The Manifestation Of Regrets

Performance and Battle… Void and Nightmares… Shade and Flames… | RP and Ask blog for my HKSS OC | Read the pinned post before interacting

[spotlight-the-performer]

Given name…Spotlight

Performer and…Combatant

Born of…Void and Shade

Yet raised by…Nightmares and Flame

(Ooc under more)

This is a blog for my HKSS OC

I posted a lot on my main blog about them on @ddminecart

This blog takes place after Act 3 so beware of spoilers

Also, Spotlight goes by They/Them but I’m not as strict about it if it’s a mistake

Lore:

During their earlier years at The White Palace, they were contested to be The Pure Vessel and was so in touch with their Shaded abilities they were given the title “The Voided Vessel.” They did everything in their power to prove that they were pure to the point that they even slaughtered and felled their own siblings. However, this didn’t stop them from slowly feeling regret and it caused Isma to take them far away from The White Palace…

Eventually, the vessel found the Grimm Troupe and from that point on until they left, they were no longer The Voided Vessel. They became Spotlight of The Grimm Troupe, a vessel who defied their Shaded Heritage and harnessed the power of Flames thanks to Arkus who taught them how to fight and use flames, Tracker who taught them how to speak and write, and Grimm who taught them how to perform.

Once they left, their life went downhill again. Around the same time that The Shade Lord devoured The Radiance, they heard a voice speak to them as their body got weaker and weaker until they became Void Bound for the first time. It eventually ended, but only after Spotlight had slaughtered multiple bugs and burned many structures… Yet they still pressed on until they reached Pharloom where they met Karmen and reunited with Tracker. However, during the Black Thread (Act 3), they became Void Bound once more and only lived thanks to Hornet and Tracker calming them down.

They still fear their Shaded Heritage and very much refuse to accept it. Yet the voice in their head, Shadelight, still tries to Bind them for a reason Spotlight doesn’t know yet…

Spotlight’s ability:

Like Hornet, they are able to play a song using their nail and silk, but it doesn’t function like Needolin and is only used for playing music with not other effects

When using soul, they’re able to summon a flame that, like all vessels, can be used to either improve their shell (in Spotlight’s case being able to deal fire damage) or utilized as an attack. I have a post on my main blog about it I’ll try to find it and reblog it onto this blog

side note for when they speak:

They can’t speak perfect common since they’re a being of void, so they speak slight common as well as void (as signified by the “…” between some words). However when they write it’s perfect common. If there’s a space after the “…” then it’s a new sentence, if there isn’t a space after the “…” then it’s the same sentence.

Side note 2:

I have school at 6:50 AM until 2:40 so please be patient with requests and reblogs during that timeframe

Tags are:

[Spotlight dialogue] for Spotlight speaking

[Spotlight off] for anything out of character

[spotlight’s performance] for anything related to them practicing how to fight or perform

[Spotlight combat] for whenever Spotlight is in combat

[Spotlight answers] for whenever an ask is answered

[Pane :3] and [Pane…] for interactions with @echothevessel

[Dear siblings…] for sibling interactions

[My Karmen~…] for @skarr-karmen interactions

[the shade] and [shaded light] for interactions with their shade

[The Hiveling and The Vessel] for interactions with @hive-knight-official

[The Fighter and The Performer] for interactions with Dew from @scarlet-and-dew

[Kin in Flames] for interactions with any Grimm Troupe members

Credit goes to @/child-of-wyrm-and-weaver for the tagging convention

Rules:

I’ll change these as time goes on, I just ask you keep the asks and submits tame and nothing too graphic or inappropriate for now

This is an ask blog to everyone and I absolutely allow other RP Blogs to interact

I also allow asks that might end up turning into lore or stories!

[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

[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

[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

[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

[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

[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

[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

[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

[spotlight-the-performer]

From their cage of a subconscious Spotlight hears the faint tinkle of a dreamgate. The essence is unlike usual; it glows an eerie red. It might be their imagination, but they can see their father, Grimm, on the other side.

!

Nightmare Essence…?

[Spotlight looks toward the dreamgate before walking towards it]

I-… How?

[They reach out, but pause right before touching it. They have no idea what awaits them inside and they don’t know what would happen to their body and Shadelight.]

. . .

[Spotlight takes a few steps back, still facing the dreamgate]

Don’t do anything stupid, Shadelight.

[Right after saying that, they run into the dreamgate, leaving the cage of their mind]

[spotlight-the-performer]

The moth was walking through the Far Fields once again. He remembers how... Unsuccessful the meeting with Spotlight was. If they're still somewhere here, mayhaps he can try again?

[Spotlight Shadelight was simply sitting in the fields, enjoying the peace and quiet around them…]

Finally…

<. . .>

[Despite being stuck in their own mind, Spotlight was able to sense Hermit’s essence nearby as usual. Shadelight on the other hand didn’t sense it, so they just continued to relax without knowing that Hermit was nearby…]

[hermit-the-moth]

The moth continued on his path through this greenfield searching for them. He hoped he'll meet them again at the same place they've met last time, but then he noticed the silhouette from afar... A familiar one.

He approached it silently, his stalking skills have made themselves felt. He knew that they would notice his Nightmarish aura, so he didn't make a sound.

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Suddenly, the burnt scar on their chest begins to faintly glow]

What the-

<Xaphan is nearby.>

!

…Can I not sense Nightmare Essence?

<I guess not. Good luck dealing with him though. He may be more perceptive than Dew.>

. . .

Thank you.

[Shadelight stands up and takes a deep breath…]

. . . Xaphan?

[hermit-the-moth]

The way they didn't instantly reacted to his presence was slightly concerning, but he thought they were just not in the right mood. "Greetings, Sister. How are you? I hope you're not mad at me for acknowledging your past..."

Hermit bowed to Spotlight. "You know that I'll never blame you for it... You can't change something that happened years ago, so why bother? You're not the Voided Vessel anymore, that is what matters."

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight returns the bow]

No, no, I am not mad. It’s great to see you, Xaphan!

Honestly I forgot that past was mentioned to you. That was so long ago…

<Still doesn’t change the fact that I hate The Pale King…>

<You and me both…>

<Huh… For once we agree one something.>

<Shut it.>

. . .

Is that all you wished to talk about or is there something else?

[hermit-the-moth]

The moth went silent when they asked him. He noticed that they were too... Lively and happy. It's unusual, considering that most of his life they were calm. "... Do you wish to go on a walk? I want to introduce you to someone who helped me. It's up there, above the Greymoor." He moved a bit and gestured with his hand towards the path. "Would you lead us, Sister?"

[spotlight-the-performer]

O-oh…

[Shadelight pauses for a second. Originally they had planned to just enjoy Far Fields, but perhaps going to Greymoor would be nice. After all, they’ve never felt the rain before!]

Sure!

<. . .>

[hermit-the-moth]

Once they've moved on, Hermit's gaze never left Spotlight. He knew something was wrong, yet he didn't knew what exactly. "Tell me, Sister, how you were doing before I came here? I guess something really good happened if you're so joyful. What is it? A new performance, mayhaps?" Their tone and their actions were something that he never seen before. He tried to find out what really happened.

[spotlight-the-performer]

Ah-

Well-

[Better to just follow along with the current choreography than to change it mid-performance]

To put it simply, yes!

I had a wonderful, wonderful performance recently!

[hermit-the-moth]

They hesitated, he was close, he just had to push harder till they crack. "Oh, then tell me what it's about? I truly wonder where my Sister was when we split up." Would Spotlight hear those words? He didn't knew, but he kept pulling on the strings. The truth was close.

[spotlight-the-performer]

It was one of my battle performances. I didn’t exactly think of a name for it yet…

[Shadelight gets quiet for a moment, choosing their words carefully. Perhaps for a moment too long…]

<You’re going to slip up soon. Just watch.>

. . .

I-I’m assuming you mean when we split up when we were younger? Well, in that case, I didn’t really leave the Troupe until much much later. I had to watch most of the members leave until it was just Grimm, Brumm, Divine, The Grimmkin, and myself.

[The words Shadelight spoke were true. Spotlight did stay for a long while after Xaphan left and they did watch all of their friends leave, but something was off… Their tone was flat. Spotlight usually speaks of the Troupe with a certain tone that Shadelight lacked…]

[hermit-the-moth]

"I meant..." The moth slowly took out the hook from under the cloak. "When we split up... At the FAR FIELDS!!" Then caught their neck with it and lowered them down on the same eye level as him.

His pin was pointing towards their face. They finally revealed themself and he had a perfect opportunity to threat them now. "Who are you!? Where is Spotlight!? Tell the truth, doppelganger!!"

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight froze as soon as Xaphan brought them to eye level. Suddenly, within an instant, they disappeared and Void Walked behind Xaphan]

Really? Right for the neck? How rude.

I haven’t even done anything to be deemed a threat and yet you and one other decided to try and see me as such, but I guess I did anticipate that reaction from the very start.

[Shadelight steps back a bit before bowing]

I am Shadelight, The Manifestation of Spotlight’s Regrets.

