistant, right brumm?" Divine sighed as she tells the shivering trainees and novices.

"I... He rubbed his arm and added, "Yeah…. no one did." He is still a little traumatized by what transpired between him and you

It was something you expected to keep you asleep as you closed your eyes and went back into hibernation. However, your eyes opened abruptly once again, the seconds seemed to fly by, again…

Your instinct told you that something had gone horribly wrong, but it wasn't divine, brumm, or anybody else in the tent that caused you to woke up, and making your senses to go alert "The child…." you muttered as you landed on your feet and hurriedly grabbed your staff and mask before running out of your chamber.

You hurried quickly, turning left and right as you went toward the enormous tent's interior stable. Naturally, the steeds were dozing off when you got there, but you swiftly concentrated your staff and enter their thoughts.

“Beau, arion, wake up” You told them,

The two of them awoke as the beau leaped to her feet and prodded Arion with her head, saying, "Arion, Arion, hurry up!” Just Arion yawned as she yelled. "We're going to meet our new boss."

"In a moment, beau," he said wearily, beau was a light sleeper while arion… needed some moments to properly awake

"We... don't have a moment both of you," You told them blankly, but there was a sense of urgency in your words. "I’m sorry to tell you, beau, but now is not the time to acquire the master, yet. There was an urgent issue at the moment, an emergency”

statement made Arion instantly get to all his four feets and say, "We'll follow your instructions, miss Y/N!"

Trying not to laugh at Arion's abrupt action, Beau concealed a giggle. You gave him a nod and said, "Not much. We have to get to Hallownest right now. Divine wouldn't mind if we temporarily used her tent.”

"Yes, miss Y/N!” They both spoke simultaneously.

You returned back to your senses, cutting off the connection as the steeds immediately went awake for real and began to get ready.

***

Thanks to the nightmare lantern that is still there, the trip was short. You dropped yourself from divine’s tent that are leashed to the steeds as they waited near dirtmouth.

As you went by, you said to them, "Wait here, both of you," and they made a content sound.

Naturally, as the troupe's assistant, it is your duty to ensure the grimmchild is safe and secure with their caretaker. Normally, if the child or the caretaker is in danger, you would have to assist in secret without speaking to them or being acquainted with them. However, in this instance, you didn't sense the caretaker, also known as the knight, was in danger; instead, you felt the child was in danger. Do you slip by accident? That's not feasible; your flames are designed to remain alert, which is essentially why you're here, albeit a little later. One other reason is that the child… are in a separate place that the flames can’t connect to, so you were curious also.

You could hear the townspeople cheering and celebrating as you passed Dirtmouth, but you chose to ignore them because it's none of your concern. All you can hear is…. Something about the infection going away.

You dropped down the hole at last and realized that….. This place is empty, there’s nothing here. You would think there would be some orange or an infected goo all over, but there isn't any. Fascinating.

You kept walking down this remarkably peaceful path until you came to a stop at the black egg's temple. The last thing you recalled about this site was merely a strange-looking gate with three masks engraved on it. Even though a few charged rounds could cause a hole, you had no reason to inspect further, so you left it as it was.

But as you entered the temple, you saw that the gate had been unlocked. "Interesting," you said as you entered the now opened gate, keeping your staff close at hand. You encountered an intriguing sight at that point.

The grimmchild lying there and a bug in a red robe. When you see them, you race quickly toward the child, ignoring the red robe's bug who are struggling by herself.

While kneeling, you were relieved that the child was still alive and that they were breathing normally, even though they’re knocked out cold. At that moment, you saw a broken mask close by. You can see from the pattern that it was unquestionably the vessel. "How unfortunate…" You muttered blankly, assuming that the infection's absence was related to the knight's demise and the temple's opening. The caretaker is dead, the chosen one has already passed away, that’ll ought to be an issue.

Cradling them as you would have when you first held them, you took the grimmchild on your arm. You got up and started to walk away, there’s going to be a long meeting after this, discussing the fate of the child.

At that moment, a voice called out to you, "S-stop." When you turned around, you saw the bug with the red robe kneeling and holding her nail, which was stabbed to the floor. "Y-you…. I recognize your cloak….. I recognize your mask…. w-what are you…” She panted, clearly worn out from something, maybe a fight. "Why have you come here…?"

“….. Only reclaiming what is rightfully mine. I don't have time to answer your inquiries, so if you wouldn’t mind, i-“

"NO! I need to know the answers! answers concerning your troupe and its participation. Questions I've longed to ask, answers I've longing to seek." You could tell she was resolute even in her state. You won't dispute that you understood her, of course, but the pale king was acquainted with your former master, Master Grimm.

You were there when the kingdom was at its peak, when your master and the king met, when you met the five great knights, and when you caught her gaze before she slipped out of your sight. When the king and queen welcomed the troupe, you attempted to act professional and didn't make a mistake. You recalled concealing your excitement and anxiousness, which is normal for a meeting that level.

At the end however, the entire kingdom and castle were unrecognizable, a shell of its former self, so in the end, it's only a memory worth nothing. "Unfortunately, I won't have the time to-"

She then launched her thread, and as you lit it on fire, you allowed the staff to get wrapped around it. The fire thread moved in her direction, so she swiftly cut it off, taken by surprise. Distracted by that, you teleported behind her amd kicked her to the ground. She fell on her back, where your staff pointed at her as you held the child in your other hand. A fight that ended in mere seconds, you had the upper hands due to her fatigue.

"That is enough, princess hornet…" You addressed her by her title. "You were too tired to fight any longer, and I'm not here to serve your need. I have no idea why you or the knight with the child were present, and I have no interest in finding out. I am aware that you had inquiries concerning my master and us, but it is best to ignore them. Do you not see? The infection is no longer present, it has vanished”

“It’s… it’s gone?” She was stunned, realizing what was going on. "So that's... so that's what they did... they succeeded."

With the sleeping child nestled beneath your cloak, you lowered your staff and said, "If you cared to rebuild the kingdom, you might start doing it now.” You turned around and walked away “Goodbye, princess. I hope we can met again with your kingdom once more when things are better.”

You simply left the still-shocked hornet after that. You had no times to meet her on the kingdom, nor did you run into her when you looked around the infected hallownest. When you saw her survive the initial infection all the way to the end of it you knew she was strong, a powerful princess who could now repair the shattered state that is hallownest. Naturally, she had to tell the white lady who was hidden in the queen's garden and working hard to reconstruct civilization and rebuild society, but only time will tell.

The grimmchild's condition and the troupe's future is the current concerns for you. You return to the horses as you entered Divine's tent, "Let's return."

After that, you rested your back against her tent and held the grimmchild and your future master while putting down your staff.

***

And now that master is by your side, strolling contentedly as you continue to illuminate the misty night of the fog canyon.

"What's that noise?” He questioned you.

"Only the Ouma, master. Some of them usually roams the night sky.” You clarified. "It was assumed that they had great sight with the fact that they could see through the fog."

"Interesting."

Even though you valued another of his many concerns for you, you still have a lot of books to read. Nothing was ever questioned by you, not even the author's knowledge of the troupe and every bits and parts of it. And the reason for this is that the troupe operates differently. In some cycles, the troupe may or may not return to the area where they previously went to, which frequently results in a lot of confusion and fascinating details from the previous cycle. It’s a work of life… one that you wouldn’t bothered to find out. Why should you when the troupe is your responsibility?

Particularly…… in light of everything that has been happening in relation to the ritual and its surroundings. You had to exercise caution because you had no idea what risk you were facing. However, there is a threat that is far more serious than thugs or raiders that is there, waiting, or growing….. and you will faced it, for the sake of the troupe.