#i love the grimmchild so much can I adopt him

[peregrineggsandham]

Updates on that blind Hollow Knight playthrough (sorry, my speculations and musings got... wordy and poetic). Friendly reminder I am working off of incomplete info/context so far:

[spoilers]

I would die for Hive Knight

2. I would also die for my growing family of Grimmchild, a bunch of flying grub versions of me, three weaverlings, Hornet (who is apparently my half-sister if I am understanding this correctly, I went and found the Weaver's Den and had a Moment of Comprehension), and my imprisoned twin (?) whom I swear I am going to break out of there if it kills me holy shit this puts that first ending/battle with them into such heartbreaking context. And Mato, who claimed fatherhood rights. And our growing collection of kindly grandparents. Also we're adopting Dung Defender, he's family now, I don't make the rules.

3. I cannot decide/determine if the king and queen made the vessels kingsmould-style and never expected them to be people in the first place, in which case taking the Hollow Knight and leaving the rest to die was a tragic mistake... or if they made them children-style and then tossed them into the abyss in an effort to hollow them out, meaning the tragedy is not only that this failed and they never realized it but also that they fully believed/understood that they'd killed thousands of their children...

(...and still believe it - the White Lady said she thinks I can hold the infection, that the Hollow Knight was "corrupted by an idea instilled", but our siblings' journal entry reads "fragment of a lingering will" and nothing hollow would meditate with Mato or sit with Quirrel or bow back at the start of Grimm's dance - suggesting we all were never hollow and yet still she claims us - needs us - to be empty...)

I think the latter option fits better with "no cost too great" but it also means it was a very explicit sacrifice of children, not of constructs that they just... didn't realize were children. So. That's. Something.

4. Quirrel is fine. I do not care about the obvious implications. I have seen too many friends die now to assume the worst. Cloth said she was leaving Hollownest and Quirrel said there was nothing left here for him, or something to that effect, so I choose to believe he is with her. There is no body. If the Old Stag can hope, so can I.

4a. Corollary: Nailsmith is also fine.

5. I would like to apologize personally to everyone I privately chucked at for finding Grimm vaguely attractive. I. Mm. I, uh, I understand. (It's that dramatic flair combined with polite ass-kicking. Great taste in decor, color, and music, holy heck the music.) His fight was the best thing since Hornet Version 2, or even the Mantis Lords...

6. ....AND WE'RE DOING IT AGAIN TOMORROW. Well. I say "again". Again but more so. (I have been practicing, I see what I need to do, I just need to do it. I can consistently get him to the first round of... can I call it his pufferfish form? That's what I've been calling it. I'm sorry. It's just. It's so silly. I love it.)

6a. Corollary: I thought a lot about what to do with the Troupe. I'm not looking up what happens if you break the lantern or don't - I went there to speak with Brumm (and panicked and left when he started whaling on the lantern) and on the one hand it sounds very much like they are all slaves to an endless cycle of death and rebirth (?). All things need to end. On the other hand... what would ending that cycle do? They don't really seem to be causing any harm - eating nightmares? The people have plenty to spare! Honestly in this world, normal dreams seem to be worse. I'd take the nightmare, thanks. At least the music kicks ass.

And this cycle doesn't seem like the endless stasis imposed by the King on Hallownest. This seems as old as time. So, end the cycle and... what? They are vessels, all of them (lowercase v, vessels, not Vessels) for the Flame - so they say - and they may not always have been. Once, perhaps, they were their own people, now chained to this... giant beating flaming heart. Grimm likely is chained most of all. Burn the father, feed the child, I get it, his will be the last flame the Grimmchild devours. I expect he'll die, and the child will take his place. But dance and die and live forever, the poem says - what is inherited, exactly? Flame, yes. Title? Name? I doubt they'll be the Grimmchild Troupe from this point on. Godhood? Even memory? When Grimm is staggered in his battle, he splits into a number of little things, almost shades, little Grimmchildren. How many have there been?