Do not worry though, Spotlight is fine. They’re just stuck in their own head while I finally get to live. Think of it as retribution for keeping me stuck in that damned space for hundreds of years.

[hermit-the-moth]

When Shadelight disappeared and the hook was falling, Hermit immediately caught it, then listened to them, only slightly watching behind. Once they finished, he couldn't believe it. He turned around to look at them, the way he was standing is no longer firm, but rather... Staggering.

"Stuck? You want them to get STUCK IN THEIR HEAD FOR YEARS!? I..." the grip on his pin strengthened, "give them back... Or I'll force you to!" A small bit of sorrow could be heard in his voice, despite the anger. He can't loose someone this close to him, no... He took the battle stance, wings spread wide and he shouted, "haderra!!"

[Max Essence - 2d10, regains 2 essence by receiving damage - 2+6=8]

[Battle cry - doubles the damage to the next Attack, can be used only at the first turn]

[spotlight-the-performer]

Oh, I never said I wanted them stuck for as long as I was. I just simply want them to stay put while I get a chance to finally live. They’ll be back in control once I get weakened enough.

[Slowly, Shadelight reaches for their nail, knowing what comes next. They were anticipating an attack from Xaphan.]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Momentum - 1/5]

Hermit's feelings torn him apart, anger filled his heart and fueled the Flame... It was close. No, no he can't let this happen, it's just some stupid prediction, just some stupid plan his father came up with... Truly it couldn't happen, right?

But that was not the only thing that bothered him. His Sister is in danger of being lost inside their own mind... His friend he was raised with could disappear. He pointed his pin towards them, then lunged forward.

[Stabbing blow - 1d12, dmg 1x2=2, regains 1 soul - 6]

[spotlight-the-performer]

<No- Xaphan, don’t!>

[Without even flinching, Shadelight fully draws their nail and guards]

[Defensive Guard 1d12]

[Result: 10]

[Shadelight managed to block the pin right before it hit, but something was off… Void was leaking from their body…]

Fired up as usual, eh? Hm…

[After a few seconds, Shadelight deflects Xaphan’s pin, sending him back a few feet]

Alright then. If it’s a fight you want…

Then let us dance!

[Almost immediately Shadelight lunges themself at Xaphan]

[Offensive Nail 1d15]

[Result: 15]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Dodge - 2d8 - 3+1=4]

[Masks - 4/5]

[Momentum - 0/5]

Hermit tried to get away from the attack, but took the blow. Usually, he's not getting hit by the first foe's attack... That was different. Despite this, he was ready to strike again.

He took his hook from beneath the cloak and ignited it with his claws. Thread was lit with the Red Flame, showing off his nature as the Nightmare Child, then he spinned the hook around him, making everything burn bright.

[Fire storm - 2d8, dmg 2, can't be used while Silken hook or Ignited hook is active, costs 3 silk and 3 soul - 4+5=9]

[Silk - 3/6]

[Soul - 6/9]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight quickly attempts to plant their nail into the ground and guard with their arms]

[Defensive Guard 1d12]

[Result: 6]

[As Shadelight tries to guard, they felt the heat overwhelm them. But it wasn’t the heat that truly hurt, it was the scar on their chest that hurt the most. Since the scar formed from fire damage, particularly one of Grimm’s nightmare flames, the scar responded by making the pain unbearable]

[Hp: 4/6]

HRK-…

[Shadelight staggers a bit once the attack ends as void continues to leak from their body…]

. . .

Heh.

[Then they began to silently laugh to themself as their left claw began to lose form. Suddenly, they slammed what remained of their left claw into the ground and void begins to seep into the terrain]

[After about a second, a pool of void appears under Xaphan’s feet as 2 Tendril Pillars lunge upward from the pool]

[Spell Tendril Pillars 2d10 (deals 2 masks of damage and can only be evaded)]

[Result: 10, 8]

[Soul: 2/5]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Dodge - 2d8 - 5+8=13]

[Momentum - 1/5]

Hermit noticed the pool fast enough to use his wings and fly away from the attack. "Fighting with the Void? I am NOT scared of it. I AM THE ONE WHO SCARES EVERYONE," he said with much more sorrowful voice drawing out his dream nail and using it to create the reddish fog. All the fears that Shadelight has ever had are in there to disorient them and the moth is no longer in sight.

[Nightmare fog - reduces the next opponent's Attack by 1d6 for one turn, increases the Double slash by 1d6 for one turn, costs 5 essence]

[Essence - 3/8]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight looks around before laughing to themself before going to attack]

[But they couldn’t move. They tried to step forward, but they couldn’t. They tried to cast a spell, but they couldn’t. They were paralyzed.]

[Their biggest fear was not being able to live and being stuck in Spotlight’s mind. And in this moment, Shadelight was stuck and couldn’t move. They couldn’t even speak]

<No… No no no no no…>

[hermit-the-moth]

[Momentum - 2/5]

After waiting long enough for an attack, he appeared from the fog and charged at them with his pin, then struck twice. First blow to break their defense, and second to break their mask. Hermit vanished in the fog again before it dissipated and he was standing in front of Shadelight.

[Double slash - 2d4+1d6, dmg 1, regains 2 soul - 2+1+1=4]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight couldn’t defend themself, nor retaliate]

[Hp: 3/6]

[Shadelight staggers, falling to their knees as Void began to leak from their body again. This time into their nail…]

[Slowly, Shadelight begins to stand up]

Enough…

[Their grip on their nail tightens as void surrounds the nail entirely, making it seem larger]

ENOUGH.

[Within an instant, Shadelight charges at Xaphan]

[Focused Nail 1d15 + 1d6 (will deal 2 damage)]

[Result: 13 + 6; 19]

[Soul: 1/5]

I REFUSE TO LET YOU NOR ANYONE RUIN THIS FOR ME!

[hermit-the-moth]

[Dodge - 2d8 - 3+6=9]

[Masks - 2/5]

[Momentum - 0/5]

No matter how hard he'd try to dodge it, Shadelight still striked him in the heart greatly. Void started leaking down his shell and he fell on his knees... But that wasn't the end. He summoned the Red Flame in his hand and clenched it into a fist.

Since he already was damaged, the Flame didn't really hurt him... "HAH... HAHAHAHA. YOU THINK YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE STUCK IN SOME VESSEL'S HEAD?" Hermit laughed... But it wasn't his voice anymore, rather of something much greater and scarier...

His eyes went Red and the Flame of the same color started leaking from his shell gaps. He didn't seemed angry that much anymore, but his tone was intimidating and nightmarish. He stood up, getting ready for an upcoming attack.

[Blaze concentration - increases the Attacks by 1d6 while active, reduces the Max Masks number by 2 while active, increases the Max Essence number and regains essence by 1d8 while active, costs 1 soul]

[Masks - 2/3]

[Essence - 5/10]

[Soul - 5/9]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight froze for a second before going in for potentially the final strike]

I said

ENOUGH!

[Offensive Nail 1d15]

[Result: 13]

[hermit-the-moth]

Strangely enough, this time Hermit didn't tried to dodge and took the blow.

[Masks - 1/3]

"OH YEAH... YOU DID SOMETHING I JUST WANTED YOU TO DO," he brought his claws closer together and the ball of the Red Flame started swirling around between them, "PREPARE TO DIE!!" He tried to use some trick, some spell, but it didn't work.

[Flame's rage - 1d20, dmg 3, can be used only at 1 mask, costs 6 soul - not enough soul]

[Soul - 5/9]

He sighed and took his claws away from each other. "GUH... COULD NOT YOU SAVE AT LEAST SOME SOUL? WE COULD HAVE WON BY NOW." My apologies. "ALRIGHT... THEN LET US FINISH THIS THE OTHER WAY..." he slowly took the spear from behind then threw it at Shadelight right after.

[Spear throw - 2d8, dmg 1, can't be used for one turn if missed, regains 3 soul - 7+5=12]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight froze. They expected “Xaphan” to surrender after that last hit! After all he’s on his final mask!]

[Shadelight couldn’t guard in time]

[Hp: 2/6]

[The spear hits them and causes them to stagger. Void begin leaking from their body once more]

HRK-……

Alright then.

[Slowly, they stand up, staggering while doing so, before lunging at “Xaphan” with thei nail ready to strike for one final time]

[Offensive Nail 1d15]

[Result: 15]

[hermit-the-moth]

The spear flew back to Hermit's claws after hitting Shadelight.

[Soul - 8/9]

Though, he couldn't dodge the final blow in time... Harsh mistake...

[Dodge - 2d8 - 7+4=11]

[Masks - 0/3]

Shadelight's nail pushed him away, making him fall on the ground along with his mask that was now laying near him. He was gasping for air, trying to stand up, but failed... "HAH... HAHAHAH... YOU THINK YOU WON? FOOLISH... UGH... WE CANNOT DIE. WE ARE CURSED. WE WILL COME BACK," cough, "Sister..." suddenly, his eyes became green again and the Flame was no longer leaking through the gaps of his shell. He fell unconscious. He was fully at the Shadelight's mercy.

