Troupe Master Grimm

An rp blog for my favorite character

[masterofthistroupe]

Higher beings: these words are for you alone

From the person running @hollow-knight-headcanon-farm; a roleplay!

Rules:

No nsfw asks

Ooc stuff with be written in normal color and parentheses (like this)

Shipping isn’t the focus, but I reserve the right to be self-indulgent

Grimm talks with red normal text like this

Nightmare King/Incubo talks in emboldened red text like this

Both of them use he/any and I use they/it/he/rot

Note: A lot of things are subject to retcons depending how I feel about them.

FAQ:

The timeline + important events

“Relationship with the Radiance?”

“Thoughts on Ghost?”

“Trobbio?”

“Relationship between Grimms”

Have fun!

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing.] Grimm finds himself on a floor of fabric. There is a tugging in his soul; something isn’t right. A realm usually full of bustling Grimmkin and firelight is empty. Where is Incubo?

He is alone no longer as Spotlight, Crimson, and Scarlet come tumbling in. Grimm cannot bring himself to speak yet.

@spotlight-the-performer @wolf-and-fox @scarlet-and-dew

[spotlight-the-performer]

aaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA-

AUGH-

. . .

[As soon as Spotlight hits the ground, they attempt to stand back up while staggering from the fall]

Ow...

Didn't expect a fall to greet me upon entering-

[As soon as they stand up fully, Spotlight looks around, noticing the fact that they're in the Nightmare Realm]

Great… Why am I here now?

[After a few seconds of looking, they finally turn their gaze to Grimm…]

F-father?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Most felines land on their paws. Crimson, despite notably not being a cat, was not the exception to this rule, crashing straight to the floor and also screaming in sheer panic. Luckily for them, the notion of landing on all four paws helped with the shock a little bit. They don't even have time to point at Spotlight in equal confusion before following their line of sight to Grimm. GRIMM! They reflexively make a bolt to him in an effort to make sure he's okay, scrambling to actually properly run on TWO paws instead of all four like some kind of creature running up the stairs. Grimm, you good?! Are you okay?- They quickly shake their head to properly get their thoughts in order. Are you hurt?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"nonononononoNONONONONONONONOFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK"

Unfortunately, despite becoming more and more feline due to the Curse, Scarlet is not as lucky as Crimson is. In fact, she ends up faceplanting onto the fabric.

"NYAUGH, MOTHERFUCKER!"

Groaning, Scarlet slowly stands up, using her firenail as support. As she glances around, she notices Spotlight and Crimson, as well as...

"...Oh you've GOT to be SHITTING ME."

The one person they wanted to see the least, lying on the floor.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm gently presses on Crimson’s head like one would to keep a cat away from their food. “I am fine, Crimson. Just a bit startled.”

He heaves a sigh upon hearing Scarlet’s reaction, instead turning to Spotlight. “You are all here. I do not know who or what summoned us but—”

The air he breathes grows heavy for a moment, a shudder wracking him. In a flash, so short he can hardly tell it happens, a smell tinged with essence engulfs him.

smells like bad intent

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight walks up to Grimm, the scar on their chest faintly glowing]

Are you sure you’re alright, Father? It’s not like you to just pause in the middle of your sentences.

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

The droning whine from Crimson is more felt than heard, but they relent, and back up to let Spotlight have room. Perhaps Spotlight has a better frame of reference? Not like they had much of a reference regarding the Grimm Troupe. Being raised by wolves does that, unfortunately. Don't think about that. They look over to Scarlet, trying to gauge off of what they knew and also their sibling's reaction to the surroundings.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

An arctic breeze. Thunderstorm rain. Burning forests. A field of dandielions.

All these smells and more filled Scarlet’s senses, as well as the overwhelming presence of nightmare essence all around the air. Faintly, Scarlet could sense Spotlight’s dream essence.

Wait. How are they able to smell all of this? How can they even sense essence?

“What the fuck…?”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm quickly grounds himself.

“Something is not right. We need to keep moving.” In the distance, a silhouette shoots long, fabric tendrils into the ceiling and flies up like a puppet on a string.

In its wake is something baring the shape of a burlap sack.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight notices the figure in the distance and immediately draws their nail. Eyes made of fire appear in all four of Spotlight eye sockets and display a look of fear and determination]

[Their scar begins to faintly glow brighter]

What the hell is that thing!?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Spotlight's warning gives Crimson enough time to tear their focus off of Scarlet, and onto what they're seeing. They're wary, cloak bristling slightly. Something along the lines of be willing to fight rings out in the back of their head - a secondary warning, built for the worst case. They couldn't tell if there were any thorns in the area, but they slowly back up. They debate on whether a weapon would be needed or not, then decides against it. They'd probably need it later, and it's too soon to call the dreamnail in play. For now, they slowly back up, keeping themselves as low to the ground as possible, cloak bristling further.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet makes the mistake of looking up as well, looking at the strange sack. She immediately draws her firenail, preparing for a fight.

"Aw fuck."

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm steps closer and drags the sack over. It’s a Grimmkin: devoid of essence. The Bad Feeling leads away from it and into the ‘sky’ like a trail of footprints.

He braces for a fight.

“We are being hunted.”

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Hunted? What could possibly hunt us here? There’s only us, The Grimmkins, and The Nightmare-

[Spotlight freezes immediately upon thinking of The Nightmare King hunting them down. The flames in their eyes go wide in fear as they remember the encounters they’ve had with them]

[Suddenly, the flames show a more determined expression as they ready their nail and conjure another fireball in their free claw. They didn’t know for certain why they were here, nor why everyone present is potentially being hunted by The Nightmare King, but what Spotlight did know was that this was a chance to avenge a friend of their’s: Tracker.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson sees Spotlight preparing to fight, and has a moment of mental dissonance. Wha- hey hey hey what- what are you doing. Why are we immediately willing to pick a fight uhm. They quiet down, really not wanting to get the most bombastic side-eyes from literally everyone. Can- we talk about this, uhm… sir? Bestie, even? Can we talk about this? Can we maybe not have this come to blows? Please? Despite their wariness, they're still willing to try to at least come to some form of understanding before trying out stabbing.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Oh. Oh Scarlet understands what's going on.

"...hehehehe...hahahaha...Hahahahahaha...!"

Scarlet throws her head back, a hand on her forehead as tears fall down her face

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! FINALLY DECIDED TO GET RID OF US, HUH? HAD ENOUGH OF US CAUSING YOU PROBLEMS?"

She focuses her flame into her firenail, pointing it at the sky. There's a manic grin on her face and flickering fire in her eyes.

"WELL BRING IT ON, YOU HEARTLESS BITCH! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing]

The insult cuts Grimm deeply, but he has no right to chide Scarlet. The Bad Feeling stirs the air as something serpentine drags its way out of the shadows.

Grimm can hardly smell anything past the smoke as eight red eyes light up the dark. Something weighs at the bottom of his soul before being crushed under bestial hunger.

Incubo remains somewhat shadowed but his presence is made clear. Suddenly everyone is very, very afraid.

Grimm can hardly hear himself shout “RUN!” before he’s sprinting away. The walls tighten, forming a maze. And the Minotaur is right behind the group.

[Now Playing] @spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight’s scar shines a bright red in Incubo’s presence as they begin to breathe rapidly. The rising fear caused their stance to falter, the grip on their nail to slack. and the flame in their claw to dim as they take a few small steps back]

[However, they didn’t run. They still kept their nail drawn and the flame alive, but their stance was still weak. Weak enough for anyone to drag them away]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson almost initially backs up to run, cloak and fur bristling, and then is VERY painfully aware that Spotlight is going to be a potential casualty if they are left behind. They have next to no time to gauge their options, so they quickly latch their paws into their arm, claws digging as they try to get Spotlight to START MOVING. DID YOU NOT HEAR- RUN! Their voice is a pained mix of what a leader should sound like and the equivalent of a terrified cat, snapping teeth at Scarlet to ALSO start moving, quickly bolting after Grimm. SURELY he knows a way OUT, right? RIGHT?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet, despite all previous warnings, is getting ready to square up against the Nightmare King. She barks out a harsh laugh.

“YOU THINK THAT’S ENOUGH TO SCARE ME? I CAN TAKE YOU ON MYSELF, AND I WILL!”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

The beast looks down at its prey, eyes beaming down. It stretches its malformed maw and attempts to bite Scarlet half-heartedly. But before its teeth can make contact Grimm pulls her away with his wings. He somehow manages to keep pace with the others despite this little setback.

“I told you to run!”

The beast takes one giant stride for every three steps they take. They’re being herded like roaches.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight was still being dragged by Crimson. They kept their nail drawn just in case, but now they were more focused on getting the hell out of here]

[At some point, they try to Void Walk so they could run without being dragged, but they couldn’t use Void for some reason…]

Wh-what…

[They tried again, but nothing happened. So they just decided to continue running without being dragged Crimson’s paw still latched onto their arm]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Eventually they do let go of Spotlight's arm, mostly to point at Scarlet. SCARLET I SWEAR TO WHATEVER GODS ARE OUT THERE I- MMMMMMM- They have to physically avoid shaking her, and the second there's a corner they practically bound right off of it to shave off a few seconds, rolling for a little bit before scrambling back up to keep up. They debated on whether not they could hypothetically deter the current issue with loud noises, they could get the designated fox scream down fairly okay, but they really didn't want to do that overall. In fact, they'd rather watch to try to get a better idea on how to solve this particular issue. Preferably from a distance, but that's beside the point. Could burrowing be an option? Could they even dig through fabric fast enough to do that, let alone enough to fit everyone? Was it going to hurt Incubo? WHY ARE THEY THINKING ABOUT THAT? They almost lag behind to test that by focusing a bit more on the fabric underneath them, then decides nope! Not Doing That! and manages to catch up.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Cue the scruffing of Scarlet by Grimm.

"HEY WHAT THE FNYAUGH-"

And cue Scarlet struggling under said scruff.

"HEY LEMME GO I WAS GONNA KICK HIS ASS!"

Regardless, Scarlet follows along because holy fucking shit he's gaining on them.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm can hardly feel his own limbs as his strings squeeze him tight but do not pull. Is Incubo enjoying this? Incubo seems fixed on hunting down Scarlet first and foremost, but is closer to jogging than sprinting. Grimm is able to make a few sharp leaps and turns and have the beast lost before he can warp the maze.

He ducks behind a fleshy wall, gesturing for the others to stay silent as he places Scarlet down. The beast laps around in search of them. Don’t smell like fear. Don’t smell like anything, really. Or He will find you. Where did he hear that? He has vague memories of sitting around a lantern with friends but it wasn’t you not your face not your friends it never happened

With each thundering step Incubo takes he feels a tugging in his soul. Being bound to the god had its perks in this situation. Once he can no longer sense the beast he relaxes.

And then a dozen velvet tendrils wrap around him, yanking him away. Incubo seems to be in his normal form now. From here the rancid feeling is stronger than ever. He tries to reach out to Incubo, but internal communication is blocked off.

Luckily he has just enough of his wits about him to understand he’s being used as bait of some sort. But why…?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Whenever they round the corner, Spotlight places a claw on the wall and begins breathing heavily while trying to figure out why they couldn’t use Void. Was it connected to Shadelight? Do they need Shadelight in order to actually use Void??]

[Before they could truly want to figure out if that was the case, they notice Grimm being taken away by Incubo]

DAD!

[Immediately, Spotlight tries to run after them]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Part of them wants to hide. They can feel a portion of them wanting to shrink away, to hide underneath cloak and fur. They fight that want furiously, grabbing onto Spotlight immediately to pull them back into the safety of hidden. WAIT. They instead poke their snout out of the hiding spot, sniffing the air warily. They've crouched down enough to be practically on all four of their paws, and it was almost on habit for them on how steady the drop was. Stay quiet. Stay hidden. I will see first to see if the coast is clear, and if it isn't, you will know.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"SPOTLIGHT ARE YOU TRYING TO GET KILLED???"

CONSUMECONSUMECONSUMEDEVOURTHEFLESHMUSTCONSUMEMUSTBEFEDMUSTDEVOUR

"GAK-"

Scarlet grips her stomach, wincing in pain.

"Damnit...not now!"

She shakes her head, summoning a fireball to throw in case the Nightmare King comes back.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[As Spotlight gets dragged back to the safe spot, they pause and just stand there. Every part of the is saying to just run after The Nightmare King, but ultimately they know that it may end up causing more issues than it could solve]

[With nothing else to do, they sit down and just stare at their free claw]

. . .

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

They can't tell if it's safe or not. Which is never good. The quiet is starting to get to them, looking back outside. And then, a flicker of an idea. One that they.. do not know if it will work or not. But it is worth a shot, as they quickly spark a small ember, and then focuses on it. The small flame they summon, in turn, shifts to whatever they have on their mind, something low to the ground that shouldn't be easily traced back to them (though on how certain they are on that instance is… low). Something that they could use, hypothetically, to scout the immediate area to see if it was safe. Once the flame 'scurries' just out of sight, there is a slight problem that Crimson runs into very quickly. They can't…. actually see through the flame. So, the internal plan diverts from scout to as a makeshift alarm bell for the immediate vicinity. Stars, they hope it works.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

They try to shove down their cannibalistic urges, instead focusing merely on making sure the Nightmare King doesn't come back, or at least making sure it hurts like hell if he does.

You can't ignore it forever, Scarlet. Sooner or later, you will have to face the truth.

Shut up. She's been running away all this time. She can keep running.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo can smell the fear despite the distance. Honestly, he’s surprised the little group hasn’t come running. Making this so much harder

Grimm is squirming uselessly. Surely he doesn’t really think Incubo is going to kill him, does he? He inhales despite not needing to truly breathe, committing the feeling of holding Grimm like this to memory. He feels strong for once after stealing that essence.

This is the last time he ever will

Incubo flips the realm upside down, funneling Grimm’s children toward him.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight, immediately upon the realm being flipped, tries to catch themself on the wall with their claw to slow their descent, but their grip slips and they fall onto the slanted ground before sliding down]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

There is the loudest, most fox-like alarm scream from Crimson as they quickly scramble to find a clawhold, ANYTHING, ANYTHING, to cling onto, latching practically all of their claws into fabric and almost just as swiftly CLIMBS, barking- or, more accurately, screaming "CLAWS! CLAWS!!" at Scarlet and Spotlight, hoping the message got across as they very frantically look around the area to try to follow any movement, flattening themselves against the- ceiling, now. CAN YOU PLEASE NOT TRY TO KILL US I LIKE LIVING, THANK YOU. Mother would have picked a fight on the spot. Crimson is not as brave and/or reckless. Probably both, now that they think about it. They have to act fast, and they don't know what to act WITH.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"OH SHIT"

Scarlet barely has any time to react, trying and failing to claw at the floor-turned-ceiling before tumbling down alongside Spotlight. However, she breaks into a manic laugh, baring her teeth and claws brandishing her firenail.

"BRING IT ON, NIGHTMARE KING! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo hears the satisfying thump of bodies hitting the floor and smiles to himself. This was an excellent plan, even if he did not account for Crimson sensing the rift. “Eager, are we? Well I am not one to keep an audience waiting. Our coexistence has harmed enough bugs. Consider this a balancing of scales.” Then, like any good performer, he bows. He’s sure Grimm would too. He should be excited for a dance as high-stakes as this one.

A curtain of darkness covers the realm and then parts to reveal a massive stage. In the shadows behind it lurks the reason for all that stolen essence. The silhouette of a serpentine creature watches from backstage, its eight eyes gleaming like spotlights. Basked in their glow are two Grimmkin Nightmares, strings gleaming like stars. They look like reanimated corpses, despite being the same sacks as usual.

Grimm dangles helplessly in the wings.

Grimm: [210/210]

The Puppet Master: [420/420]

Grimmkin A: [100/100]

Grimmkin B: [100/100]

[Now Playing]

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Spotlight: [195/195]

Oh here we go!

[Spotlight, with their nail drawn already drawn, gets into a battle ready position before lunging at Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 7]

[Attack 1d20: 17]

[Result: 14]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 6) (6-2, 4!) Crimson sees the sudden (and potentially dangerous) situation. Grimm's there, but they're unsure if their own sense of stability will do much - plus, Incubo probably was going to see that as a challenge, and they knew even with possible backup, it'd be possibly the most… trickiest fight alive. Spotlight appears to be at the very least distracted, and there's two (as opposed to Crimson's little group of three). It's a difficult decision.

Grimm can wait, no matter how much it hurts for them to think about it. Their siblings need help. They angle their snout, seeking out the second one. They don't want to kill. They really don't. But the back of their throat starts clicking, trying to detangle their paws to safely move themselves to get a better angle. They seek that internal flame, and fire it in one singular fireball towards the second Grimmkin. Whether it was a bait or not is up to Crimson and any following reactions.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet: [150/150]

"SERIOUSLY? HIDING BEHIND YOUR LACKEYS LIKE A COWARD? COME OUT AND FACE US YOURSELF!"

Scarlet flings one of her fireballs at the Grimmkin to her right, which happened to be the same one Crimson was aiming at.

[Accuracy Roll (1d10): 8] [Attack Roll (1d20): 11] [11 - 2 = 9]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [84/100]

Grimmkin B: [86/100]

Grimmkin A charges up a fireball in retaliation to Spotlight. [1d20 - 1d10 = 14!]

Grimmkin B swings its staff [9]

Grimm can’t tell what the purpose of this battle is, or why he has to watch. Incubo’s unseeing glare lands on him. Is that…relief?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20]

[Result: 18]

[Spotlight quickly slashes through the fireball and goes to attack Grimmkin A again]

[Accuracy 1d10: 9]

[Attack 1d20: 18]

[Result: 17]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 7) (7-2, 5!) CURSES! Crimson hisses warily. They're lucky the focus was pulled off of them, but now not only is the entire notion that both kin in danger (and both WILLINGLY), they are no closer to solving either problem. A paw twitches to Grimm's direction, but they immediately hesitate. Not yet. They still won't leave the ceiling, but they are planning, clicking the back of their throat to prime the next burst of flame as they reposition against the second Grimmkin. They are forced to fight. They heavily do not want to, but they sure feel like they're forced to regardless. This particular internal voice thrums in their mind constantly as they shoot another fireball at the one focused on Scarlet. They need to get down from the ceiling, but they're trying to wait for an opening.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense (1d20): 17] Scarlet: [150/150]

Scarlet manages to step to the side with ease.

"COME ON, THAT ALL YOU GOT?!"

[Accuracy Roll: 2] [Attack Roll: 16] [16 - 8 = 8]

Scarlet dashes in, nail pointed at the Grimmkin that attacked her.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Grimmkin A: 67/100]

Seeing its efforts against Spotlight fail it decides to go support its partner in fighting Scarlet.

[Grimmkin B: 73/100]

[Together:

A: 7-3

B: 14-2 = 16 (to both Crimson and Scarlet)!]

One of the pair summons essence pillars while the other sends out a flurry of fireballs.

Grimm can feel his body beginning to numb. Is this really Incubo’s attempt to kill them? Not exactly the sort of final dance he’d expect. There had to be some sort of reason Incubo was holding out on them.

Then, it strikes him: a good performer knows to build up tension within the audience. The Grimmkin are an appetizer; something to get his children angry. Best to leave them wanting for more before the main course.

He doesn’t like where this is going.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight immediately goes to attack Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 8]

[Attack 1d20: 16]

[Result: 14]

Over here, you bastard!

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(92/100) (1d20 Defensive Dice: 8) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 9) (1d20 Combat Dice: 11) (11-1, 10!)

They want to be down there significantly less after having caught fire directly to the face, only making one indignant fox scream back at the Grimmkin who shot fire at their face, watching their movements carefully. They want to play like that? Fine. They'll come down. They teleport- but almost directly on top of the Grimmkin that decided to shoot fire at them, biting at their arm and clinging on for dear life. Through the cloth and teeth, they manage to get words. PLEASE DO NOT SHOOT FIRE AT MY FACE PLEASE.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 1]

Scarlet ends up taking the full brunt of the attacks, sent flying into a wall.

Scarlet: [135/150]

She drags herself upward, a small amount of blood dripping from their forehead. However, instead of growling or screeching, she licks the blood with a manic grin.

"Haha...hahaha, HAHAHAHAHAHA! NOW THAT'S MORE LIKE IT!"

She wildly summons fireballs, flinging them at the Grimmkin that shot the pillar of fire.

[Accuracy Roll: 1] [Attack Roll: 19] [19 - 9 = 10]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [33/100]

Grimmkin B: [73/100]

The first Grimmkin is looking rather torn, leaking stuffing and essence. Its puppeted body shows no signs of exhaustion as it tears itself from Crimson’s maw and tries to shoot more flames.

[Attack 1/20 Accuracy 9/10

0 damage.]

The fire sputters out.

The second swings its torch at Scarlet.

[Attack 8/20 Accuracy 3/10

1 damage.]

Its ragged body cannot manage to put any force behind the blow.

Unsatisfied, the god backstage slashes at the group with its claws.

[Attack 15/20 Accuracy 8/10

7 damage.]

Grimm succeeds in holding them back. There is a future with everyone in it, he knows there is. The fighting will not bring the desired peace of mind.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20: 13]

[Spotlight quickly blocks Incubo’s claws before focusing a flame into their nail and going to attack Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 8]

[Attack 1d20: 19]

[Result: 17]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (Defensive Dice: 6) (Accuracy Dice: 1) (Combat Dice: 10) (10-9, 1!) Crimson is WILDLY lucky, sliding across the ground and- almost feels guilty for the failed fireball. They almost click the back of their throat in an effort to help, but they are cut short by the claws appearing out of nowhere for them. Habit takes over, and aside from a scratch on one of their horns, ducking seems to have saved them from the majority. It doesn't feel awesome, having a scratch there, but they'll live. So long as it isn't- They shake their head and snap teeth again at the first Grimmkin, teeth scoring against cloth but not catching.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 4]

Scarlet barely manages to hop backward, their arm getting scratched by the claw. They wince, but her manic grin returns again.

Scarlet: [131/150]

Instead of targeting the first Grimmkin like the others are, she instead lunges at the second Grimmkin, intent on ripping it to shreds with her bare claws. Her hunger grows by the second

[Accuracy Roll: 8] [Attack Roll: 10] [10 - 2 = 8]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [15/100]

Grimmkin B: [65/100]

The first Grimmkin is ripped to hell and back. It seems dazed, like it just woke up from a coma. Despite its state it rushes to pull its partner out of Scarlet’s grip.

The eyes above the stage soften incrementally and the god succumbs to sympathy as the first kin flees behind the curtain. The peace does not last.

Grimmkin B: [6 damage, 10 accuracy = 6 damage!]

It hasn’t the mind left to be cautious as it swings at Scarlet again. Something personal is bleeding through.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

One down…

[Spotlight quickly summons a fire ball and throws it at Grimmkin B]

[Attack 1d20: 2]

[Accuracy 1d10: 10]

[Spotlight realizes mid throw that it probably won’t do as much damage as they’d had hope, but it doesn’t matter. They just need to either do enough damage so Scarlet and Crimson can take it out or distract it.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 5) (1d20 Combat Dice: 11) (11 - 5, 6!) Crimson's main intention was to herd the final Grimmkin away from everyone else - they were acting on self defense. They really did not want further harm. Their teeth had other plans, as mid-snap they accidentally catch and rip through cloth. They almost immediately let go and apologize for the accidental injury, before going right back to trying to herd to the best of their ability.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 5]

Scarlet barely flinches as the attack lands.

Scarlet: [130/150]

"Aww, isn't that cute...My turn."

Scarlet focuses her flames onto her claws and then swings wildly at the Grimmkin that attacked her.

[Accuracy Roll: 7] [Attack Roll: 20!] [20 - 3 = 17]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin B: [40/100]

The god above watches impatiently.

There’s a better way. You do not have to do this, Grimm thinks.

The Nightmare King does not care. He knows this has been coming. Always another way, when he’s been trying his damndest and never found one. Grimm knoww this too well. Incubo is sick of Grimm’s faux innocence. Enough lying, enough warring. If he is too cowardly to truly die by his own claw, then he can at least let someone else be his executioner.

This is for the best, She was right about him.

Grimmkin B: [15 attack, 5 accuracy = 10 damage.]

It turns the stuffing leaking out of it into embers that singe Crimson in retaliation.

The Puppet Master: [17 damage, 5 accuracy = 12 damage!]

He strikes again, using all four sets of claws.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20: 13]

[195/195]

[Spotlight quickly raises their nail at the last second and manages to block the claws]

[Immediately, they dash at Grimmkin B with their nail ready]

[Attack 1d20: 20]

[Accuracy 1d20: 6]

[Result: 16]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (1d20 Defensive Dice: 14, 17 - both damage checks passed!) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 4) (1d20 Combat Dice: 12) (12-6, 6!) Crimson skitters back first from the embers, emitting a short baffled laugh of amusement and some form of quick learning - they can do that? Fascinating! - before snapping at the cloth again to try to herd the Grimmkin further to what they assumed to be safety, for them to regroup. Please regroup. They quickly raise their head at the sound of the claws, and they quickly dart out of the way, sliding back on all four paws. I DON'T WANT TO HURT YOU, PLEASE DON'T SWING AT US THREE PLEASE? OR GRIMM? PLEASE?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 9]

Scarlet attempts to block the attack, but is instead sent backward by the attack.

Scarlet: [122/150]

She struggles slightly to get up, but when she does she growls.

"STOP HIDING BEHIND THESE USELESS SACKS OF SHIT! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE THE NIGHTMARE KING, ARE YOU NOT? COME DOWN AND FACE US YOURSELVES YOU COWARD!"

Scarlet flings a fire

[Accuracy Roll: 9] [Attack Roll: 5] [5 - 1 = 4]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

The remaining Grimmkin falls limp, its strings cut.

“You’re right. Why keep a captive audience waiting?”

Grimm thinks this is good showmanship. And then he thinks “oh no”. And then his thoughts are shoved aside.

The tendril holding him lets go and he hits the stage like a ragdoll.

Sunk cost is a funny thing. No matter how futile continuing is, you can never really end it.

Shiny red threads glint in the air as Grimm stands. Every movement is too choppy. The feeling of being guided in such a way is nostalgic. Old friends, back together.

Grimm: [210/210]

The Puppet Master: [420/420]

[12 attack, 5 accuracy = 7 damage!]

‘Grimm’ limply lunges toward Spotlight, using his wings as a blade.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20: 8]

[195/195]

Spotlight freezes for a moment before raising their nail to block it at the last second]

[Attack 1d20: 8]

[Accuracy 1d10: 4]

[Result: 2]

[They hesitated as they went to strike. Spotlight had always wanted to rematch Grimm to test their strength after all these years, but this didn’t feel right…]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 10) 1d20 Combat Dice: 17) No. This is where Crimson would usually tap out of combat. They won't. They can't bring themselves to. That old chant that they once heard rings in their head like a GONG, forcing their teeth and claws away from the main fight. No. They can do better. They have to do better. There is a better plan. They watch the fight ensue. This feels wrong, so what is making it feel wrong? They want to move closer to the fight, but they're afraid they'll hurt either of them. The memory of the chant forces its way back into their head, and they have to physically shake themselves to clear it from their head, angling themselves closer to the sides of the fight to see if the light direction will be able to help. No. They need to be careful, actually. That's the point. They need to fight for everyone's sake. He's trapped. Grimm's trapped. If mother was scared, so will he. They save some embers for later, eyeing Spotlight and Scarlet's movements, before trying to push through every thought processing that is screaming at them to DO NOT- They bite at Grimm's arm. Accidentally, QUITE hard, despite deliberately aiming for as little physical damage as possible. They look like they're about to cry while they're hissing out SEVERAL apologies to him.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet: [122/150]

This bastard.

This absolute bastard.

First the Grimmkin and now Grimm? It's like Incubo's not even trying to take them seriously.

"HEY. BITCH. I SAID YOU COME DOWN, NOT YOUR PUPPET. OR ARE YOU JUST THAT SCARED WE'LL KILL YOU?"

Nevertheless, Scarlet throws a fireball at Grimm to ensure Spotlight and Crimson's safety.

[Accuracy Roll: 9] [Attack Roll: 6] [6 - 1 = 5]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[11 defense | 10 attack, 9 accuracy = 9 damage!]

Grimm: [197/210]

The Puppet Master: [407/420] ‘Grimm’ screeches as he rips Crimson from his arm and is yanked by his strings to dodge the fireball. No, no, they’ve fallen for it! He wants to warn them that thinking the only way out is to kill is what Incubo wants.

Grimm manages to pull away from slashing at Crimson and redirecting to Spotlight instead.

Why?

You were all I had left, and then the illusion was broken. You never believed my life was worth all this, so why keep pretending? One way or another one party will lose this fight, and the victor can continue uninhibited. Isn’t this for the best?

Was this Grimm’s fault? No, it couldn’t be. Leaving Scarlet had to be the right choice. Incubo is fully wrong; he’s just doing this to torment them.

No matter how much he tries, he cannot summon rage. But it wasn’t his fault.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20: 11]

[Spotlight quickly blocks the attack before going to strike]

[Attack 1d20: 16]

[Accuracy 1d10: 5]

[Result: 11]

<No, now isn't the time to hesitate. If we can get Grimm low enough, perhaps The Nightmare King will just let him go. It worked with the Grimmkin, surely it'll work here. After all, The Nightmare King might still need him...>

[Spotlight strikes a lot harder this time.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 2) (1d20 Combat Dice: 11) (11-8, 3!) Crimson watches in increasing panic and horror as the claws that were meant for them swing at Spotlight instead, a retaliation bark sounding - one that was just simply defiance and a very much panic-twisted rage - not at anyone in particular, but at the entire situation. The wrongness keeps setting in. They have a violent need to get the blood off of their mouth NOW. They spot the strings' glint - their angling proved to be a good choice after all, barring the fact that they had to bite for it. They have to get the strings notably away from Grimm. A second wave of dread and anxiety hits them, very much recognizing that if they just snapped at strings without care, a second Incident may happen. They don't WANT a second Incident to happen, but it's either take several risks, or someone dies. …Neither good options. But the fear of losing anyone here overpowers the entire fear of the Incident. They click the back of their mouth, firing off a fireball at where they hoped a string would be at. More accurately, a string that wasn't going to kill Grimm. ….And almost completely misses last second. Awesome.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet: [122/150]

Scarlet rushes in to strike with her firenail...around the same time Crimson's fireball comes to strike at the strings. She barely manages to swerve around it, rolling on the ground instead.

[Accuracy Roll: 6] [Attack Roll: 2] [2 - 4 = -2, the attack misses]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm: [10 defense, 19 attack, 9 accuracy = 18 damage.]

[193/210]

Grimm manages to avoid the brunt of Spotlight’s attack, choking out a “Watch it!” as Crimson touches one of his strings. ‘Grimm’ floats up into the air and fills the stage with his pufferfish attack in retaliation. (Targets everyone again.)

The Puppet Master: [403/420]

Incubo can’t help himself. His nemesis writhing on the ground, practically begging to be ended. He slinks out from the stage and charges fangs-first. He is glad his visage still remains shadowed.

