Play-date with a void child and a grimmchild

[fireindreams]

Who: Troupe Master Grimm, the Knight, the Grimmchild and you.
What: Grimm requested the Grimmchild from the Storyteller and his request was granted. Now it is time for a play-date.
When: August 25th
Where: Across Enso
Warnings: Spoilers for the Grimm Troupe DLC.
Note: Both the Knight and Grimm are available to be spoken to so please let us know in your header if you would like a response from Grimm, the Knight or both of them.

[Grimm had many reasons for requesting the Grimmchild charm from the Storyteller. Despite the dangers present in this world, it was one full of life. The living prospered here and the sky was beautiful and blue. There were many curiosities here, things to learn and indulge without shame. Grimm's memories will offer the child so many experiences of eons and reincarnations gone by to be implemented as they saw fit, but there would be things here that even their predecessor has not experienced.

So many reasons but the most pressing one was the simplest: Grimm wanted to see his child again.

He had informed the Knight that their child now lived in this world once the Troupe Master had woken to the Charm containing the tiny scarlet flame in his possession. The Grimmchild had been set back to the form they first had when birthed but that was no matter for the moment. He wished to show the Grimmchild the island and the Knight had been happy enough to join them.

For those who wandered Enso at their leisure, they may stumble across the Knight playing with a strange creature that is making sounds not unlike a kitten. The Grimmchild is sentient and quite willing to approach those nearby if not approached first.

Grimm is supervising closely however, so trouble-makers may wish to be careful. But he looks more relaxed then he was when the flowers were choking the life out of everyone. It is doing his heart good, after all, to see both the Knight and the Grimmchild having fun together.]

Comments

[lightlessfuture]

They've been on this island for several long months; restful as it is, there had always been a sense of something missing. Even in this place, with so much to do and so many people to meet, they had wanted to see those who they knew again very much.

And after the sickness that had swept the island, something familiar and affectionate was welcome. Getting to see the Grimmchild was a pleasant surprise, though they'd been momentarily startled by the fact that they're smaller once again; it soon passes, though. It's not that important.

What is important is having fun, which the Knight is certainly happy to do, having regained all their enthusiasm and energy. Their tired, limping movements are a thing of the past, and they're reveling in having their seemingly limitless amount of stamina back by chasing the Grimmchild around and indulging them in whatever they want to look at in the spur of the moment.

Right now, though, they're having some difficulties. As agile as the Knight is, they're not capable of flight, so a game of tag in a nearby tree has turned into a game of keep-away instead.

As Grimm watches, the Knight reaches a little too far, misjudges their balance, and promptly falls out of the tree with a thud, to their little sibling's clear amusement. Oops.

[fireindreams]

Both the Knight and the Grimmchild shared a childish curiosity that has never been tempered by what they learned in their lives. Grimm himself, in this incarnation, was much of the same when he was a child and wandered the land he had been born into before he reached a maturity which would allow him to lead the Grimm Troupe yet again. Everything was something to see, something to touch and learn and play with.

It was endearing to say the least.

The flowers still littering the temple of the Storyteller were still concerning but for now everyone was free of the disease weighing them down. Grimm could walk and teleport freely yet again and simply enjoy the life in this island had to offer. And now the child and the Knight can as well, together again.

...provided the Knight does not injure themself in the process of things. Grimm strolls over when they fall from the tree and leans down to pick up the Knight carefully.

"Be careful, my friend. I know you bounce back quicker then most but I do not believe you can copy my dives so easily."

And while it is something the Grimmchild will learn in the future, perhaps not before they possess legs.

[lightlessfuture]

The Knight has the kind of reckless abandon that comes from having never really shed that feeling of childhood invincibility. Which, to be fair, is somewhat justified in their view; a child made of void who has had to deal with much worse than the normal bumps and scrapes and little accidents of childhood tends to see other things as mildly inconsequential.

They lift their arms up briefly when they're picked up and flap their cloak a bit, happy to attempt to tell Grimm that no, really, everything is fine! They present their hands for inspection to show him just how fine they are.

(They could easily leap free, or wriggle free, or otherwise let themselves down from Grimm's grip. They choose not to, because this casual concern for their wellbeing is a soft, kind thing, and their life thus far has given such things to them only in fleeting moments.)

[fireindreams]

There is a joke that the God of Nightmares is the most kind and Grimm unintentionally (and often intentionally) made a mockery of what it meant to be a God. Powerful he was but regulated his abilities to the tricks of a mere performer, putting on a show when he should be standing beside the likes of the Pale King and the Radiance.

But as he said in the past, Troupe Master Grimm was more fun. And title or no that did not mean he had to be doom and gloom all the time.

And honestly, the Knight may have that childish reckless abandon that does mean someone shouldn't keep an eye on them.

"Yes, I see. Regardless, perhaps I should teach you both how to fall with grace."