[spotlight-the-performer]

<Xaphan…>

[Shadelight gazes down at Xaphan’s prone body while putting their nail away]

Truly a shame we had to fight.

[They turn around and walk away]

Adieu, Xaphan.

<Did you really have to do that?>

<Hey, you heard that thing yourself. They can’t die.>

<That’s true, but still you didn’t know that going in! Neither did I!>

<Call down, Performer. It’s not like I made them bleed too much.>

<. . .>

<Now then. That battle tired me out so I’m going to go find a place to rest. The Performance is just getting started.>

[spotlight-the-performer]

The moth was walking through the Far Fields once again. He remembers how... Unsuccessful the meeting with Spotlight was. If they're still somewhere here, mayhaps he can try again?

[Spotlight Shadelight was simply sitting in the fields, enjoying the peace and quiet around them…]

Finally…

<. . .>

[Despite being stuck in their own mind, Spotlight was able to sense Hermit’s essence nearby as usual. Shadelight on the other hand didn’t sense it, so they just continued to relax without knowing that Hermit was nearby…]

[hermit-the-moth]

The moth continued on his path through this greenfield searching for them. He hoped he'll meet them again at the same place they've met last time, but then he noticed the silhouette from afar... A familiar one.

He approached it silently, his stalking skills have made themselves felt. He knew that they would notice his Nightmarish aura, so he didn't make a sound.

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Suddenly, the burnt scar on their chest begins to faintly glow]

What the-

<Xaphan is nearby.>

!

…Can I not sense Nightmare Essence?

<I guess not. Good luck dealing with him though. He may be more perceptive than Dew.>

. . .

Thank you.

[Shadelight stands up and takes a deep breath…]

. . . Xaphan?

[hermit-the-moth]

The way they didn't instantly reacted to his presence was slightly concerning, but he thought they were just not in the right mood. "Greetings, Sister. How are you? I hope you're not mad at me for acknowledging your past..."

Hermit bowed to Spotlight. "You know that I'll never blame you for it... You can't change something that happened years ago, so why bother? You're not the Voided Vessel anymore, that is what matters."

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight returns the bow]

No, no, I am not mad. It’s great to see you, Xaphan!

Honestly I forgot that past was mentioned to you. That was so long ago…

<Still doesn’t change the fact that I hate The Pale King…>

<You and me both…>

<Huh… For once we agree one something.>

<Shut it.>

. . .

Is that all you wished to talk about or is there something else?

[hermit-the-moth]

The moth went silent when they asked him. He noticed that they were too... Lively and happy. It's unusual, considering that most of his life they were calm. "... Do you wish to go on a walk? I want to introduce you to someone who helped me. It's up there, above the Greymoor." He moved a bit and gestured with his hand towards the path. "Would you lead us, Sister?"

[spotlight-the-performer]

O-oh…

[Shadelight pauses for a second. Originally they had planned to just enjoy Far Fields, but perhaps going to Greymoor would be nice. After all, they’ve never felt the rain before!]

Sure!

<. . .>

[hermit-the-moth]

Once they've moved on, Hermit's gaze never left Spotlight. He knew something was wrong, yet he didn't knew what exactly. "Tell me, Sister, how you were doing before I came here? I guess something really good happened if you're so joyful. What is it? A new performance, mayhaps?" Their tone and their actions were something that he never seen before. He tried to find out what really happened.

[spotlight-the-performer]

Ah-

Well-

[Better to just follow along with the current choreography than to change it mid-performance]

To put it simply, yes!

I had a wonderful, wonderful performance recently!

[hermit-the-moth]

They hesitated, he was close, he just had to push harder till they crack. "Oh, then tell me what it's about? I truly wonder where my Sister was when we split up." Would Spotlight hear those words? He didn't knew, but he kept pulling on the strings. The truth was close.

[spotlight-the-performer]

It was one of my battle performances. I didn’t exactly think of a name for it yet…

[Shadelight gets quiet for a moment, choosing their words carefully. Perhaps for a moment too long…]

<You’re going to slip up soon. Just watch.>

. . .

I-I’m assuming you mean when we split up when we were younger? Well, in that case, I didn’t really leave the Troupe until much much later. I had to watch most of the members leave until it was just Grimm, Brumm, Divine, The Grimmkin, and myself.

[The words Shadelight spoke were true. Spotlight did stay for a long while after Xaphan left and they did watch all of their friends leave, but something was off… Their tone was flat. Spotlight usually speaks of the Troupe with a certain tone that Shadelight lacked…]

[hermit-the-moth]

"I meant..." The moth slowly took out the hook from under the cloak. "When we split up... At the FAR FIELDS!!" Then caught their neck with it and lowered them down on the same eye level as him.

His pin was pointing towards their face. They finally revealed themself and he had a perfect opportunity to threat them now. "Who are you!? Where is Spotlight!? Tell the truth, doppelganger!!"

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight froze as soon as Xaphan brought them to eye level. Suddenly, within an instant, they disappeared and Void Walked behind Xaphan]

Really? Right for the neck? How rude.

I haven’t even done anything to be deemed a threat and yet you and one other decided to try and see me as such, but I guess I did anticipate that reaction from the very start.

[Shadelight steps back a bit before bowing]

I am Shadelight, The Manifestation of Spotlight’s Regrets.

Do not worry though, Spotlight is fine. They’re just stuck in their own head while I finally get to live. Think of it as retribution for keeping me stuck in that damned space for hundreds of years.

[hermit-the-moth]

When Shadelight disappeared and the hook was falling, Hermit immediately caught it, then listened to them, only slightly watching behind. Once they finished, he couldn't believe it. He turned around to look at them, the way he was standing is no longer firm, but rather... Staggering.

"Stuck? You want them to get STUCK IN THEIR HEAD FOR YEARS!? I..." the grip on his pin strengthened, "give them back... Or I'll force you to!" A small bit of sorrow could be heard in his voice, despite the anger. He can't loose someone this close to him, no... He took the battle stance, wings spread wide and he shouted, "haderra!!"

[Max Essence - 2d10, regains 2 essence by receiving damage - 2+6=8]

[Battle cry - doubles the damage to the next Attack, can be used only at the first turn]

[spotlight-the-performer]

Oh, I never said I wanted them stuck for as long as I was. I just simply want them to stay put while I get a chance to finally live. They’ll be back in control once I get weakened enough.

[Slowly, Shadelight reaches for their nail, knowing what comes next. They were anticipating an attack from Xaphan.]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Momentum - 1/5]

Hermit's feelings torn him apart, anger filled his heart and fueled the Flame... It was close. No, no he can't let this happen, it's just some stupid prediction, just some stupid plan his father came up with... Truly it couldn't happen, right?

But that was not the only thing that bothered him. His Sister is in danger of being lost inside their own mind... His friend he was raised with could disappear. He pointed his pin towards them, then lunged forward.

[Stabbing blow - 1d12, dmg 1x2=2, regains 1 soul - 6]

[spotlight-the-performer]

<No- Xaphan, don’t!>

[Without even flinching, Shadelight fully draws their nail and guards]

[Defensive Guard 1d12]

[Result: 10]

[Shadelight managed to block the pin right before it hit, but something was off… Void was leaking from their body…]

Fired up as usual, eh? Hm…

[After a few seconds, Shadelight deflects Xaphan’s pin, sending him back a few feet]

Alright then. If it’s a fight you want…

Then let us dance!

[Almost immediately Shadelight lunges themself at Xaphan]

[Offensive Nail 1d15]

[Result: 15]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Dodge - 2d8 - 3+1=4]

[Masks - 4/5]

[Momentum - 0/5]

Hermit tried to get away from the attack, but took the blow. Usually, he's not getting hit by the first foe's attack... That was different. Despite this, he was ready to strike again.

He took his hook from beneath the cloak and ignited it with his claws. Thread was lit with the Red Flame, showing off his nature as the Nightmare Child, then he spinned the hook around him, making everything burn bright.

[Fire storm - 2d8, dmg 2, can't be used while Silken hook or Ignited hook is active, costs 3 silk and 3 soul - 4+5=9]

[Silk - 3/6]

[Soul - 6/9]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight quickly attempts to plant their nail into the ground and guard with their arms]

[Defensive Guard 1d12]

[Result: 6]

[As Shadelight tries to guard, they felt the heat overwhelm them. But it wasn’t the heat that truly hurt, it was the scar on their chest that hurt the most. Since the scar formed from fire damage, particularly one of Grimm’s nightmare flames, the scar responded by making the pain unbearable]

[Hp: 4/6]

HRK-…

[Shadelight staggers a bit once the attack ends as void continues to leak from their body…]

. . .

Heh.