[18 attack, 6 accuracy = 14 damage!]

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

<This attack!>

[Defensive 1d20: 18]

[Spotlight manages to barely yet perfectly dodge Grimm’s attack]

[Defensive 1d20: 9]

[190/195]

[However, Incubo’s attack caught them off guard and strikes their back]

Agh!-…

[Spotlight staggers a bit before quickly standing up and going back to try and strike at Grimm]

[Offensive 1d20: 17]

[Accuracy 1d20: 5]

[Result: 12]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(81/100) (1d20 Defensive Dice: 8) (No combat rolls!) Despite the, quite frankly, abysmal attempt at trying to swerve around fireballs Wolf had similar issues, don't dive underneath it won't save you- their head snaps to Grimm. A VOICE! I'm TRYING TO HELP! HOW CAN I HELP? PLEASE TELL ME HOW I CAN HELP. PLEASE. They hold off on fighting, voice slipping in and out of hisses and panicked breathing. They wanted a solution, one that didn't involve losing anyone here. They can't lose anyone here. They only just knew Incubo what, a month ago? Could they have done something then? They wanted to know more, dang it! ….Wait. Idea. Horrible idea, but. They pull out the dreamnail, trying to gauge what to do. Using it as a weapon wasn't an option. CAN THIS HELP?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 6]

Unfortunately, due to being on the ground, Scarlet is unable to dodge all of the fireballs that come at her.

Scarlet: [110/150]

"Nnngh..."

Scarlet gets up from the hits...right as Spotlight is attacked by Incubo.

"SPOTLIGHT!"

Enraged, she throws a fireball right at Incubo, or at least she attempts to.

"HEY, ASSHOLE! I'M RIGHT HERE! I'M THE ONE YOU WANT, NOT THEM!"

[Accuracy Roll: 1] [Attack Roll: 1] [1 - 9 = Fail (SCARLET LOCK TF IN)]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Defense: 14]

Grimm: [193/210]

[12 attack, 6 accuracy = 8 damage!]

Grimm is forced into a scuttle and swiftly dodges, swinging blindly with his injured arm. It seems his puppeteer is distracted.

He hopes his pupils are visible as he looks between Crimson and the Dreamnail frantically.

Incubo’s face twists into an imperceptible grin. He can finish this, it will be over and he shall claim his rightful victory! [14 attack, 1 accuracy = 5 damage!]

Unfortunately his hubris works against him and he stumbles over his captives while Grimm’s gaze is not giving him any relative location. He turns sharply, unused to such a large form, and paws at Scarlet.

@spotlight-the-performer

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing.] Grimm finds himself on a floor of fabric. There is a tugging in his soul; something isn’t right. A realm usually full of bustling Grimmkin and firelight is empty. Where is Incubo?

He is alone no longer as Spotlight, Crimson, and Scarlet come tumbling in. Grimm cannot bring himself to speak yet.

@spotlight-the-performer @wolf-and-fox @scarlet-and-dew

[spotlight-the-performer]

aaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA-

AUGH-

. . .

[As soon as Spotlight hits the ground, they attempt to stand back up while staggering from the fall]

Ow...

Didn't expect a fall to greet me upon entering-

[As soon as they stand up fully, Spotlight looks around, noticing the fact that they're in the Nightmare Realm]

Great… Why am I here now?

[After a few seconds of looking, they finally turn their gaze to Grimm…]

F-father?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Most felines land on their paws. Crimson, despite notably not being a cat, was not the exception to this rule, crashing straight to the floor and also screaming in sheer panic. Luckily for them, the notion of landing on all four paws helped with the shock a little bit. They don't even have time to point at Spotlight in equal confusion before following their line of sight to Grimm. GRIMM! They reflexively make a bolt to him in an effort to make sure he's okay, scrambling to actually properly run on TWO paws instead of all four like some kind of creature running up the stairs. Grimm, you good?! Are you okay?- They quickly shake their head to properly get their thoughts in order. Are you hurt?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"nonononononoNONONONONONONONOFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK"

Unfortunately, despite becoming more and more feline due to the Curse, Scarlet is not as lucky as Crimson is. In fact, she ends up faceplanting onto the fabric.

"NYAUGH, MOTHERFUCKER!"

Groaning, Scarlet slowly stands up, using her firenail as support. As she glances around, she notices Spotlight and Crimson, as well as...

"...Oh you've GOT to be SHITTING ME."

The one person they wanted to see the least, lying on the floor.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm gently presses on Crimson’s head like one would to keep a cat away from their food. “I am fine, Crimson. Just a bit startled.”

He heaves a sigh upon hearing Scarlet’s reaction, instead turning to Spotlight. “You are all here. I do not know who or what summoned us but—”

The air he breathes grows heavy for a moment, a shudder wracking him. In a flash, so short he can hardly tell it happens, a smell tinged with essence engulfs him.

smells like bad intent

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight walks up to Grimm, the scar on their chest faintly glowing]

Are you sure you’re alright, Father? It’s not like you to just pause in the middle of your sentences.

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

The droning whine from Crimson is more felt than heard, but they relent, and back up to let Spotlight have room. Perhaps Spotlight has a better frame of reference? Not like they had much of a reference regarding the Grimm Troupe. Being raised by wolves does that, unfortunately. Don't think about that. They look over to Scarlet, trying to gauge off of what they knew and also their sibling's reaction to the surroundings.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

An arctic breeze. Thunderstorm rain. Burning forests. A field of dandielions.

All these smells and more filled Scarlet’s senses, as well as the overwhelming presence of nightmare essence all around the air. Faintly, Scarlet could sense Spotlight’s dream essence.

Wait. How are they able to smell all of this? How can they even sense essence?

“What the fuck…?”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm quickly grounds himself.

“Something is not right. We need to keep moving.” In the distance, a silhouette shoots long, fabric tendrils into the ceiling and flies up like a puppet on a string.

In its wake is something baring the shape of a burlap sack.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight notices the figure in the distance and immediately draws their nail. Eyes made of fire appear in all four of Spotlight eye sockets and display a look of fear and determination]

[Their scar begins to faintly glow brighter]

What the hell is that thing!?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Spotlight's warning gives Crimson enough time to tear their focus off of Scarlet, and onto what they're seeing. They're wary, cloak bristling slightly. Something along the lines of be willing to fight rings out in the back of their head - a secondary warning, built for the worst case. They couldn't tell if there were any thorns in the area, but they slowly back up. They debate on whether a weapon would be needed or not, then decides against it. They'd probably need it later, and it's too soon to call the dreamnail in play. For now, they slowly back up, keeping themselves as low to the ground as possible, cloak bristling further.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet makes the mistake of looking up as well, looking at the strange sack. She immediately draws her firenail, preparing for a fight.

"Aw fuck."

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm steps closer and drags the sack over. It’s a Grimmkin: devoid of essence. The Bad Feeling leads away from it and into the ‘sky’ like a trail of footprints.

He braces for a fight.

“We are being hunted.”

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Hunted? What could possibly hunt us here? There’s only us, The Grimmkins, and The Nightmare-

[Spotlight freezes immediately upon thinking of The Nightmare King hunting them down. The flames in their eyes go wide in fear as they remember the encounters they’ve had with them]

[Suddenly, the flames show a more determined expression as they ready their nail and conjure another fireball in their free claw. They didn’t know for certain why they were here, nor why everyone present is potentially being hunted by The Nightmare King, but what Spotlight did know was that this was a chance to avenge a friend of their’s: Tracker.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson sees Spotlight preparing to fight, and has a moment of mental dissonance. Wha- hey hey hey what- what are you doing. Why are we immediately willing to pick a fight uhm. They quiet down, really not wanting to get the most bombastic side-eyes from literally everyone. Can- we talk about this, uhm… sir? Bestie, even? Can we talk about this? Can we maybe not have this come to blows? Please? Despite their wariness, they're still willing to try to at least come to some form of understanding before trying out stabbing.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Oh. Oh Scarlet understands what's going on.

"...hehehehe...hahahaha...Hahahahahaha...!"

Scarlet throws her head back, a hand on her forehead as tears fall down her face

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! FINALLY DECIDED TO GET RID OF US, HUH? HAD ENOUGH OF US CAUSING YOU PROBLEMS?"

She focuses her flame into her firenail, pointing it at the sky. There's a manic grin on her face and flickering fire in her eyes.

"WELL BRING IT ON, YOU HEARTLESS BITCH! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing]

The insult cuts Grimm deeply, but he has no right to chide Scarlet. The Bad Feeling stirs the air as something serpentine drags its way out of the shadows.

Grimm can hardly smell anything past the smoke as eight red eyes light up the dark. Something weighs at the bottom of his soul before being crushed under bestial hunger.

Incubo remains somewhat shadowed but his presence is made clear. Suddenly everyone is very, very afraid.

Grimm can hardly hear himself shout “RUN!” before he’s sprinting away. The walls tighten, forming a maze. And the Minotaur is right behind the group.

[Now Playing] @spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight’s scar shines a bright red in Incubo’s presence as they begin to breathe rapidly. The rising fear caused their stance to falter, the grip on their nail to slack. and the flame in their claw to dim as they take a few small steps back]

[However, they didn’t run. They still kept their nail drawn and the flame alive, but their stance was still weak. Weak enough for anyone to drag them away]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson almost initially backs up to run, cloak and fur bristling, and then is VERY painfully aware that Spotlight is going to be a potential casualty if they are left behind. They have next to no time to gauge their options, so they quickly latch their paws into their arm, claws digging as they try to get Spotlight to START MOVING. DID YOU NOT HEAR- RUN! Their voice is a pained mix of what a leader should sound like and the equivalent of a terrified cat, snapping teeth at Scarlet to ALSO start moving, quickly bolting after Grimm. SURELY he knows a way OUT, right? RIGHT?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet, despite all previous warnings, is getting ready to square up against the Nightmare King. She barks out a harsh laugh.

“YOU THINK THAT’S ENOUGH TO SCARE ME? I CAN TAKE YOU ON MYSELF, AND I WILL!”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

The beast looks down at its prey, eyes beaming down. It stretches its malformed maw and attempts to bite Scarlet half-heartedly. But before its teeth can make contact Grimm pulls her away with his wings. He somehow manages to keep pace with the others despite this little setback.

“I told you to run!”

The beast takes one giant stride for every three steps they take. They’re being herded like roaches.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight was still being dragged by Crimson. They kept their nail drawn just in case, but now they were more focused on getting the hell out of here]

[At some point, they try to Void Walk so they could run without being dragged, but they couldn’t use Void for some reason…]

Wh-what…

[They tried again, but nothing happened. So they just decided to continue running without being dragged Crimson’s paw still latched onto their arm]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Eventually they do let go of Spotlight's arm, mostly to point at Scarlet. SCARLET I SWEAR TO WHATEVER GODS ARE OUT THERE I- MMMMMMM- They have to physically avoid shaking her, and the second there's a corner they practically bound right off of it to shave off a few seconds, rolling for a little bit before scrambling back up to keep up. They debated on whether not they could hypothetically deter the current issue with loud noises, they could get the designated fox scream down fairly okay, but they really didn't want to do that overall. In fact, they'd rather watch to try to get a better idea on how to solve this particular issue. Preferably from a distance, but that's beside the point. Could burrowing be an option? Could they even dig through fabric fast enough to do that, let alone enough to fit everyone? Was it going to hurt Incubo? WHY ARE THEY THINKING ABOUT THAT? They almost lag behind to test that by focusing a bit more on the fabric underneath them, then decides nope! Not Doing That! and manages to catch up.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Cue the scruffing of Scarlet by Grimm.

"HEY WHAT THE FNYAUGH-"

And cue Scarlet struggling under said scruff.

"HEY LEMME GO I WAS GONNA KICK HIS ASS!"

Regardless, Scarlet follows along because holy fucking shit he's gaining on them.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm can hardly feel his own limbs as his strings squeeze him tight but do not pull. Is Incubo enjoying this? Incubo seems fixed on hunting down Scarlet first and foremost, but is closer to jogging than sprinting. Grimm is able to make a few sharp leaps and turns and have the beast lost before he can warp the maze.

He ducks behind a fleshy wall, gesturing for the others to stay silent as he places Scarlet down. The beast laps around in search of them. Don’t smell like fear. Don’t smell like anything, really. Or He will find you. Where did he hear that? He has vague memories of sitting around a lantern with friends but it wasn’t you not your face not your friends it never happened

With each thundering step Incubo takes he feels a tugging in his soul. Being bound to the god had its perks in this situation. Once he can no longer sense the beast he relaxes.

And then a dozen velvet tendrils wrap around him, yanking him away. Incubo seems to be in his normal form now. From here the rancid feeling is stronger than ever. He tries to reach out to Incubo, but internal communication is blocked off.

Luckily he has just enough of his wits about him to understand he’s being used as bait of some sort. But why…?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Whenever they round the corner, Spotlight places a claw on the wall and begins breathing heavily while trying to figure out why they couldn’t use Void. Was it connected to Shadelight? Do they need Shadelight in order to actually use Void??]

[Before they could truly want to figure out if that was the case, they notice Grimm being taken away by Incubo]

DAD!

[Immediately, Spotlight tries to run after them]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Part of them wants to hide. They can feel a portion of them wanting to shrink away, to hide underneath cloak and fur. They fight that want furiously, grabbing onto Spotlight immediately to pull them back into the safety of hidden. WAIT. They instead poke their snout out of the hiding spot, sniffing the air warily. They've crouched down enough to be practically on all four of their paws, and it was almost on habit for them on how steady the drop was. Stay quiet. Stay hidden. I will see first to see if the coast is clear, and if it isn't, you will know.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"SPOTLIGHT ARE YOU TRYING TO GET KILLED???"

CONSUMECONSUMECONSUMEDEVOURTHEFLESHMUSTCONSUMEMUSTBEFEDMUSTDEVOUR

"GAK-"

Scarlet grips her stomach, wincing in pain.

"Damnit...not now!"

She shakes her head, summoning a fireball to throw in case the Nightmare King comes back.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[As Spotlight gets dragged back to the safe spot, they pause and just stand there. Every part of the is saying to just run after The Nightmare King, but ultimately they know that it may end up causing more issues than it could solve]

[With nothing else to do, they sit down and just stare at their free claw]

. . .

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

They can't tell if it's safe or not. Which is never good. The quiet is starting to get to them, looking back outside. And then, a flicker of an idea. One that they.. do not know if it will work or not. But it is worth a shot, as they quickly spark a small ember, and then focuses on it. The small flame they summon, in turn, shifts to whatever they have on their mind, something low to the ground that shouldn't be easily traced back to them (though on how certain they are on that instance is… low). Something that they could use, hypothetically, to scout the immediate area to see if it was safe. Once the flame 'scurries' just out of sight, there is a slight problem that Crimson runs into very quickly. They can't…. actually see through the flame. So, the internal plan diverts from scout to as a makeshift alarm bell for the immediate vicinity. Stars, they hope it works.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

They try to shove down their cannibalistic urges, instead focusing merely on making sure the Nightmare King doesn't come back, or at least making sure it hurts like hell if he does.

You can't ignore it forever, Scarlet. Sooner or later, you will have to face the truth.

Shut up. She's been running away all this time. She can keep running.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo can smell the fear despite the distance. Honestly, he’s surprised the little group hasn’t come running. Making this so much harder

Grimm is squirming uselessly. Surely he doesn’t really think Incubo is going to kill him, does he? He inhales despite not needing to truly breathe, committing the feeling of holding Grimm like this to memory. He feels strong for once after stealing that essence.

This is the last time he ever will

Incubo flips the realm upside down, funneling Grimm’s children toward him.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight, immediately upon the realm being flipped, tries to catch themself on the wall with their claw to slow their descent, but their grip slips and they fall onto the slanted ground before sliding down]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

There is the loudest, most fox-like alarm scream from Crimson as they quickly scramble to find a clawhold, ANYTHING, ANYTHING, to cling onto, latching practically all of their claws into fabric and almost just as swiftly CLIMBS, barking- or, more accurately, screaming "CLAWS! CLAWS!!" at Scarlet and Spotlight, hoping the message got across as they very frantically look around the area to try to follow any movement, flattening themselves against the- ceiling, now. CAN YOU PLEASE NOT TRY TO KILL US I LIKE LIVING, THANK YOU. Mother would have picked a fight on the spot. Crimson is not as brave and/or reckless. Probably both, now that they think about it. They have to act fast, and they don't know what to act WITH.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"OH SHIT"

Scarlet barely has any time to react, trying and failing to claw at the floor-turned-ceiling before tumbling down alongside Spotlight. However, she breaks into a manic laugh, baring her teeth and claws brandishing her firenail.

"BRING IT ON, NIGHTMARE KING! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo hears the satisfying thump of bodies hitting the floor and smiles to himself. This was an excellent plan, even if he did not account for Crimson sensing the rift. “Eager, are we? Well I am not one to keep an audience waiting. Our coexistence has harmed enough bugs. Consider this a balancing of scales.” Then, like any good performer, he bows. He’s sure Grimm would too. He should be excited for a dance as high-stakes as this one.

A curtain of darkness covers the realm and then parts to reveal a massive stage. In the shadows behind it lurks the reason for all that stolen essence. The silhouette of a serpentine creature watches from backstage, its eight eyes gleaming like spotlights. Basked in their glow are two Grimmkin Nightmares, strings gleaming like stars. They look like reanimated corpses, despite being the same sacks as usual.

Grimm dangles helplessly in the wings.

Grimm: [210/210]

The Puppet Master: [420/420]

Grimmkin A: [100/100]

Grimmkin B: [100/100]

[Now Playing]

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Spotlight: [195/195]

Oh here we go!

[Spotlight, with their nail drawn already drawn, gets into a battle ready position before lunging at Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 7]

[Attack 1d20: 17]

[Result: 14]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 6) (6-2, 4!) Crimson sees the sudden (and potentially dangerous) situation. Grimm's there, but they're unsure if their own sense of stability will do much - plus, Incubo probably was going to see that as a challenge, and they knew even with possible backup, it'd be possibly the most… trickiest fight alive. Spotlight appears to be at the very least distracted, and there's two (as opposed to Crimson's little group of three). It's a difficult decision.

Grimm can wait, no matter how much it hurts for them to think about it. Their siblings need help. They angle their snout, seeking out the second one. They don't want to kill. They really don't. But the back of their throat starts clicking, trying to detangle their paws to safely move themselves to get a better angle. They seek that internal flame, and fire it in one singular fireball towards the second Grimmkin. Whether it was a bait or not is up to Crimson and any following reactions.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet: [150/150]

"SERIOUSLY? HIDING BEHIND YOUR LACKEYS LIKE A COWARD? COME OUT AND FACE US YOURSELF!"

Scarlet flings one of her fireballs at the Grimmkin to her right, which happened to be the same one Crimson was aiming at.

[Accuracy Roll (1d10): 8] [Attack Roll (1d20): 11] [11 - 2 = 9]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [84/100]

Grimmkin B: [86/100]

Grimmkin A charges up a fireball in retaliation to Spotlight. [1d20 - 1d10 = 14!]

Grimmkin B swings its staff [9]

Grimm can’t tell what the purpose of this battle is, or why he has to watch. Incubo’s unseeing glare lands on him. Is that…relief?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20]

[Result: 18]

[Spotlight quickly slashes through the fireball and goes to attack Grimmkin A again]

[Accuracy 1d10: 9]

[Attack 1d20: 18]

[Result: 17]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 7) (7-2, 5!) CURSES! Crimson hisses warily. They're lucky the focus was pulled off of them, but now not only is the entire notion that both kin in danger (and both WILLINGLY), they are no closer to solving either problem. A paw twitches to Grimm's direction, but they immediately hesitate. Not yet. They still won't leave the ceiling, but they are planning, clicking the back of their throat to prime the next burst of flame as they reposition against the second Grimmkin. They are forced to fight. They heavily do not want to, but they sure feel like they're forced to regardless. This particular internal voice thrums in their mind constantly as they shoot another fireball at the one focused on Scarlet. They need to get down from the ceiling, but they're trying to wait for an opening.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense (1d20): 17] Scarlet: [150/150]

Scarlet manages to step to the side with ease.

"COME ON, THAT ALL YOU GOT?!"

[Accuracy Roll: 2] [Attack Roll: 16] [16 - 8 = 8]

Scarlet dashes in, nail pointed at the Grimmkin that attacked her.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Grimmkin A: 67/100]

Seeing its efforts against Spotlight fail it decides to go support its partner in fighting Scarlet.

[Grimmkin B: 73/100]

[Together:

A: 7-3

B: 14-2 = 16 (to both Crimson and Scarlet)!]

One of the pair summons essence pillars while the other sends out a flurry of fireballs.

Grimm can feel his body beginning to numb. Is this really Incubo’s attempt to kill them? Not exactly the sort of final dance he’d expect. There had to be some sort of reason Incubo was holding out on them.

Then, it strikes him: a good performer knows to build up tension within the audience. The Grimmkin are an appetizer; something to get his children angry. Best to leave them wanting for more before the main course.

He doesn’t like where this is going.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight immediately goes to attack Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 8]

[Attack 1d20: 16]

[Result: 14]

Over here, you bastard!

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(92/100) (1d20 Defensive Dice: 8) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 9) (1d20 Combat Dice: 11) (11-1, 10!)

They want to be down there significantly less after having caught fire directly to the face, only making one indignant fox scream back at the Grimmkin who shot fire at their face, watching their movements carefully. They want to play like that? Fine. They'll come down. They teleport- but almost directly on top of the Grimmkin that decided to shoot fire at them, biting at their arm and clinging on for dear life. Through the cloth and teeth, they manage to get words. PLEASE DO NOT SHOOT FIRE AT MY FACE PLEASE.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 1]

Scarlet ends up taking the full brunt of the attacks, sent flying into a wall.

Scarlet: [135/150]

She drags herself upward, a small amount of blood dripping from their forehead. However, instead of growling or screeching, she licks the blood with a manic grin.

"Haha...hahaha, HAHAHAHAHAHA! NOW THAT'S MORE LIKE IT!"

She wildly summons fireballs, flinging them at the Grimmkin that shot the pillar of fire.

[Accuracy Roll: 1] [Attack Roll: 19] [19 - 9 = 10]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [33/100]

Grimmkin B: [73/100]

The first Grimmkin is looking rather torn, leaking stuffing and essence. Its puppeted body shows no signs of exhaustion as it tears itself from Crimson’s maw and tries to shoot more flames.

[Attack 1/20 Accuracy 9/10

0 damage.]

The fire sputters out.

The second swings its torch at Scarlet.

[Attack 8/20 Accuracy 3/10

1 damage.]

Its ragged body cannot manage to put any force behind the blow.

Unsatisfied, the god backstage slashes at the group with its claws.

[Attack 15/20 Accuracy 8/10

7 damage.]

Grimm succeeds in holding them back. There is a future with everyone in it, he knows there is. The fighting will not bring the desired peace of mind.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20: 13]

[Spotlight quickly blocks Incubo’s claws before focusing a flame into their nail and going to attack Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 8]

[Attack 1d20: 19]

[Result: 17]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (Defensive Dice: 6) (Accuracy Dice: 1) (Combat Dice: 10) (10-9, 1!) Crimson is WILDLY lucky, sliding across the ground and- almost feels guilty for the failed fireball. They almost click the back of their throat in an effort to help, but they are cut short by the claws appearing out of nowhere for them. Habit takes over, and aside from a scratch on one of their horns, ducking seems to have saved them from the majority. It doesn't feel awesome, having a scratch there, but they'll live. So long as it isn't- They shake their head and snap teeth again at the first Grimmkin, teeth scoring against cloth but not catching.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 4]

Scarlet barely manages to hop backward, their arm getting scratched by the claw. They wince, but her manic grin returns again.

Scarlet: [131/150]

Instead of targeting the first Grimmkin like the others are, she instead lunges at the second Grimmkin, intent on ripping it to shreds with her bare claws. Her hunger grows by the second

[Accuracy Roll: 8] [Attack Roll: 10] [10 - 2 = 8]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [15/100]

Grimmkin B: [65/100]

The first Grimmkin is ripped to hell and back. It seems dazed, like it just woke up from a coma. Despite its state it rushes to pull its partner out of Scarlet’s grip.

The eyes above the stage soften incrementally and the god succumbs to sympathy as the first kin flees behind the curtain. The peace does not last.

Grimmkin B: [6 damage, 10 accuracy = 6 damage!]

It hasn’t the mind left to be cautious as it swings at Scarlet again. Something personal is bleeding through.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

One down…

[Spotlight quickly summons a fire ball and throws it at Grimmkin B]

[Attack 1d20: 2]

[Accuracy 1d10: 10]

[Spotlight realizes mid throw that it probably won’t do as much damage as they’d had hope, but it doesn’t matter. They just need to either do enough damage so Scarlet and Crimson can take it out or distract it.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 5) (1d20 Combat Dice: 11) (11 - 5, 6!) Crimson's main intention was to herd the final Grimmkin away from everyone else - they were acting on self defense. They really did not want further harm. Their teeth had other plans, as mid-snap they accidentally catch and rip through cloth. They almost immediately let go and apologize for the accidental injury, before going right back to trying to herd to the best of their ability.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 5]

Scarlet barely flinches as the attack lands.

Scarlet: [130/150]

"Aww, isn't that cute...My turn."

Scarlet focuses her flames onto her claws and then swings wildly at the Grimmkin that attacked her.

[Accuracy Roll: 7] [Attack Roll: 20!] [20 - 3 = 17]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin B: [40/100]

The god above watches impatiently.

There’s a better way. You do not have to do this, Grimm thinks.

The Nightmare King does not care. He knows this has been coming. Always another way, when he’s been trying his damndest and never found one. Grimm knoww this too well. Incubo is sick of Grimm’s faux innocence. Enough lying, enough warring. If he is too cowardly to truly die by his own claw, then he can at least let someone else be his executioner.

This is for the best, She was right about him.

Grimmkin B: [15 attack, 5 accuracy = 10 damage.]

It turns the stuffing leaking out of it into embers that singe Crimson in retaliation.

The Puppet Master: [17 damage, 5 accuracy = 12 damage!]

He strikes again, using all four sets of claws.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20: 13]

[195/195]

[Spotlight quickly raises their nail at the last second and manages to block the claws]

[Immediately, they dash at Grimmkin B with their nail ready]

[Attack 1d20: 20]

[Accuracy 1d20: 6]

[Result: 16]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (1d20 Defensive Dice: 14, 17 - both damage checks passed!) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 4) (1d20 Combat Dice: 12) (12-6, 6!) Crimson skitters back first from the embers, emitting a short baffled laugh of amusement and some form of quick learning - they can do that? Fascinating! - before snapping at the cloth again to try to herd the Grimmkin further to what they assumed to be safety, for them to regroup. Please regroup. They quickly raise their head at the sound of the claws, and they quickly dart out of the way, sliding back on all four paws. I DON'T WANT TO HURT YOU, PLEASE DON'T SWING AT US THREE PLEASE? OR GRIMM? PLEASE?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 9]

Scarlet attempts to block the attack, but is instead sent backward by the attack.

Scarlet: [122/150]

She struggles slightly to get up, but when she does she growls.

"STOP HIDING BEHIND THESE USELESS SACKS OF SHIT! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE THE NIGHTMARE KING, ARE YOU NOT? COME DOWN AND FACE US YOURSELVES YOU COWARD!"

Scarlet flings a fire

[Accuracy Roll: 9] [Attack Roll: 5] [5 - 1 = 4]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

The remaining Grimmkin falls limp, its strings cut.

“You’re right. Why keep a captive audience waiting?”

Grimm thinks this is good showmanship. And then he thinks “oh no”. And then his thoughts are shoved aside.

The tendril holding him lets go and he hits the stage like a ragdoll.

Sunk cost is a funny thing. No matter how futile continuing is, you can never really end it.

Shiny red threads glint in the air as Grimm stands. Every movement is too choppy. The feeling of being guided in such a way is nostalgic. Old friends, back together.

Grimm: [210/210]

The Puppet Master: [420/420]

[12 attack, 5 accuracy = 7 damage!]

‘Grimm’ limply lunges toward Spotlight, using his wings as a blade.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20: 8]

[195/195]

Spotlight freezes for a moment before raising their nail to block it at the last second]

[Attack 1d20: 8]

[Accuracy 1d10: 4]

[Result: 2]

[They hesitated as they went to strike. Spotlight had always wanted to rematch Grimm to test their strength after all these years, but this didn’t feel right…]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 10) 1d20 Combat Dice: 17) No. This is where Crimson would usually tap out of combat. They won't. They can't bring themselves to. That old chant that they once heard rings in their head like a GONG, forcing their teeth and claws away from the main fight. No. They can do better. They have to do better. There is a better plan. They watch the fight ensue. This feels wrong, so what is making it feel wrong? They want to move closer to the fight, but they're afraid they'll hurt either of them. The memory of the chant forces its way back into their head, and they have to physically shake themselves to clear it from their head, angling themselves closer to the sides of the fight to see if the light direction will be able to help. No. They need to be careful, actually. That's the point. They need to fight for everyone's sake. He's trapped. Grimm's trapped. If mother was scared, so will he. They save some embers for later, eyeing Spotlight and Scarlet's movements, before trying to push through every thought processing that is screaming at them to DO NOT- They bite at Grimm's arm. Accidentally, QUITE hard, despite deliberately aiming for as little physical damage as possible. They look like they're about to cry while they're hissing out SEVERAL apologies to him.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet: [122/150]

This bastard.

This absolute bastard.

First the Grimmkin and now Grimm? It's like Incubo's not even trying to take them seriously.

"HEY. BITCH. I SAID YOU COME DOWN, NOT YOUR PUPPET. OR ARE YOU JUST THAT SCARED WE'LL KILL YOU?"

Nevertheless, Scarlet throws a fireball at Grimm to ensure Spotlight and Crimson's safety.

[Accuracy Roll: 9] [Attack Roll: 6] [6 - 1 = 5]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[11 defense | 10 attack, 9 accuracy = 9 damage!]

Grimm: [197/210]

The Puppet Master: [407/420] ‘Grimm’ screeches as he rips Crimson from his arm and is yanked by his strings to dodge the fireball. No, no, they’ve fallen for it! He wants to warn them that thinking the only way out is to kill is what Incubo wants.

Grimm manages to pull away from slashing at Crimson and redirecting to Spotlight instead.

Why?

You were all I had left, and then the illusion was broken. You never believed my life was worth all this, so why keep pretending? One way or another one party will lose this fight, and the victor can continue uninhibited. Isn’t this for the best?

Was this Grimm’s fault? No, it couldn’t be. Leaving Scarlet had to be the right choice. Incubo is fully wrong; he’s just doing this to torment them.