GIVE ME ALL THE BUGS

[forwearemany]

(As a mechanical being, Legion requires frequent recharge.

Though they have been considering the possibility of finding another source of power, currently they remain reliant on the mana pools.

Thus, that is where they are when suddenly children.

...They startle enough that they manage to fall into the mana pool.)

all the bugs :) the knight will comment next

[fireindreams]

[The splash of water attracts Grimm's attention immediately. He had no particular weakness to the element but did not like it. That had not stopped some of the Grimmkin's playful antics during their breaks by dumping buckets of water onto him while he slept.

But when there is no impact of water upon his person, Grimm turns and -- oh dear.

He makes his way over to the mana pool and reaches out a hand for Legion to take if they wish.]

Are you alright, my friend? That was quite a tumble.

[lightlessfuture]

[ They're in the middle of chasing the Grimmchild when Legion's so surprised they take a fall. Remembering that whole MASSIVE HOLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THEIR CHEST and their complaints about water getting into important components, they immediately abandon their current game and scramble to peer into the pool with clear worry.

Legion are you going to be okay. DID THEY ACCIDENTALLY CAUSE MORE DAMAGE FOR YOU ]

anyone?? everyone?? give me bugs

[catpiper]

[The heck is happening here? The kitten noises had grabbed her attention from whatever menial task she had been doing. It's a chirp she doesn't recognize-it's not a member of her kitty party, which prompts her to immediately set out for the source and-

It's not a cat?? It's a flying thing?? A bug?

If there was rock texting, she would be sending cryptic messages to Guzma right now because this seems right up his buggy ally. Unfortunately, she can't do that and she looks to the knight, to the small flying not!cat bug, to the bigger bug supervising it all. What did she stumble into?

At least there's one familiar face in all this and she waves her arms until the Knight spots her and points at the small creature they're playing with. Nani the heck??]

grimm's commenting after this :|b

[lightlessfuture]

[ The Knight looks up at the sound of footsteps and waves happily back at Ren, a movement that makes the Grimmchild watch avidly and chirp but not make a motion to pounce, yet.

They run over to her and make a hurried, excited scrawl in the ground for Ren to read. Their playmate purrs curiously, staring avidly up at this new, tall person.

child
younger sibling

Yes thank you Knight that explains so much and yet nothing at all at the exact same time. ]

[fireindreams]

[Grimm follows behind at a slower pace, towering over all three of the children. But his expression is one of someone who is nothing but amused by the ongoing antics. The Knight is happy and clearly is excited to explain what the Grimmchild is to the girl, who appears to know them.

And after everything that has happened, being happy is the best thing he could ask for.]

Hello my dear. This is the Grimmchild, our child born from a Ritual participated in our world.

[This is just as helpful as the Knight's explanation, clearly.]

BUGS BUGS BUGS

[mamaterasu]

[It's the sounds of a mewling cat that first rouse the wolf from her slumber - one pointed ear flicking once...twice, then her head lifting up. Nostrils flare as the wolf rises, stretches her back, then tries to sniff out the source. There are many cats on this island - pets of the inhabitants, and it'd make sense that one would curiously wander from its owner. One had nearly gotten itself lost once before, and she had guarded its safety for a short time, until its owner came to collect it. Ammy hopes this will be the same thing - a bit of protective babysitting and playing until their owner finds them.

She pushes through the brush until her nose picks up two familiar scents and her tail begins to wag. The mewling gets louder and she peers through the foliage to see what all the commotion is about. She already expect to find the two bugs, maybe they found the wayward feline before her, but that...that is not a cat. Not a cat in the slightest. Um. It's...

Well, she has no diddly dang clue what that thing is, actually. But it's making all sorts of noises like a cat. Bug-cat? Cat-bug? Catterfly?? Or perhaps a catydid? Okay, no, but Ammy is definitely over a short distance away, tilting her head in confusion.]

[fireindreams]

[While Ammy may be content to sit and stare but the Grimmchild holds no such reservations. Once they spot the white dog, they will make their way over to inspect her.

And that means Grimm will follow shortly as he wishes to keep an eye on both children he has here. He has thought of all the times he would laugh at the Pale King for his actions, yet this would likely get a laugh out of Wyrm....if he were capable of it.

Regardless welcome to Uncle Grimm's Babysitting Service, Ammy.]

It appears my child has taken an interest in you.

[lightlessfuture]

[ The Knight is quick to follow after once they spot who their companion is headed towards. Ammy is free with cuddles and physical contact, so they happily snuggle into her fur like it's the most natural thing in the world for them to do.

Nature aside, on some level perhaps it is. It's a child's way to seek out comfort, after all, and they learn quickly who responds to their impulsive affections.