[Then they began to silently laugh to themself as their left claw began to lose form. Suddenly, they slammed what remained of their left claw into the ground and void begins to seep into the terrain]

[After about a second, a pool of void appears under Xaphan’s feet as 2 Tendril Pillars lunge upward from the pool]

[Spell Tendril Pillars 2d10 (deals 2 masks of damage and can only be evaded)]

[Result: 10, 8]

[Soul: 2/5]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Dodge - 2d8 - 5+8=13]

[Momentum - 1/5]

Hermit noticed the pool fast enough to use his wings and fly away from the attack. "Fighting with the Void? I am NOT scared of it. I AM THE ONE WHO SCARES EVERYONE," he said with much more sorrowful voice drawing out his dream nail and using it to create the reddish fog. All the fears that Shadelight has ever had are in there to disorient them and the moth is no longer in sight.

[Nightmare fog - reduces the next opponent's Attack by 1d6 for one turn, increases the Double slash by 1d6 for one turn, costs 5 essence]

[Essence - 3/8]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight looks around before laughing to themself before going to attack]

[But they couldn’t move. They tried to step forward, but they couldn’t. They tried to cast a spell, but they couldn’t. They were paralyzed.]

[Their biggest fear was not being able to live and being stuck in Spotlight’s mind. And in this moment, Shadelight was stuck and couldn’t move. They couldn’t even speak]

<No… No no no no no…>

[hermit-the-moth]

[Momentum - 2/5]

After waiting long enough for an attack, he appeared from the fog and charged at them with his pin, then struck twice. First blow to break their defense, and second to break their mask. Hermit vanished in the fog again before it dissipated and he was standing in front of Shadelight.

[Double slash - 2d4+1d6, dmg 1, regains 2 soul - 2+1+1=4]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight couldn’t defend themself, nor retaliate]

[Hp: 3/6]

[Shadelight staggers, falling to their knees as Void began to leak from their body again. This time into their nail…]

[Slowly, Shadelight begins to stand up]

Enough…

[Their grip on their nail tightens as void surrounds the nail entirely, making it seem larger]

ENOUGH.

[Within an instant, Shadelight charges at Xaphan]

[Focused Nail 1d15 + 1d6 (will deal 2 damage)]

[Result: 13 + 6; 19]

[Soul: 1/5]

I REFUSE TO LET YOU NOR ANYONE RUIN THIS FOR ME!

[hermit-the-moth]

[Dodge - 2d8 - 3+6=9]

[Masks - 2/5]

[Momentum - 0/5]

No matter how hard he'd try to dodge it, Shadelight still striked him in the heart greatly. Void started leaking down his shell and he fell on his knees... But that wasn't the end. He summoned the Red Flame in his hand and clenched it into a fist.

Since he already was damaged, the Flame didn't really hurt him... "HAH... HAHAHAHA. YOU THINK YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE STUCK IN SOME VESSEL'S HEAD?" Hermit laughed... But it wasn't his voice anymore, rather of something much greater and scarier...

His eyes went Red and the Flame of the same color started leaking from his shell gaps. He didn't seemed angry that much anymore, but his tone was intimidating and nightmarish. He stood up, getting ready for an upcoming attack.

[Blaze concentration - increases the Attacks by 1d6 while active, reduces the Max Masks number by 2 while active, increases the Max Essence number and regains essence by 1d8 while active, costs 1 soul]

[Masks - 2/3]

[Essence - 5/10]

[Soul - 5/9]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight froze for a second before going in for potentially the final strike]

I said

ENOUGH!

[Offensive Nail 1d15]

[Result: 13]

[hermit-the-moth]

Strangely enough, this time Hermit didn't tried to dodge and took the blow.

[Masks - 1/3]

"OH YEAH... YOU DID SOMETHING I JUST WANTED YOU TO DO," he brought his claws closer together and the ball of the Red Flame started swirling around between them, "PREPARE TO DIE!!" He tried to use some trick, some spell, but it didn't work.

[Flame's rage - 1d20, dmg 3, can be used only at 1 mask, costs 6 soul - not enough soul]

[Soul - 5/9]

He sighed and took his claws away from each other. "GUH... COULD NOT YOU SAVE AT LEAST SOME SOUL? WE COULD HAVE WON BY NOW." My apologies. "ALRIGHT... THEN LET US FINISH THIS THE OTHER WAY..." he slowly took the spear from behind then threw it at Shadelight right after.

[Spear throw - 2d8, dmg 1, can't be used for one turn if missed, regains 3 soul - 7+5=12]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight froze. They expected “Xaphan” to surrender after that last hit! After all he’s on his final mask!]

[Shadelight couldn’t guard in time]

[Hp: 2/6]

[The spear hits them and causes them to stagger. Void begin leaking from their body once more]

HRK-……

Alright then.

[Slowly, they stand up, staggering while doing so, before lunging at “Xaphan” with thei nail ready to strike for one final time]

[Offensive Nail 1d15]

[Result: 15]

[spotlight-the-performer]

First on the body-having agenda: eat this cake!

Oh-…

Thank you, I suppose???

. . .

It does taste good…

[spotlight-the-performer]

The moth was walking through the Far Fields once again. He remembers how... Unsuccessful the meeting with Spotlight was. If they're still somewhere here, mayhaps he can try again?

[Spotlight Shadelight was simply sitting in the fields, enjoying the peace and quiet around them…]

Finally…

<. . .>

[Despite being stuck in their own mind, Spotlight was able to sense Hermit’s essence nearby as usual. Shadelight on the other hand didn’t sense it, so they just continued to relax without knowing that Hermit was nearby…]

[hermit-the-moth]

The moth continued on his path through this greenfield searching for them. He hoped he'll meet them again at the same place they've met last time, but then he noticed the silhouette from afar... A familiar one.

He approached it silently, his stalking skills have made themselves felt. He knew that they would notice his Nightmarish aura, so he didn't make a sound.

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Suddenly, the burnt scar on their chest begins to faintly glow]

What the-

<Xaphan is nearby.>

!

…Can I not sense Nightmare Essence?

<I guess not. Good luck dealing with him though. He may be more perceptive than Dew.>

. . .

Thank you.

[Shadelight stands up and takes a deep breath…]

. . . Xaphan?

[hermit-the-moth]

The way they didn't instantly reacted to his presence was slightly concerning, but he thought they were just not in the right mood. "Greetings, Sister. How are you? I hope you're not mad at me for acknowledging your past..."

Hermit bowed to Spotlight. "You know that I'll never blame you for it... You can't change something that happened years ago, so why bother? You're not the Voided Vessel anymore, that is what matters."

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight returns the bow]

No, no, I am not mad. It’s great to see you, Xaphan!

Honestly I forgot that past was mentioned to you. That was so long ago…

<Still doesn’t change the fact that I hate The Pale King…>

<You and me both…>

<Huh… For once we agree one something.>

<Shut it.>

. . .

Is that all you wished to talk about or is there something else?

[hermit-the-moth]

The moth went silent when they asked him. He noticed that they were too... Lively and happy. It's unusual, considering that most of his life they were calm. "... Do you wish to go on a walk? I want to introduce you to someone who helped me. It's up there, above the Greymoor." He moved a bit and gestured with his hand towards the path. "Would you lead us, Sister?"

[spotlight-the-performer]

O-oh…

[Shadelight pauses for a second. Originally they had planned to just enjoy Far Fields, but perhaps going to Greymoor would be nice. After all, they’ve never felt the rain before!]

Sure!

<. . .>

[hermit-the-moth]

Once they've moved on, Hermit's gaze never left Spotlight. He knew something was wrong, yet he didn't knew what exactly. "Tell me, Sister, how you were doing before I came here? I guess something really good happened if you're so joyful. What is it? A new performance, mayhaps?" Their tone and their actions were something that he never seen before. He tried to find out what really happened.

[spotlight-the-performer]

Ah-

Well-

[Better to just follow along with the current choreography than to change it mid-performance]

To put it simply, yes!

I had a wonderful, wonderful performance recently!

[hermit-the-moth]

They hesitated, he was close, he just had to push harder till they crack. "Oh, then tell me what it's about? I truly wonder where my Sister was when we split up." Would Spotlight hear those words? He didn't knew, but he kept pulling on the strings. The truth was close.

[spotlight-the-performer]

It was one of my battle performances. I didn’t exactly think of a name for it yet…

[Shadelight gets quiet for a moment, choosing their words carefully. Perhaps for a moment too long…]

<You’re going to slip up soon. Just watch.>

. . .

I-I’m assuming you mean when we split up when we were younger? Well, in that case, I didn’t really leave the Troupe until much much later. I had to watch most of the members leave until it was just Grimm, Brumm, Divine, The Grimmkin, and myself.

[The words Shadelight spoke were true. Spotlight did stay for a long while after Xaphan left and they did watch all of their friends leave, but something was off… Their tone was flat. Spotlight usually speaks of the Troupe with a certain tone that Shadelight lacked…]

[hermit-the-moth]

"I meant..." The moth slowly took out the hook from under the cloak. "When we split up... At the FAR FIELDS!!" Then caught their neck with it and lowered them down on the same eye level as him.