No matter how much he tries, he cannot summon rage. But it wasn’t his fault.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20: 11]

[Spotlight quickly blocks the attack before going to strike]

[Attack 1d20: 16]

[Accuracy 1d10: 5]

[Result: 11]

<No, now isn't the time to hesitate. If we can get Grimm low enough, perhaps The Nightmare King will just let him go. It worked with the Grimmkin, surely it'll work here. After all, The Nightmare King might still need him...>

[Spotlight strikes a lot harder this time.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 2) (1d20 Combat Dice: 11) (11-8, 3!) Crimson watches in increasing panic and horror as the claws that were meant for them swing at Spotlight instead, a retaliation bark sounding - one that was just simply defiance and a very much panic-twisted rage - not at anyone in particular, but at the entire situation. The wrongness keeps setting in. They have a violent need to get the blood off of their mouth NOW. They spot the strings' glint - their angling proved to be a good choice after all, barring the fact that they had to bite for it. They have to get the strings notably away from Grimm. A second wave of dread and anxiety hits them, very much recognizing that if they just snapped at strings without care, a second Incident may happen. They don't WANT a second Incident to happen, but it's either take several risks, or someone dies. …Neither good options. But the fear of losing anyone here overpowers the entire fear of the Incident. They click the back of their mouth, firing off a fireball at where they hoped a string would be at. More accurately, a string that wasn't going to kill Grimm. ….And almost completely misses last second. Awesome.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet: [122/150]

Scarlet rushes in to strike with her firenail...around the same time Crimson's fireball comes to strike at the strings. She barely manages to swerve around it, rolling on the ground instead.

[Accuracy Roll: 6] [Attack Roll: 2] [2 - 4 = -2, the attack misses]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm: [10 defense, 19 attack, 9 accuracy = 18 damage.]

[193/210]

Grimm manages to avoid the brunt of Spotlight’s attack, choking out a “Watch it!” as Crimson touches one of his strings. ‘Grimm’ floats up into the air and fills the stage with his pufferfish attack in retaliation. (Targets everyone again.)

The Puppet Master: [403/420]

Incubo can’t help himself. His nemesis writhing on the ground, practically begging to be ended. He slinks out from the stage and charges fangs-first. He is glad his visage still remains shadowed.

[18 attack, 6 accuracy = 14 damage!]

@spotlight-the-performer

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing.] Grimm finds himself on a floor of fabric. There is a tugging in his soul; something isn’t right. A realm usually full of bustling Grimmkin and firelight is empty. Where is Incubo?

He is alone no longer as Spotlight, Crimson, and Scarlet come tumbling in. Grimm cannot bring himself to speak yet.

@spotlight-the-performer @wolf-and-fox @scarlet-and-dew

[spotlight-the-performer]

aaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA-

AUGH-

. . .

[As soon as Spotlight hits the ground, they attempt to stand back up while staggering from the fall]

Ow...

Didn't expect a fall to greet me upon entering-

[As soon as they stand up fully, Spotlight looks around, noticing the fact that they're in the Nightmare Realm]

Great… Why am I here now?

[After a few seconds of looking, they finally turn their gaze to Grimm…]

F-father?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Most felines land on their paws. Crimson, despite notably not being a cat, was not the exception to this rule, crashing straight to the floor and also screaming in sheer panic. Luckily for them, the notion of landing on all four paws helped with the shock a little bit. They don't even have time to point at Spotlight in equal confusion before following their line of sight to Grimm. GRIMM! They reflexively make a bolt to him in an effort to make sure he's okay, scrambling to actually properly run on TWO paws instead of all four like some kind of creature running up the stairs. Grimm, you good?! Are you okay?- They quickly shake their head to properly get their thoughts in order. Are you hurt?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"nonononononoNONONONONONONONOFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK"

Unfortunately, despite becoming more and more feline due to the Curse, Scarlet is not as lucky as Crimson is. In fact, she ends up faceplanting onto the fabric.

"NYAUGH, MOTHERFUCKER!"

Groaning, Scarlet slowly stands up, using her firenail as support. As she glances around, she notices Spotlight and Crimson, as well as...

"...Oh you've GOT to be SHITTING ME."

The one person they wanted to see the least, lying on the floor.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm gently presses on Crimson’s head like one would to keep a cat away from their food. “I am fine, Crimson. Just a bit startled.”

He heaves a sigh upon hearing Scarlet’s reaction, instead turning to Spotlight. “You are all here. I do not know who or what summoned us but—”

The air he breathes grows heavy for a moment, a shudder wracking him. In a flash, so short he can hardly tell it happens, a smell tinged with essence engulfs him.

smells like bad intent

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight walks up to Grimm, the scar on their chest faintly glowing]

Are you sure you’re alright, Father? It’s not like you to just pause in the middle of your sentences.

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

The droning whine from Crimson is more felt than heard, but they relent, and back up to let Spotlight have room. Perhaps Spotlight has a better frame of reference? Not like they had much of a reference regarding the Grimm Troupe. Being raised by wolves does that, unfortunately. Don't think about that. They look over to Scarlet, trying to gauge off of what they knew and also their sibling's reaction to the surroundings.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

An arctic breeze. Thunderstorm rain. Burning forests. A field of dandielions.

All these smells and more filled Scarlet’s senses, as well as the overwhelming presence of nightmare essence all around the air. Faintly, Scarlet could sense Spotlight’s dream essence.

Wait. How are they able to smell all of this? How can they even sense essence?

“What the fuck…?”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm quickly grounds himself.

“Something is not right. We need to keep moving.” In the distance, a silhouette shoots long, fabric tendrils into the ceiling and flies up like a puppet on a string.

In its wake is something baring the shape of a burlap sack.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight notices the figure in the distance and immediately draws their nail. Eyes made of fire appear in all four of Spotlight eye sockets and display a look of fear and determination]

[Their scar begins to faintly glow brighter]

What the hell is that thing!?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Spotlight's warning gives Crimson enough time to tear their focus off of Scarlet, and onto what they're seeing. They're wary, cloak bristling slightly. Something along the lines of be willing to fight rings out in the back of their head - a secondary warning, built for the worst case. They couldn't tell if there were any thorns in the area, but they slowly back up. They debate on whether a weapon would be needed or not, then decides against it. They'd probably need it later, and it's too soon to call the dreamnail in play. For now, they slowly back up, keeping themselves as low to the ground as possible, cloak bristling further.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet makes the mistake of looking up as well, looking at the strange sack. She immediately draws her firenail, preparing for a fight.

"Aw fuck."

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm steps closer and drags the sack over. It’s a Grimmkin: devoid of essence. The Bad Feeling leads away from it and into the ‘sky’ like a trail of footprints.

He braces for a fight.

“We are being hunted.”

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Hunted? What could possibly hunt us here? There’s only us, The Grimmkins, and The Nightmare-

[Spotlight freezes immediately upon thinking of The Nightmare King hunting them down. The flames in their eyes go wide in fear as they remember the encounters they’ve had with them]

[Suddenly, the flames show a more determined expression as they ready their nail and conjure another fireball in their free claw. They didn’t know for certain why they were here, nor why everyone present is potentially being hunted by The Nightmare King, but what Spotlight did know was that this was a chance to avenge a friend of their’s: Tracker.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson sees Spotlight preparing to fight, and has a moment of mental dissonance. Wha- hey hey hey what- what are you doing. Why are we immediately willing to pick a fight uhm. They quiet down, really not wanting to get the most bombastic side-eyes from literally everyone. Can- we talk about this, uhm… sir? Bestie, even? Can we talk about this? Can we maybe not have this come to blows? Please? Despite their wariness, they're still willing to try to at least come to some form of understanding before trying out stabbing.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Oh. Oh Scarlet understands what's going on.

"...hehehehe...hahahaha...Hahahahahaha...!"

Scarlet throws her head back, a hand on her forehead as tears fall down her face

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! FINALLY DECIDED TO GET RID OF US, HUH? HAD ENOUGH OF US CAUSING YOU PROBLEMS?"

She focuses her flame into her firenail, pointing it at the sky. There's a manic grin on her face and flickering fire in her eyes.

"WELL BRING IT ON, YOU HEARTLESS BITCH! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing]

The insult cuts Grimm deeply, but he has no right to chide Scarlet. The Bad Feeling stirs the air as something serpentine drags its way out of the shadows.

Grimm can hardly smell anything past the smoke as eight red eyes light up the dark. Something weighs at the bottom of his soul before being crushed under bestial hunger.

Incubo remains somewhat shadowed but his presence is made clear. Suddenly everyone is very, very afraid.

Grimm can hardly hear himself shout “RUN!” before he’s sprinting away. The walls tighten, forming a maze. And the Minotaur is right behind the group.

[Now Playing] @spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight’s scar shines a bright red in Incubo’s presence as they begin to breathe rapidly. The rising fear caused their stance to falter, the grip on their nail to slack. and the flame in their claw to dim as they take a few small steps back]

[However, they didn’t run. They still kept their nail drawn and the flame alive, but their stance was still weak. Weak enough for anyone to drag them away]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson almost initially backs up to run, cloak and fur bristling, and then is VERY painfully aware that Spotlight is going to be a potential casualty if they are left behind. They have next to no time to gauge their options, so they quickly latch their paws into their arm, claws digging as they try to get Spotlight to START MOVING. DID YOU NOT HEAR- RUN! Their voice is a pained mix of what a leader should sound like and the equivalent of a terrified cat, snapping teeth at Scarlet to ALSO start moving, quickly bolting after Grimm. SURELY he knows a way OUT, right? RIGHT?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet, despite all previous warnings, is getting ready to square up against the Nightmare King. She barks out a harsh laugh.

“YOU THINK THAT’S ENOUGH TO SCARE ME? I CAN TAKE YOU ON MYSELF, AND I WILL!”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

The beast looks down at its prey, eyes beaming down. It stretches its malformed maw and attempts to bite Scarlet half-heartedly. But before its teeth can make contact Grimm pulls her away with his wings. He somehow manages to keep pace with the others despite this little setback.

“I told you to run!”

The beast takes one giant stride for every three steps they take. They’re being herded like roaches.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight was still being dragged by Crimson. They kept their nail drawn just in case, but now they were more focused on getting the hell out of here]

[At some point, they try to Void Walk so they could run without being dragged, but they couldn’t use Void for some reason…]

Wh-what…

[They tried again, but nothing happened. So they just decided to continue running without being dragged Crimson’s paw still latched onto their arm]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Eventually they do let go of Spotlight's arm, mostly to point at Scarlet. SCARLET I SWEAR TO WHATEVER GODS ARE OUT THERE I- MMMMMMM- They have to physically avoid shaking her, and the second there's a corner they practically bound right off of it to shave off a few seconds, rolling for a little bit before scrambling back up to keep up. They debated on whether not they could hypothetically deter the current issue with loud noises, they could get the designated fox scream down fairly okay, but they really didn't want to do that overall. In fact, they'd rather watch to try to get a better idea on how to solve this particular issue. Preferably from a distance, but that's beside the point. Could burrowing be an option? Could they even dig through fabric fast enough to do that, let alone enough to fit everyone? Was it going to hurt Incubo? WHY ARE THEY THINKING ABOUT THAT? They almost lag behind to test that by focusing a bit more on the fabric underneath them, then decides nope! Not Doing That! and manages to catch up.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Cue the scruffing of Scarlet by Grimm.

"HEY WHAT THE FNYAUGH-"

And cue Scarlet struggling under said scruff.

"HEY LEMME GO I WAS GONNA KICK HIS ASS!"

Regardless, Scarlet follows along because holy fucking shit he's gaining on them.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm can hardly feel his own limbs as his strings squeeze him tight but do not pull. Is Incubo enjoying this? Incubo seems fixed on hunting down Scarlet first and foremost, but is closer to jogging than sprinting. Grimm is able to make a few sharp leaps and turns and have the beast lost before he can warp the maze.

He ducks behind a fleshy wall, gesturing for the others to stay silent as he places Scarlet down. The beast laps around in search of them. Don’t smell like fear. Don’t smell like anything, really. Or He will find you. Where did he hear that? He has vague memories of sitting around a lantern with friends but it wasn’t you not your face not your friends it never happened

With each thundering step Incubo takes he feels a tugging in his soul. Being bound to the god had its perks in this situation. Once he can no longer sense the beast he relaxes.

And then a dozen velvet tendrils wrap around him, yanking him away. Incubo seems to be in his normal form now. From here the rancid feeling is stronger than ever. He tries to reach out to Incubo, but internal communication is blocked off.

Luckily he has just enough of his wits about him to understand he’s being used as bait of some sort. But why…?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Whenever they round the corner, Spotlight places a claw on the wall and begins breathing heavily while trying to figure out why they couldn’t use Void. Was it connected to Shadelight? Do they need Shadelight in order to actually use Void??]

[Before they could truly want to figure out if that was the case, they notice Grimm being taken away by Incubo]

DAD!

[Immediately, Spotlight tries to run after them]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Part of them wants to hide. They can feel a portion of them wanting to shrink away, to hide underneath cloak and fur. They fight that want furiously, grabbing onto Spotlight immediately to pull them back into the safety of hidden. WAIT. They instead poke their snout out of the hiding spot, sniffing the air warily. They've crouched down enough to be practically on all four of their paws, and it was almost on habit for them on how steady the drop was. Stay quiet. Stay hidden. I will see first to see if the coast is clear, and if it isn't, you will know.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"SPOTLIGHT ARE YOU TRYING TO GET KILLED???"

CONSUMECONSUMECONSUMEDEVOURTHEFLESHMUSTCONSUMEMUSTBEFEDMUSTDEVOUR

"GAK-"

Scarlet grips her stomach, wincing in pain.

"Damnit...not now!"

She shakes her head, summoning a fireball to throw in case the Nightmare King comes back.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[As Spotlight gets dragged back to the safe spot, they pause and just stand there. Every part of the is saying to just run after The Nightmare King, but ultimately they know that it may end up causing more issues than it could solve]

[With nothing else to do, they sit down and just stare at their free claw]

. . .

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

They can't tell if it's safe or not. Which is never good. The quiet is starting to get to them, looking back outside. And then, a flicker of an idea. One that they.. do not know if it will work or not. But it is worth a shot, as they quickly spark a small ember, and then focuses on it. The small flame they summon, in turn, shifts to whatever they have on their mind, something low to the ground that shouldn't be easily traced back to them (though on how certain they are on that instance is… low). Something that they could use, hypothetically, to scout the immediate area to see if it was safe. Once the flame 'scurries' just out of sight, there is a slight problem that Crimson runs into very quickly. They can't…. actually see through the flame. So, the internal plan diverts from scout to as a makeshift alarm bell for the immediate vicinity. Stars, they hope it works.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

They try to shove down their cannibalistic urges, instead focusing merely on making sure the Nightmare King doesn't come back, or at least making sure it hurts like hell if he does.

You can't ignore it forever, Scarlet. Sooner or later, you will have to face the truth.

Shut up. She's been running away all this time. She can keep running.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo can smell the fear despite the distance. Honestly, he’s surprised the little group hasn’t come running. Making this so much harder

Grimm is squirming uselessly. Surely he doesn’t really think Incubo is going to kill him, does he? He inhales despite not needing to truly breathe, committing the feeling of holding Grimm like this to memory. He feels strong for once after stealing that essence.

This is the last time he ever will

Incubo flips the realm upside down, funneling Grimm’s children toward him.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight, immediately upon the realm being flipped, tries to catch themself on the wall with their claw to slow their descent, but their grip slips and they fall onto the slanted ground before sliding down]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

There is the loudest, most fox-like alarm scream from Crimson as they quickly scramble to find a clawhold, ANYTHING, ANYTHING, to cling onto, latching practically all of their claws into fabric and almost just as swiftly CLIMBS, barking- or, more accurately, screaming "CLAWS! CLAWS!!" at Scarlet and Spotlight, hoping the message got across as they very frantically look around the area to try to follow any movement, flattening themselves against the- ceiling, now. CAN YOU PLEASE NOT TRY TO KILL US I LIKE LIVING, THANK YOU. Mother would have picked a fight on the spot. Crimson is not as brave and/or reckless. Probably both, now that they think about it. They have to act fast, and they don't know what to act WITH.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"OH SHIT"

Scarlet barely has any time to react, trying and failing to claw at the floor-turned-ceiling before tumbling down alongside Spotlight. However, she breaks into a manic laugh, baring her teeth and claws brandishing her firenail.

"BRING IT ON, NIGHTMARE KING! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo hears the satisfying thump of bodies hitting the floor and smiles to himself. This was an excellent plan, even if he did not account for Crimson sensing the rift. “Eager, are we? Well I am not one to keep an audience waiting. Our coexistence has harmed enough bugs. Consider this a balancing of scales.” Then, like any good performer, he bows. He’s sure Grimm would too. He should be excited for a dance as high-stakes as this one.

A curtain of darkness covers the realm and then parts to reveal a massive stage. In the shadows behind it lurks the reason for all that stolen essence. The silhouette of a serpentine creature watches from backstage, its eight eyes gleaming like spotlights. Basked in their glow are two Grimmkin Nightmares, strings gleaming like stars. They look like reanimated corpses, despite being the same sacks as usual.

Grimm dangles helplessly in the wings.

Grimm: [210/210]

The Puppet Master: [420/420]

Grimmkin A: [100/100]

Grimmkin B: [100/100]

[Now Playing]

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Spotlight: [195/195]

Oh here we go!

[Spotlight, with their nail drawn already drawn, gets into a battle ready position before lunging at Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 7]

[Attack 1d20: 17]

[Result: 14]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 6) (6-2, 4!) Crimson sees the sudden (and potentially dangerous) situation. Grimm's there, but they're unsure if their own sense of stability will do much - plus, Incubo probably was going to see that as a challenge, and they knew even with possible backup, it'd be possibly the most… trickiest fight alive. Spotlight appears to be at the very least distracted, and there's two (as opposed to Crimson's little group of three). It's a difficult decision.

Grimm can wait, no matter how much it hurts for them to think about it. Their siblings need help. They angle their snout, seeking out the second one. They don't want to kill. They really don't. But the back of their throat starts clicking, trying to detangle their paws to safely move themselves to get a better angle. They seek that internal flame, and fire it in one singular fireball towards the second Grimmkin. Whether it was a bait or not is up to Crimson and any following reactions.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet: [150/150]

"SERIOUSLY? HIDING BEHIND YOUR LACKEYS LIKE A COWARD? COME OUT AND FACE US YOURSELF!"

Scarlet flings one of her fireballs at the Grimmkin to her right, which happened to be the same one Crimson was aiming at.

[Accuracy Roll (1d10): 8] [Attack Roll (1d20): 11] [11 - 2 = 9]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [84/100]

Grimmkin B: [86/100]

Grimmkin A charges up a fireball in retaliation to Spotlight. [1d20 - 1d10 = 14!]

Grimmkin B swings its staff [9]

Grimm can’t tell what the purpose of this battle is, or why he has to watch. Incubo’s unseeing glare lands on him. Is that…relief?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20]

[Result: 18]

[Spotlight quickly slashes through the fireball and goes to attack Grimmkin A again]

[Accuracy 1d10: 9]

[Attack 1d20: 18]

[Result: 17]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 7) (7-2, 5!) CURSES! Crimson hisses warily. They're lucky the focus was pulled off of them, but now not only is the entire notion that both kin in danger (and both WILLINGLY), they are no closer to solving either problem. A paw twitches to Grimm's direction, but they immediately hesitate. Not yet. They still won't leave the ceiling, but they are planning, clicking the back of their throat to prime the next burst of flame as they reposition against the second Grimmkin. They are forced to fight. They heavily do not want to, but they sure feel like they're forced to regardless. This particular internal voice thrums in their mind constantly as they shoot another fireball at the one focused on Scarlet. They need to get down from the ceiling, but they're trying to wait for an opening.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense (1d20): 17] Scarlet: [150/150]

Scarlet manages to step to the side with ease.

"COME ON, THAT ALL YOU GOT?!"

[Accuracy Roll: 2] [Attack Roll: 16] [16 - 8 = 8]

Scarlet dashes in, nail pointed at the Grimmkin that attacked her.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Grimmkin A: 67/100]

Seeing its efforts against Spotlight fail it decides to go support its partner in fighting Scarlet.

[Grimmkin B: 73/100]

[Together:

A: 7-3

B: 14-2 = 16 (to both Crimson and Scarlet)!]

One of the pair summons essence pillars while the other sends out a flurry of fireballs.

Grimm can feel his body beginning to numb. Is this really Incubo’s attempt to kill them? Not exactly the sort of final dance he’d expect. There had to be some sort of reason Incubo was holding out on them.

Then, it strikes him: a good performer knows to build up tension within the audience. The Grimmkin are an appetizer; something to get his children angry. Best to leave them wanting for more before the main course.

He doesn’t like where this is going.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight immediately goes to attack Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 8]

[Attack 1d20: 16]

[Result: 14]

Over here, you bastard!

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(92/100) (1d20 Defensive Dice: 8) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 9) (1d20 Combat Dice: 11) (11-1, 10!)

They want to be down there significantly less after having caught fire directly to the face, only making one indignant fox scream back at the Grimmkin who shot fire at their face, watching their movements carefully. They want to play like that? Fine. They'll come down. They teleport- but almost directly on top of the Grimmkin that decided to shoot fire at them, biting at their arm and clinging on for dear life. Through the cloth and teeth, they manage to get words. PLEASE DO NOT SHOOT FIRE AT MY FACE PLEASE.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 1]

Scarlet ends up taking the full brunt of the attacks, sent flying into a wall.

Scarlet: [135/150]

She drags herself upward, a small amount of blood dripping from their forehead. However, instead of growling or screeching, she licks the blood with a manic grin.

"Haha...hahaha, HAHAHAHAHAHA! NOW THAT'S MORE LIKE IT!"

She wildly summons fireballs, flinging them at the Grimmkin that shot the pillar of fire.

[Accuracy Roll: 1] [Attack Roll: 19] [19 - 9 = 10]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [33/100]

Grimmkin B: [73/100]

The first Grimmkin is looking rather torn, leaking stuffing and essence. Its puppeted body shows no signs of exhaustion as it tears itself from Crimson’s maw and tries to shoot more flames.

[Attack 1/20 Accuracy 9/10

0 damage.]

The fire sputters out.

The second swings its torch at Scarlet.

[Attack 8/20 Accuracy 3/10

1 damage.]

Its ragged body cannot manage to put any force behind the blow.

Unsatisfied, the god backstage slashes at the group with its claws.

[Attack 15/20 Accuracy 8/10

7 damage.]

Grimm succeeds in holding them back. There is a future with everyone in it, he knows there is. The fighting will not bring the desired peace of mind.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20: 13]

[Spotlight quickly blocks Incubo’s claws before focusing a flame into their nail and going to attack Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 8]

[Attack 1d20: 19]

[Result: 17]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (Defensive Dice: 6) (Accuracy Dice: 1) (Combat Dice: 10) (10-9, 1!) Crimson is WILDLY lucky, sliding across the ground and- almost feels guilty for the failed fireball. They almost click the back of their throat in an effort to help, but they are cut short by the claws appearing out of nowhere for them. Habit takes over, and aside from a scratch on one of their horns, ducking seems to have saved them from the majority. It doesn't feel awesome, having a scratch there, but they'll live. So long as it isn't- They shake their head and snap teeth again at the first Grimmkin, teeth scoring against cloth but not catching.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 4]

Scarlet barely manages to hop backward, their arm getting scratched by the claw. They wince, but her manic grin returns again.

Scarlet: [131/150]

Instead of targeting the first Grimmkin like the others are, she instead lunges at the second Grimmkin, intent on ripping it to shreds with her bare claws. Her hunger grows by the second

[Accuracy Roll: 8] [Attack Roll: 10] [10 - 2 = 8]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [15/100]

Grimmkin B: [65/100]

The first Grimmkin is ripped to hell and back. It seems dazed, like it just woke up from a coma. Despite its state it rushes to pull its partner out of Scarlet’s grip.

The eyes above the stage soften incrementally and the god succumbs to sympathy as the first kin flees behind the curtain. The peace does not last.

Grimmkin B: [6 damage, 10 accuracy = 6 damage!]

It hasn’t the mind left to be cautious as it swings at Scarlet again. Something personal is bleeding through.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

One down…

[Spotlight quickly summons a fire ball and throws it at Grimmkin B]

[Attack 1d20: 2]

[Accuracy 1d10: 10]

[Spotlight realizes mid throw that it probably won’t do as much damage as they’d had hope, but it doesn’t matter. They just need to either do enough damage so Scarlet and Crimson can take it out or distract it.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 5) (1d20 Combat Dice: 11) (11 - 5, 6!) Crimson's main intention was to herd the final Grimmkin away from everyone else - they were acting on self defense. They really did not want further harm. Their teeth had other plans, as mid-snap they accidentally catch and rip through cloth. They almost immediately let go and apologize for the accidental injury, before going right back to trying to herd to the best of their ability.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 5]

Scarlet barely flinches as the attack lands.

Scarlet: [130/150]

"Aww, isn't that cute...My turn."

Scarlet focuses her flames onto her claws and then swings wildly at the Grimmkin that attacked her.

[Accuracy Roll: 7] [Attack Roll: 20!] [20 - 3 = 17]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin B: [40/100]

The god above watches impatiently.

There’s a better way. You do not have to do this, Grimm thinks.

The Nightmare King does not care. He knows this has been coming. Always another way, when he’s been trying his damndest and never found one. Grimm knoww this too well. Incubo is sick of Grimm’s faux innocence. Enough lying, enough warring. If he is too cowardly to truly die by his own claw, then he can at least let someone else be his executioner.

This is for the best, She was right about him.

Grimmkin B: [15 attack, 5 accuracy = 10 damage.]

It turns the stuffing leaking out of it into embers that singe Crimson in retaliation.

The Puppet Master: [17 damage, 5 accuracy = 12 damage!]

He strikes again, using all four sets of claws.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20: 13]

[195/195]

[Spotlight quickly raises their nail at the last second and manages to block the claws]

[Immediately, they dash at Grimmkin B with their nail ready]

[Attack 1d20: 20]

[Accuracy 1d20: 6]

[Result: 16]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (1d20 Defensive Dice: 14, 17 - both damage checks passed!) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 4) (1d20 Combat Dice: 12) (12-6, 6!) Crimson skitters back first from the embers, emitting a short baffled laugh of amusement and some form of quick learning - they can do that? Fascinating! - before snapping at the cloth again to try to herd the Grimmkin further to what they assumed to be safety, for them to regroup. Please regroup. They quickly raise their head at the sound of the claws, and they quickly dart out of the way, sliding back on all four paws. I DON'T WANT TO HURT YOU, PLEASE DON'T SWING AT US THREE PLEASE? OR GRIMM? PLEASE?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 9]

Scarlet attempts to block the attack, but is instead sent backward by the attack.

Scarlet: [122/150]

She struggles slightly to get up, but when she does she growls.

"STOP HIDING BEHIND THESE USELESS SACKS OF SHIT! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE THE NIGHTMARE KING, ARE YOU NOT? COME DOWN AND FACE US YOURSELVES YOU COWARD!"

Scarlet flings a fire

[Accuracy Roll: 9] [Attack Roll: 5] [5 - 1 = 4]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

The remaining Grimmkin falls limp, its strings cut.

“You’re right. Why keep a captive audience waiting?”

Grimm thinks this is good showmanship. And then he thinks “oh no”. And then his thoughts are shoved aside.

The tendril holding him lets go and he hits the stage like a ragdoll.

Sunk cost is a funny thing. No matter how futile continuing is, you can never really end it.

Shiny red threads glint in the air as Grimm stands. Every movement is too choppy. The feeling of being guided in such a way is nostalgic. Old friends, back together.

Grimm: [210/210]

The Puppet Master: [420/420]

[12 attack, 5 accuracy = 7 damage!]

‘Grimm’ limply lunges toward Spotlight, using his wings as a blade.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20: 8]

[195/195]

Spotlight freezes for a moment before raising their nail to block it at the last second]

[Attack 1d20: 8]

[Accuracy 1d10: 4]

[Result: 2]

[They hesitated as they went to strike. Spotlight had always wanted to rematch Grimm to test their strength after all these years, but this didn’t feel right…]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 10) 1d20 Combat Dice: 17) No. This is where Crimson would usually tap out of combat. They won't. They can't bring themselves to. That old chant that they once heard rings in their head like a GONG, forcing their teeth and claws away from the main fight. No. They can do better. They have to do better. There is a better plan. They watch the fight ensue. This feels wrong, so what is making it feel wrong? They want to move closer to the fight, but they're afraid they'll hurt either of them. The memory of the chant forces its way back into their head, and they have to physically shake themselves to clear it from their head, angling themselves closer to the sides of the fight to see if the light direction will be able to help. No. They need to be careful, actually. That's the point. They need to fight for everyone's sake. He's trapped. Grimm's trapped. If mother was scared, so will he. They save some embers for later, eyeing Spotlight and Scarlet's movements, before trying to push through every thought processing that is screaming at them to DO NOT- They bite at Grimm's arm. Accidentally, QUITE hard, despite deliberately aiming for as little physical damage as possible. They look like they're about to cry while they're hissing out SEVERAL apologies to him.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet: [122/150]

This bastard.

This absolute bastard.

First the Grimmkin and now Grimm? It's like Incubo's not even trying to take them seriously.

"HEY. BITCH. I SAID YOU COME DOWN, NOT YOUR PUPPET. OR ARE YOU JUST THAT SCARED WE'LL KILL YOU?"

Nevertheless, Scarlet throws a fireball at Grimm to ensure Spotlight and Crimson's safety.

[Accuracy Roll: 9] [Attack Roll: 6] [6 - 1 = 5]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[11 defense | 10 attack, 9 accuracy = 9 damage!]

Grimm: [197/210]

The Puppet Master: [407/420] ‘Grimm’ screeches as he rips Crimson from his arm and is yanked by his strings to dodge the fireball. No, no, they’ve fallen for it! He wants to warn them that thinking the only way out is to kill is what Incubo wants.

Grimm manages to pull away from slashing at Crimson and redirecting to Spotlight instead.

Why?

You were all I had left, and then the illusion was broken. You never believed my life was worth all this, so why keep pretending? One way or another one party will lose this fight, and the victor can continue uninhibited. Isn’t this for the best?

Was this Grimm’s fault? No, it couldn’t be. Leaving Scarlet had to be the right choice. Incubo is fully wrong; he’s just doing this to torment them.

No matter how much he tries, he cannot summon rage. But it wasn’t his fault.

@spotlight-the-performer

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing.] Grimm finds himself on a floor of fabric. There is a tugging in his soul; something isn’t right. A realm usually full of bustling Grimmkin and firelight is empty. Where is Incubo?

He is alone no longer as Spotlight, Crimson, and Scarlet come tumbling in. Grimm cannot bring himself to speak yet.

@spotlight-the-performer @wolf-and-fox @scarlet-and-dew

[spotlight-the-performer]

aaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA-

AUGH-

. . .

[As soon as Spotlight hits the ground, they attempt to stand back up while staggering from the fall]

Ow...

Didn't expect a fall to greet me upon entering-

[As soon as they stand up fully, Spotlight looks around, noticing the fact that they're in the Nightmare Realm]

Great… Why am I here now?