That's why the White Lady compared us, I assume - we are both the children of kings, set to inherit the title and all the horrors that come with it. What will becoming such a thing do to Grimmchild? All things considered, giant beating heart of patchwork and flame and all, Grimm seems... fine, really. Chipper enough. Certainly no one but Brumm has expressed a desire to leave - but then, if he's right, the child was born into servitude, and a desire to leave is absolutely secondary to having the choice to do so. Maybe ending the cycle would free them all. Maybe the son would not have to eat the father. Or maybe it'd destroy them both.

Would that be preferable?

Another consideration: They are vessels, in their own way. Would we be freeing what they contain?

We took the place of the Hollow Knight, in that first ending. So does the Grimmchild take the place of the father, if I'm right. Everyone is being frustratingly vague about this Ritual business. If we ever find a way to defeat the infection, and not merely recontain it, will the bugs it has taken be left behind, living and whole? I doubt it. They are already dead. (Myla Myla Myla Myla Myla). So, is destroying the lantern akin to destroying the infection, or more to breaking the seals?

Nightmares and dreams aren't all that different, but at least the former seems content to only visit for a while rather than to sit and spread and infect. Though I imagine it helps that they are still storied, still talked about in hushed tones - unlike whatever forgotten Light the Seer spoke of before her... ascension. Not death. I refuse to think we lost another friend. Point is, if the Nightmare King and this dream-making Light are kin, the former seems to treat his... vessels?... much more kindly. Namely, they are still alive. They sing! They dance!

So what would be left of Grimm and his child if you tore the heart out from them both? Maybe the others would survive - Brumm gave us his flame without death, after all - but would they be themselves? Would they be happier? Emptier? It doesn't matter. Forget them.

Ha! Forget them! Now there's a sobering realization! I don't think the troupe's presence is an active harm to Dirtmouth, or to the kingdoms surrounding what is left of Hallownest. But even if it was... I, and our little friend as I play them, would still prioritize Grimmchild's wellbeing over that of the ruins of the kingdom - and its remaining inhabitants. And even the rest of the troupe! Maybe that's cruel! Maybe that's wrong! But it's the exact opposite decision to what the Pale King did, and I think we are too young (we are still a child) and too ancient (the kingdom is long-dead and we were born before its fall) and too unused to thought (after all, we returned from outside the kingdom, where memory and mind are fuzzy if either the plaque or Quirrel are to be believed) to fully comprehend nuance.

After all, I have hardcore leaned into the little friend (been also calling them little ghost since that's what Hornet calls them and I think the fandom as well?) taking one look at Grimmchild and deciding immediately that they could be a better parent than the Pale King.

But... there are still costs too great.

(In fairness we did also yeet our infant into the abyss but we also jumped down and we climbed out again together and also they had wings, so. it's fine.)

They're already touched by Void through our influence - the eyes of their charm leak black, and that has to mean something. Maybe this is a dead kingdom that we can exist in together. Two kings with nothing to rule except our own lives. Maybe we can break the cycle - later, on our own terms, and after hearing every side of the story.

I'd gone to consult with Grimm, after speaking with Brumm - but he was asleep, and his nightmare was a dance. I am so very, very excited to dance with him again.

So we are completing the ritual.

...eventually.

...as soon as this little fucker just. when he just. just stays still for a- just stand still for a moment and let me- alright look-

.....

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

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

7. Also I still don't know what I'm supposed to use all of these rancid eggs for, good lord, we must smell like a sulfur pit.

8. Also how many iterations of Zote are there???

8a. Bretta can do better.

[buglife]

Terra Lumina

A hollow knight au guide that I keep writing in. You can read all my writings and art stuff in the #terra-lumina tag. Mostly so I can just point to this post when explaining things awee. :3 Post subject to edits and changes.