His pin was pointing towards their face. They finally revealed themself and he had a perfect opportunity to threat them now. "Who are you!? Where is Spotlight!? Tell the truth, doppelganger!!"

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight froze as soon as Xaphan brought them to eye level. Suddenly, within an instant, they disappeared and Void Walked behind Xaphan]

Really? Right for the neck? How rude.

I haven’t even done anything to be deemed a threat and yet you and one other decided to try and see me as such, but I guess I did anticipate that reaction from the very start.

[Shadelight steps back a bit before bowing]

I am Shadelight, The Manifestation of Spotlight’s Regrets.

Do not worry though, Spotlight is fine. They’re just stuck in their own head while I finally get to live. Think of it as retribution for keeping me stuck in that damned space for hundreds of years.

[hermit-the-moth]

When Shadelight disappeared and the hook was falling, Hermit immediately caught it, then listened to them, only slightly watching behind. Once they finished, he couldn't believe it. He turned around to look at them, the way he was standing is no longer firm, but rather... Staggering.

"Stuck? You want them to get STUCK IN THEIR HEAD FOR YEARS!? I..." the grip on his pin strengthened, "give them back... Or I'll force you to!" A small bit of sorrow could be heard in his voice, despite the anger. He can't loose someone this close to him, no... He took the battle stance, wings spread wide and he shouted, "haderra!!"

[Max Essence - 2d10, regains 2 essence by receiving damage - 2+6=8]

[Battle cry - doubles the damage to the next Attack, can be used only at the first turn]

[spotlight-the-performer]

Oh, I never said I wanted them stuck for as long as I was. I just simply want them to stay put while I get a chance to finally live. They’ll be back in control once I get weakened enough.

[Slowly, Shadelight reaches for their nail, knowing what comes next. They were anticipating an attack from Xaphan.]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Momentum - 1/5]

Hermit's feelings torn him apart, anger filled his heart and fueled the Flame... It was close. No, no he can't let this happen, it's just some stupid prediction, just some stupid plan his father came up with... Truly it couldn't happen, right?

But that was not the only thing that bothered him. His Sister is in danger of being lost inside their own mind... His friend he was raised with could disappear. He pointed his pin towards them, then lunged forward.

[Stabbing blow - 1d12, dmg 1x2=2, regains 1 soul - 6]

[spotlight-the-performer]

<No- Xaphan, don’t!>

[Without even flinching, Shadelight fully draws their nail and guards]

[Defensive Guard 1d12]

[Result: 10]

[Shadelight managed to block the pin right before it hit, but something was off… Void was leaking from their body…]

Fired up as usual, eh? Hm…

[After a few seconds, Shadelight deflects Xaphan’s pin, sending him back a few feet]

Alright then. If it’s a fight you want…

Then let us dance!

[Almost immediately Shadelight lunges themself at Xaphan]

[Offensive Nail 1d15]

[Result: 15]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Dodge - 2d8 - 3+1=4]

[Masks - 4/5]

[Momentum - 0/5]

Hermit tried to get away from the attack, but took the blow. Usually, he's not getting hit by the first foe's attack... That was different. Despite this, he was ready to strike again.

He took his hook from beneath the cloak and ignited it with his claws. Thread was lit with the Red Flame, showing off his nature as the Nightmare Child, then he spinned the hook around him, making everything burn bright.

[Fire storm - 2d8, dmg 2, can't be used while Silken hook or Ignited hook is active, costs 3 silk and 3 soul - 4+5=9]

[Silk - 3/6]

[Soul - 6/9]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight quickly attempts to plant their nail into the ground and guard with their arms]

[Defensive Guard 1d12]

[Result: 6]

[As Shadelight tries to guard, they felt the heat overwhelm them. But it wasn’t the heat that truly hurt, it was the scar on their chest that hurt the most. Since the scar formed from fire damage, particularly one of Grimm’s nightmare flames, the scar responded by making the pain unbearable]

[Hp: 4/6]

HRK-…

[Shadelight staggers a bit once the attack ends as void continues to leak from their body…]

. . .

Heh.

[Then they began to silently laugh to themself as their left claw began to lose form. Suddenly, they slammed what remained of their left claw into the ground and void begins to seep into the terrain]

[After about a second, a pool of void appears under Xaphan’s feet as 2 Tendril Pillars lunge upward from the pool]

[Spell Tendril Pillars 2d10 (deals 2 masks of damage and can only be evaded)]

[Result: 10, 8]

[Soul: 2/5]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Dodge - 2d8 - 5+8=13]

[Momentum - 1/5]

Hermit noticed the pool fast enough to use his wings and fly away from the attack. "Fighting with the Void? I am NOT scared of it. I AM THE ONE WHO SCARES EVERYONE," he said with much more sorrowful voice drawing out his dream nail and using it to create the reddish fog. All the fears that Shadelight has ever had are in there to disorient them and the moth is no longer in sight.

[Nightmare fog - reduces the next opponent's Attack by 1d6 for one turn, increases the Double slash by 1d6 for one turn, costs 5 essence]

[Essence - 3/8]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight looks around before laughing to themself before going to attack]

[But they couldn’t move. They tried to step forward, but they couldn’t. They tried to cast a spell, but they couldn’t. They were paralyzed.]

[Their biggest fear was not being able to live and being stuck in Spotlight’s mind. And in this moment, Shadelight was stuck and couldn’t move. They couldn’t even speak]

<No… No no no no no…>

[hermit-the-moth]

[Momentum - 2/5]

After waiting long enough for an attack, he appeared from the fog and charged at them with his pin, then struck twice. First blow to break their defense, and second to break their mask. Hermit vanished in the fog again before it dissipated and he was standing in front of Shadelight.

[Double slash - 2d4+1d6, dmg 1, regains 2 soul - 2+1+1=4]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight couldn’t defend themself, nor retaliate]

[Hp: 3/6]

[Shadelight staggers, falling to their knees as Void began to leak from their body again. This time into their nail…]

[Slowly, Shadelight begins to stand up]

Enough…

[Their grip on their nail tightens as void surrounds the nail entirely, making it seem larger]

ENOUGH.

[Within an instant, Shadelight charges at Xaphan]

[Focused Nail 1d15 + 1d6 (will deal 2 damage)]

[Result: 13 + 6; 19]

[Soul: 1/5]

I REFUSE TO LET YOU NOR ANYONE RUIN THIS FOR ME!

[hermit-the-moth]

[Dodge - 2d8 - 3+6=9]

[Masks - 2/5]

[Momentum - 0/5]

No matter how hard he'd try to dodge it, Shadelight still striked him in the heart greatly. Void started leaking down his shell and he fell on his knees... But that wasn't the end. He summoned the Red Flame in his hand and clenched it into a fist.

Since he already was damaged, the Flame didn't really hurt him... "HAH... HAHAHAHA. YOU THINK YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE STUCK IN SOME VESSEL'S HEAD?" Hermit laughed... But it wasn't his voice anymore, rather of something much greater and scarier...

His eyes went Red and the Flame of the same color started leaking from his shell gaps. He didn't seemed angry that much anymore, but his tone was intimidating and nightmarish. He stood up, getting ready for an upcoming attack.

[Blaze concentration - increases the Attacks by 1d6 while active, reduces the Max Masks number by 2 while active, increases the Max Essence number and regains essence by 1d8 while active, costs 1 soul]

[Masks - 2/3]

[Essence - 5/10]

[Soul - 5/9]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight froze for a second before going in for potentially the final strike]

I said

ENOUGH!

[Offensive Nail 1d15]

[Result: 13]

[spotlight-the-performer]

The moth was walking through the Far Fields once again. He remembers how... Unsuccessful the meeting with Spotlight was. If they're still somewhere here, mayhaps he can try again?

[Spotlight Shadelight was simply sitting in the fields, enjoying the peace and quiet around them…]

Finally…

<. . .>

[Despite being stuck in their own mind, Spotlight was able to sense Hermit’s essence nearby as usual. Shadelight on the other hand didn’t sense it, so they just continued to relax without knowing that Hermit was nearby…]

[hermit-the-moth]

The moth continued on his path through this greenfield searching for them. He hoped he'll meet them again at the same place they've met last time, but then he noticed the silhouette from afar... A familiar one.

He approached it silently, his stalking skills have made themselves felt. He knew that they would notice his Nightmarish aura, so he didn't make a sound.

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Suddenly, the burnt scar on their chest begins to faintly glow]

What the-

<Xaphan is nearby.>

!

…Can I not sense Nightmare Essence?

<I guess not. Good luck dealing with him though. He may be more perceptive than Dew.>

. . .

Thank you.

[Shadelight stands up and takes a deep breath…]

. . . Xaphan?

[hermit-the-moth]

The way they didn't instantly reacted to his presence was slightly concerning, but he thought they were just not in the right mood. "Greetings, Sister. How are you? I hope you're not mad at me for acknowledging your past..."

Hermit bowed to Spotlight. "You know that I'll never blame you for it... You can't change something that happened years ago, so why bother? You're not the Voided Vessel anymore, that is what matters."