[After a few seconds of looking, they finally turn their gaze to Grimm…]

F-father?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Most felines land on their paws. Crimson, despite notably not being a cat, was not the exception to this rule, crashing straight to the floor and also screaming in sheer panic. Luckily for them, the notion of landing on all four paws helped with the shock a little bit. They don't even have time to point at Spotlight in equal confusion before following their line of sight to Grimm. GRIMM! They reflexively make a bolt to him in an effort to make sure he's okay, scrambling to actually properly run on TWO paws instead of all four like some kind of creature running up the stairs. Grimm, you good?! Are you okay?- They quickly shake their head to properly get their thoughts in order. Are you hurt?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"nonononononoNONONONONONONONOFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK"

Unfortunately, despite becoming more and more feline due to the Curse, Scarlet is not as lucky as Crimson is. In fact, she ends up faceplanting onto the fabric.

"NYAUGH, MOTHERFUCKER!"

Groaning, Scarlet slowly stands up, using her firenail as support. As she glances around, she notices Spotlight and Crimson, as well as...

"...Oh you've GOT to be SHITTING ME."

The one person they wanted to see the least, lying on the floor.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm gently presses on Crimson’s head like one would to keep a cat away from their food. “I am fine, Crimson. Just a bit startled.”

He heaves a sigh upon hearing Scarlet’s reaction, instead turning to Spotlight. “You are all here. I do not know who or what summoned us but—”

The air he breathes grows heavy for a moment, a shudder wracking him. In a flash, so short he can hardly tell it happens, a smell tinged with essence engulfs him.

smells like bad intent

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight walks up to Grimm, the scar on their chest faintly glowing]

Are you sure you’re alright, Father? It’s not like you to just pause in the middle of your sentences.

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

The droning whine from Crimson is more felt than heard, but they relent, and back up to let Spotlight have room. Perhaps Spotlight has a better frame of reference? Not like they had much of a reference regarding the Grimm Troupe. Being raised by wolves does that, unfortunately. Don't think about that. They look over to Scarlet, trying to gauge off of what they knew and also their sibling's reaction to the surroundings.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

An arctic breeze. Thunderstorm rain. Burning forests. A field of dandielions.

All these smells and more filled Scarlet’s senses, as well as the overwhelming presence of nightmare essence all around the air. Faintly, Scarlet could sense Spotlight’s dream essence.

Wait. How are they able to smell all of this? How can they even sense essence?

“What the fuck…?”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm quickly grounds himself.

“Something is not right. We need to keep moving.” In the distance, a silhouette shoots long, fabric tendrils into the ceiling and flies up like a puppet on a string.

In its wake is something baring the shape of a burlap sack.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight notices the figure in the distance and immediately draws their nail. Eyes made of fire appear in all four of Spotlight eye sockets and display a look of fear and determination]

[Their scar begins to faintly glow brighter]

What the hell is that thing!?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Spotlight's warning gives Crimson enough time to tear their focus off of Scarlet, and onto what they're seeing. They're wary, cloak bristling slightly. Something along the lines of be willing to fight rings out in the back of their head - a secondary warning, built for the worst case. They couldn't tell if there were any thorns in the area, but they slowly back up. They debate on whether a weapon would be needed or not, then decides against it. They'd probably need it later, and it's too soon to call the dreamnail in play. For now, they slowly back up, keeping themselves as low to the ground as possible, cloak bristling further.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet makes the mistake of looking up as well, looking at the strange sack. She immediately draws her firenail, preparing for a fight.

"Aw fuck."

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm steps closer and drags the sack over. It’s a Grimmkin: devoid of essence. The Bad Feeling leads away from it and into the ‘sky’ like a trail of footprints.

He braces for a fight.

“We are being hunted.”

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Hunted? What could possibly hunt us here? There’s only us, The Grimmkins, and The Nightmare-

[Spotlight freezes immediately upon thinking of The Nightmare King hunting them down. The flames in their eyes go wide in fear as they remember the encounters they’ve had with them]

[Suddenly, the flames show a more determined expression as they ready their nail and conjure another fireball in their free claw. They didn’t know for certain why they were here, nor why everyone present is potentially being hunted by The Nightmare King, but what Spotlight did know was that this was a chance to avenge a friend of their’s: Tracker.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson sees Spotlight preparing to fight, and has a moment of mental dissonance. Wha- hey hey hey what- what are you doing. Why are we immediately willing to pick a fight uhm. They quiet down, really not wanting to get the most bombastic side-eyes from literally everyone. Can- we talk about this, uhm… sir? Bestie, even? Can we talk about this? Can we maybe not have this come to blows? Please? Despite their wariness, they're still willing to try to at least come to some form of understanding before trying out stabbing.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Oh. Oh Scarlet understands what's going on.

"...hehehehe...hahahaha...Hahahahahaha...!"

Scarlet throws her head back, a hand on her forehead as tears fall down her face

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! FINALLY DECIDED TO GET RID OF US, HUH? HAD ENOUGH OF US CAUSING YOU PROBLEMS?"

She focuses her flame into her firenail, pointing it at the sky. There's a manic grin on her face and flickering fire in her eyes.

"WELL BRING IT ON, YOU HEARTLESS BITCH! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing]

The insult cuts Grimm deeply, but he has no right to chide Scarlet. The Bad Feeling stirs the air as something serpentine drags its way out of the shadows.

Grimm can hardly smell anything past the smoke as eight red eyes light up the dark. Something weighs at the bottom of his soul before being crushed under bestial hunger.

Incubo remains somewhat shadowed but his presence is made clear. Suddenly everyone is very, very afraid.

Grimm can hardly hear himself shout “RUN!” before he’s sprinting away. The walls tighten, forming a maze. And the Minotaur is right behind the group.

[Now Playing] @spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight’s scar shines a bright red in Incubo’s presence as they begin to breathe rapidly. The rising fear caused their stance to falter, the grip on their nail to slack. and the flame in their claw to dim as they take a few small steps back]

[However, they didn’t run. They still kept their nail drawn and the flame alive, but their stance was still weak. Weak enough for anyone to drag them away]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson almost initially backs up to run, cloak and fur bristling, and then is VERY painfully aware that Spotlight is going to be a potential casualty if they are left behind. They have next to no time to gauge their options, so they quickly latch their paws into their arm, claws digging as they try to get Spotlight to START MOVING. DID YOU NOT HEAR- RUN! Their voice is a pained mix of what a leader should sound like and the equivalent of a terrified cat, snapping teeth at Scarlet to ALSO start moving, quickly bolting after Grimm. SURELY he knows a way OUT, right? RIGHT?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet, despite all previous warnings, is getting ready to square up against the Nightmare King. She barks out a harsh laugh.

“YOU THINK THAT’S ENOUGH TO SCARE ME? I CAN TAKE YOU ON MYSELF, AND I WILL!”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

The beast looks down at its prey, eyes beaming down. It stretches its malformed maw and attempts to bite Scarlet half-heartedly. But before its teeth can make contact Grimm pulls her away with his wings. He somehow manages to keep pace with the others despite this little setback.

“I told you to run!”

The beast takes one giant stride for every three steps they take. They’re being herded like roaches.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight was still being dragged by Crimson. They kept their nail drawn just in case, but now they were more focused on getting the hell out of here]

[At some point, they try to Void Walk so they could run without being dragged, but they couldn’t use Void for some reason…]

Wh-what…

[They tried again, but nothing happened. So they just decided to continue running without being dragged Crimson’s paw still latched onto their arm]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Eventually they do let go of Spotlight's arm, mostly to point at Scarlet. SCARLET I SWEAR TO WHATEVER GODS ARE OUT THERE I- MMMMMMM- They have to physically avoid shaking her, and the second there's a corner they practically bound right off of it to shave off a few seconds, rolling for a little bit before scrambling back up to keep up. They debated on whether not they could hypothetically deter the current issue with loud noises, they could get the designated fox scream down fairly okay, but they really didn't want to do that overall. In fact, they'd rather watch to try to get a better idea on how to solve this particular issue. Preferably from a distance, but that's beside the point. Could burrowing be an option? Could they even dig through fabric fast enough to do that, let alone enough to fit everyone? Was it going to hurt Incubo? WHY ARE THEY THINKING ABOUT THAT? They almost lag behind to test that by focusing a bit more on the fabric underneath them, then decides nope! Not Doing That! and manages to catch up.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Cue the scruffing of Scarlet by Grimm.

"HEY WHAT THE FNYAUGH-"

And cue Scarlet struggling under said scruff.

"HEY LEMME GO I WAS GONNA KICK HIS ASS!"

Regardless, Scarlet follows along because holy fucking shit he's gaining on them.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm can hardly feel his own limbs as his strings squeeze him tight but do not pull. Is Incubo enjoying this? Incubo seems fixed on hunting down Scarlet first and foremost, but is closer to jogging than sprinting. Grimm is able to make a few sharp leaps and turns and have the beast lost before he can warp the maze.

He ducks behind a fleshy wall, gesturing for the others to stay silent as he places Scarlet down. The beast laps around in search of them. Don’t smell like fear. Don’t smell like anything, really. Or He will find you. Where did he hear that? He has vague memories of sitting around a lantern with friends but it wasn’t you not your face not your friends it never happened

With each thundering step Incubo takes he feels a tugging in his soul. Being bound to the god had its perks in this situation. Once he can no longer sense the beast he relaxes.

And then a dozen velvet tendrils wrap around him, yanking him away. Incubo seems to be in his normal form now. From here the rancid feeling is stronger than ever. He tries to reach out to Incubo, but internal communication is blocked off.

Luckily he has just enough of his wits about him to understand he’s being used as bait of some sort. But why…?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Whenever they round the corner, Spotlight places a claw on the wall and begins breathing heavily while trying to figure out why they couldn’t use Void. Was it connected to Shadelight? Do they need Shadelight in order to actually use Void??]

[Before they could truly want to figure out if that was the case, they notice Grimm being taken away by Incubo]

DAD!

[Immediately, Spotlight tries to run after them]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Part of them wants to hide. They can feel a portion of them wanting to shrink away, to hide underneath cloak and fur. They fight that want furiously, grabbing onto Spotlight immediately to pull them back into the safety of hidden. WAIT. They instead poke their snout out of the hiding spot, sniffing the air warily. They've crouched down enough to be practically on all four of their paws, and it was almost on habit for them on how steady the drop was. Stay quiet. Stay hidden. I will see first to see if the coast is clear, and if it isn't, you will know.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"SPOTLIGHT ARE YOU TRYING TO GET KILLED???"

CONSUMECONSUMECONSUMEDEVOURTHEFLESHMUSTCONSUMEMUSTBEFEDMUSTDEVOUR

"GAK-"

Scarlet grips her stomach, wincing in pain.

"Damnit...not now!"

She shakes her head, summoning a fireball to throw in case the Nightmare King comes back.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[As Spotlight gets dragged back to the safe spot, they pause and just stand there. Every part of the is saying to just run after The Nightmare King, but ultimately they know that it may end up causing more issues than it could solve]

[With nothing else to do, they sit down and just stare at their free claw]

. . .

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

They can't tell if it's safe or not. Which is never good. The quiet is starting to get to them, looking back outside. And then, a flicker of an idea. One that they.. do not know if it will work or not. But it is worth a shot, as they quickly spark a small ember, and then focuses on it. The small flame they summon, in turn, shifts to whatever they have on their mind, something low to the ground that shouldn't be easily traced back to them (though on how certain they are on that instance is… low). Something that they could use, hypothetically, to scout the immediate area to see if it was safe. Once the flame 'scurries' just out of sight, there is a slight problem that Crimson runs into very quickly. They can't…. actually see through the flame. So, the internal plan diverts from scout to as a makeshift alarm bell for the immediate vicinity. Stars, they hope it works.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

They try to shove down their cannibalistic urges, instead focusing merely on making sure the Nightmare King doesn't come back, or at least making sure it hurts like hell if he does.

You can't ignore it forever, Scarlet. Sooner or later, you will have to face the truth.

Shut up. She's been running away all this time. She can keep running.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo can smell the fear despite the distance. Honestly, he’s surprised the little group hasn’t come running. Making this so much harder

Grimm is squirming uselessly. Surely he doesn’t really think Incubo is going to kill him, does he? He inhales despite not needing to truly breathe, committing the feeling of holding Grimm like this to memory. He feels strong for once after stealing that essence.

This is the last time he ever will

Incubo flips the realm upside down, funneling Grimm’s children toward him.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight, immediately upon the realm being flipped, tries to catch themself on the wall with their claw to slow their descent, but their grip slips and they fall onto the slanted ground before sliding down]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

There is the loudest, most fox-like alarm scream from Crimson as they quickly scramble to find a clawhold, ANYTHING, ANYTHING, to cling onto, latching practically all of their claws into fabric and almost just as swiftly CLIMBS, barking- or, more accurately, screaming "CLAWS! CLAWS!!" at Scarlet and Spotlight, hoping the message got across as they very frantically look around the area to try to follow any movement, flattening themselves against the- ceiling, now. CAN YOU PLEASE NOT TRY TO KILL US I LIKE LIVING, THANK YOU. Mother would have picked a fight on the spot. Crimson is not as brave and/or reckless. Probably both, now that they think about it. They have to act fast, and they don't know what to act WITH.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"OH SHIT"

Scarlet barely has any time to react, trying and failing to claw at the floor-turned-ceiling before tumbling down alongside Spotlight. However, she breaks into a manic laugh, baring her teeth and claws brandishing her firenail.

"BRING IT ON, NIGHTMARE KING! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo hears the satisfying thump of bodies hitting the floor and smiles to himself. This was an excellent plan, even if he did not account for Crimson sensing the rift. “Eager, are we? Well I am not one to keep an audience waiting. Our coexistence has harmed enough bugs. Consider this a balancing of scales.” Then, like any good performer, he bows. He’s sure Grimm would too. He should be excited for a dance as high-stakes as this one.

A curtain of darkness covers the realm and then parts to reveal a massive stage. In the shadows behind it lurks the reason for all that stolen essence. The silhouette of a serpentine creature watches from backstage, its eight eyes gleaming like spotlights. Basked in their glow are two Grimmkin Nightmares, strings gleaming like stars. They look like reanimated corpses, despite being the same sacks as usual.

Grimm dangles helplessly in the wings.

Grimm: [210/210]

The Puppet Master: [420/420]

Grimmkin A: [100/100]

Grimmkin B: [100/100]

[Now Playing]

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Spotlight: [195/195]

Oh here we go!

[Spotlight, with their nail drawn already drawn, gets into a battle ready position before lunging at Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 7]

[Attack 1d20: 17]

[Result: 14]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 6) (6-2, 4!) Crimson sees the sudden (and potentially dangerous) situation. Grimm's there, but they're unsure if their own sense of stability will do much - plus, Incubo probably was going to see that as a challenge, and they knew even with possible backup, it'd be possibly the most… trickiest fight alive. Spotlight appears to be at the very least distracted, and there's two (as opposed to Crimson's little group of three). It's a difficult decision.

Grimm can wait, no matter how much it hurts for them to think about it. Their siblings need help. They angle their snout, seeking out the second one. They don't want to kill. They really don't. But the back of their throat starts clicking, trying to detangle their paws to safely move themselves to get a better angle. They seek that internal flame, and fire it in one singular fireball towards the second Grimmkin. Whether it was a bait or not is up to Crimson and any following reactions.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet: [150/150]

"SERIOUSLY? HIDING BEHIND YOUR LACKEYS LIKE A COWARD? COME OUT AND FACE US YOURSELF!"

Scarlet flings one of her fireballs at the Grimmkin to her right, which happened to be the same one Crimson was aiming at.

[Accuracy Roll (1d10): 8] [Attack Roll (1d20): 11] [11 - 2 = 9]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [84/100]

Grimmkin B: [86/100]

Grimmkin A charges up a fireball in retaliation to Spotlight. [1d20 - 1d10 = 14!]

Grimmkin B swings its staff [9]

Grimm can’t tell what the purpose of this battle is, or why he has to watch. Incubo’s unseeing glare lands on him. Is that…relief?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20]

[Result: 18]

[Spotlight quickly slashes through the fireball and goes to attack Grimmkin A again]

[Accuracy 1d10: 9]

[Attack 1d20: 18]

[Result: 17]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 7) (7-2, 5!) CURSES! Crimson hisses warily. They're lucky the focus was pulled off of them, but now not only is the entire notion that both kin in danger (and both WILLINGLY), they are no closer to solving either problem. A paw twitches to Grimm's direction, but they immediately hesitate. Not yet. They still won't leave the ceiling, but they are planning, clicking the back of their throat to prime the next burst of flame as they reposition against the second Grimmkin. They are forced to fight. They heavily do not want to, but they sure feel like they're forced to regardless. This particular internal voice thrums in their mind constantly as they shoot another fireball at the one focused on Scarlet. They need to get down from the ceiling, but they're trying to wait for an opening.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense (1d20): 17] Scarlet: [150/150]

Scarlet manages to step to the side with ease.

"COME ON, THAT ALL YOU GOT?!"

[Accuracy Roll: 2] [Attack Roll: 16] [16 - 8 = 8]

Scarlet dashes in, nail pointed at the Grimmkin that attacked her.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Grimmkin A: 67/100]

Seeing its efforts against Spotlight fail it decides to go support its partner in fighting Scarlet.

[Grimmkin B: 73/100]

[Together:

A: 7-3

B: 14-2 = 16 (to both Crimson and Scarlet)!]

One of the pair summons essence pillars while the other sends out a flurry of fireballs.

Grimm can feel his body beginning to numb. Is this really Incubo’s attempt to kill them? Not exactly the sort of final dance he’d expect. There had to be some sort of reason Incubo was holding out on them.

Then, it strikes him: a good performer knows to build up tension within the audience. The Grimmkin are an appetizer; something to get his children angry. Best to leave them wanting for more before the main course.

He doesn’t like where this is going.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight immediately goes to attack Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 8]

[Attack 1d20: 16]

[Result: 14]

Over here, you bastard!

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(92/100) (1d20 Defensive Dice: 8) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 9) (1d20 Combat Dice: 11) (11-1, 10!)

They want to be down there significantly less after having caught fire directly to the face, only making one indignant fox scream back at the Grimmkin who shot fire at their face, watching their movements carefully. They want to play like that? Fine. They'll come down. They teleport- but almost directly on top of the Grimmkin that decided to shoot fire at them, biting at their arm and clinging on for dear life. Through the cloth and teeth, they manage to get words. PLEASE DO NOT SHOOT FIRE AT MY FACE PLEASE.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 1]

Scarlet ends up taking the full brunt of the attacks, sent flying into a wall.

Scarlet: [135/150]

She drags herself upward, a small amount of blood dripping from their forehead. However, instead of growling or screeching, she licks the blood with a manic grin.

"Haha...hahaha, HAHAHAHAHAHA! NOW THAT'S MORE LIKE IT!"

She wildly summons fireballs, flinging them at the Grimmkin that shot the pillar of fire.

[Accuracy Roll: 1] [Attack Roll: 19] [19 - 9 = 10]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [33/100]

Grimmkin B: [73/100]

The first Grimmkin is looking rather torn, leaking stuffing and essence. Its puppeted body shows no signs of exhaustion as it tears itself from Crimson’s maw and tries to shoot more flames.

[Attack 1/20 Accuracy 9/10

0 damage.]

The fire sputters out.

The second swings its torch at Scarlet.

[Attack 8/20 Accuracy 3/10

1 damage.]

Its ragged body cannot manage to put any force behind the blow.

Unsatisfied, the god backstage slashes at the group with its claws.

[Attack 15/20 Accuracy 8/10

7 damage.]

Grimm succeeds in holding them back. There is a future with everyone in it, he knows there is. The fighting will not bring the desired peace of mind.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20: 13]

[Spotlight quickly blocks Incubo’s claws before focusing a flame into their nail and going to attack Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 8]

[Attack 1d20: 19]

[Result: 17]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (Defensive Dice: 6) (Accuracy Dice: 1) (Combat Dice: 10) (10-9, 1!) Crimson is WILDLY lucky, sliding across the ground and- almost feels guilty for the failed fireball. They almost click the back of their throat in an effort to help, but they are cut short by the claws appearing out of nowhere for them. Habit takes over, and aside from a scratch on one of their horns, ducking seems to have saved them from the majority. It doesn't feel awesome, having a scratch there, but they'll live. So long as it isn't- They shake their head and snap teeth again at the first Grimmkin, teeth scoring against cloth but not catching.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 4]

Scarlet barely manages to hop backward, their arm getting scratched by the claw. They wince, but her manic grin returns again.

Scarlet: [131/150]

Instead of targeting the first Grimmkin like the others are, she instead lunges at the second Grimmkin, intent on ripping it to shreds with her bare claws. Her hunger grows by the second

[Accuracy Roll: 8] [Attack Roll: 10] [10 - 2 = 8]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [15/100]

Grimmkin B: [65/100]

The first Grimmkin is ripped to hell and back. It seems dazed, like it just woke up from a coma. Despite its state it rushes to pull its partner out of Scarlet’s grip.

The eyes above the stage soften incrementally and the god succumbs to sympathy as the first kin flees behind the curtain. The peace does not last.

Grimmkin B: [6 damage, 10 accuracy = 6 damage!]

It hasn’t the mind left to be cautious as it swings at Scarlet again. Something personal is bleeding through.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

One down…

[Spotlight quickly summons a fire ball and throws it at Grimmkin B]

[Attack 1d20: 2]

[Accuracy 1d10: 10]

[Spotlight realizes mid throw that it probably won’t do as much damage as they’d had hope, but it doesn’t matter. They just need to either do enough damage so Scarlet and Crimson can take it out or distract it.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 5) (1d20 Combat Dice: 11) (11 - 5, 6!) Crimson's main intention was to herd the final Grimmkin away from everyone else - they were acting on self defense. They really did not want further harm. Their teeth had other plans, as mid-snap they accidentally catch and rip through cloth. They almost immediately let go and apologize for the accidental injury, before going right back to trying to herd to the best of their ability.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 5]

Scarlet barely flinches as the attack lands.

Scarlet: [130/150]

"Aww, isn't that cute...My turn."

Scarlet focuses her flames onto her claws and then swings wildly at the Grimmkin that attacked her.

[Accuracy Roll: 7] [Attack Roll: 20!] [20 - 3 = 17]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin B: [40/100]

The god above watches impatiently.

There’s a better way. You do not have to do this, Grimm thinks.

The Nightmare King does not care. He knows this has been coming. Always another way, when he’s been trying his damndest and never found one. Grimm knoww this too well. Incubo is sick of Grimm’s faux innocence. Enough lying, enough warring. If he is too cowardly to truly die by his own claw, then he can at least let someone else be his executioner.

This is for the best, She was right about him.

Grimmkin B: [15 attack, 5 accuracy = 10 damage.]

It turns the stuffing leaking out of it into embers that singe Crimson in retaliation.

The Puppet Master: [17 damage, 5 accuracy = 12 damage!]

He strikes again, using all four sets of claws.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20: 13]

[195/195]

[Spotlight quickly raises their nail at the last second and manages to block the claws]

[Immediately, they dash at Grimmkin B with their nail ready]

[Attack 1d20: 20]

[Accuracy 1d20: 6]

[Result: 16]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (1d20 Defensive Dice: 14, 17 - both damage checks passed!) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 4) (1d20 Combat Dice: 12) (12-6, 6!) Crimson skitters back first from the embers, emitting a short baffled laugh of amusement and some form of quick learning - they can do that? Fascinating! - before snapping at the cloth again to try to herd the Grimmkin further to what they assumed to be safety, for them to regroup. Please regroup. They quickly raise their head at the sound of the claws, and they quickly dart out of the way, sliding back on all four paws. I DON'T WANT TO HURT YOU, PLEASE DON'T SWING AT US THREE PLEASE? OR GRIMM? PLEASE?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 9]

Scarlet attempts to block the attack, but is instead sent backward by the attack.

Scarlet: [122/150]

She struggles slightly to get up, but when she does she growls.

"STOP HIDING BEHIND THESE USELESS SACKS OF SHIT! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE THE NIGHTMARE KING, ARE YOU NOT? COME DOWN AND FACE US YOURSELVES YOU COWARD!"

Scarlet flings a fire

[Accuracy Roll: 9] [Attack Roll: 5] [5 - 1 = 4]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

The remaining Grimmkin falls limp, its strings cut.

“You’re right. Why keep a captive audience waiting?”

Grimm thinks this is good showmanship. And then he thinks “oh no”. And then his thoughts are shoved aside.

The tendril holding him lets go and he hits the stage like a ragdoll.

Sunk cost is a funny thing. No matter how futile continuing is, you can never really end it.

Shiny red threads glint in the air as Grimm stands. Every movement is too choppy. The feeling of being guided in such a way is nostalgic. Old friends, back together.

Grimm: [210/210]

The Puppet Master: [420/420]

[12 attack, 5 accuracy = 7 damage!]

‘Grimm’ limply lunges toward Spotlight, using his wings as a blade.

@spotlight-the-performer

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing.] Grimm finds himself on a floor of fabric. There is a tugging in his soul; something isn’t right. A realm usually full of bustling Grimmkin and firelight is empty. Where is Incubo?

He is alone no longer as Spotlight, Crimson, and Scarlet come tumbling in. Grimm cannot bring himself to speak yet.

@spotlight-the-performer @wolf-and-fox @scarlet-and-dew

[spotlight-the-performer]

aaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA-

AUGH-

. . .

[As soon as Spotlight hits the ground, they attempt to stand back up while staggering from the fall]

Ow...

Didn't expect a fall to greet me upon entering-

[As soon as they stand up fully, Spotlight looks around, noticing the fact that they're in the Nightmare Realm]

Great… Why am I here now?

[After a few seconds of looking, they finally turn their gaze to Grimm…]

F-father?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Most felines land on their paws. Crimson, despite notably not being a cat, was not the exception to this rule, crashing straight to the floor and also screaming in sheer panic. Luckily for them, the notion of landing on all four paws helped with the shock a little bit. They don't even have time to point at Spotlight in equal confusion before following their line of sight to Grimm. GRIMM! They reflexively make a bolt to him in an effort to make sure he's okay, scrambling to actually properly run on TWO paws instead of all four like some kind of creature running up the stairs. Grimm, you good?! Are you okay?- They quickly shake their head to properly get their thoughts in order. Are you hurt?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"nonononononoNONONONONONONONOFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK"

Unfortunately, despite becoming more and more feline due to the Curse, Scarlet is not as lucky as Crimson is. In fact, she ends up faceplanting onto the fabric.

"NYAUGH, MOTHERFUCKER!"

Groaning, Scarlet slowly stands up, using her firenail as support. As she glances around, she notices Spotlight and Crimson, as well as...

"...Oh you've GOT to be SHITTING ME."

The one person they wanted to see the least, lying on the floor.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm gently presses on Crimson’s head like one would to keep a cat away from their food. “I am fine, Crimson. Just a bit startled.”

He heaves a sigh upon hearing Scarlet’s reaction, instead turning to Spotlight. “You are all here. I do not know who or what summoned us but—”

The air he breathes grows heavy for a moment, a shudder wracking him. In a flash, so short he can hardly tell it happens, a smell tinged with essence engulfs him.

smells like bad intent

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight walks up to Grimm, the scar on their chest faintly glowing]

Are you sure you’re alright, Father? It’s not like you to just pause in the middle of your sentences.

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

The droning whine from Crimson is more felt than heard, but they relent, and back up to let Spotlight have room. Perhaps Spotlight has a better frame of reference? Not like they had much of a reference regarding the Grimm Troupe. Being raised by wolves does that, unfortunately. Don't think about that. They look over to Scarlet, trying to gauge off of what they knew and also their sibling's reaction to the surroundings.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

An arctic breeze. Thunderstorm rain. Burning forests. A field of dandielions.

All these smells and more filled Scarlet’s senses, as well as the overwhelming presence of nightmare essence all around the air. Faintly, Scarlet could sense Spotlight’s dream essence.

Wait. How are they able to smell all of this? How can they even sense essence?

“What the fuck…?”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm quickly grounds himself.

“Something is not right. We need to keep moving.” In the distance, a silhouette shoots long, fabric tendrils into the ceiling and flies up like a puppet on a string.

In its wake is something baring the shape of a burlap sack.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight notices the figure in the distance and immediately draws their nail. Eyes made of fire appear in all four of Spotlight eye sockets and display a look of fear and determination]

[Their scar begins to faintly glow brighter]

What the hell is that thing!?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Spotlight's warning gives Crimson enough time to tear their focus off of Scarlet, and onto what they're seeing. They're wary, cloak bristling slightly. Something along the lines of be willing to fight rings out in the back of their head - a secondary warning, built for the worst case. They couldn't tell if there were any thorns in the area, but they slowly back up. They debate on whether a weapon would be needed or not, then decides against it. They'd probably need it later, and it's too soon to call the dreamnail in play. For now, they slowly back up, keeping themselves as low to the ground as possible, cloak bristling further.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet makes the mistake of looking up as well, looking at the strange sack. She immediately draws her firenail, preparing for a fight.

"Aw fuck."

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm steps closer and drags the sack over. It’s a Grimmkin: devoid of essence. The Bad Feeling leads away from it and into the ‘sky’ like a trail of footprints.

He braces for a fight.

“We are being hunted.”

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Hunted? What could possibly hunt us here? There’s only us, The Grimmkins, and The Nightmare-

[Spotlight freezes immediately upon thinking of The Nightmare King hunting them down. The flames in their eyes go wide in fear as they remember the encounters they’ve had with them]

[Suddenly, the flames show a more determined expression as they ready their nail and conjure another fireball in their free claw. They didn’t know for certain why they were here, nor why everyone present is potentially being hunted by The Nightmare King, but what Spotlight did know was that this was a chance to avenge a friend of their’s: Tracker.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson sees Spotlight preparing to fight, and has a moment of mental dissonance. Wha- hey hey hey what- what are you doing. Why are we immediately willing to pick a fight uhm. They quiet down, really not wanting to get the most bombastic side-eyes from literally everyone. Can- we talk about this, uhm… sir? Bestie, even? Can we talk about this? Can we maybe not have this come to blows? Please? Despite their wariness, they're still willing to try to at least come to some form of understanding before trying out stabbing.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Oh. Oh Scarlet understands what's going on.

"...hehehehe...hahahaha...Hahahahahaha...!"

Scarlet throws her head back, a hand on her forehead as tears fall down her face

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! FINALLY DECIDED TO GET RID OF US, HUH? HAD ENOUGH OF US CAUSING YOU PROBLEMS?"

She focuses her flame into her firenail, pointing it at the sky. There's a manic grin on her face and flickering fire in her eyes.

"WELL BRING IT ON, YOU HEARTLESS BITCH! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing]

The insult cuts Grimm deeply, but he has no right to chide Scarlet. The Bad Feeling stirs the air as something serpentine drags its way out of the shadows.

Grimm can hardly smell anything past the smoke as eight red eyes light up the dark. Something weighs at the bottom of his soul before being crushed under bestial hunger.

Incubo remains somewhat shadowed but his presence is made clear. Suddenly everyone is very, very afraid.

Grimm can hardly hear himself shout “RUN!” before he’s sprinting away. The walls tighten, forming a maze. And the Minotaur is right behind the group.