What's an explanation, only hugs now. ]

give me ALL BUGSU

[hyperlit]

[There is a third bug-creature on the island, now, and the Drifter was not aware that there were any new arrivals. The timing is all off, in any case. Nonetheless, the creature's strange, purring sounds draw their attention. The Drifter pauses to regard it closely before glancing between the miniature, hovering insect and their own companion sprite.]

[Is there a similarity, perhaps?]

[They'll try communication first.]

contact?

[lightlessfuture]

[ The Grimmchild immediately inspects this new arrival and their strange companion, chirping and purring at it when it displays the text that allows the Drifter to communicate. They seem fascinated by both the sprite and the person it belongs to.

The Knight is far more used to this, and comes running up enthusiastically behind. At their approach, their playmate swoops low to perch momentarily on a horn.

They seem much happier now, that's for certain. Though they do tilt their head at the word they read (and comically lower the Grimmchild's perch along with it). They're not quite sure what the Drifter is asking. ]

[fireindreams]

[Grimm is also nearby and strolls over to stand beside the Knight. He took appears much happier now that he does not have flowers sprouting from his skin and a few burdens, while not removed, but shared. Understood.

Indeed there is a similarity but with Grimm close by, it is easier to see it is more a similarity to the Troupe Master rather then the Knight. But the Drifter is correct...or at least correct by Grimm's standards.]

This is our child born of the Ritual. I asked the Storyteller if they were willing to bring them back to us. They cannot speak, sadly.

[This clearly explains everything, he thinks.]

B U G S 8U

[demonpuppy]

[It's the kitten-like sounds that draw Chip's attention first--or more accurately, it draws Snowball's attention, as the tiny white kitten is the first to bound into the clearing. He stumbles to a halt to look at the three odd bugs, sniffing and trying to figure out if they are friends or prey. Thankfully, before much can be done in that vein--]

Snowballll! Get back here--oh!

[Chip slows as they see what's caught their kitten's attention, blinking in confusion at the itty-bitty bug that Knight is playing with. There's something weird about it, but Chip can't work out just what it is. Plus there's another bug that's...a bigger one of the first?]

U-um...hi.

[lightlessfuture]

[ The Knight looks up at Chip's cry and the sudden introduction of movement. They and the Grimmchild stare curiously at the odd creature sniffing them for a moment, before they turn their attention to its owner.

They wave after a moment, one hand preoccupied with giving the Grimmchild an engaging game of 'catch the moving target'. They're pleased to see Chip, as always, and thankfully healthy and whole after they'd almost made a mess of their arm. ]

[fireindreams]

[The taller bug in question shares quite a few physical similarities with the baby bug the Knight is playing with, if Chip is the observant sort.

He smiles at Chip's expression, hopefully easing the confusion they seem to be struck with.]

Do not worry, my child will not bite you.

[They were incapable of combat for the moment.]

lol whoever

[journalname]

[Asgore is merely going about his business, checking on several of the local plants who have made it into his routine despite not technically being part of his garden at all, when he's approached by this...baby monster? He's not sure, but he always errs on the side of "person" rather than "animal".]

Oh - my goodness. [He's quick to sit on the ground, aware of just how much he towers over the little one and how frightening that can be.] Howdy, there!

[lightlessfuture]

[ The Knight comes running up shortly after, stopping to look curiously upwards at Asgore. They remember him from when they first arrived, though they haven't really gotten to see him since; they wave hello.

The Grimmchild is a born performer and simply 'nyaa's cheerfully at the greeting, giving Asgore a little floating bow. Hello to you, too! ]

[journalname]

Oh, hello! Is this a friend of yours?

[Asgore recalls the Knight as well, and he smiles at the Grimmchild's little bow. How cute!]

Hello, I would like to have All Bugs please. ::::D

[prettypurpleparlor]

[Muffet is about to greet the Knight when she notices the little black and red newcomer flitting around them. She has to resist the urge to coo over them, they look so tiny and adorable.]

[Instead, she remembers her manners and greets them both with a polite wave.]

Good morning, dearie. Are they a friend of yours?

[lightlessfuture]

[ The Knight waves back, and after a moment, they give her a little bow (which the Grimmchild mimics). They remember the curtsy from last time! Manners are important, after all.

They know Muffet can understand signing - they've seen her at lessons, they think. So they opt for signing instead. ]

friend
child
family

[ That explains so much! No it doesn't. Their companion hovers just behind their shoulder and attempts to catch their moving hands with tendrils, clearly finding the motion fascinating. ]

[fireindreams]

[Grimm for his part recognizes Muffet's voice more then her appearance, having only spoken to her over the network. Spiders were...an interesting bunch in Hallownest, able to weave themselves a home that not even Grimm's scarlet eyes could see into.

But he tends to not base prior reputations when it came to meeting someone for the first time, especially since Muffet is not from their world to begin with. The Knight appears to be friends with her too.]

I asked the Storyteller to bring them to me, to see a world of life. Would you happen to be Miss Muffet? I recognize your voice from when we spoke.