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight returns the bow]

No, no, I am not mad. It’s great to see you, Xaphan!

Honestly I forgot that past was mentioned to you. That was so long ago…

<Still doesn’t change the fact that I hate The Pale King…>

<You and me both…>

<Huh… For once we agree one something.>

<Shut it.>

. . .

Is that all you wished to talk about or is there something else?

[hermit-the-moth]

The moth went silent when they asked him. He noticed that they were too... Lively and happy. It's unusual, considering that most of his life they were calm. "... Do you wish to go on a walk? I want to introduce you to someone who helped me. It's up there, above the Greymoor." He moved a bit and gestured with his hand towards the path. "Would you lead us, Sister?"

[spotlight-the-performer]

O-oh…

[Shadelight pauses for a second. Originally they had planned to just enjoy Far Fields, but perhaps going to Greymoor would be nice. After all, they’ve never felt the rain before!]

Sure!

<. . .>

[hermit-the-moth]

Once they've moved on, Hermit's gaze never left Spotlight. He knew something was wrong, yet he didn't knew what exactly. "Tell me, Sister, how you were doing before I came here? I guess something really good happened if you're so joyful. What is it? A new performance, mayhaps?" Their tone and their actions were something that he never seen before. He tried to find out what really happened.

[spotlight-the-performer]

Ah-

Well-

[Better to just follow along with the current choreography than to change it mid-performance]

To put it simply, yes!

I had a wonderful, wonderful performance recently!

[hermit-the-moth]

They hesitated, he was close, he just had to push harder till they crack. "Oh, then tell me what it's about? I truly wonder where my Sister was when we split up." Would Spotlight hear those words? He didn't knew, but he kept pulling on the strings. The truth was close.

[spotlight-the-performer]

It was one of my battle performances. I didn’t exactly think of a name for it yet…

[Shadelight gets quiet for a moment, choosing their words carefully. Perhaps for a moment too long…]

<You’re going to slip up soon. Just watch.>

. . .

I-I’m assuming you mean when we split up when we were younger? Well, in that case, I didn’t really leave the Troupe until much much later. I had to watch most of the members leave until it was just Grimm, Brumm, Divine, The Grimmkin, and myself.

[The words Shadelight spoke were true. Spotlight did stay for a long while after Xaphan left and they did watch all of their friends leave, but something was off… Their tone was flat. Spotlight usually speaks of the Troupe with a certain tone that Shadelight lacked…]

[hermit-the-moth]

"I meant..." The moth slowly took out the hook from under the cloak. "When we split up... At the FAR FIELDS!!" Then caught their neck with it and lowered them down on the same eye level as him.

His pin was pointing towards their face. They finally revealed themself and he had a perfect opportunity to threat them now. "Who are you!? Where is Spotlight!? Tell the truth, doppelganger!!"

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight froze as soon as Xaphan brought them to eye level. Suddenly, within an instant, they disappeared and Void Walked behind Xaphan]

Really? Right for the neck? How rude.

I haven’t even done anything to be deemed a threat and yet you and one other decided to try and see me as such, but I guess I did anticipate that reaction from the very start.

[Shadelight steps back a bit before bowing]

I am Shadelight, The Manifestation of Spotlight’s Regrets.

Do not worry though, Spotlight is fine. They’re just stuck in their own head while I finally get to live. Think of it as retribution for keeping me stuck in that damned space for hundreds of years.

[hermit-the-moth]

When Shadelight disappeared and the hook was falling, Hermit immediately caught it, then listened to them, only slightly watching behind. Once they finished, he couldn't believe it. He turned around to look at them, the way he was standing is no longer firm, but rather... Staggering.

"Stuck? You want them to get STUCK IN THEIR HEAD FOR YEARS!? I..." the grip on his pin strengthened, "give them back... Or I'll force you to!" A small bit of sorrow could be heard in his voice, despite the anger. He can't loose someone this close to him, no... He took the battle stance, wings spread wide and he shouted, "haderra!!"

[Max Essence - 2d10, regains 2 essence by receiving damage - 2+6=8]

[Battle cry - doubles the damage to the next Attack, can be used only at the first turn]

[spotlight-the-performer]

Oh, I never said I wanted them stuck for as long as I was. I just simply want them to stay put while I get a chance to finally live. They’ll be back in control once I get weakened enough.

[Slowly, Shadelight reaches for their nail, knowing what comes next. They were anticipating an attack from Xaphan.]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Momentum - 1/5]

Hermit's feelings torn him apart, anger filled his heart and fueled the Flame... It was close. No, no he can't let this happen, it's just some stupid prediction, just some stupid plan his father came up with... Truly it couldn't happen, right?

But that was not the only thing that bothered him. His Sister is in danger of being lost inside their own mind... His friend he was raised with could disappear. He pointed his pin towards them, then lunged forward.

[Stabbing blow - 1d12, dmg 1x2=2, regains 1 soul - 6]

[spotlight-the-performer]

<No- Xaphan, don’t!>

[Without even flinching, Shadelight fully draws their nail and guards]

[Defensive Guard 1d12]

[Result: 10]

[Shadelight managed to block the pin right before it hit, but something was off… Void was leaking from their body…]

Fired up as usual, eh? Hm…

[After a few seconds, Shadelight deflects Xaphan’s pin, sending him back a few feet]

Alright then. If it’s a fight you want…

Then let us dance!

[Almost immediately Shadelight lunges themself at Xaphan]

[Offensive Nail 1d15]

[Result: 15]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Dodge - 2d8 - 3+1=4]

[Masks - 4/5]

[Momentum - 0/5]

Hermit tried to get away from the attack, but took the blow. Usually, he's not getting hit by the first foe's attack... That was different. Despite this, he was ready to strike again.

He took his hook from beneath the cloak and ignited it with his claws. Thread was lit with the Red Flame, showing off his nature as the Nightmare Child, then he spinned the hook around him, making everything burn bright.

[Fire storm - 2d8, dmg 2, can't be used while Silken hook or Ignited hook is active, costs 3 silk and 3 soul - 4+5=9]

[Silk - 3/6]

[Soul - 6/9]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight quickly attempts to plant their nail into the ground and guard with their arms]

[Defensive Guard 1d12]

[Result: 6]

[As Shadelight tries to guard, they felt the heat overwhelm them. But it wasn’t the heat that truly hurt, it was the scar on their chest that hurt the most. Since the scar formed from fire damage, particularly one of Grimm’s nightmare flames, the scar responded by making the pain unbearable]

[Hp: 4/6]

HRK-…

[Shadelight staggers a bit once the attack ends as void continues to leak from their body…]

. . .

Heh.

[Then they began to silently laugh to themself as their left claw began to lose form. Suddenly, they slammed what remained of their left claw into the ground and void begins to seep into the terrain]

[After about a second, a pool of void appears under Xaphan’s feet as 2 Tendril Pillars lunge upward from the pool]

[Spell Tendril Pillars 2d10 (deals 2 masks of damage and can only be evaded)]

[Result: 10, 8]

[Soul: 2/5]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Dodge - 2d8 - 5+8=13]

[Momentum - 1/5]

Hermit noticed the pool fast enough to use his wings and fly away from the attack. "Fighting with the Void? I am NOT scared of it. I AM THE ONE WHO SCARES EVERYONE," he said with much more sorrowful voice drawing out his dream nail and using it to create the reddish fog. All the fears that Shadelight has ever had are in there to disorient them and the moth is no longer in sight.

[Nightmare fog - reduces the next opponent's Attack by 1d6 for one turn, increases the Double slash by 1d6 for one turn, costs 5 essence]

[Essence - 3/8]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight looks around before laughing to themself before going to attack]

[But they couldn’t move. They tried to step forward, but they couldn’t. They tried to cast a spell, but they couldn’t. They were paralyzed.]

[Their biggest fear was not being able to live and being stuck in Spotlight’s mind. And in this moment, Shadelight was stuck and couldn’t move. They couldn’t even speak]

<No… No no no no no…>

[hermit-the-moth]

[Momentum - 2/5]

After waiting long enough for an attack, he appeared from the fog and charged at them with his pin, then struck twice. First blow to break their defense, and second to break their mask. Hermit vanished in the fog again before it dissipated and he was standing in front of Shadelight.

[Double slash - 2d4+1d6, dmg 1, regains 2 soul - 2+1+1=4]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight couldn’t defend themself, nor retaliate]

[Hp: 3/6]

[Shadelight staggers, falling to their knees as Void began to leak from their body again. This time into their nail…]

[Slowly, Shadelight begins to stand up]

Enough…

[Their grip on their nail tightens as void surrounds the nail entirely, making it seem larger]

ENOUGH.

[Within an instant, Shadelight charges at Xaphan]

[Focused Nail 1d15 + 1d6 (will deal 2 damage)]

[Result: 13 + 6; 19]

[Soul: 1/5]

I REFUSE TO LET YOU NOR ANYONE RUIN THIS FOR ME!