[Now Playing] @spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight’s scar shines a bright red in Incubo’s presence as they begin to breathe rapidly. The rising fear caused their stance to falter, the grip on their nail to slack. and the flame in their claw to dim as they take a few small steps back]

[However, they didn’t run. They still kept their nail drawn and the flame alive, but their stance was still weak. Weak enough for anyone to drag them away]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson almost initially backs up to run, cloak and fur bristling, and then is VERY painfully aware that Spotlight is going to be a potential casualty if they are left behind. They have next to no time to gauge their options, so they quickly latch their paws into their arm, claws digging as they try to get Spotlight to START MOVING. DID YOU NOT HEAR- RUN! Their voice is a pained mix of what a leader should sound like and the equivalent of a terrified cat, snapping teeth at Scarlet to ALSO start moving, quickly bolting after Grimm. SURELY he knows a way OUT, right? RIGHT?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet, despite all previous warnings, is getting ready to square up against the Nightmare King. She barks out a harsh laugh.

“YOU THINK THAT’S ENOUGH TO SCARE ME? I CAN TAKE YOU ON MYSELF, AND I WILL!”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

The beast looks down at its prey, eyes beaming down. It stretches its malformed maw and attempts to bite Scarlet half-heartedly. But before its teeth can make contact Grimm pulls her away with his wings. He somehow manages to keep pace with the others despite this little setback.

“I told you to run!”

The beast takes one giant stride for every three steps they take. They’re being herded like roaches.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight was still being dragged by Crimson. They kept their nail drawn just in case, but now they were more focused on getting the hell out of here]

[At some point, they try to Void Walk so they could run without being dragged, but they couldn’t use Void for some reason…]

Wh-what…

[They tried again, but nothing happened. So they just decided to continue running without being dragged Crimson’s paw still latched onto their arm]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Eventually they do let go of Spotlight's arm, mostly to point at Scarlet. SCARLET I SWEAR TO WHATEVER GODS ARE OUT THERE I- MMMMMMM- They have to physically avoid shaking her, and the second there's a corner they practically bound right off of it to shave off a few seconds, rolling for a little bit before scrambling back up to keep up. They debated on whether not they could hypothetically deter the current issue with loud noises, they could get the designated fox scream down fairly okay, but they really didn't want to do that overall. In fact, they'd rather watch to try to get a better idea on how to solve this particular issue. Preferably from a distance, but that's beside the point. Could burrowing be an option? Could they even dig through fabric fast enough to do that, let alone enough to fit everyone? Was it going to hurt Incubo? WHY ARE THEY THINKING ABOUT THAT? They almost lag behind to test that by focusing a bit more on the fabric underneath them, then decides nope! Not Doing That! and manages to catch up.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Cue the scruffing of Scarlet by Grimm.

"HEY WHAT THE FNYAUGH-"

And cue Scarlet struggling under said scruff.

"HEY LEMME GO I WAS GONNA KICK HIS ASS!"

Regardless, Scarlet follows along because holy fucking shit he's gaining on them.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm can hardly feel his own limbs as his strings squeeze him tight but do not pull. Is Incubo enjoying this? Incubo seems fixed on hunting down Scarlet first and foremost, but is closer to jogging than sprinting. Grimm is able to make a few sharp leaps and turns and have the beast lost before he can warp the maze.

He ducks behind a fleshy wall, gesturing for the others to stay silent as he places Scarlet down. The beast laps around in search of them. Don’t smell like fear. Don’t smell like anything, really. Or He will find you. Where did he hear that? He has vague memories of sitting around a lantern with friends but it wasn’t you not your face not your friends it never happened

With each thundering step Incubo takes he feels a tugging in his soul. Being bound to the god had its perks in this situation. Once he can no longer sense the beast he relaxes.

And then a dozen velvet tendrils wrap around him, yanking him away. Incubo seems to be in his normal form now. From here the rancid feeling is stronger than ever. He tries to reach out to Incubo, but internal communication is blocked off.

Luckily he has just enough of his wits about him to understand he’s being used as bait of some sort. But why…?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Whenever they round the corner, Spotlight places a claw on the wall and begins breathing heavily while trying to figure out why they couldn’t use Void. Was it connected to Shadelight? Do they need Shadelight in order to actually use Void??]

[Before they could truly want to figure out if that was the case, they notice Grimm being taken away by Incubo]

DAD!

[Immediately, Spotlight tries to run after them]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Part of them wants to hide. They can feel a portion of them wanting to shrink away, to hide underneath cloak and fur. They fight that want furiously, grabbing onto Spotlight immediately to pull them back into the safety of hidden. WAIT. They instead poke their snout out of the hiding spot, sniffing the air warily. They've crouched down enough to be practically on all four of their paws, and it was almost on habit for them on how steady the drop was. Stay quiet. Stay hidden. I will see first to see if the coast is clear, and if it isn't, you will know.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"SPOTLIGHT ARE YOU TRYING TO GET KILLED???"

CONSUMECONSUMECONSUMEDEVOURTHEFLESHMUSTCONSUMEMUSTBEFEDMUSTDEVOUR

"GAK-"

Scarlet grips her stomach, wincing in pain.

"Damnit...not now!"

She shakes her head, summoning a fireball to throw in case the Nightmare King comes back.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[As Spotlight gets dragged back to the safe spot, they pause and just stand there. Every part of the is saying to just run after The Nightmare King, but ultimately they know that it may end up causing more issues than it could solve]

[With nothing else to do, they sit down and just stare at their free claw]

. . .

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

They can't tell if it's safe or not. Which is never good. The quiet is starting to get to them, looking back outside. And then, a flicker of an idea. One that they.. do not know if it will work or not. But it is worth a shot, as they quickly spark a small ember, and then focuses on it. The small flame they summon, in turn, shifts to whatever they have on their mind, something low to the ground that shouldn't be easily traced back to them (though on how certain they are on that instance is… low). Something that they could use, hypothetically, to scout the immediate area to see if it was safe. Once the flame 'scurries' just out of sight, there is a slight problem that Crimson runs into very quickly. They can't…. actually see through the flame. So, the internal plan diverts from scout to as a makeshift alarm bell for the immediate vicinity. Stars, they hope it works.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

They try to shove down their cannibalistic urges, instead focusing merely on making sure the Nightmare King doesn't come back, or at least making sure it hurts like hell if he does.

You can't ignore it forever, Scarlet. Sooner or later, you will have to face the truth.

Shut up. She's been running away all this time. She can keep running.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo can smell the fear despite the distance. Honestly, he’s surprised the little group hasn’t come running. Making this so much harder

Grimm is squirming uselessly. Surely he doesn’t really think Incubo is going to kill him, does he? He inhales despite not needing to truly breathe, committing the feeling of holding Grimm like this to memory. He feels strong for once after stealing that essence.

This is the last time he ever will

Incubo flips the realm upside down, funneling Grimm’s children toward him.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight, immediately upon the realm being flipped, tries to catch themself on the wall with their claw to slow their descent, but their grip slips and they fall onto the slanted ground before sliding down]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

There is the loudest, most fox-like alarm scream from Crimson as they quickly scramble to find a clawhold, ANYTHING, ANYTHING, to cling onto, latching practically all of their claws into fabric and almost just as swiftly CLIMBS, barking- or, more accurately, screaming "CLAWS! CLAWS!!" at Scarlet and Spotlight, hoping the message got across as they very frantically look around the area to try to follow any movement, flattening themselves against the- ceiling, now. CAN YOU PLEASE NOT TRY TO KILL US I LIKE LIVING, THANK YOU. Mother would have picked a fight on the spot. Crimson is not as brave and/or reckless. Probably both, now that they think about it. They have to act fast, and they don't know what to act WITH.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"OH SHIT"

Scarlet barely has any time to react, trying and failing to claw at the floor-turned-ceiling before tumbling down alongside Spotlight. However, she breaks into a manic laugh, baring her teeth and claws brandishing her firenail.

"BRING IT ON, NIGHTMARE KING! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo hears the satisfying thump of bodies hitting the floor and smiles to himself. This was an excellent plan, even if he did not account for Crimson sensing the rift. “Eager, are we? Well I am not one to keep an audience waiting. Our coexistence has harmed enough bugs. Consider this a balancing of scales.” Then, like any good performer, he bows. He’s sure Grimm would too. He should be excited for a dance as high-stakes as this one.

A curtain of darkness covers the realm and then parts to reveal a massive stage. In the shadows behind it lurks the reason for all that stolen essence. The silhouette of a serpentine creature watches from backstage, its eight eyes gleaming like spotlights. Basked in their glow are two Grimmkin Nightmares, strings gleaming like stars. They look like reanimated corpses, despite being the same sacks as usual.

Grimm dangles helplessly in the wings.

Grimm: [210/210]

The Puppet Master: [420/420]

Grimmkin A: [100/100]

Grimmkin B: [100/100]

[Now Playing]

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Spotlight: [195/195]

Oh here we go!

[Spotlight, with their nail drawn already drawn, gets into a battle ready position before lunging at Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 7]

[Attack 1d20: 17]

[Result: 14]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 6) (6-2, 4!) Crimson sees the sudden (and potentially dangerous) situation. Grimm's there, but they're unsure if their own sense of stability will do much - plus, Incubo probably was going to see that as a challenge, and they knew even with possible backup, it'd be possibly the most… trickiest fight alive. Spotlight appears to be at the very least distracted, and there's two (as opposed to Crimson's little group of three). It's a difficult decision.

Grimm can wait, no matter how much it hurts for them to think about it. Their siblings need help. They angle their snout, seeking out the second one. They don't want to kill. They really don't. But the back of their throat starts clicking, trying to detangle their paws to safely move themselves to get a better angle. They seek that internal flame, and fire it in one singular fireball towards the second Grimmkin. Whether it was a bait or not is up to Crimson and any following reactions.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet: [150/150]

"SERIOUSLY? HIDING BEHIND YOUR LACKEYS LIKE A COWARD? COME OUT AND FACE US YOURSELF!"

Scarlet flings one of her fireballs at the Grimmkin to her right, which happened to be the same one Crimson was aiming at.

[Accuracy Roll (1d10): 8] [Attack Roll (1d20): 11] [11 - 2 = 9]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [84/100]

Grimmkin B: [86/100]

Grimmkin A charges up a fireball in retaliation to Spotlight. [1d20 - 1d10 = 14!]

Grimmkin B swings its staff [9]

Grimm can’t tell what the purpose of this battle is, or why he has to watch. Incubo’s unseeing glare lands on him. Is that…relief?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20]

[Result: 18]

[Spotlight quickly slashes through the fireball and goes to attack Grimmkin A again]

[Accuracy 1d10: 9]

[Attack 1d20: 18]

[Result: 17]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 7) (7-2, 5!) CURSES! Crimson hisses warily. They're lucky the focus was pulled off of them, but now not only is the entire notion that both kin in danger (and both WILLINGLY), they are no closer to solving either problem. A paw twitches to Grimm's direction, but they immediately hesitate. Not yet. They still won't leave the ceiling, but they are planning, clicking the back of their throat to prime the next burst of flame as they reposition against the second Grimmkin. They are forced to fight. They heavily do not want to, but they sure feel like they're forced to regardless. This particular internal voice thrums in their mind constantly as they shoot another fireball at the one focused on Scarlet. They need to get down from the ceiling, but they're trying to wait for an opening.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense (1d20): 17] Scarlet: [150/150]

Scarlet manages to step to the side with ease.

"COME ON, THAT ALL YOU GOT?!"

[Accuracy Roll: 2] [Attack Roll: 16] [16 - 8 = 8]

Scarlet dashes in, nail pointed at the Grimmkin that attacked her.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Grimmkin A: 67/100]

Seeing its efforts against Spotlight fail it decides to go support its partner in fighting Scarlet.

[Grimmkin B: 73/100]

[Together:

A: 7-3

B: 14-2 = 16 (to both Crimson and Scarlet)!]

One of the pair summons essence pillars while the other sends out a flurry of fireballs.

Grimm can feel his body beginning to numb. Is this really Incubo’s attempt to kill them? Not exactly the sort of final dance he’d expect. There had to be some sort of reason Incubo was holding out on them.

Then, it strikes him: a good performer knows to build up tension within the audience. The Grimmkin are an appetizer; something to get his children angry. Best to leave them wanting for more before the main course.

He doesn’t like where this is going.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight immediately goes to attack Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 8]

[Attack 1d20: 16]

[Result: 14]

Over here, you bastard!

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(92/100) (1d20 Defensive Dice: 8) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 9) (1d20 Combat Dice: 11) (11-1, 10!)

They want to be down there significantly less after having caught fire directly to the face, only making one indignant fox scream back at the Grimmkin who shot fire at their face, watching their movements carefully. They want to play like that? Fine. They'll come down. They teleport- but almost directly on top of the Grimmkin that decided to shoot fire at them, biting at their arm and clinging on for dear life. Through the cloth and teeth, they manage to get words. PLEASE DO NOT SHOOT FIRE AT MY FACE PLEASE.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 1]

Scarlet ends up taking the full brunt of the attacks, sent flying into a wall.

Scarlet: [135/150]

She drags herself upward, a small amount of blood dripping from their forehead. However, instead of growling or screeching, she licks the blood with a manic grin.

"Haha...hahaha, HAHAHAHAHAHA! NOW THAT'S MORE LIKE IT!"

She wildly summons fireballs, flinging them at the Grimmkin that shot the pillar of fire.

[Accuracy Roll: 1] [Attack Roll: 19] [19 - 9 = 10]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [33/100]

Grimmkin B: [73/100]

The first Grimmkin is looking rather torn, leaking stuffing and essence. Its puppeted body shows no signs of exhaustion as it tears itself from Crimson’s maw and tries to shoot more flames.

[Attack 1/20 Accuracy 9/10

0 damage.]

The fire sputters out.

The second swings its torch at Scarlet.

[Attack 8/20 Accuracy 3/10

1 damage.]

Its ragged body cannot manage to put any force behind the blow.

Unsatisfied, the god backstage slashes at the group with its claws.

[Attack 15/20 Accuracy 8/10

7 damage.]

Grimm succeeds in holding them back. There is a future with everyone in it, he knows there is. The fighting will not bring the desired peace of mind.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20: 13]

[Spotlight quickly blocks Incubo’s claws before focusing a flame into their nail and going to attack Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 8]

[Attack 1d20: 19]

[Result: 17]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (Defensive Dice: 6) (Accuracy Dice: 1) (Combat Dice: 10) (10-9, 1!) Crimson is WILDLY lucky, sliding across the ground and- almost feels guilty for the failed fireball. They almost click the back of their throat in an effort to help, but they are cut short by the claws appearing out of nowhere for them. Habit takes over, and aside from a scratch on one of their horns, ducking seems to have saved them from the majority. It doesn't feel awesome, having a scratch there, but they'll live. So long as it isn't- They shake their head and snap teeth again at the first Grimmkin, teeth scoring against cloth but not catching.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 4]

Scarlet barely manages to hop backward, their arm getting scratched by the claw. They wince, but her manic grin returns again.

Scarlet: [131/150]

Instead of targeting the first Grimmkin like the others are, she instead lunges at the second Grimmkin, intent on ripping it to shreds with her bare claws. Her hunger grows by the second

[Accuracy Roll: 8] [Attack Roll: 10] [10 - 2 = 8]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [15/100]

Grimmkin B: [65/100]

The first Grimmkin is ripped to hell and back. It seems dazed, like it just woke up from a coma. Despite its state it rushes to pull its partner out of Scarlet’s grip.

The eyes above the stage soften incrementally and the god succumbs to sympathy as the first kin flees behind the curtain. The peace does not last.

Grimmkin B: [6 damage, 10 accuracy = 6 damage!]

It hasn’t the mind left to be cautious as it swings at Scarlet again. Something personal is bleeding through.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

One down…

[Spotlight quickly summons a fire ball and throws it at Grimmkin B]

[Attack 1d20: 2]

[Accuracy 1d10: 10]

[Spotlight realizes mid throw that it probably won’t do as much damage as they’d had hope, but it doesn’t matter. They just need to either do enough damage so Scarlet and Crimson can take it out or distract it.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 5) (1d20 Combat Dice: 11) (11 - 5, 6!) Crimson's main intention was to herd the final Grimmkin away from everyone else - they were acting on self defense. They really did not want further harm. Their teeth had other plans, as mid-snap they accidentally catch and rip through cloth. They almost immediately let go and apologize for the accidental injury, before going right back to trying to herd to the best of their ability.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 5]

Scarlet barely flinches as the attack lands.

Scarlet: [130/150]

"Aww, isn't that cute...My turn."

Scarlet focuses her flames onto her claws and then swings wildly at the Grimmkin that attacked her.

[Accuracy Roll: 7] [Attack Roll: 20!] [20 - 3 = 17]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin B: [40/100]

The god above watches impatiently.

There’s a better way. You do not have to do this, Grimm thinks.

The Nightmare King does not care. He knows this has been coming. Always another way, when he’s been trying his damndest and never found one. Grimm knoww this too well. Incubo is sick of Grimm’s faux innocence. Enough lying, enough warring. If he is too cowardly to truly die by his own claw, then he can at least let someone else be his executioner.

This is for the best, She was right about him.

Grimmkin B: [15 attack, 5 accuracy = 10 damage.]

It turns the stuffing leaking out of it into embers that singe Crimson in retaliation.

The Puppet Master: [17 damage, 5 accuracy = 12 damage!]

He strikes again, using all four sets of claws.

@spotlight-the-performer

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing.] Grimm finds himself on a floor of fabric. There is a tugging in his soul; something isn’t right. A realm usually full of bustling Grimmkin and firelight is empty. Where is Incubo?

He is alone no longer as Spotlight, Crimson, and Scarlet come tumbling in. Grimm cannot bring himself to speak yet.

@spotlight-the-performer @wolf-and-fox @scarlet-and-dew

[spotlight-the-performer]

aaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA-

AUGH-

. . .

[As soon as Spotlight hits the ground, they attempt to stand back up while staggering from the fall]

Ow...

Didn't expect a fall to greet me upon entering-

[As soon as they stand up fully, Spotlight looks around, noticing the fact that they're in the Nightmare Realm]

Great… Why am I here now?

[After a few seconds of looking, they finally turn their gaze to Grimm…]

F-father?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Most felines land on their paws. Crimson, despite notably not being a cat, was not the exception to this rule, crashing straight to the floor and also screaming in sheer panic. Luckily for them, the notion of landing on all four paws helped with the shock a little bit. They don't even have time to point at Spotlight in equal confusion before following their line of sight to Grimm. GRIMM! They reflexively make a bolt to him in an effort to make sure he's okay, scrambling to actually properly run on TWO paws instead of all four like some kind of creature running up the stairs. Grimm, you good?! Are you okay?- They quickly shake their head to properly get their thoughts in order. Are you hurt?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"nonononononoNONONONONONONONOFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK"

Unfortunately, despite becoming more and more feline due to the Curse, Scarlet is not as lucky as Crimson is. In fact, she ends up faceplanting onto the fabric.

"NYAUGH, MOTHERFUCKER!"

Groaning, Scarlet slowly stands up, using her firenail as support. As she glances around, she notices Spotlight and Crimson, as well as...

"...Oh you've GOT to be SHITTING ME."

The one person they wanted to see the least, lying on the floor.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm gently presses on Crimson’s head like one would to keep a cat away from their food. “I am fine, Crimson. Just a bit startled.”

He heaves a sigh upon hearing Scarlet’s reaction, instead turning to Spotlight. “You are all here. I do not know who or what summoned us but—”

The air he breathes grows heavy for a moment, a shudder wracking him. In a flash, so short he can hardly tell it happens, a smell tinged with essence engulfs him.

smells like bad intent

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight walks up to Grimm, the scar on their chest faintly glowing]

Are you sure you’re alright, Father? It’s not like you to just pause in the middle of your sentences.

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

The droning whine from Crimson is more felt than heard, but they relent, and back up to let Spotlight have room. Perhaps Spotlight has a better frame of reference? Not like they had much of a reference regarding the Grimm Troupe. Being raised by wolves does that, unfortunately. Don't think about that. They look over to Scarlet, trying to gauge off of what they knew and also their sibling's reaction to the surroundings.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

An arctic breeze. Thunderstorm rain. Burning forests. A field of dandielions.

All these smells and more filled Scarlet’s senses, as well as the overwhelming presence of nightmare essence all around the air. Faintly, Scarlet could sense Spotlight’s dream essence.

Wait. How are they able to smell all of this? How can they even sense essence?

“What the fuck…?”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm quickly grounds himself.

“Something is not right. We need to keep moving.” In the distance, a silhouette shoots long, fabric tendrils into the ceiling and flies up like a puppet on a string.

In its wake is something baring the shape of a burlap sack.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight notices the figure in the distance and immediately draws their nail. Eyes made of fire appear in all four of Spotlight eye sockets and display a look of fear and determination]

[Their scar begins to faintly glow brighter]

What the hell is that thing!?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Spotlight's warning gives Crimson enough time to tear their focus off of Scarlet, and onto what they're seeing. They're wary, cloak bristling slightly. Something along the lines of be willing to fight rings out in the back of their head - a secondary warning, built for the worst case. They couldn't tell if there were any thorns in the area, but they slowly back up. They debate on whether a weapon would be needed or not, then decides against it. They'd probably need it later, and it's too soon to call the dreamnail in play. For now, they slowly back up, keeping themselves as low to the ground as possible, cloak bristling further.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet makes the mistake of looking up as well, looking at the strange sack. She immediately draws her firenail, preparing for a fight.

"Aw fuck."

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm steps closer and drags the sack over. It’s a Grimmkin: devoid of essence. The Bad Feeling leads away from it and into the ‘sky’ like a trail of footprints.

He braces for a fight.

“We are being hunted.”

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Hunted? What could possibly hunt us here? There’s only us, The Grimmkins, and The Nightmare-

[Spotlight freezes immediately upon thinking of The Nightmare King hunting them down. The flames in their eyes go wide in fear as they remember the encounters they’ve had with them]

[Suddenly, the flames show a more determined expression as they ready their nail and conjure another fireball in their free claw. They didn’t know for certain why they were here, nor why everyone present is potentially being hunted by The Nightmare King, but what Spotlight did know was that this was a chance to avenge a friend of their’s: Tracker.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson sees Spotlight preparing to fight, and has a moment of mental dissonance. Wha- hey hey hey what- what are you doing. Why are we immediately willing to pick a fight uhm. They quiet down, really not wanting to get the most bombastic side-eyes from literally everyone. Can- we talk about this, uhm… sir? Bestie, even? Can we talk about this? Can we maybe not have this come to blows? Please? Despite their wariness, they're still willing to try to at least come to some form of understanding before trying out stabbing.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Oh. Oh Scarlet understands what's going on.

"...hehehehe...hahahaha...Hahahahahaha...!"

Scarlet throws her head back, a hand on her forehead as tears fall down her face

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! FINALLY DECIDED TO GET RID OF US, HUH? HAD ENOUGH OF US CAUSING YOU PROBLEMS?"

She focuses her flame into her firenail, pointing it at the sky. There's a manic grin on her face and flickering fire in her eyes.

"WELL BRING IT ON, YOU HEARTLESS BITCH! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing]

The insult cuts Grimm deeply, but he has no right to chide Scarlet. The Bad Feeling stirs the air as something serpentine drags its way out of the shadows.

Grimm can hardly smell anything past the smoke as eight red eyes light up the dark. Something weighs at the bottom of his soul before being crushed under bestial hunger.

Incubo remains somewhat shadowed but his presence is made clear. Suddenly everyone is very, very afraid.

Grimm can hardly hear himself shout “RUN!” before he’s sprinting away. The walls tighten, forming a maze. And the Minotaur is right behind the group.

[Now Playing] @spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight’s scar shines a bright red in Incubo’s presence as they begin to breathe rapidly. The rising fear caused their stance to falter, the grip on their nail to slack. and the flame in their claw to dim as they take a few small steps back]

[However, they didn’t run. They still kept their nail drawn and the flame alive, but their stance was still weak. Weak enough for anyone to drag them away]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson almost initially backs up to run, cloak and fur bristling, and then is VERY painfully aware that Spotlight is going to be a potential casualty if they are left behind. They have next to no time to gauge their options, so they quickly latch their paws into their arm, claws digging as they try to get Spotlight to START MOVING. DID YOU NOT HEAR- RUN! Their voice is a pained mix of what a leader should sound like and the equivalent of a terrified cat, snapping teeth at Scarlet to ALSO start moving, quickly bolting after Grimm. SURELY he knows a way OUT, right? RIGHT?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet, despite all previous warnings, is getting ready to square up against the Nightmare King. She barks out a harsh laugh.

“YOU THINK THAT’S ENOUGH TO SCARE ME? I CAN TAKE YOU ON MYSELF, AND I WILL!”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

The beast looks down at its prey, eyes beaming down. It stretches its malformed maw and attempts to bite Scarlet half-heartedly. But before its teeth can make contact Grimm pulls her away with his wings. He somehow manages to keep pace with the others despite this little setback.

“I told you to run!”

The beast takes one giant stride for every three steps they take. They’re being herded like roaches.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight was still being dragged by Crimson. They kept their nail drawn just in case, but now they were more focused on getting the hell out of here]

[At some point, they try to Void Walk so they could run without being dragged, but they couldn’t use Void for some reason…]

Wh-what…

[They tried again, but nothing happened. So they just decided to continue running without being dragged Crimson’s paw still latched onto their arm]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Eventually they do let go of Spotlight's arm, mostly to point at Scarlet. SCARLET I SWEAR TO WHATEVER GODS ARE OUT THERE I- MMMMMMM- They have to physically avoid shaking her, and the second there's a corner they practically bound right off of it to shave off a few seconds, rolling for a little bit before scrambling back up to keep up. They debated on whether not they could hypothetically deter the current issue with loud noises, they could get the designated fox scream down fairly okay, but they really didn't want to do that overall. In fact, they'd rather watch to try to get a better idea on how to solve this particular issue. Preferably from a distance, but that's beside the point. Could burrowing be an option? Could they even dig through fabric fast enough to do that, let alone enough to fit everyone? Was it going to hurt Incubo? WHY ARE THEY THINKING ABOUT THAT? They almost lag behind to test that by focusing a bit more on the fabric underneath them, then decides nope! Not Doing That! and manages to catch up.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Cue the scruffing of Scarlet by Grimm.

"HEY WHAT THE FNYAUGH-"

And cue Scarlet struggling under said scruff.

"HEY LEMME GO I WAS GONNA KICK HIS ASS!"

Regardless, Scarlet follows along because holy fucking shit he's gaining on them.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm can hardly feel his own limbs as his strings squeeze him tight but do not pull. Is Incubo enjoying this? Incubo seems fixed on hunting down Scarlet first and foremost, but is closer to jogging than sprinting. Grimm is able to make a few sharp leaps and turns and have the beast lost before he can warp the maze.

He ducks behind a fleshy wall, gesturing for the others to stay silent as he places Scarlet down. The beast laps around in search of them. Don’t smell like fear. Don’t smell like anything, really. Or He will find you. Where did he hear that? He has vague memories of sitting around a lantern with friends but it wasn’t you not your face not your friends it never happened

With each thundering step Incubo takes he feels a tugging in his soul. Being bound to the god had its perks in this situation. Once he can no longer sense the beast he relaxes.

And then a dozen velvet tendrils wrap around him, yanking him away. Incubo seems to be in his normal form now. From here the rancid feeling is stronger than ever. He tries to reach out to Incubo, but internal communication is blocked off.

Luckily he has just enough of his wits about him to understand he’s being used as bait of some sort. But why…?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Whenever they round the corner, Spotlight places a claw on the wall and begins breathing heavily while trying to figure out why they couldn’t use Void. Was it connected to Shadelight? Do they need Shadelight in order to actually use Void??]

[Before they could truly want to figure out if that was the case, they notice Grimm being taken away by Incubo]

DAD!

[Immediately, Spotlight tries to run after them]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Part of them wants to hide. They can feel a portion of them wanting to shrink away, to hide underneath cloak and fur. They fight that want furiously, grabbing onto Spotlight immediately to pull them back into the safety of hidden. WAIT. They instead poke their snout out of the hiding spot, sniffing the air warily. They've crouched down enough to be practically on all four of their paws, and it was almost on habit for them on how steady the drop was. Stay quiet. Stay hidden. I will see first to see if the coast is clear, and if it isn't, you will know.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"SPOTLIGHT ARE YOU TRYING TO GET KILLED???"

CONSUMECONSUMECONSUMEDEVOURTHEFLESHMUSTCONSUMEMUSTBEFEDMUSTDEVOUR

"GAK-"

Scarlet grips her stomach, wincing in pain.

"Damnit...not now!"

She shakes her head, summoning a fireball to throw in case the Nightmare King comes back.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[As Spotlight gets dragged back to the safe spot, they pause and just stand there. Every part of the is saying to just run after The Nightmare King, but ultimately they know that it may end up causing more issues than it could solve]

[With nothing else to do, they sit down and just stare at their free claw]

. . .

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

They can't tell if it's safe or not. Which is never good. The quiet is starting to get to them, looking back outside. And then, a flicker of an idea. One that they.. do not know if it will work or not. But it is worth a shot, as they quickly spark a small ember, and then focuses on it. The small flame they summon, in turn, shifts to whatever they have on their mind, something low to the ground that shouldn't be easily traced back to them (though on how certain they are on that instance is… low). Something that they could use, hypothetically, to scout the immediate area to see if it was safe. Once the flame 'scurries' just out of sight, there is a slight problem that Crimson runs into very quickly. They can't…. actually see through the flame. So, the internal plan diverts from scout to as a makeshift alarm bell for the immediate vicinity. Stars, they hope it works.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

They try to shove down their cannibalistic urges, instead focusing merely on making sure the Nightmare King doesn't come back, or at least making sure it hurts like hell if he does.

You can't ignore it forever, Scarlet. Sooner or later, you will have to face the truth.

Shut up. She's been running away all this time. She can keep running.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo can smell the fear despite the distance. Honestly, he’s surprised the little group hasn’t come running. Making this so much harder

Grimm is squirming uselessly. Surely he doesn’t really think Incubo is going to kill him, does he? He inhales despite not needing to truly breathe, committing the feeling of holding Grimm like this to memory. He feels strong for once after stealing that essence.

This is the last time he ever will

Incubo flips the realm upside down, funneling Grimm’s children toward him.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight, immediately upon the realm being flipped, tries to catch themself on the wall with their claw to slow their descent, but their grip slips and they fall onto the slanted ground before sliding down]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

There is the loudest, most fox-like alarm scream from Crimson as they quickly scramble to find a clawhold, ANYTHING, ANYTHING, to cling onto, latching practically all of their claws into fabric and almost just as swiftly CLIMBS, barking- or, more accurately, screaming "CLAWS! CLAWS!!" at Scarlet and Spotlight, hoping the message got across as they very frantically look around the area to try to follow any movement, flattening themselves against the- ceiling, now. CAN YOU PLEASE NOT TRY TO KILL US I LIKE LIVING, THANK YOU. Mother would have picked a fight on the spot. Crimson is not as brave and/or reckless. Probably both, now that they think about it. They have to act fast, and they don't know what to act WITH.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"OH SHIT"

Scarlet barely has any time to react, trying and failing to claw at the floor-turned-ceiling before tumbling down alongside Spotlight. However, she breaks into a manic laugh, baring her teeth and claws brandishing her firenail.

"BRING IT ON, NIGHTMARE KING! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo hears the satisfying thump of bodies hitting the floor and smiles to himself. This was an excellent plan, even if he did not account for Crimson sensing the rift. “Eager, are we? Well I am not one to keep an audience waiting. Our coexistence has harmed enough bugs. Consider this a balancing of scales.” Then, like any good performer, he bows. He’s sure Grimm would too. He should be excited for a dance as high-stakes as this one.

A curtain of darkness covers the realm and then parts to reveal a massive stage. In the shadows behind it lurks the reason for all that stolen essence. The silhouette of a serpentine creature watches from backstage, its eight eyes gleaming like spotlights. Basked in their glow are two Grimmkin Nightmares, strings gleaming like stars. They look like reanimated corpses, despite being the same sacks as usual.

Grimm dangles helplessly in the wings.

Grimm: [210/210]

The Puppet Master: [420/420]

Grimmkin A: [100/100]

Grimmkin B: [100/100]

[Now Playing]

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Spotlight: [195/195]

Oh here we go!

[Spotlight, with their nail drawn already drawn, gets into a battle ready position before lunging at Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 7]

[Attack 1d20: 17]

[Result: 14]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 6) (6-2, 4!) Crimson sees the sudden (and potentially dangerous) situation. Grimm's there, but they're unsure if their own sense of stability will do much - plus, Incubo probably was going to see that as a challenge, and they knew even with possible backup, it'd be possibly the most… trickiest fight alive. Spotlight appears to be at the very least distracted, and there's two (as opposed to Crimson's little group of three). It's a difficult decision.

Grimm can wait, no matter how much it hurts for them to think about it. Their siblings need help. They angle their snout, seeking out the second one. They don't want to kill. They really don't. But the back of their throat starts clicking, trying to detangle their paws to safely move themselves to get a better angle. They seek that internal flame, and fire it in one singular fireball towards the second Grimmkin. Whether it was a bait or not is up to Crimson and any following reactions.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet: [150/150]

"SERIOUSLY? HIDING BEHIND YOUR LACKEYS LIKE A COWARD? COME OUT AND FACE US YOURSELF!"

Scarlet flings one of her fireballs at the Grimmkin to her right, which happened to be the same one Crimson was aiming at.

[Accuracy Roll (1d10): 8] [Attack Roll (1d20): 11] [11 - 2 = 9]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [84/100]

Grimmkin B: [86/100]

Grimmkin A charges up a fireball in retaliation to Spotlight. [1d20 - 1d10 = 14!]

Grimmkin B swings its staff [9]

Grimm can’t tell what the purpose of this battle is, or why he has to watch. Incubo’s unseeing glare lands on him. Is that…relief?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20]

[Result: 18]

[Spotlight quickly slashes through the fireball and goes to attack Grimmkin A again]

[Accuracy 1d10: 9]

[Attack 1d20: 18]

[Result: 17]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 7) (7-2, 5!) CURSES! Crimson hisses warily. They're lucky the focus was pulled off of them, but now not only is the entire notion that both kin in danger (and both WILLINGLY), they are no closer to solving either problem. A paw twitches to Grimm's direction, but they immediately hesitate. Not yet. They still won't leave the ceiling, but they are planning, clicking the back of their throat to prime the next burst of flame as they reposition against the second Grimmkin. They are forced to fight. They heavily do not want to, but they sure feel like they're forced to regardless. This particular internal voice thrums in their mind constantly as they shoot another fireball at the one focused on Scarlet. They need to get down from the ceiling, but they're trying to wait for an opening.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense (1d20): 17] Scarlet: [150/150]

Scarlet manages to step to the side with ease.

"COME ON, THAT ALL YOU GOT?!"

[Accuracy Roll: 2] [Attack Roll: 16] [16 - 8 = 8]

Scarlet dashes in, nail pointed at the Grimmkin that attacked her.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Grimmkin A: 67/100]

Seeing its efforts against Spotlight fail it decides to go support its partner in fighting Scarlet.

[Grimmkin B: 73/100]

[Together:

A: 7-3

B: 14-2 = 16 (to both Crimson and Scarlet)!]

One of the pair summons essence pillars while the other sends out a flurry of fireballs.

Grimm can feel his body beginning to numb. Is this really Incubo’s attempt to kill them? Not exactly the sort of final dance he’d expect. There had to be some sort of reason Incubo was holding out on them.

Then, it strikes him: a good performer knows to build up tension within the audience. The Grimmkin are an appetizer; something to get his children angry. Best to leave them wanting for more before the main course.

He doesn’t like where this is going.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight immediately goes to attack Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 8]

[Attack 1d20: 16]

[Result: 14]

Over here, you bastard!

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(92/100) (1d20 Defensive Dice: 8) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 9) (1d20 Combat Dice: 11) (11-1, 10!)

They want to be down there significantly less after having caught fire directly to the face, only making one indignant fox scream back at the Grimmkin who shot fire at their face, watching their movements carefully. They want to play like that? Fine. They'll come down. They teleport- but almost directly on top of the Grimmkin that decided to shoot fire at them, biting at their arm and clinging on for dear life. Through the cloth and teeth, they manage to get words. PLEASE DO NOT SHOOT FIRE AT MY FACE PLEASE.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 1]

Scarlet ends up taking the full brunt of the attacks, sent flying into a wall.

Scarlet: [135/150]

She drags herself upward, a small amount of blood dripping from their forehead. However, instead of growling or screeching, she licks the blood with a manic grin.

"Haha...hahaha, HAHAHAHAHAHA! NOW THAT'S MORE LIKE IT!"

She wildly summons fireballs, flinging them at the Grimmkin that shot the pillar of fire.

[Accuracy Roll: 1] [Attack Roll: 19] [19 - 9 = 10]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [33/100]

Grimmkin B: [73/100]

The first Grimmkin is looking rather torn, leaking stuffing and essence. Its puppeted body shows no signs of exhaustion as it tears itself from Crimson’s maw and tries to shoot more flames.

[Attack 1/20 Accuracy 9/10

0 damage.]

The fire sputters out.

The second swings its torch at Scarlet.

[Attack 8/20 Accuracy 3/10

1 damage.]

Its ragged body cannot manage to put any force behind the blow.

Unsatisfied, the god backstage slashes at the group with its claws.

[Attack 15/20 Accuracy 8/10

7 damage.]

Grimm succeeds in holding them back. There is a future with everyone in it, he knows there is. The fighting will not bring the desired peace of mind.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20: 13]

[Spotlight quickly blocks Incubo’s claws before focusing a flame into their nail and going to attack Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 8]

[Attack 1d20: 19]

[Result: 17]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(91/100) (Defensive Dice: 6) (Accuracy Dice: 1) (Combat Dice: 10) (10-9, 1!) Crimson is WILDLY lucky, sliding across the ground and- almost feels guilty for the failed fireball. They almost click the back of their throat in an effort to help, but they are cut short by the claws appearing out of nowhere for them. Habit takes over, and aside from a scratch on one of their horns, ducking seems to have saved them from the majority. It doesn't feel awesome, having a scratch there, but they'll live. So long as it isn't- They shake their head and snap teeth again at the first Grimmkin, teeth scoring against cloth but not catching.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 4]

Scarlet barely manages to hop backward, their arm getting scratched by the claw. They wince, but her manic grin returns again.

Scarlet: [131/150]

Instead of targeting the first Grimmkin like the others are, she instead lunges at the second Grimmkin, intent on ripping it to shreds with her bare claws. Her hunger grows by the second

[Accuracy Roll: 8] [Attack Roll: 10] [10 - 2 = 8]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [15/100]

Grimmkin B: [65/100]

The first Grimmkin is ripped to hell and back. It seems dazed, like it just woke up from a coma. Despite its state it rushes to pull its partner out of Scarlet’s grip.

The eyes above the stage soften incrementally and the god succumbs to sympathy as the first kin flees behind the curtain. The peace does not last.

Grimmkin B: [6 damage, 10 accuracy = 6 damage!]

It hasn’t the mind left to be cautious as it swings at Scarlet again. Something personal is bleeding through.

@spotlight-the-performer

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing.] Grimm finds himself on a floor of fabric. There is a tugging in his soul; something isn’t right. A realm usually full of bustling Grimmkin and firelight is empty. Where is Incubo?

He is alone no longer as Spotlight, Crimson, and Scarlet come tumbling in. Grimm cannot bring himself to speak yet.

@spotlight-the-performer @wolf-and-fox @scarlet-and-dew

[spotlight-the-performer]

aaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA-

AUGH-

. . .

[As soon as Spotlight hits the ground, they attempt to stand back up while staggering from the fall]

Ow...

Didn't expect a fall to greet me upon entering-

[As soon as they stand up fully, Spotlight looks around, noticing the fact that they're in the Nightmare Realm]

Great… Why am I here now?

[After a few seconds of looking, they finally turn their gaze to Grimm…]

F-father?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Most felines land on their paws. Crimson, despite notably not being a cat, was not the exception to this rule, crashing straight to the floor and also screaming in sheer panic. Luckily for them, the notion of landing on all four paws helped with the shock a little bit. They don't even have time to point at Spotlight in equal confusion before following their line of sight to Grimm. GRIMM! They reflexively make a bolt to him in an effort to make sure he's okay, scrambling to actually properly run on TWO paws instead of all four like some kind of creature running up the stairs. Grimm, you good?! Are you okay?- They quickly shake their head to properly get their thoughts in order. Are you hurt?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"nonononononoNONONONONONONONOFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK"

Unfortunately, despite becoming more and more feline due to the Curse, Scarlet is not as lucky as Crimson is. In fact, she ends up faceplanting onto the fabric.

"NYAUGH, MOTHERFUCKER!"

Groaning, Scarlet slowly stands up, using her firenail as support. As she glances around, she notices Spotlight and Crimson, as well as...

"...Oh you've GOT to be SHITTING ME."

The one person they wanted to see the least, lying on the floor.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm gently presses on Crimson’s head like one would to keep a cat away from their food. “I am fine, Crimson. Just a bit startled.”

He heaves a sigh upon hearing Scarlet’s reaction, instead turning to Spotlight. “You are all here. I do not know who or what summoned us but—”

The air he breathes grows heavy for a moment, a shudder wracking him. In a flash, so short he can hardly tell it happens, a smell tinged with essence engulfs him.

smells like bad intent

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight walks up to Grimm, the scar on their chest faintly glowing]

Are you sure you’re alright, Father? It’s not like you to just pause in the middle of your sentences.

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

The droning whine from Crimson is more felt than heard, but they relent, and back up to let Spotlight have room. Perhaps Spotlight has a better frame of reference? Not like they had much of a reference regarding the Grimm Troupe. Being raised by wolves does that, unfortunately. Don't think about that. They look over to Scarlet, trying to gauge off of what they knew and also their sibling's reaction to the surroundings.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

An arctic breeze. Thunderstorm rain. Burning forests. A field of dandielions.

All these smells and more filled Scarlet’s senses, as well as the overwhelming presence of nightmare essence all around the air. Faintly, Scarlet could sense Spotlight’s dream essence.

Wait. How are they able to smell all of this? How can they even sense essence?

“What the fuck…?”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm quickly grounds himself.

“Something is not right. We need to keep moving.” In the distance, a silhouette shoots long, fabric tendrils into the ceiling and flies up like a puppet on a string.

In its wake is something baring the shape of a burlap sack.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight notices the figure in the distance and immediately draws their nail. Eyes made of fire appear in all four of Spotlight eye sockets and display a look of fear and determination]

[Their scar begins to faintly glow brighter]

What the hell is that thing!?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Spotlight's warning gives Crimson enough time to tear their focus off of Scarlet, and onto what they're seeing. They're wary, cloak bristling slightly. Something along the lines of be willing to fight rings out in the back of their head - a secondary warning, built for the worst case. They couldn't tell if there were any thorns in the area, but they slowly back up. They debate on whether a weapon would be needed or not, then decides against it. They'd probably need it later, and it's too soon to call the dreamnail in play. For now, they slowly back up, keeping themselves as low to the ground as possible, cloak bristling further.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet makes the mistake of looking up as well, looking at the strange sack. She immediately draws her firenail, preparing for a fight.

"Aw fuck."

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm steps closer and drags the sack over. It’s a Grimmkin: devoid of essence. The Bad Feeling leads away from it and into the ‘sky’ like a trail of footprints.

He braces for a fight.

“We are being hunted.”

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Hunted? What could possibly hunt us here? There’s only us, The Grimmkins, and The Nightmare-

[Spotlight freezes immediately upon thinking of The Nightmare King hunting them down. The flames in their eyes go wide in fear as they remember the encounters they’ve had with them]

[Suddenly, the flames show a more determined expression as they ready their nail and conjure another fireball in their free claw. They didn’t know for certain why they were here, nor why everyone present is potentially being hunted by The Nightmare King, but what Spotlight did know was that this was a chance to avenge a friend of their’s: Tracker.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson sees Spotlight preparing to fight, and has a moment of mental dissonance. Wha- hey hey hey what- what are you doing. Why are we immediately willing to pick a fight uhm. They quiet down, really not wanting to get the most bombastic side-eyes from literally everyone. Can- we talk about this, uhm… sir? Bestie, even? Can we talk about this? Can we maybe not have this come to blows? Please? Despite their wariness, they're still willing to try to at least come to some form of understanding before trying out stabbing.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Oh. Oh Scarlet understands what's going on.

"...hehehehe...hahahaha...Hahahahahaha...!"

Scarlet throws her head back, a hand on her forehead as tears fall down her face

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! FINALLY DECIDED TO GET RID OF US, HUH? HAD ENOUGH OF US CAUSING YOU PROBLEMS?"

She focuses her flame into her firenail, pointing it at the sky. There's a manic grin on her face and flickering fire in her eyes.

"WELL BRING IT ON, YOU HEARTLESS BITCH! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing]

The insult cuts Grimm deeply, but he has no right to chide Scarlet. The Bad Feeling stirs the air as something serpentine drags its way out of the shadows.

Grimm can hardly smell anything past the smoke as eight red eyes light up the dark. Something weighs at the bottom of his soul before being crushed under bestial hunger.

Incubo remains somewhat shadowed but his presence is made clear. Suddenly everyone is very, very afraid.

Grimm can hardly hear himself shout “RUN!” before he’s sprinting away. The walls tighten, forming a maze. And the Minotaur is right behind the group.

[Now Playing] @spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight’s scar shines a bright red in Incubo’s presence as they begin to breathe rapidly. The rising fear caused their stance to falter, the grip on their nail to slack. and the flame in their claw to dim as they take a few small steps back]

[However, they didn’t run. They still kept their nail drawn and the flame alive, but their stance was still weak. Weak enough for anyone to drag them away]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson almost initially backs up to run, cloak and fur bristling, and then is VERY painfully aware that Spotlight is going to be a potential casualty if they are left behind. They have next to no time to gauge their options, so they quickly latch their paws into their arm, claws digging as they try to get Spotlight to START MOVING. DID YOU NOT HEAR- RUN! Their voice is a pained mix of what a leader should sound like and the equivalent of a terrified cat, snapping teeth at Scarlet to ALSO start moving, quickly bolting after Grimm. SURELY he knows a way OUT, right? RIGHT?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet, despite all previous warnings, is getting ready to square up against the Nightmare King. She barks out a harsh laugh.

“YOU THINK THAT’S ENOUGH TO SCARE ME? I CAN TAKE YOU ON MYSELF, AND I WILL!”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

The beast looks down at its prey, eyes beaming down. It stretches its malformed maw and attempts to bite Scarlet half-heartedly. But before its teeth can make contact Grimm pulls her away with his wings. He somehow manages to keep pace with the others despite this little setback.

“I told you to run!”

The beast takes one giant stride for every three steps they take. They’re being herded like roaches.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight was still being dragged by Crimson. They kept their nail drawn just in case, but now they were more focused on getting the hell out of here]

[At some point, they try to Void Walk so they could run without being dragged, but they couldn’t use Void for some reason…]

Wh-what…

[They tried again, but nothing happened. So they just decided to continue running without being dragged Crimson’s paw still latched onto their arm]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Eventually they do let go of Spotlight's arm, mostly to point at Scarlet. SCARLET I SWEAR TO WHATEVER GODS ARE OUT THERE I- MMMMMMM- They have to physically avoid shaking her, and the second there's a corner they practically bound right off of it to shave off a few seconds, rolling for a little bit before scrambling back up to keep up. They debated on whether not they could hypothetically deter the current issue with loud noises, they could get the designated fox scream down fairly okay, but they really didn't want to do that overall. In fact, they'd rather watch to try to get a better idea on how to solve this particular issue. Preferably from a distance, but that's beside the point. Could burrowing be an option? Could they even dig through fabric fast enough to do that, let alone enough to fit everyone? Was it going to hurt Incubo? WHY ARE THEY THINKING ABOUT THAT? They almost lag behind to test that by focusing a bit more on the fabric underneath them, then decides nope! Not Doing That! and manages to catch up.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Cue the scruffing of Scarlet by Grimm.

"HEY WHAT THE FNYAUGH-"

And cue Scarlet struggling under said scruff.

"HEY LEMME GO I WAS GONNA KICK HIS ASS!"

Regardless, Scarlet follows along because holy fucking shit he's gaining on them.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm can hardly feel his own limbs as his strings squeeze him tight but do not pull. Is Incubo enjoying this? Incubo seems fixed on hunting down Scarlet first and foremost, but is closer to jogging than sprinting. Grimm is able to make a few sharp leaps and turns and have the beast lost before he can warp the maze.

He ducks behind a fleshy wall, gesturing for the others to stay silent as he places Scarlet down. The beast laps around in search of them. Don’t smell like fear. Don’t smell like anything, really. Or He will find you. Where did he hear that? He has vague memories of sitting around a lantern with friends but it wasn’t you not your face not your friends it never happened

With each thundering step Incubo takes he feels a tugging in his soul. Being bound to the god had its perks in this situation. Once he can no longer sense the beast he relaxes.

And then a dozen velvet tendrils wrap around him, yanking him away. Incubo seems to be in his normal form now. From here the rancid feeling is stronger than ever. He tries to reach out to Incubo, but internal communication is blocked off.

Luckily he has just enough of his wits about him to understand he’s being used as bait of some sort. But why…?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Whenever they round the corner, Spotlight places a claw on the wall and begins breathing heavily while trying to figure out why they couldn’t use Void. Was it connected to Shadelight? Do they need Shadelight in order to actually use Void??]

[Before they could truly want to figure out if that was the case, they notice Grimm being taken away by Incubo]

DAD!

[Immediately, Spotlight tries to run after them]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Part of them wants to hide. They can feel a portion of them wanting to shrink away, to hide underneath cloak and fur. They fight that want furiously, grabbing onto Spotlight immediately to pull them back into the safety of hidden. WAIT. They instead poke their snout out of the hiding spot, sniffing the air warily. They've crouched down enough to be practically on all four of their paws, and it was almost on habit for them on how steady the drop was. Stay quiet. Stay hidden. I will see first to see if the coast is clear, and if it isn't, you will know.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"SPOTLIGHT ARE YOU TRYING TO GET KILLED???"

CONSUMECONSUMECONSUMEDEVOURTHEFLESHMUSTCONSUMEMUSTBEFEDMUSTDEVOUR

"GAK-"

Scarlet grips her stomach, wincing in pain.

"Damnit...not now!"

She shakes her head, summoning a fireball to throw in case the Nightmare King comes back.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[As Spotlight gets dragged back to the safe spot, they pause and just stand there. Every part of the is saying to just run after The Nightmare King, but ultimately they know that it may end up causing more issues than it could solve]

[With nothing else to do, they sit down and just stare at their free claw]

. . .

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

They can't tell if it's safe or not. Which is never good. The quiet is starting to get to them, looking back outside. And then, a flicker of an idea. One that they.. do not know if it will work or not. But it is worth a shot, as they quickly spark a small ember, and then focuses on it. The small flame they summon, in turn, shifts to whatever they have on their mind, something low to the ground that shouldn't be easily traced back to them (though on how certain they are on that instance is… low). Something that they could use, hypothetically, to scout the immediate area to see if it was safe. Once the flame 'scurries' just out of sight, there is a slight problem that Crimson runs into very quickly. They can't…. actually see through the flame. So, the internal plan diverts from scout to as a makeshift alarm bell for the immediate vicinity. Stars, they hope it works.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

They try to shove down their cannibalistic urges, instead focusing merely on making sure the Nightmare King doesn't come back, or at least making sure it hurts like hell if he does.

You can't ignore it forever, Scarlet. Sooner or later, you will have to face the truth.

Shut up. She's been running away all this time. She can keep running.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo can smell the fear despite the distance. Honestly, he’s surprised the little group hasn’t come running. Making this so much harder

Grimm is squirming uselessly. Surely he doesn’t really think Incubo is going to kill him, does he? He inhales despite not needing to truly breathe, committing the feeling of holding Grimm like this to memory. He feels strong for once after stealing that essence.

This is the last time he ever will

Incubo flips the realm upside down, funneling Grimm’s children toward him.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight, immediately upon the realm being flipped, tries to catch themself on the wall with their claw to slow their descent, but their grip slips and they fall onto the slanted ground before sliding down]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

There is the loudest, most fox-like alarm scream from Crimson as they quickly scramble to find a clawhold, ANYTHING, ANYTHING, to cling onto, latching practically all of their claws into fabric and almost just as swiftly CLIMBS, barking- or, more accurately, screaming "CLAWS! CLAWS!!" at Scarlet and Spotlight, hoping the message got across as they very frantically look around the area to try to follow any movement, flattening themselves against the- ceiling, now. CAN YOU PLEASE NOT TRY TO KILL US I LIKE LIVING, THANK YOU. Mother would have picked a fight on the spot. Crimson is not as brave and/or reckless. Probably both, now that they think about it. They have to act fast, and they don't know what to act WITH.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"OH SHIT"

Scarlet barely has any time to react, trying and failing to claw at the floor-turned-ceiling before tumbling down alongside Spotlight. However, she breaks into a manic laugh, baring her teeth and claws brandishing her firenail.

"BRING IT ON, NIGHTMARE KING! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo hears the satisfying thump of bodies hitting the floor and smiles to himself. This was an excellent plan, even if he did not account for Crimson sensing the rift. “Eager, are we? Well I am not one to keep an audience waiting. Our coexistence has harmed enough bugs. Consider this a balancing of scales.” Then, like any good performer, he bows. He’s sure Grimm would too. He should be excited for a dance as high-stakes as this one.

A curtain of darkness covers the realm and then parts to reveal a massive stage. In the shadows behind it lurks the reason for all that stolen essence. The silhouette of a serpentine creature watches from backstage, its eight eyes gleaming like spotlights. Basked in their glow are two Grimmkin Nightmares, strings gleaming like stars. They look like reanimated corpses, despite being the same sacks as usual.

Grimm dangles helplessly in the wings.

Grimm: [210/210]

The Puppet Master: [420/420]

Grimmkin A: [100/100]

Grimmkin B: [100/100]

[Now Playing]

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Spotlight: [195/195]

Oh here we go!

[Spotlight, with their nail drawn already drawn, gets into a battle ready position before lunging at Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 7]

[Attack 1d20: 17]

[Result: 14]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 6) (6-2, 4!) Crimson sees the sudden (and potentially dangerous) situation. Grimm's there, but they're unsure if their own sense of stability will do much - plus, Incubo probably was going to see that as a challenge, and they knew even with possible backup, it'd be possibly the most… trickiest fight alive. Spotlight appears to be at the very least distracted, and there's two (as opposed to Crimson's little group of three). It's a difficult decision.

Grimm can wait, no matter how much it hurts for them to think about it. Their siblings need help. They angle their snout, seeking out the second one. They don't want to kill. They really don't. But the back of their throat starts clicking, trying to detangle their paws to safely move themselves to get a better angle. They seek that internal flame, and fire it in one singular fireball towards the second Grimmkin. Whether it was a bait or not is up to Crimson and any following reactions.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet: [150/150]

"SERIOUSLY? HIDING BEHIND YOUR LACKEYS LIKE A COWARD? COME OUT AND FACE US YOURSELF!"

Scarlet flings one of her fireballs at the Grimmkin to her right, which happened to be the same one Crimson was aiming at.

[Accuracy Roll (1d10): 8] [Attack Roll (1d20): 11] [11 - 2 = 9]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [84/100]

Grimmkin B: [86/100]

Grimmkin A charges up a fireball in retaliation to Spotlight. [1d20 - 1d10 = 14!]

Grimmkin B swings its staff [9]

Grimm can’t tell what the purpose of this battle is, or why he has to watch. Incubo’s unseeing glare lands on him. Is that…relief?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20]

[Result: 18]

[Spotlight quickly slashes through the fireball and goes to attack Grimmkin A again]

[Accuracy 1d10: 9]

[Attack 1d20: 18]

[Result: 17]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 7) (7-2, 5!) CURSES! Crimson hisses warily. They're lucky the focus was pulled off of them, but now not only is the entire notion that both kin in danger (and both WILLINGLY), they are no closer to solving either problem. A paw twitches to Grimm's direction, but they immediately hesitate. Not yet. They still won't leave the ceiling, but they are planning, clicking the back of their throat to prime the next burst of flame as they reposition against the second Grimmkin. They are forced to fight. They heavily do not want to, but they sure feel like they're forced to regardless. This particular internal voice thrums in their mind constantly as they shoot another fireball at the one focused on Scarlet. They need to get down from the ceiling, but they're trying to wait for an opening.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense (1d20): 17] Scarlet: [150/150]

Scarlet manages to step to the side with ease.

"COME ON, THAT ALL YOU GOT?!"

[Accuracy Roll: 2] [Attack Roll: 16] [16 - 8 = 8]

Scarlet dashes in, nail pointed at the Grimmkin that attacked her.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Grimmkin A: 67/100]

Seeing its efforts against Spotlight fail it decides to go support its partner in fighting Scarlet.

[Grimmkin B: 73/100]

[Together:

A: 7-3

B: 14-2 = 16 (to both Crimson and Scarlet)!]

One of the pair summons essence pillars while the other sends out a flurry of fireballs.

Grimm can feel his body beginning to numb. Is this really Incubo’s attempt to kill them? Not exactly the sort of final dance he’d expect. There had to be some sort of reason Incubo was holding out on them.

Then, it strikes him: a good performer knows to build up tension within the audience. The Grimmkin are an appetizer; something to get his children angry. Best to leave them wanting for more before the main course.

He doesn’t like where this is going.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight immediately goes to attack Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 8]

[Attack 1d20: 16]

[Result: 14]

Over here, you bastard!

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(92/100) (1d20 Defensive Dice: 8) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 9) (1d20 Combat Dice: 11) (11-1, 10!)

They want to be down there significantly less after having caught fire directly to the face, only making one indignant fox scream back at the Grimmkin who shot fire at their face, watching their movements carefully. They want to play like that? Fine. They'll come down. They teleport- but almost directly on top of the Grimmkin that decided to shoot fire at them, biting at their arm and clinging on for dear life. Through the cloth and teeth, they manage to get words. PLEASE DO NOT SHOOT FIRE AT MY FACE PLEASE.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense Roll: 1]

Scarlet ends up taking the full brunt of the attacks, sent flying into a wall.

Scarlet: [135/150]

She drags herself upward, a small amount of blood dripping from their forehead. However, instead of growling or screeching, she licks the blood with a manic grin.

"Haha...hahaha, HAHAHAHAHAHA! NOW THAT'S MORE LIKE IT!"

She wildly summons fireballs, flinging them at the Grimmkin that shot the pillar of fire.

[Accuracy Roll: 1] [Attack Roll: 19] [19 - 9 = 10]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [33/100]

Grimmkin B: [73/100]

The first Grimmkin is looking rather torn, leaking stuffing and essence. Its puppeted body shows no signs of exhaustion as it tears itself from Crimson’s maw and tries to shoot more flames.

[Attack 1/20 Accuracy 9/10

0 damage.]

The fire sputters out.

The second swings its torch at Scarlet.

[Attack 8/20 Accuracy 3/10

1 damage.]

Its ragged body cannot manage to put any force behind the blow.

Unsatisfied, the god backstage slashes at the group with its claws.

[Attack 15/20 Accuracy 8/10

7 damage.]

Grimm succeeds in holding them back. There is a future with everyone in it, he knows there is. The fighting will not bring the desired peace of mind.

@spotlight-the-performer

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing.] Grimm finds himself on a floor of fabric. There is a tugging in his soul; something isn’t right. A realm usually full of bustling Grimmkin and firelight is empty. Where is Incubo?

He is alone no longer as Spotlight, Crimson, and Scarlet come tumbling in. Grimm cannot bring himself to speak yet.

@spotlight-the-performer @wolf-and-fox @scarlet-and-dew

[spotlight-the-performer]

aaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA-

AUGH-

. . .

[As soon as Spotlight hits the ground, they attempt to stand back up while staggering from the fall]

Ow...

Didn't expect a fall to greet me upon entering-

[As soon as they stand up fully, Spotlight looks around, noticing the fact that they're in the Nightmare Realm]

Great… Why am I here now?

[After a few seconds of looking, they finally turn their gaze to Grimm…]

F-father?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Most felines land on their paws. Crimson, despite notably not being a cat, was not the exception to this rule, crashing straight to the floor and also screaming in sheer panic. Luckily for them, the notion of landing on all four paws helped with the shock a little bit. They don't even have time to point at Spotlight in equal confusion before following their line of sight to Grimm. GRIMM! They reflexively make a bolt to him in an effort to make sure he's okay, scrambling to actually properly run on TWO paws instead of all four like some kind of creature running up the stairs. Grimm, you good?! Are you okay?- They quickly shake their head to properly get their thoughts in order. Are you hurt?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"nonononononoNONONONONONONONOFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK"

Unfortunately, despite becoming more and more feline due to the Curse, Scarlet is not as lucky as Crimson is. In fact, she ends up faceplanting onto the fabric.

"NYAUGH, MOTHERFUCKER!"

Groaning, Scarlet slowly stands up, using her firenail as support. As she glances around, she notices Spotlight and Crimson, as well as...

"...Oh you've GOT to be SHITTING ME."

The one person they wanted to see the least, lying on the floor.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm gently presses on Crimson’s head like one would to keep a cat away from their food. “I am fine, Crimson. Just a bit startled.”

He heaves a sigh upon hearing Scarlet’s reaction, instead turning to Spotlight. “You are all here. I do not know who or what summoned us but—”

The air he breathes grows heavy for a moment, a shudder wracking him. In a flash, so short he can hardly tell it happens, a smell tinged with essence engulfs him.

smells like bad intent

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight walks up to Grimm, the scar on their chest faintly glowing]

Are you sure you’re alright, Father? It’s not like you to just pause in the middle of your sentences.