[spotlight-the-performer]

The moth was walking through the Far Fields once again. He remembers how... Unsuccessful the meeting with Spotlight was. If they're still somewhere here, mayhaps he can try again?

[Spotlight Shadelight was simply sitting in the fields, enjoying the peace and quiet around them…]

Finally…

<. . .>

[Despite being stuck in their own mind, Spotlight was able to sense Hermit’s essence nearby as usual. Shadelight on the other hand didn’t sense it, so they just continued to relax without knowing that Hermit was nearby…]

[hermit-the-moth]

The moth continued on his path through this greenfield searching for them. He hoped he'll meet them again at the same place they've met last time, but then he noticed the silhouette from afar... A familiar one.

He approached it silently, his stalking skills have made themselves felt. He knew that they would notice his Nightmarish aura, so he didn't make a sound.

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Suddenly, the burnt scar on their chest begins to faintly glow]

What the-

<Xaphan is nearby.>

!

…Can I not sense Nightmare Essence?

<I guess not. Good luck dealing with him though. He may be more perceptive than Dew.>

. . .

Thank you.

[Shadelight stands up and takes a deep breath…]

. . . Xaphan?

[hermit-the-moth]

The way they didn't instantly reacted to his presence was slightly concerning, but he thought they were just not in the right mood. "Greetings, Sister. How are you? I hope you're not mad at me for acknowledging your past..."

Hermit bowed to Spotlight. "You know that I'll never blame you for it... You can't change something that happened years ago, so why bother? You're not the Voided Vessel anymore, that is what matters."

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight returns the bow]

No, no, I am not mad. It’s great to see you, Xaphan!

Honestly I forgot that past was mentioned to you. That was so long ago…

<Still doesn’t change the fact that I hate The Pale King…>

<You and me both…>

<Huh… For once we agree one something.>

<Shut it.>

. . .

Is that all you wished to talk about or is there something else?

[hermit-the-moth]

The moth went silent when they asked him. He noticed that they were too... Lively and happy. It's unusual, considering that most of his life they were calm. "... Do you wish to go on a walk? I want to introduce you to someone who helped me. It's up there, above the Greymoor." He moved a bit and gestured with his hand towards the path. "Would you lead us, Sister?"

[spotlight-the-performer]

O-oh…

[Shadelight pauses for a second. Originally they had planned to just enjoy Far Fields, but perhaps going to Greymoor would be nice. After all, they’ve never felt the rain before!]

Sure!

<. . .>

[hermit-the-moth]

Once they've moved on, Hermit's gaze never left Spotlight. He knew something was wrong, yet he didn't knew what exactly. "Tell me, Sister, how you were doing before I came here? I guess something really good happened if you're so joyful. What is it? A new performance, mayhaps?" Their tone and their actions were something that he never seen before. He tried to find out what really happened.

[spotlight-the-performer]

Ah-

Well-

[Better to just follow along with the current choreography than to change it mid-performance]

To put it simply, yes!

I had a wonderful, wonderful performance recently!

[hermit-the-moth]

They hesitated, he was close, he just had to push harder till they crack. "Oh, then tell me what it's about? I truly wonder where my Sister was when we split up." Would Spotlight hear those words? He didn't knew, but he kept pulling on the strings. The truth was close.

[spotlight-the-performer]

It was one of my battle performances. I didn’t exactly think of a name for it yet…

[Shadelight gets quiet for a moment, choosing their words carefully. Perhaps for a moment too long…]

<You’re going to slip up soon. Just watch.>

. . .

I-I’m assuming you mean when we split up when we were younger? Well, in that case, I didn’t really leave the Troupe until much much later. I had to watch most of the members leave until it was just Grimm, Brumm, Divine, The Grimmkin, and myself.

[The words Shadelight spoke were true. Spotlight did stay for a long while after Xaphan left and they did watch all of their friends leave, but something was off… Their tone was flat. Spotlight usually speaks of the Troupe with a certain tone that Shadelight lacked…]

[hermit-the-moth]

"I meant..." The moth slowly took out the hook from under the cloak. "When we split up... At the FAR FIELDS!!" Then caught their neck with it and lowered them down on the same eye level as him.

His pin was pointing towards their face. They finally revealed themself and he had a perfect opportunity to threat them now. "Who are you!? Where is Spotlight!? Tell the truth, doppelganger!!"

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight froze as soon as Xaphan brought them to eye level. Suddenly, within an instant, they disappeared and Void Walked behind Xaphan]

Really? Right for the neck? How rude.

I haven’t even done anything to be deemed a threat and yet you and one other decided to try and see me as such, but I guess I did anticipate that reaction from the very start.

[Shadelight steps back a bit before bowing]

I am Shadelight, The Manifestation of Spotlight’s Regrets.

Do not worry though, Spotlight is fine. They’re just stuck in their own head while I finally get to live. Think of it as retribution for keeping me stuck in that damned space for hundreds of years.

[hermit-the-moth]

When Shadelight disappeared and the hook was falling, Hermit immediately caught it, then listened to them, only slightly watching behind. Once they finished, he couldn't believe it. He turned around to look at them, the way he was standing is no longer firm, but rather... Staggering.

"Stuck? You want them to get STUCK IN THEIR HEAD FOR YEARS!? I..." the grip on his pin strengthened, "give them back... Or I'll force you to!" A small bit of sorrow could be heard in his voice, despite the anger. He can't loose someone this close to him, no... He took the battle stance, wings spread wide and he shouted, "haderra!!"

[Max Essence - 2d10, regains 2 essence by receiving damage - 2+6=8]

[Battle cry - doubles the damage to the next Attack, can be used only at the first turn]

[spotlight-the-performer]

Oh, I never said I wanted them stuck for as long as I was. I just simply want them to stay put while I get a chance to finally live. They’ll be back in control once I get weakened enough.

[Slowly, Shadelight reaches for their nail, knowing what comes next. They were anticipating an attack from Xaphan.]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Momentum - 1/5]

Hermit's feelings torn him apart, anger filled his heart and fueled the Flame... It was close. No, no he can't let this happen, it's just some stupid prediction, just some stupid plan his father came up with... Truly it couldn't happen, right?

But that was not the only thing that bothered him. His Sister is in danger of being lost inside their own mind... His friend he was raised with could disappear. He pointed his pin towards them, then lunged forward.

[Stabbing blow - 1d12, dmg 1x2=2, regains 1 soul - 6]

[spotlight-the-performer]

<No- Xaphan, don’t!>

[Without even flinching, Shadelight fully draws their nail and guards]

[Defensive Guard 1d12]

[Result: 10]

[Shadelight managed to block the pin right before it hit, but something was off… Void was leaking from their body…]

Fired up as usual, eh? Hm…

[After a few seconds, Shadelight deflects Xaphan’s pin, sending him back a few feet]

Alright then. If it’s a fight you want…

Then let us dance!

[Almost immediately Shadelight lunges themself at Xaphan]

[Offensive Nail 1d15]

[Result: 15]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Dodge - 2d8 - 3+1=4]

[Masks - 4/5]

[Momentum - 0/5]

Hermit tried to get away from the attack, but took the blow. Usually, he's not getting hit by the first foe's attack... That was different. Despite this, he was ready to strike again.

He took his hook from beneath the cloak and ignited it with his claws. Thread was lit with the Red Flame, showing off his nature as the Nightmare Child, then he spinned the hook around him, making everything burn bright.

[Fire storm - 2d8, dmg 2, can't be used while Silken hook or Ignited hook is active, costs 3 silk and 3 soul - 4+5=9]

[Silk - 3/6]

[Soul - 6/9]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight quickly attempts to plant their nail into the ground and guard with their arms]

[Defensive Guard 1d12]

[Result: 6]

[As Shadelight tries to guard, they felt the heat overwhelm them. But it wasn’t the heat that truly hurt, it was the scar on their chest that hurt the most. Since the scar formed from fire damage, particularly one of Grimm’s nightmare flames, the scar responded by making the pain unbearable]

[Hp: 4/6]

HRK-…

[Shadelight staggers a bit once the attack ends as void continues to leak from their body…]

. . .

Heh.

[Then they began to silently laugh to themself as their left claw began to lose form. Suddenly, they slammed what remained of their left claw into the ground and void begins to seep into the terrain]

[After about a second, a pool of void appears under Xaphan’s feet as 2 Tendril Pillars lunge upward from the pool]

[Spell Tendril Pillars 2d10 (deals 2 masks of damage and can only be evaded)]

[Result: 10, 8]

[Soul: 2/5]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Dodge - 2d8 - 5+8=13]

[Momentum - 1/5]

Hermit noticed the pool fast enough to use his wings and fly away from the attack. "Fighting with the Void? I am NOT scared of it. I AM THE ONE WHO SCARES EVERYONE," he said with much more sorrowful voice drawing out his dream nail and using it to create the reddish fog. All the fears that Shadelight has ever had are in there to disorient them and the moth is no longer in sight.