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

The droning whine from Crimson is more felt than heard, but they relent, and back up to let Spotlight have room. Perhaps Spotlight has a better frame of reference? Not like they had much of a reference regarding the Grimm Troupe. Being raised by wolves does that, unfortunately. Don't think about that. They look over to Scarlet, trying to gauge off of what they knew and also their sibling's reaction to the surroundings.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

An arctic breeze. Thunderstorm rain. Burning forests. A field of dandielions.

All these smells and more filled Scarlet’s senses, as well as the overwhelming presence of nightmare essence all around the air. Faintly, Scarlet could sense Spotlight’s dream essence.

Wait. How are they able to smell all of this? How can they even sense essence?

“What the fuck…?”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm quickly grounds himself.

“Something is not right. We need to keep moving.” In the distance, a silhouette shoots long, fabric tendrils into the ceiling and flies up like a puppet on a string.

In its wake is something baring the shape of a burlap sack.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight notices the figure in the distance and immediately draws their nail. Eyes made of fire appear in all four of Spotlight eye sockets and display a look of fear and determination]

[Their scar begins to faintly glow brighter]

What the hell is that thing!?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Spotlight's warning gives Crimson enough time to tear their focus off of Scarlet, and onto what they're seeing. They're wary, cloak bristling slightly. Something along the lines of be willing to fight rings out in the back of their head - a secondary warning, built for the worst case. They couldn't tell if there were any thorns in the area, but they slowly back up. They debate on whether a weapon would be needed or not, then decides against it. They'd probably need it later, and it's too soon to call the dreamnail in play. For now, they slowly back up, keeping themselves as low to the ground as possible, cloak bristling further.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet makes the mistake of looking up as well, looking at the strange sack. She immediately draws her firenail, preparing for a fight.

"Aw fuck."

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm steps closer and drags the sack over. It’s a Grimmkin: devoid of essence. The Bad Feeling leads away from it and into the ‘sky’ like a trail of footprints.

He braces for a fight.

“We are being hunted.”

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Hunted? What could possibly hunt us here? There’s only us, The Grimmkins, and The Nightmare-

[Spotlight freezes immediately upon thinking of The Nightmare King hunting them down. The flames in their eyes go wide in fear as they remember the encounters they’ve had with them]

[Suddenly, the flames show a more determined expression as they ready their nail and conjure another fireball in their free claw. They didn’t know for certain why they were here, nor why everyone present is potentially being hunted by The Nightmare King, but what Spotlight did know was that this was a chance to avenge a friend of their’s: Tracker.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson sees Spotlight preparing to fight, and has a moment of mental dissonance. Wha- hey hey hey what- what are you doing. Why are we immediately willing to pick a fight uhm. They quiet down, really not wanting to get the most bombastic side-eyes from literally everyone. Can- we talk about this, uhm… sir? Bestie, even? Can we talk about this? Can we maybe not have this come to blows? Please? Despite their wariness, they're still willing to try to at least come to some form of understanding before trying out stabbing.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Oh. Oh Scarlet understands what's going on.

"...hehehehe...hahahaha...Hahahahahaha...!"

Scarlet throws her head back, a hand on her forehead as tears fall down her face

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! FINALLY DECIDED TO GET RID OF US, HUH? HAD ENOUGH OF US CAUSING YOU PROBLEMS?"

She focuses her flame into her firenail, pointing it at the sky. There's a manic grin on her face and flickering fire in her eyes.

"WELL BRING IT ON, YOU HEARTLESS BITCH! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing]

The insult cuts Grimm deeply, but he has no right to chide Scarlet. The Bad Feeling stirs the air as something serpentine drags its way out of the shadows.

Grimm can hardly smell anything past the smoke as eight red eyes light up the dark. Something weighs at the bottom of his soul before being crushed under bestial hunger.

Incubo remains somewhat shadowed but his presence is made clear. Suddenly everyone is very, very afraid.

Grimm can hardly hear himself shout “RUN!” before he’s sprinting away. The walls tighten, forming a maze. And the Minotaur is right behind the group.

[Now Playing] @spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight’s scar shines a bright red in Incubo’s presence as they begin to breathe rapidly. The rising fear caused their stance to falter, the grip on their nail to slack. and the flame in their claw to dim as they take a few small steps back]

[However, they didn’t run. They still kept their nail drawn and the flame alive, but their stance was still weak. Weak enough for anyone to drag them away]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson almost initially backs up to run, cloak and fur bristling, and then is VERY painfully aware that Spotlight is going to be a potential casualty if they are left behind. They have next to no time to gauge their options, so they quickly latch their paws into their arm, claws digging as they try to get Spotlight to START MOVING. DID YOU NOT HEAR- RUN! Their voice is a pained mix of what a leader should sound like and the equivalent of a terrified cat, snapping teeth at Scarlet to ALSO start moving, quickly bolting after Grimm. SURELY he knows a way OUT, right? RIGHT?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet, despite all previous warnings, is getting ready to square up against the Nightmare King. She barks out a harsh laugh.

“YOU THINK THAT’S ENOUGH TO SCARE ME? I CAN TAKE YOU ON MYSELF, AND I WILL!”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

The beast looks down at its prey, eyes beaming down. It stretches its malformed maw and attempts to bite Scarlet half-heartedly. But before its teeth can make contact Grimm pulls her away with his wings. He somehow manages to keep pace with the others despite this little setback.

“I told you to run!”

The beast takes one giant stride for every three steps they take. They’re being herded like roaches.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight was still being dragged by Crimson. They kept their nail drawn just in case, but now they were more focused on getting the hell out of here]

[At some point, they try to Void Walk so they could run without being dragged, but they couldn’t use Void for some reason…]

Wh-what…

[They tried again, but nothing happened. So they just decided to continue running without being dragged Crimson’s paw still latched onto their arm]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Eventually they do let go of Spotlight's arm, mostly to point at Scarlet. SCARLET I SWEAR TO WHATEVER GODS ARE OUT THERE I- MMMMMMM- They have to physically avoid shaking her, and the second there's a corner they practically bound right off of it to shave off a few seconds, rolling for a little bit before scrambling back up to keep up. They debated on whether not they could hypothetically deter the current issue with loud noises, they could get the designated fox scream down fairly okay, but they really didn't want to do that overall. In fact, they'd rather watch to try to get a better idea on how to solve this particular issue. Preferably from a distance, but that's beside the point. Could burrowing be an option? Could they even dig through fabric fast enough to do that, let alone enough to fit everyone? Was it going to hurt Incubo? WHY ARE THEY THINKING ABOUT THAT? They almost lag behind to test that by focusing a bit more on the fabric underneath them, then decides nope! Not Doing That! and manages to catch up.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Cue the scruffing of Scarlet by Grimm.

"HEY WHAT THE FNYAUGH-"

And cue Scarlet struggling under said scruff.

"HEY LEMME GO I WAS GONNA KICK HIS ASS!"

Regardless, Scarlet follows along because holy fucking shit he's gaining on them.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm can hardly feel his own limbs as his strings squeeze him tight but do not pull. Is Incubo enjoying this? Incubo seems fixed on hunting down Scarlet first and foremost, but is closer to jogging than sprinting. Grimm is able to make a few sharp leaps and turns and have the beast lost before he can warp the maze.

He ducks behind a fleshy wall, gesturing for the others to stay silent as he places Scarlet down. The beast laps around in search of them. Don’t smell like fear. Don’t smell like anything, really. Or He will find you. Where did he hear that? He has vague memories of sitting around a lantern with friends but it wasn’t you not your face not your friends it never happened

With each thundering step Incubo takes he feels a tugging in his soul. Being bound to the god had its perks in this situation. Once he can no longer sense the beast he relaxes.

And then a dozen velvet tendrils wrap around him, yanking him away. Incubo seems to be in his normal form now. From here the rancid feeling is stronger than ever. He tries to reach out to Incubo, but internal communication is blocked off.

Luckily he has just enough of his wits about him to understand he’s being used as bait of some sort. But why…?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Whenever they round the corner, Spotlight places a claw on the wall and begins breathing heavily while trying to figure out why they couldn’t use Void. Was it connected to Shadelight? Do they need Shadelight in order to actually use Void??]

[Before they could truly want to figure out if that was the case, they notice Grimm being taken away by Incubo]

DAD!

[Immediately, Spotlight tries to run after them]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Part of them wants to hide. They can feel a portion of them wanting to shrink away, to hide underneath cloak and fur. They fight that want furiously, grabbing onto Spotlight immediately to pull them back into the safety of hidden. WAIT. They instead poke their snout out of the hiding spot, sniffing the air warily. They've crouched down enough to be practically on all four of their paws, and it was almost on habit for them on how steady the drop was. Stay quiet. Stay hidden. I will see first to see if the coast is clear, and if it isn't, you will know.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"SPOTLIGHT ARE YOU TRYING TO GET KILLED???"

CONSUMECONSUMECONSUMEDEVOURTHEFLESHMUSTCONSUMEMUSTBEFEDMUSTDEVOUR

"GAK-"

Scarlet grips her stomach, wincing in pain.

"Damnit...not now!"

She shakes her head, summoning a fireball to throw in case the Nightmare King comes back.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[As Spotlight gets dragged back to the safe spot, they pause and just stand there. Every part of the is saying to just run after The Nightmare King, but ultimately they know that it may end up causing more issues than it could solve]

[With nothing else to do, they sit down and just stare at their free claw]

. . .

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

They can't tell if it's safe or not. Which is never good. The quiet is starting to get to them, looking back outside. And then, a flicker of an idea. One that they.. do not know if it will work or not. But it is worth a shot, as they quickly spark a small ember, and then focuses on it. The small flame they summon, in turn, shifts to whatever they have on their mind, something low to the ground that shouldn't be easily traced back to them (though on how certain they are on that instance is… low). Something that they could use, hypothetically, to scout the immediate area to see if it was safe. Once the flame 'scurries' just out of sight, there is a slight problem that Crimson runs into very quickly. They can't…. actually see through the flame. So, the internal plan diverts from scout to as a makeshift alarm bell for the immediate vicinity. Stars, they hope it works.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

They try to shove down their cannibalistic urges, instead focusing merely on making sure the Nightmare King doesn't come back, or at least making sure it hurts like hell if he does.

You can't ignore it forever, Scarlet. Sooner or later, you will have to face the truth.

Shut up. She's been running away all this time. She can keep running.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo can smell the fear despite the distance. Honestly, he’s surprised the little group hasn’t come running. Making this so much harder

Grimm is squirming uselessly. Surely he doesn’t really think Incubo is going to kill him, does he? He inhales despite not needing to truly breathe, committing the feeling of holding Grimm like this to memory. He feels strong for once after stealing that essence.

This is the last time he ever will

Incubo flips the realm upside down, funneling Grimm’s children toward him.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight, immediately upon the realm being flipped, tries to catch themself on the wall with their claw to slow their descent, but their grip slips and they fall onto the slanted ground before sliding down]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

There is the loudest, most fox-like alarm scream from Crimson as they quickly scramble to find a clawhold, ANYTHING, ANYTHING, to cling onto, latching practically all of their claws into fabric and almost just as swiftly CLIMBS, barking- or, more accurately, screaming "CLAWS! CLAWS!!" at Scarlet and Spotlight, hoping the message got across as they very frantically look around the area to try to follow any movement, flattening themselves against the- ceiling, now. CAN YOU PLEASE NOT TRY TO KILL US I LIKE LIVING, THANK YOU. Mother would have picked a fight on the spot. Crimson is not as brave and/or reckless. Probably both, now that they think about it. They have to act fast, and they don't know what to act WITH.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"OH SHIT"

Scarlet barely has any time to react, trying and failing to claw at the floor-turned-ceiling before tumbling down alongside Spotlight. However, she breaks into a manic laugh, baring her teeth and claws brandishing her firenail.

"BRING IT ON, NIGHTMARE KING! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo hears the satisfying thump of bodies hitting the floor and smiles to himself. This was an excellent plan, even if he did not account for Crimson sensing the rift. “Eager, are we? Well I am not one to keep an audience waiting. Our coexistence has harmed enough bugs. Consider this a balancing of scales.” Then, like any good performer, he bows. He’s sure Grimm would too. He should be excited for a dance as high-stakes as this one.

A curtain of darkness covers the realm and then parts to reveal a massive stage. In the shadows behind it lurks the reason for all that stolen essence. The silhouette of a serpentine creature watches from backstage, its eight eyes gleaming like spotlights. Basked in their glow are two Grimmkin Nightmares, strings gleaming like stars. They look like reanimated corpses, despite being the same sacks as usual.

Grimm dangles helplessly in the wings.

Grimm: [210/210]

The Puppet Master: [420/420]

Grimmkin A: [100/100]

Grimmkin B: [100/100]

[Now Playing]

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Spotlight: [195/195]

Oh here we go!

[Spotlight, with their nail drawn already drawn, gets into a battle ready position before lunging at Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 7]

[Attack 1d20: 17]

[Result: 14]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 6) (6-2, 4!) Crimson sees the sudden (and potentially dangerous) situation. Grimm's there, but they're unsure if their own sense of stability will do much - plus, Incubo probably was going to see that as a challenge, and they knew even with possible backup, it'd be possibly the most… trickiest fight alive. Spotlight appears to be at the very least distracted, and there's two (as opposed to Crimson's little group of three). It's a difficult decision.

Grimm can wait, no matter how much it hurts for them to think about it. Their siblings need help. They angle their snout, seeking out the second one. They don't want to kill. They really don't. But the back of their throat starts clicking, trying to detangle their paws to safely move themselves to get a better angle. They seek that internal flame, and fire it in one singular fireball towards the second Grimmkin. Whether it was a bait or not is up to Crimson and any following reactions.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet: [150/150]

"SERIOUSLY? HIDING BEHIND YOUR LACKEYS LIKE A COWARD? COME OUT AND FACE US YOURSELF!"

Scarlet flings one of her fireballs at the Grimmkin to her right, which happened to be the same one Crimson was aiming at.

[Accuracy Roll (1d10): 8] [Attack Roll (1d20): 11] [11 - 2 = 9]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [84/100]

Grimmkin B: [86/100]

Grimmkin A charges up a fireball in retaliation to Spotlight. [1d20 - 1d10 = 14!]

Grimmkin B swings its staff [9]

Grimm can’t tell what the purpose of this battle is, or why he has to watch. Incubo’s unseeing glare lands on him. Is that…relief?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Defense 1d20]

[Result: 18]

[Spotlight quickly slashes through the fireball and goes to attack Grimmkin A again]

[Accuracy 1d10: 9]

[Attack 1d20: 18]

[Result: 17]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 7) (7-2, 5!) CURSES! Crimson hisses warily. They're lucky the focus was pulled off of them, but now not only is the entire notion that both kin in danger (and both WILLINGLY), they are no closer to solving either problem. A paw twitches to Grimm's direction, but they immediately hesitate. Not yet. They still won't leave the ceiling, but they are planning, clicking the back of their throat to prime the next burst of flame as they reposition against the second Grimmkin. They are forced to fight. They heavily do not want to, but they sure feel like they're forced to regardless. This particular internal voice thrums in their mind constantly as they shoot another fireball at the one focused on Scarlet. They need to get down from the ceiling, but they're trying to wait for an opening.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

[Defense (1d20): 17] Scarlet: [150/150]

Scarlet manages to step to the side with ease.

"COME ON, THAT ALL YOU GOT?!"

[Accuracy Roll: 2] [Attack Roll: 16] [16 - 8 = 8]

Scarlet dashes in, nail pointed at the Grimmkin that attacked her.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Grimmkin A: 67/100]

Seeing its efforts against Spotlight fail it decides to go support its partner in fighting Scarlet.

[Grimmkin B: 73/100]

[Together:

A: 7-3

B: 14-2 = 16 (to both Crimson and Scarlet)!]

One of the pair summons essence pillars while the other sends out a flurry of fireballs.

Grimm can feel his body beginning to numb. Is this really Incubo’s attempt to kill them? Not exactly the sort of final dance he’d expect. There had to be some sort of reason Incubo was holding out on them.

Then, it strikes him: a good performer knows to build up tension within the audience. The Grimmkin are an appetizer; something to get his children angry. Best to leave them wanting for more before the main course.

He doesn’t like where this is going.

@spotlight-the-performer

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing.] Grimm finds himself on a floor of fabric. There is a tugging in his soul; something isn’t right. A realm usually full of bustling Grimmkin and firelight is empty. Where is Incubo?

He is alone no longer as Spotlight, Crimson, and Scarlet come tumbling in. Grimm cannot bring himself to speak yet.

@spotlight-the-performer @wolf-and-fox @scarlet-and-dew

[spotlight-the-performer]

aaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA-

AUGH-

. . .

[As soon as Spotlight hits the ground, they attempt to stand back up while staggering from the fall]

Ow...

Didn't expect a fall to greet me upon entering-

[As soon as they stand up fully, Spotlight looks around, noticing the fact that they're in the Nightmare Realm]

Great… Why am I here now?

[After a few seconds of looking, they finally turn their gaze to Grimm…]

F-father?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Most felines land on their paws. Crimson, despite notably not being a cat, was not the exception to this rule, crashing straight to the floor and also screaming in sheer panic. Luckily for them, the notion of landing on all four paws helped with the shock a little bit. They don't even have time to point at Spotlight in equal confusion before following their line of sight to Grimm. GRIMM! They reflexively make a bolt to him in an effort to make sure he's okay, scrambling to actually properly run on TWO paws instead of all four like some kind of creature running up the stairs. Grimm, you good?! Are you okay?- They quickly shake their head to properly get their thoughts in order. Are you hurt?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"nonononononoNONONONONONONONOFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK"

Unfortunately, despite becoming more and more feline due to the Curse, Scarlet is not as lucky as Crimson is. In fact, she ends up faceplanting onto the fabric.

"NYAUGH, MOTHERFUCKER!"

Groaning, Scarlet slowly stands up, using her firenail as support. As she glances around, she notices Spotlight and Crimson, as well as...

"...Oh you've GOT to be SHITTING ME."

The one person they wanted to see the least, lying on the floor.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm gently presses on Crimson’s head like one would to keep a cat away from their food. “I am fine, Crimson. Just a bit startled.”

He heaves a sigh upon hearing Scarlet’s reaction, instead turning to Spotlight. “You are all here. I do not know who or what summoned us but—”

The air he breathes grows heavy for a moment, a shudder wracking him. In a flash, so short he can hardly tell it happens, a smell tinged with essence engulfs him.

smells like bad intent

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight walks up to Grimm, the scar on their chest faintly glowing]

Are you sure you’re alright, Father? It’s not like you to just pause in the middle of your sentences.

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

The droning whine from Crimson is more felt than heard, but they relent, and back up to let Spotlight have room. Perhaps Spotlight has a better frame of reference? Not like they had much of a reference regarding the Grimm Troupe. Being raised by wolves does that, unfortunately. Don't think about that. They look over to Scarlet, trying to gauge off of what they knew and also their sibling's reaction to the surroundings.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

An arctic breeze. Thunderstorm rain. Burning forests. A field of dandielions.

All these smells and more filled Scarlet’s senses, as well as the overwhelming presence of nightmare essence all around the air. Faintly, Scarlet could sense Spotlight’s dream essence.

Wait. How are they able to smell all of this? How can they even sense essence?

“What the fuck…?”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm quickly grounds himself.

“Something is not right. We need to keep moving.” In the distance, a silhouette shoots long, fabric tendrils into the ceiling and flies up like a puppet on a string.

In its wake is something baring the shape of a burlap sack.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight notices the figure in the distance and immediately draws their nail. Eyes made of fire appear in all four of Spotlight eye sockets and display a look of fear and determination]

[Their scar begins to faintly glow brighter]

What the hell is that thing!?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Spotlight's warning gives Crimson enough time to tear their focus off of Scarlet, and onto what they're seeing. They're wary, cloak bristling slightly. Something along the lines of be willing to fight rings out in the back of their head - a secondary warning, built for the worst case. They couldn't tell if there were any thorns in the area, but they slowly back up. They debate on whether a weapon would be needed or not, then decides against it. They'd probably need it later, and it's too soon to call the dreamnail in play. For now, they slowly back up, keeping themselves as low to the ground as possible, cloak bristling further.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet makes the mistake of looking up as well, looking at the strange sack. She immediately draws her firenail, preparing for a fight.

"Aw fuck."

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm steps closer and drags the sack over. It’s a Grimmkin: devoid of essence. The Bad Feeling leads away from it and into the ‘sky’ like a trail of footprints.

He braces for a fight.

“We are being hunted.”

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Hunted? What could possibly hunt us here? There’s only us, The Grimmkins, and The Nightmare-

[Spotlight freezes immediately upon thinking of The Nightmare King hunting them down. The flames in their eyes go wide in fear as they remember the encounters they’ve had with them]

[Suddenly, the flames show a more determined expression as they ready their nail and conjure another fireball in their free claw. They didn’t know for certain why they were here, nor why everyone present is potentially being hunted by The Nightmare King, but what Spotlight did know was that this was a chance to avenge a friend of their’s: Tracker.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson sees Spotlight preparing to fight, and has a moment of mental dissonance. Wha- hey hey hey what- what are you doing. Why are we immediately willing to pick a fight uhm. They quiet down, really not wanting to get the most bombastic side-eyes from literally everyone. Can- we talk about this, uhm… sir? Bestie, even? Can we talk about this? Can we maybe not have this come to blows? Please? Despite their wariness, they're still willing to try to at least come to some form of understanding before trying out stabbing.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Oh. Oh Scarlet understands what's going on.

"...hehehehe...hahahaha...Hahahahahaha...!"

Scarlet throws her head back, a hand on her forehead as tears fall down her face

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! FINALLY DECIDED TO GET RID OF US, HUH? HAD ENOUGH OF US CAUSING YOU PROBLEMS?"

She focuses her flame into her firenail, pointing it at the sky. There's a manic grin on her face and flickering fire in her eyes.

"WELL BRING IT ON, YOU HEARTLESS BITCH! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing]

The insult cuts Grimm deeply, but he has no right to chide Scarlet. The Bad Feeling stirs the air as something serpentine drags its way out of the shadows.

Grimm can hardly smell anything past the smoke as eight red eyes light up the dark. Something weighs at the bottom of his soul before being crushed under bestial hunger.

Incubo remains somewhat shadowed but his presence is made clear. Suddenly everyone is very, very afraid.

Grimm can hardly hear himself shout “RUN!” before he’s sprinting away. The walls tighten, forming a maze. And the Minotaur is right behind the group.

[Now Playing] @spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight’s scar shines a bright red in Incubo’s presence as they begin to breathe rapidly. The rising fear caused their stance to falter, the grip on their nail to slack. and the flame in their claw to dim as they take a few small steps back]

[However, they didn’t run. They still kept their nail drawn and the flame alive, but their stance was still weak. Weak enough for anyone to drag them away]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson almost initially backs up to run, cloak and fur bristling, and then is VERY painfully aware that Spotlight is going to be a potential casualty if they are left behind. They have next to no time to gauge their options, so they quickly latch their paws into their arm, claws digging as they try to get Spotlight to START MOVING. DID YOU NOT HEAR- RUN! Their voice is a pained mix of what a leader should sound like and the equivalent of a terrified cat, snapping teeth at Scarlet to ALSO start moving, quickly bolting after Grimm. SURELY he knows a way OUT, right? RIGHT?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet, despite all previous warnings, is getting ready to square up against the Nightmare King. She barks out a harsh laugh.

“YOU THINK THAT’S ENOUGH TO SCARE ME? I CAN TAKE YOU ON MYSELF, AND I WILL!”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

The beast looks down at its prey, eyes beaming down. It stretches its malformed maw and attempts to bite Scarlet half-heartedly. But before its teeth can make contact Grimm pulls her away with his wings. He somehow manages to keep pace with the others despite this little setback.

“I told you to run!”

The beast takes one giant stride for every three steps they take. They’re being herded like roaches.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight was still being dragged by Crimson. They kept their nail drawn just in case, but now they were more focused on getting the hell out of here]

[At some point, they try to Void Walk so they could run without being dragged, but they couldn’t use Void for some reason…]

Wh-what…

[They tried again, but nothing happened. So they just decided to continue running without being dragged Crimson’s paw still latched onto their arm]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Eventually they do let go of Spotlight's arm, mostly to point at Scarlet. SCARLET I SWEAR TO WHATEVER GODS ARE OUT THERE I- MMMMMMM- They have to physically avoid shaking her, and the second there's a corner they practically bound right off of it to shave off a few seconds, rolling for a little bit before scrambling back up to keep up. They debated on whether not they could hypothetically deter the current issue with loud noises, they could get the designated fox scream down fairly okay, but they really didn't want to do that overall. In fact, they'd rather watch to try to get a better idea on how to solve this particular issue. Preferably from a distance, but that's beside the point. Could burrowing be an option? Could they even dig through fabric fast enough to do that, let alone enough to fit everyone? Was it going to hurt Incubo? WHY ARE THEY THINKING ABOUT THAT? They almost lag behind to test that by focusing a bit more on the fabric underneath them, then decides nope! Not Doing That! and manages to catch up.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Cue the scruffing of Scarlet by Grimm.

"HEY WHAT THE FNYAUGH-"

And cue Scarlet struggling under said scruff.

"HEY LEMME GO I WAS GONNA KICK HIS ASS!"

Regardless, Scarlet follows along because holy fucking shit he's gaining on them.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm can hardly feel his own limbs as his strings squeeze him tight but do not pull. Is Incubo enjoying this? Incubo seems fixed on hunting down Scarlet first and foremost, but is closer to jogging than sprinting. Grimm is able to make a few sharp leaps and turns and have the beast lost before he can warp the maze.

He ducks behind a fleshy wall, gesturing for the others to stay silent as he places Scarlet down. The beast laps around in search of them. Don’t smell like fear. Don’t smell like anything, really. Or He will find you. Where did he hear that? He has vague memories of sitting around a lantern with friends but it wasn’t you not your face not your friends it never happened

With each thundering step Incubo takes he feels a tugging in his soul. Being bound to the god had its perks in this situation. Once he can no longer sense the beast he relaxes.

And then a dozen velvet tendrils wrap around him, yanking him away. Incubo seems to be in his normal form now. From here the rancid feeling is stronger than ever. He tries to reach out to Incubo, but internal communication is blocked off.

Luckily he has just enough of his wits about him to understand he’s being used as bait of some sort. But why…?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Whenever they round the corner, Spotlight places a claw on the wall and begins breathing heavily while trying to figure out why they couldn’t use Void. Was it connected to Shadelight? Do they need Shadelight in order to actually use Void??]

[Before they could truly want to figure out if that was the case, they notice Grimm being taken away by Incubo]

DAD!

[Immediately, Spotlight tries to run after them]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Part of them wants to hide. They can feel a portion of them wanting to shrink away, to hide underneath cloak and fur. They fight that want furiously, grabbing onto Spotlight immediately to pull them back into the safety of hidden. WAIT. They instead poke their snout out of the hiding spot, sniffing the air warily. They've crouched down enough to be practically on all four of their paws, and it was almost on habit for them on how steady the drop was. Stay quiet. Stay hidden. I will see first to see if the coast is clear, and if it isn't, you will know.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"SPOTLIGHT ARE YOU TRYING TO GET KILLED???"

CONSUMECONSUMECONSUMEDEVOURTHEFLESHMUSTCONSUMEMUSTBEFEDMUSTDEVOUR

"GAK-"

Scarlet grips her stomach, wincing in pain.

"Damnit...not now!"

She shakes her head, summoning a fireball to throw in case the Nightmare King comes back.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[As Spotlight gets dragged back to the safe spot, they pause and just stand there. Every part of the is saying to just run after The Nightmare King, but ultimately they know that it may end up causing more issues than it could solve]

[With nothing else to do, they sit down and just stare at their free claw]

. . .

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

They can't tell if it's safe or not. Which is never good. The quiet is starting to get to them, looking back outside. And then, a flicker of an idea. One that they.. do not know if it will work or not. But it is worth a shot, as they quickly spark a small ember, and then focuses on it. The small flame they summon, in turn, shifts to whatever they have on their mind, something low to the ground that shouldn't be easily traced back to them (though on how certain they are on that instance is… low). Something that they could use, hypothetically, to scout the immediate area to see if it was safe. Once the flame 'scurries' just out of sight, there is a slight problem that Crimson runs into very quickly. They can't…. actually see through the flame. So, the internal plan diverts from scout to as a makeshift alarm bell for the immediate vicinity. Stars, they hope it works.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

They try to shove down their cannibalistic urges, instead focusing merely on making sure the Nightmare King doesn't come back, or at least making sure it hurts like hell if he does.

You can't ignore it forever, Scarlet. Sooner or later, you will have to face the truth.

Shut up. She's been running away all this time. She can keep running.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo can smell the fear despite the distance. Honestly, he’s surprised the little group hasn’t come running. Making this so much harder

Grimm is squirming uselessly. Surely he doesn’t really think Incubo is going to kill him, does he? He inhales despite not needing to truly breathe, committing the feeling of holding Grimm like this to memory. He feels strong for once after stealing that essence.

This is the last time he ever will

Incubo flips the realm upside down, funneling Grimm’s children toward him.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight, immediately upon the realm being flipped, tries to catch themself on the wall with their claw to slow their descent, but their grip slips and they fall onto the slanted ground before sliding down]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

There is the loudest, most fox-like alarm scream from Crimson as they quickly scramble to find a clawhold, ANYTHING, ANYTHING, to cling onto, latching practically all of their claws into fabric and almost just as swiftly CLIMBS, barking- or, more accurately, screaming "CLAWS! CLAWS!!" at Scarlet and Spotlight, hoping the message got across as they very frantically look around the area to try to follow any movement, flattening themselves against the- ceiling, now. CAN YOU PLEASE NOT TRY TO KILL US I LIKE LIVING, THANK YOU. Mother would have picked a fight on the spot. Crimson is not as brave and/or reckless. Probably both, now that they think about it. They have to act fast, and they don't know what to act WITH.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"OH SHIT"

Scarlet barely has any time to react, trying and failing to claw at the floor-turned-ceiling before tumbling down alongside Spotlight. However, she breaks into a manic laugh, baring her teeth and claws brandishing her firenail.

"BRING IT ON, NIGHTMARE KING! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo hears the satisfying thump of bodies hitting the floor and smiles to himself. This was an excellent plan, even if he did not account for Crimson sensing the rift. “Eager, are we? Well I am not one to keep an audience waiting. Our coexistence has harmed enough bugs. Consider this a balancing of scales.” Then, like any good performer, he bows. He’s sure Grimm would too. He should be excited for a dance as high-stakes as this one.

A curtain of darkness covers the realm and then parts to reveal a massive stage. In the shadows behind it lurks the reason for all that stolen essence. The silhouette of a serpentine creature watches from backstage, its eight eyes gleaming like spotlights. Basked in their glow are two Grimmkin Nightmares, strings gleaming like stars. They look like reanimated corpses, despite being the same sacks as usual.

Grimm dangles helplessly in the wings.

Grimm: [210/210]

The Puppet Master: [420/420]

Grimmkin A: [100/100]

Grimmkin B: [100/100]

[Now Playing]

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Spotlight: [195/195]

Oh here we go!

[Spotlight, with their nail drawn already drawn, gets into a battle ready position before lunging at Grimmkin A]

[Accuracy 1d10: 7]

[Attack 1d20: 17]

[Result: 14]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

(100/100) (1d10 Accuracy Dice: 8) (1d20 Combat Dice: 6) (6-2, 4!) Crimson sees the sudden (and potentially dangerous) situation. Grimm's there, but they're unsure if their own sense of stability will do much - plus, Incubo probably was going to see that as a challenge, and they knew even with possible backup, it'd be possibly the most… trickiest fight alive. Spotlight appears to be at the very least distracted, and there's two (as opposed to Crimson's little group of three). It's a difficult decision.

Grimm can wait, no matter how much it hurts for them to think about it. Their siblings need help. They angle their snout, seeking out the second one. They don't want to kill. They really don't. But the back of their throat starts clicking, trying to detangle their paws to safely move themselves to get a better angle. They seek that internal flame, and fire it in one singular fireball towards the second Grimmkin. Whether it was a bait or not is up to Crimson and any following reactions.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet: [150/150]

"SERIOUSLY? HIDING BEHIND YOUR LACKEYS LIKE A COWARD? COME OUT AND FACE US YOURSELF!"

Scarlet flings one of her fireballs at the Grimmkin to her right, which happened to be the same one Crimson was aiming at.

[Accuracy Roll (1d10): 8] [Attack Roll (1d20): 11] [11 - 2 = 9]

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimmkin A: [84/100]

Grimmkin B: [86/100]

Grimmkin A charges up a fireball in retaliation to Spotlight. [1d20 - 1d10 = 14!]

Grimmkin B swings its staff [9]

Grimm can’t tell what the purpose of this battle is, or why he has to watch. Incubo’s unseeing glare lands on him. Is that…relief?

@spotlight-the-performer

[masterofthistroupe]

(Update: Grimm get!)

[masterofthistroupe]

(CALLING ALL GRIMM-HAVERS ON ARTFIGHT)

(If you’ve got your own design and/or au for Grimm please link me their page I need a bunch of Grimms for reasons)

[masterofthistroupe]

(Since the godhome blog went down and I was using that battle system I had to make my own on the fly)

(Battle system: Characters have hp that you whittle down. Effects like poison and burn use 1d4 depending on the attack. For example: Grimm’s fire bats use six. There are rolls for accuracy(1d10), attack(1d20), and defense(1d20). If you were to get a low roll on accuracy, you would subtract the number you got from 10 and that’s the debuff you get on your attack.)

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing.] Grimm finds himself on a floor of fabric. There is a tugging in his soul; something isn’t right. A realm usually full of bustling Grimmkin and firelight is empty. Where is Incubo?

He is alone no longer as Spotlight, Crimson, and Scarlet come tumbling in. Grimm cannot bring himself to speak yet.

@spotlight-the-performer @wolf-and-fox @scarlet-and-dew

[spotlight-the-performer]

aaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA-

AUGH-

. . .

[As soon as Spotlight hits the ground, they attempt to stand back up while staggering from the fall]

Ow...

Didn't expect a fall to greet me upon entering-

[As soon as they stand up fully, Spotlight looks around, noticing the fact that they're in the Nightmare Realm]

Great… Why am I here now?

[After a few seconds of looking, they finally turn their gaze to Grimm…]

F-father?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Most felines land on their paws. Crimson, despite notably not being a cat, was not the exception to this rule, crashing straight to the floor and also screaming in sheer panic. Luckily for them, the notion of landing on all four paws helped with the shock a little bit. They don't even have time to point at Spotlight in equal confusion before following their line of sight to Grimm. GRIMM! They reflexively make a bolt to him in an effort to make sure he's okay, scrambling to actually properly run on TWO paws instead of all four like some kind of creature running up the stairs. Grimm, you good?! Are you okay?- They quickly shake their head to properly get their thoughts in order. Are you hurt?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"nonononononoNONONONONONONONOFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK"

Unfortunately, despite becoming more and more feline due to the Curse, Scarlet is not as lucky as Crimson is. In fact, she ends up faceplanting onto the fabric.

"NYAUGH, MOTHERFUCKER!"

Groaning, Scarlet slowly stands up, using her firenail as support. As she glances around, she notices Spotlight and Crimson, as well as...

"...Oh you've GOT to be SHITTING ME."

The one person they wanted to see the least, lying on the floor.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm gently presses on Crimson’s head like one would to keep a cat away from their food. “I am fine, Crimson. Just a bit startled.”

He heaves a sigh upon hearing Scarlet’s reaction, instead turning to Spotlight. “You are all here. I do not know who or what summoned us but—”

The air he breathes grows heavy for a moment, a shudder wracking him. In a flash, so short he can hardly tell it happens, a smell tinged with essence engulfs him.

smells like bad intent

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight walks up to Grimm, the scar on their chest faintly glowing]

Are you sure you’re alright, Father? It’s not like you to just pause in the middle of your sentences.

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

The droning whine from Crimson is more felt than heard, but they relent, and back up to let Spotlight have room. Perhaps Spotlight has a better frame of reference? Not like they had much of a reference regarding the Grimm Troupe. Being raised by wolves does that, unfortunately. Don't think about that. They look over to Scarlet, trying to gauge off of what they knew and also their sibling's reaction to the surroundings.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

An arctic breeze. Thunderstorm rain. Burning forests. A field of dandielions.

All these smells and more filled Scarlet’s senses, as well as the overwhelming presence of nightmare essence all around the air. Faintly, Scarlet could sense Spotlight’s dream essence.

Wait. How are they able to smell all of this? How can they even sense essence?

“What the fuck…?”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm quickly grounds himself.

“Something is not right. We need to keep moving.” In the distance, a silhouette shoots long, fabric tendrils into the ceiling and flies up like a puppet on a string.

In its wake is something baring the shape of a burlap sack.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight notices the figure in the distance and immediately draws their nail. Eyes made of fire appear in all four of Spotlight eye sockets and display a look of fear and determination]

[Their scar begins to faintly glow brighter]

What the hell is that thing!?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Spotlight's warning gives Crimson enough time to tear their focus off of Scarlet, and onto what they're seeing. They're wary, cloak bristling slightly. Something along the lines of be willing to fight rings out in the back of their head - a secondary warning, built for the worst case. They couldn't tell if there were any thorns in the area, but they slowly back up. They debate on whether a weapon would be needed or not, then decides against it. They'd probably need it later, and it's too soon to call the dreamnail in play. For now, they slowly back up, keeping themselves as low to the ground as possible, cloak bristling further.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet makes the mistake of looking up as well, looking at the strange sack. She immediately draws her firenail, preparing for a fight.

"Aw fuck."

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm steps closer and drags the sack over. It’s a Grimmkin: devoid of essence. The Bad Feeling leads away from it and into the ‘sky’ like a trail of footprints.

He braces for a fight.

“We are being hunted.”

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Hunted? What could possibly hunt us here? There’s only us, The Grimmkins, and The Nightmare-

[Spotlight freezes immediately upon thinking of The Nightmare King hunting them down. The flames in their eyes go wide in fear as they remember the encounters they’ve had with them]

[Suddenly, the flames show a more determined expression as they ready their nail and conjure another fireball in their free claw. They didn’t know for certain why they were here, nor why everyone present is potentially being hunted by The Nightmare King, but what Spotlight did know was that this was a chance to avenge a friend of their’s: Tracker.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson sees Spotlight preparing to fight, and has a moment of mental dissonance. Wha- hey hey hey what- what are you doing. Why are we immediately willing to pick a fight uhm. They quiet down, really not wanting to get the most bombastic side-eyes from literally everyone. Can- we talk about this, uhm… sir? Bestie, even? Can we talk about this? Can we maybe not have this come to blows? Please? Despite their wariness, they're still willing to try to at least come to some form of understanding before trying out stabbing.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Oh. Oh Scarlet understands what's going on.

"...hehehehe...hahahaha...Hahahahahaha...!"

Scarlet throws her head back, a hand on her forehead as tears fall down her face

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! FINALLY DECIDED TO GET RID OF US, HUH? HAD ENOUGH OF US CAUSING YOU PROBLEMS?"

She focuses her flame into her firenail, pointing it at the sky. There's a manic grin on her face and flickering fire in her eyes.

"WELL BRING IT ON, YOU HEARTLESS BITCH! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing]

The insult cuts Grimm deeply, but he has no right to chide Scarlet. The Bad Feeling stirs the air as something serpentine drags its way out of the shadows.

Grimm can hardly smell anything past the smoke as eight red eyes light up the dark. Something weighs at the bottom of his soul before being crushed under bestial hunger.

Incubo remains somewhat shadowed but his presence is made clear. Suddenly everyone is very, very afraid.

Grimm can hardly hear himself shout “RUN!” before he’s sprinting away. The walls tighten, forming a maze. And the Minotaur is right behind the group.

[Now Playing] @spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight’s scar shines a bright red in Incubo’s presence as they begin to breathe rapidly. The rising fear caused their stance to falter, the grip on their nail to slack. and the flame in their claw to dim as they take a few small steps back]

[However, they didn’t run. They still kept their nail drawn and the flame alive, but their stance was still weak. Weak enough for anyone to drag them away]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson almost initially backs up to run, cloak and fur bristling, and then is VERY painfully aware that Spotlight is going to be a potential casualty if they are left behind. They have next to no time to gauge their options, so they quickly latch their paws into their arm, claws digging as they try to get Spotlight to START MOVING. DID YOU NOT HEAR- RUN! Their voice is a pained mix of what a leader should sound like and the equivalent of a terrified cat, snapping teeth at Scarlet to ALSO start moving, quickly bolting after Grimm. SURELY he knows a way OUT, right? RIGHT?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet, despite all previous warnings, is getting ready to square up against the Nightmare King. She barks out a harsh laugh.

“YOU THINK THAT’S ENOUGH TO SCARE ME? I CAN TAKE YOU ON MYSELF, AND I WILL!”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

The beast looks down at its prey, eyes beaming down. It stretches its malformed maw and attempts to bite Scarlet half-heartedly. But before its teeth can make contact Grimm pulls her away with his wings. He somehow manages to keep pace with the others despite this little setback.

“I told you to run!”

The beast takes one giant stride for every three steps they take. They’re being herded like roaches.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight was still being dragged by Crimson. They kept their nail drawn just in case, but now they were more focused on getting the hell out of here]

[At some point, they try to Void Walk so they could run without being dragged, but they couldn’t use Void for some reason…]

Wh-what…

[They tried again, but nothing happened. So they just decided to continue running without being dragged Crimson’s paw still latched onto their arm]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Eventually they do let go of Spotlight's arm, mostly to point at Scarlet. SCARLET I SWEAR TO WHATEVER GODS ARE OUT THERE I- MMMMMMM- They have to physically avoid shaking her, and the second there's a corner they practically bound right off of it to shave off a few seconds, rolling for a little bit before scrambling back up to keep up. They debated on whether not they could hypothetically deter the current issue with loud noises, they could get the designated fox scream down fairly okay, but they really didn't want to do that overall. In fact, they'd rather watch to try to get a better idea on how to solve this particular issue. Preferably from a distance, but that's beside the point. Could burrowing be an option? Could they even dig through fabric fast enough to do that, let alone enough to fit everyone? Was it going to hurt Incubo? WHY ARE THEY THINKING ABOUT THAT? They almost lag behind to test that by focusing a bit more on the fabric underneath them, then decides nope! Not Doing That! and manages to catch up.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Cue the scruffing of Scarlet by Grimm.

"HEY WHAT THE FNYAUGH-"

And cue Scarlet struggling under said scruff.

"HEY LEMME GO I WAS GONNA KICK HIS ASS!"

Regardless, Scarlet follows along because holy fucking shit he's gaining on them.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm can hardly feel his own limbs as his strings squeeze him tight but do not pull. Is Incubo enjoying this? Incubo seems fixed on hunting down Scarlet first and foremost, but is closer to jogging than sprinting. Grimm is able to make a few sharp leaps and turns and have the beast lost before he can warp the maze.

He ducks behind a fleshy wall, gesturing for the others to stay silent as he places Scarlet down. The beast laps around in search of them. Don’t smell like fear. Don’t smell like anything, really. Or He will find you. Where did he hear that? He has vague memories of sitting around a lantern with friends but it wasn’t you not your face not your friends it never happened

With each thundering step Incubo takes he feels a tugging in his soul. Being bound to the god had its perks in this situation. Once he can no longer sense the beast he relaxes.

And then a dozen velvet tendrils wrap around him, yanking him away. Incubo seems to be in his normal form now. From here the rancid feeling is stronger than ever. He tries to reach out to Incubo, but internal communication is blocked off.

Luckily he has just enough of his wits about him to understand he’s being used as bait of some sort. But why…?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Whenever they round the corner, Spotlight places a claw on the wall and begins breathing heavily while trying to figure out why they couldn’t use Void. Was it connected to Shadelight? Do they need Shadelight in order to actually use Void??]

[Before they could truly want to figure out if that was the case, they notice Grimm being taken away by Incubo]

DAD!

[Immediately, Spotlight tries to run after them]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Part of them wants to hide. They can feel a portion of them wanting to shrink away, to hide underneath cloak and fur. They fight that want furiously, grabbing onto Spotlight immediately to pull them back into the safety of hidden. WAIT. They instead poke their snout out of the hiding spot, sniffing the air warily. They've crouched down enough to be practically on all four of their paws, and it was almost on habit for them on how steady the drop was. Stay quiet. Stay hidden. I will see first to see if the coast is clear, and if it isn't, you will know.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"SPOTLIGHT ARE YOU TRYING TO GET KILLED???"

CONSUMECONSUMECONSUMEDEVOURTHEFLESHMUSTCONSUMEMUSTBEFEDMUSTDEVOUR

"GAK-"

Scarlet grips her stomach, wincing in pain.

"Damnit...not now!"

She shakes her head, summoning a fireball to throw in case the Nightmare King comes back.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[As Spotlight gets dragged back to the safe spot, they pause and just stand there. Every part of the is saying to just run after The Nightmare King, but ultimately they know that it may end up causing more issues than it could solve]

[With nothing else to do, they sit down and just stare at their free claw]

. . .

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

They can't tell if it's safe or not. Which is never good. The quiet is starting to get to them, looking back outside. And then, a flicker of an idea. One that they.. do not know if it will work or not. But it is worth a shot, as they quickly spark a small ember, and then focuses on it. The small flame they summon, in turn, shifts to whatever they have on their mind, something low to the ground that shouldn't be easily traced back to them (though on how certain they are on that instance is… low). Something that they could use, hypothetically, to scout the immediate area to see if it was safe. Once the flame 'scurries' just out of sight, there is a slight problem that Crimson runs into very quickly. They can't…. actually see through the flame. So, the internal plan diverts from scout to as a makeshift alarm bell for the immediate vicinity. Stars, they hope it works.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

They try to shove down their cannibalistic urges, instead focusing merely on making sure the Nightmare King doesn't come back, or at least making sure it hurts like hell if he does.

You can't ignore it forever, Scarlet. Sooner or later, you will have to face the truth.

Shut up. She's been running away all this time. She can keep running.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo can smell the fear despite the distance. Honestly, he’s surprised the little group hasn’t come running. Making this so much harder

Grimm is squirming uselessly. Surely he doesn’t really think Incubo is going to kill him, does he? He inhales despite not needing to truly breathe, committing the feeling of holding Grimm like this to memory. He feels strong for once after stealing that essence.

This is the last time he ever will

Incubo flips the realm upside down, funneling Grimm’s children toward him.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight, immediately upon the realm being flipped, tries to catch themself on the wall with their claw to slow their descent, but their grip slips and they fall onto the slanted ground before sliding down]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

There is the loudest, most fox-like alarm scream from Crimson as they quickly scramble to find a clawhold, ANYTHING, ANYTHING, to cling onto, latching practically all of their claws into fabric and almost just as swiftly CLIMBS, barking- or, more accurately, screaming "CLAWS! CLAWS!!" at Scarlet and Spotlight, hoping the message got across as they very frantically look around the area to try to follow any movement, flattening themselves against the- ceiling, now. CAN YOU PLEASE NOT TRY TO KILL US I LIKE LIVING, THANK YOU. Mother would have picked a fight on the spot. Crimson is not as brave and/or reckless. Probably both, now that they think about it. They have to act fast, and they don't know what to act WITH.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"OH SHIT"

Scarlet barely has any time to react, trying and failing to claw at the floor-turned-ceiling before tumbling down alongside Spotlight. However, she breaks into a manic laugh, baring her teeth and claws brandishing her firenail.

"BRING IT ON, NIGHTMARE KING! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo hears the satisfying thump of bodies hitting the floor and smiles to himself. This was an excellent plan, even if he did not account for Crimson sensing the rift. “Eager, are we? Well I am not one to keep an audience waiting. Our coexistence has harmed enough bugs. Consider this a balancing of scales.” Then, like any good performer, he bows. He’s sure Grimm would too. He should be excited for a dance as high-stakes as this one.

A curtain of darkness covers the realm and then parts to reveal a massive stage. In the shadows behind it lurks the reason for all that stolen essence. The silhouette of a serpentine creature watches from backstage, its eight eyes gleaming like spotlights. Basked in their glow are two Grimmkin Nightmares, strings gleaming like stars. They look like reanimated corpses, despite being the same sacks as usual.

Grimm dangles helplessly in the wings.

Grimm: [210/210]

The Puppet Master: [420/420]

Grimmkin A: [100/100]

Grimmkin B: [100/100]

[Now Playing]

@spotlight-the-performer

[masterofthistroupe]

(grandle)

[masterofthistroupe]

(Lumi is now up on Artfight!)

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing.] Grimm finds himself on a floor of fabric. There is a tugging in his soul; something isn’t right. A realm usually full of bustling Grimmkin and firelight is empty. Where is Incubo?

He is alone no longer as Spotlight, Crimson, and Scarlet come tumbling in. Grimm cannot bring himself to speak yet.

@spotlight-the-performer @wolf-and-fox @scarlet-and-dew

[spotlight-the-performer]

aaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA-

AUGH-

. . .

[As soon as Spotlight hits the ground, they attempt to stand back up while staggering from the fall]

Ow...

Didn't expect a fall to greet me upon entering-

[As soon as they stand up fully, Spotlight looks around, noticing the fact that they're in the Nightmare Realm]

Great… Why am I here now?

[After a few seconds of looking, they finally turn their gaze to Grimm…]

F-father?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Most felines land on their paws. Crimson, despite notably not being a cat, was not the exception to this rule, crashing straight to the floor and also screaming in sheer panic. Luckily for them, the notion of landing on all four paws helped with the shock a little bit. They don't even have time to point at Spotlight in equal confusion before following their line of sight to Grimm. GRIMM! They reflexively make a bolt to him in an effort to make sure he's okay, scrambling to actually properly run on TWO paws instead of all four like some kind of creature running up the stairs. Grimm, you good?! Are you okay?- They quickly shake their head to properly get their thoughts in order. Are you hurt?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"nonononononoNONONONONONONONOFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK"

Unfortunately, despite becoming more and more feline due to the Curse, Scarlet is not as lucky as Crimson is. In fact, she ends up faceplanting onto the fabric.

"NYAUGH, MOTHERFUCKER!"

Groaning, Scarlet slowly stands up, using her firenail as support. As she glances around, she notices Spotlight and Crimson, as well as...

"...Oh you've GOT to be SHITTING ME."

The one person they wanted to see the least, lying on the floor.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm gently presses on Crimson’s head like one would to keep a cat away from their food. “I am fine, Crimson. Just a bit startled.”

He heaves a sigh upon hearing Scarlet’s reaction, instead turning to Spotlight. “You are all here. I do not know who or what summoned us but—”

The air he breathes grows heavy for a moment, a shudder wracking him. In a flash, so short he can hardly tell it happens, a smell tinged with essence engulfs him.

smells like bad intent

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight walks up to Grimm, the scar on their chest faintly glowing]

Are you sure you’re alright, Father? It’s not like you to just pause in the middle of your sentences.

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

The droning whine from Crimson is more felt than heard, but they relent, and back up to let Spotlight have room. Perhaps Spotlight has a better frame of reference? Not like they had much of a reference regarding the Grimm Troupe. Being raised by wolves does that, unfortunately. Don't think about that. They look over to Scarlet, trying to gauge off of what they knew and also their sibling's reaction to the surroundings.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

An arctic breeze. Thunderstorm rain. Burning forests. A field of dandielions.

All these smells and more filled Scarlet’s senses, as well as the overwhelming presence of nightmare essence all around the air. Faintly, Scarlet could sense Spotlight’s dream essence.

Wait. How are they able to smell all of this? How can they even sense essence?

“What the fuck…?”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm quickly grounds himself.

“Something is not right. We need to keep moving.” In the distance, a silhouette shoots long, fabric tendrils into the ceiling and flies up like a puppet on a string.

In its wake is something baring the shape of a burlap sack.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight notices the figure in the distance and immediately draws their nail. Eyes made of fire appear in all four of Spotlight eye sockets and display a look of fear and determination]

[Their scar begins to faintly glow brighter]

What the hell is that thing!?

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Spotlight's warning gives Crimson enough time to tear their focus off of Scarlet, and onto what they're seeing. They're wary, cloak bristling slightly. Something along the lines of be willing to fight rings out in the back of their head - a secondary warning, built for the worst case. They couldn't tell if there were any thorns in the area, but they slowly back up. They debate on whether a weapon would be needed or not, then decides against it. They'd probably need it later, and it's too soon to call the dreamnail in play. For now, they slowly back up, keeping themselves as low to the ground as possible, cloak bristling further.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet makes the mistake of looking up as well, looking at the strange sack. She immediately draws her firenail, preparing for a fight.

"Aw fuck."

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm steps closer and drags the sack over. It’s a Grimmkin: devoid of essence. The Bad Feeling leads away from it and into the ‘sky’ like a trail of footprints.

He braces for a fight.

“We are being hunted.”

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

Hunted? What could possibly hunt us here? There’s only us, The Grimmkins, and The Nightmare-

[Spotlight freezes immediately upon thinking of The Nightmare King hunting them down. The flames in their eyes go wide in fear as they remember the encounters they’ve had with them]

[Suddenly, the flames show a more determined expression as they ready their nail and conjure another fireball in their free claw. They didn’t know for certain why they were here, nor why everyone present is potentially being hunted by The Nightmare King, but what Spotlight did know was that this was a chance to avenge a friend of their’s: Tracker.]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson sees Spotlight preparing to fight, and has a moment of mental dissonance. Wha- hey hey hey what- what are you doing. Why are we immediately willing to pick a fight uhm. They quiet down, really not wanting to get the most bombastic side-eyes from literally everyone. Can- we talk about this, uhm… sir? Bestie, even? Can we talk about this? Can we maybe not have this come to blows? Please? Despite their wariness, they're still willing to try to at least come to some form of understanding before trying out stabbing.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Oh. Oh Scarlet understands what's going on.

"...hehehehe...hahahaha...Hahahahahaha...!"

Scarlet throws her head back, a hand on her forehead as tears fall down her face

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA! FINALLY DECIDED TO GET RID OF US, HUH? HAD ENOUGH OF US CAUSING YOU PROBLEMS?"

She focuses her flame into her firenail, pointing it at the sky. There's a manic grin on her face and flickering fire in her eyes.

"WELL BRING IT ON, YOU HEARTLESS BITCH! I'M NOT SCARED OF YOU!"

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

[Now Playing]

The insult cuts Grimm deeply, but he has no right to chide Scarlet. The Bad Feeling stirs the air as something serpentine drags its way out of the shadows.

Grimm can hardly smell anything past the smoke as eight red eyes light up the dark. Something weighs at the bottom of his soul before being crushed under bestial hunger.

Incubo remains somewhat shadowed but his presence is made clear. Suddenly everyone is very, very afraid.

Grimm can hardly hear himself shout “RUN!” before he’s sprinting away. The walls tighten, forming a maze. And the Minotaur is right behind the group.

[Now Playing] @spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight’s scar shines a bright red in Incubo’s presence as they begin to breathe rapidly. The rising fear caused their stance to falter, the grip on their nail to slack. and the flame in their claw to dim as they take a few small steps back]

[However, they didn’t run. They still kept their nail drawn and the flame alive, but their stance was still weak. Weak enough for anyone to drag them away]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Crimson almost initially backs up to run, cloak and fur bristling, and then is VERY painfully aware that Spotlight is going to be a potential casualty if they are left behind. They have next to no time to gauge their options, so they quickly latch their paws into their arm, claws digging as they try to get Spotlight to START MOVING. DID YOU NOT HEAR- RUN! Their voice is a pained mix of what a leader should sound like and the equivalent of a terrified cat, snapping teeth at Scarlet to ALSO start moving, quickly bolting after Grimm. SURELY he knows a way OUT, right? RIGHT?

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Scarlet, despite all previous warnings, is getting ready to square up against the Nightmare King. She barks out a harsh laugh.

“YOU THINK THAT’S ENOUGH TO SCARE ME? I CAN TAKE YOU ON MYSELF, AND I WILL!”

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

The beast looks down at its prey, eyes beaming down. It stretches its malformed maw and attempts to bite Scarlet half-heartedly. But before its teeth can make contact Grimm pulls her away with his wings. He somehow manages to keep pace with the others despite this little setback.

“I told you to run!”

The beast takes one giant stride for every three steps they take. They’re being herded like roaches.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Spotlight was still being dragged by Crimson. They kept their nail drawn just in case, but now they were more focused on getting the hell out of here]

[At some point, they try to Void Walk so they could run without being dragged, but they couldn’t use Void for some reason…]

Wh-what…

[They tried again, but nothing happened. So they just decided to continue running without being dragged Crimson’s paw still latched onto their arm]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Eventually they do let go of Spotlight's arm, mostly to point at Scarlet. SCARLET I SWEAR TO WHATEVER GODS ARE OUT THERE I- MMMMMMM- They have to physically avoid shaking her, and the second there's a corner they practically bound right off of it to shave off a few seconds, rolling for a little bit before scrambling back up to keep up. They debated on whether not they could hypothetically deter the current issue with loud noises, they could get the designated fox scream down fairly okay, but they really didn't want to do that overall. In fact, they'd rather watch to try to get a better idea on how to solve this particular issue. Preferably from a distance, but that's beside the point. Could burrowing be an option? Could they even dig through fabric fast enough to do that, let alone enough to fit everyone? Was it going to hurt Incubo? WHY ARE THEY THINKING ABOUT THAT? They almost lag behind to test that by focusing a bit more on the fabric underneath them, then decides nope! Not Doing That! and manages to catch up.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

Cue the scruffing of Scarlet by Grimm.

"HEY WHAT THE FNYAUGH-"

And cue Scarlet struggling under said scruff.

"HEY LEMME GO I WAS GONNA KICK HIS ASS!"

Regardless, Scarlet follows along because holy fucking shit he's gaining on them.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Grimm can hardly feel his own limbs as his strings squeeze him tight but do not pull. Is Incubo enjoying this? Incubo seems fixed on hunting down Scarlet first and foremost, but is closer to jogging than sprinting. Grimm is able to make a few sharp leaps and turns and have the beast lost before he can warp the maze.

He ducks behind a fleshy wall, gesturing for the others to stay silent as he places Scarlet down. The beast laps around in search of them. Don’t smell like fear. Don’t smell like anything, really. Or He will find you. Where did he hear that? He has vague memories of sitting around a lantern with friends but it wasn’t you not your face not your friends it never happened

With each thundering step Incubo takes he feels a tugging in his soul. Being bound to the god had its perks in this situation. Once he can no longer sense the beast he relaxes.

And then a dozen velvet tendrils wrap around him, yanking him away. Incubo seems to be in his normal form now. From here the rancid feeling is stronger than ever. He tries to reach out to Incubo, but internal communication is blocked off.

Luckily he has just enough of his wits about him to understand he’s being used as bait of some sort. But why…?

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Whenever they round the corner, Spotlight places a claw on the wall and begins breathing heavily while trying to figure out why they couldn’t use Void. Was it connected to Shadelight? Do they need Shadelight in order to actually use Void??]

[Before they could truly want to figure out if that was the case, they notice Grimm being taken away by Incubo]

DAD!

[Immediately, Spotlight tries to run after them]

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

Part of them wants to hide. They can feel a portion of them wanting to shrink away, to hide underneath cloak and fur. They fight that want furiously, grabbing onto Spotlight immediately to pull them back into the safety of hidden. WAIT. They instead poke their snout out of the hiding spot, sniffing the air warily. They've crouched down enough to be practically on all four of their paws, and it was almost on habit for them on how steady the drop was. Stay quiet. Stay hidden. I will see first to see if the coast is clear, and if it isn't, you will know.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

"SPOTLIGHT ARE YOU TRYING TO GET KILLED???"

CONSUMECONSUMECONSUMEDEVOURTHEFLESHMUSTCONSUMEMUSTBEFEDMUSTDEVOUR

"GAK-"

Scarlet grips her stomach, wincing in pain.

"Damnit...not now!"

She shakes her head, summoning a fireball to throw in case the Nightmare King comes back.

@spotlight-the-performer

[spotlight-the-performer]

[As Spotlight gets dragged back to the safe spot, they pause and just stand there. Every part of the is saying to just run after The Nightmare King, but ultimately they know that it may end up causing more issues than it could solve]

[With nothing else to do, they sit down and just stare at their free claw]

. . .

@wolf-and-fox

[wolf-and-fox]

They can't tell if it's safe or not. Which is never good. The quiet is starting to get to them, looking back outside. And then, a flicker of an idea. One that they.. do not know if it will work or not. But it is worth a shot, as they quickly spark a small ember, and then focuses on it. The small flame they summon, in turn, shifts to whatever they have on their mind, something low to the ground that shouldn't be easily traced back to them (though on how certain they are on that instance is… low). Something that they could use, hypothetically, to scout the immediate area to see if it was safe. Once the flame 'scurries' just out of sight, there is a slight problem that Crimson runs into very quickly. They can't…. actually see through the flame. So, the internal plan diverts from scout to as a makeshift alarm bell for the immediate vicinity. Stars, they hope it works.

@scarlet-and-dew

[scarlet-and-dew]

They try to shove down their cannibalistic urges, instead focusing merely on making sure the Nightmare King doesn't come back, or at least making sure it hurts like hell if he does.

You can't ignore it forever, Scarlet. Sooner or later, you will have to face the truth.

Shut up. She's been running away all this time. She can keep running.

@masterofthistroupe

[masterofthistroupe]

Incubo can smell the fear despite the distance. Honestly, he’s surprised the little group hasn’t come running. Making this so much harder

Grimm is squirming uselessly. Surely he doesn’t really think Incubo is going to kill him, does he? He inhales despite not needing to truly breathe, committing the feeling of holding Grimm like this to memory. He feels strong for once after stealing that essence.

This is the last time he ever will

Incubo flips the realm upside down, funneling Grimm’s children toward him.

@spotlight-the-performer