[Nightmare fog - reduces the next opponent's Attack by 1d6 for one turn, increases the Double slash by 1d6 for one turn, costs 5 essence]

[Essence - 3/8]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight looks around before laughing to themself before going to attack]

[But they couldn’t move. They tried to step forward, but they couldn’t. They tried to cast a spell, but they couldn’t. They were paralyzed.]

[Their biggest fear was not being able to live and being stuck in Spotlight’s mind. And in this moment, Shadelight was stuck and couldn’t move. They couldn’t even speak]

<No… No no no no no…>

[spotlight-the-performer]

The moth was walking through the Far Fields once again. He remembers how... Unsuccessful the meeting with Spotlight was. If they're still somewhere here, mayhaps he can try again?

[Spotlight Shadelight was simply sitting in the fields, enjoying the peace and quiet around them…]

Finally…

<. . .>

[Despite being stuck in their own mind, Spotlight was able to sense Hermit’s essence nearby as usual. Shadelight on the other hand didn’t sense it, so they just continued to relax without knowing that Hermit was nearby…]

[hermit-the-moth]

The moth continued on his path through this greenfield searching for them. He hoped he'll meet them again at the same place they've met last time, but then he noticed the silhouette from afar... A familiar one.

He approached it silently, his stalking skills have made themselves felt. He knew that they would notice his Nightmarish aura, so he didn't make a sound.

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Suddenly, the burnt scar on their chest begins to faintly glow]

What the-

<Xaphan is nearby.>

!

…Can I not sense Nightmare Essence?

<I guess not. Good luck dealing with him though. He may be more perceptive than Dew.>

. . .

Thank you.

[Shadelight stands up and takes a deep breath…]

. . . Xaphan?

[hermit-the-moth]

The way they didn't instantly reacted to his presence was slightly concerning, but he thought they were just not in the right mood. "Greetings, Sister. How are you? I hope you're not mad at me for acknowledging your past..."

Hermit bowed to Spotlight. "You know that I'll never blame you for it... You can't change something that happened years ago, so why bother? You're not the Voided Vessel anymore, that is what matters."

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight returns the bow]

No, no, I am not mad. It’s great to see you, Xaphan!

Honestly I forgot that past was mentioned to you. That was so long ago…

<Still doesn’t change the fact that I hate The Pale King…>

<You and me both…>

<Huh… For once we agree one something.>

<Shut it.>

. . .

Is that all you wished to talk about or is there something else?

[hermit-the-moth]

The moth went silent when they asked him. He noticed that they were too... Lively and happy. It's unusual, considering that most of his life they were calm. "... Do you wish to go on a walk? I want to introduce you to someone who helped me. It's up there, above the Greymoor." He moved a bit and gestured with his hand towards the path. "Would you lead us, Sister?"

[spotlight-the-performer]

O-oh…

[Shadelight pauses for a second. Originally they had planned to just enjoy Far Fields, but perhaps going to Greymoor would be nice. After all, they’ve never felt the rain before!]

Sure!

<. . .>

[hermit-the-moth]

Once they've moved on, Hermit's gaze never left Spotlight. He knew something was wrong, yet he didn't knew what exactly. "Tell me, Sister, how you were doing before I came here? I guess something really good happened if you're so joyful. What is it? A new performance, mayhaps?" Their tone and their actions were something that he never seen before. He tried to find out what really happened.

[spotlight-the-performer]

Ah-

Well-

[Better to just follow along with the current choreography than to change it mid-performance]

To put it simply, yes!

I had a wonderful, wonderful performance recently!

[hermit-the-moth]

They hesitated, he was close, he just had to push harder till they crack. "Oh, then tell me what it's about? I truly wonder where my Sister was when we split up." Would Spotlight hear those words? He didn't knew, but he kept pulling on the strings. The truth was close.

[spotlight-the-performer]

It was one of my battle performances. I didn’t exactly think of a name for it yet…

[Shadelight gets quiet for a moment, choosing their words carefully. Perhaps for a moment too long…]

<You’re going to slip up soon. Just watch.>

. . .

I-I’m assuming you mean when we split up when we were younger? Well, in that case, I didn’t really leave the Troupe until much much later. I had to watch most of the members leave until it was just Grimm, Brumm, Divine, The Grimmkin, and myself.

[The words Shadelight spoke were true. Spotlight did stay for a long while after Xaphan left and they did watch all of their friends leave, but something was off… Their tone was flat. Spotlight usually speaks of the Troupe with a certain tone that Shadelight lacked…]

[hermit-the-moth]

"I meant..." The moth slowly took out the hook from under the cloak. "When we split up... At the FAR FIELDS!!" Then caught their neck with it and lowered them down on the same eye level as him.

His pin was pointing towards their face. They finally revealed themself and he had a perfect opportunity to threat them now. "Who are you!? Where is Spotlight!? Tell the truth, doppelganger!!"

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight froze as soon as Xaphan brought them to eye level. Suddenly, within an instant, they disappeared and Void Walked behind Xaphan]

Really? Right for the neck? How rude.

I haven’t even done anything to be deemed a threat and yet you and one other decided to try and see me as such, but I guess I did anticipate that reaction from the very start.

[Shadelight steps back a bit before bowing]

I am Shadelight, The Manifestation of Spotlight’s Regrets.

Do not worry though, Spotlight is fine. They’re just stuck in their own head while I finally get to live. Think of it as retribution for keeping me stuck in that damned space for hundreds of years.

[hermit-the-moth]

When Shadelight disappeared and the hook was falling, Hermit immediately caught it, then listened to them, only slightly watching behind. Once they finished, he couldn't believe it. He turned around to look at them, the way he was standing is no longer firm, but rather... Staggering.

"Stuck? You want them to get STUCK IN THEIR HEAD FOR YEARS!? I..." the grip on his pin strengthened, "give them back... Or I'll force you to!" A small bit of sorrow could be heard in his voice, despite the anger. He can't loose someone this close to him, no... He took the battle stance, wings spread wide and he shouted, "haderra!!"

[Max Essence - 2d10, regains 2 essence by receiving damage - 2+6=8]

[Battle cry - doubles the damage to the next Attack, can be used only at the first turn]

[spotlight-the-performer]

Oh, I never said I wanted them stuck for as long as I was. I just simply want them to stay put while I get a chance to finally live. They’ll be back in control once I get weakened enough.

[Slowly, Shadelight reaches for their nail, knowing what comes next. They were anticipating an attack from Xaphan.]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Momentum - 1/5]

Hermit's feelings torn him apart, anger filled his heart and fueled the Flame... It was close. No, no he can't let this happen, it's just some stupid prediction, just some stupid plan his father came up with... Truly it couldn't happen, right?

But that was not the only thing that bothered him. His Sister is in danger of being lost inside their own mind... His friend he was raised with could disappear. He pointed his pin towards them, then lunged forward.

[Stabbing blow - 1d12, dmg 1x2=2, regains 1 soul - 6]

[spotlight-the-performer]

<No- Xaphan, don’t!>

[Without even flinching, Shadelight fully draws their nail and guards]

[Defensive Guard 1d12]

[Result: 10]

[Shadelight managed to block the pin right before it hit, but something was off… Void was leaking from their body…]

Fired up as usual, eh? Hm…

[After a few seconds, Shadelight deflects Xaphan’s pin, sending him back a few feet]

Alright then. If it’s a fight you want…

Then let us dance!

[Almost immediately Shadelight lunges themself at Xaphan]

[Offensive Nail 1d15]

[Result: 15]

[hermit-the-moth]

[Dodge - 2d8 - 3+1=4]

[Masks - 4/5]

[Momentum - 0/5]

Hermit tried to get away from the attack, but took the blow. Usually, he's not getting hit by the first foe's attack... That was different. Despite this, he was ready to strike again.

He took his hook from beneath the cloak and ignited it with his claws. Thread was lit with the Red Flame, showing off his nature as the Nightmare Child, then he spinned the hook around him, making everything burn bright.

[Fire storm - 2d8, dmg 2, can't be used while Silken hook or Ignited hook is active, costs 3 silk and 3 soul - 4+5=9]

[Silk - 3/6]

[Soul - 6/9]

[spotlight-the-performer]

[Shadelight quickly attempts to plant their nail into the ground and guard with their arms]

[Defensive Guard 1d12]

[Result: 6]

[As Shadelight tries to guard, they felt the heat overwhelm them. But it wasn’t the heat that truly hurt, it was the scar on their chest that hurt the most. Since the scar formed from fire damage, particularly one of Grimm’s nightmare flames, the scar responded by making the pain unbearable]

[Hp: 4/6]

HRK-…

[Shadelight staggers a bit once the attack ends as void continues to leak from their body…]

. . .

Heh.

[Then they began to silently laugh to themself as their left claw began to lose form. Suddenly, they slammed what remained of their left claw into the ground and void begins to seep into the terrain]

[After about a second, a pool of void appears under Xaphan’s feet as 2 Tendril Pillars lunge upward from the pool]

[Spell Tendril Pillars 2d10 (deals 2 masks of damage and can only be evaded)]

[Result: 10, 8]

[Soul: 2/5]