Terra Lumina is an au where both Ghost (the little knight) and Quirrel are together and are the new rulers of Hallownest. So it's a royalty au! Pretty much it's slice of life where they do their best to be a better ruler than the Pale King ever was, ruling with kindness and intelligence. Seriously, like, the Pale King could have just talked to the Radiance instead of letting things snowball like they did. They both live in the new palace which is pretty much like the White House in that it's mostly dedicated to government with an apartment for the rulers to live in. It's where the old palace used to be, but now it's much greener and 100% less buzzsaws. It is post embrace the void ending and an everyone lives/nobody dies au where the only characters that are dead are those that were found so at the start of the game. Takes place about 5-7 years after the end of the game.

The two romantic rulers.

Ghost:Now taller than Quirrel and is the Shade Lord, god of void and dreams. Sovereign of Hallownest and rightful ruler due to king's brand. Can use telepathy but only does so with family/friends, as they are nervous about scaring people so uses sign language with them. Is very happy to have family/friends and overall liked by most folks. Is still scary to some and is sad about that. Married Quirrel. Considers Mato their adoptive father and calls them such. Still enjoys fighting (but for fun now). Since dreams are now their aspect, they gather up nightmares to help the population (and gives to their adopted grimmchild, Allegro, and Grimm themselves.)

Quirrel: Now called the Scholar King, rules alongside Ghost. He still has trouble believing that this is his life. Chaotic Good. Mostly deals with the logistics in running the kingdom. Adoptive mother is Monomon who found him when he was teeny tiny. Did not attempt to drown themselves, instead isolated himself when he thought Monomon was dead so Ghost had to find him. Still fights and can practically teleport. Spends free time in the palace library where a copy of all the surviving books were moved to and is free to the public to check out and read.

Family/Friends

Hornet: Still the Princess of Deepnest and was happy to have her mother Herrah rule again. Is officially Deepnest's ambassador and works closely with her sibling to be sure things that need to get done, get done. She won't admit it but she loves spending time with her siblings. Also randomly jumps Ghost to keep them on their toes and make sure they don't lose their skill. This can happen at anytime, anyplace. Is a close ally with the Hive and is helping the new Queen get used to her role. Also demands spars with Quirrel all the time because she does like her brother and law and the fact she doesn't kill him is proof enough in her eyes.

Mato: Dadmaster. Pretty much raised Ghost in between the end of the game to present day (and did a damn good job). Still lives in the Howling Cliffs and teaches students still, especially knight candidates. Is always on hand to cause trouble if needed. Is so proud you guys can't even. Keeps his home open in case Ghost and Quirrel need to hide for a bit. Officiated Ghost and Quirrel's wedding because of course.

Hollow: Part of the new great knights of Hallownest and is known as Hollow the Kind. Still likes to help people, and after having lots of care and therapy, is now more expressive and open. Is pretty much free to do what they please, and they choose to mostly patrol the kingdom and help when needed. Is constantly sneaking frogs into the palace because Hollow loves them. Can only use telepathy with other void beings and uses sign language to communicate otherwise. Is still missing an arm but had a magical prosthetic built. Loves to be in cuddle piles.

Tiso:Big brother figure and part of the new great knights of Hallownest. He is known as Tiso the Daring. Is actually a badass Captain America type fighter, just couldn't dodge a house sized mawlek and nearly died back then. Taught Ghost all the swears and often invokes 'Big Brother Rights'. Is also Captain of the Guard and has matured a lot since the end of the game. In a relationship with Myla and Cloth.

Cloth:Part of the new great knights of Hallownest and is known as Cloth the Strong. Makes sure people behave. Has healed from her near suicidal want to join her late lover, and now has a more positive outlook on life. Tends to organize tournaments that aren't fucked up and fatal like the Coliseum. In a relationship with Tiso and Myla.

Myla:Was saved from the infection, but it left her prone to sickness and a little weaker than most bugs. Compensates for still being cherry and wonderful to be around. Actually wicked smart and has helped Ghost restart the mining industry. Enjoys going to musicals/plays in her free time. Still loves being a geologist and provided most of the geological samples in the Capital's museum. Is in a relationship with Cloth and Tiso.

Ogrim: The only surviving great knight of old Hallownest. Is part of the new knights as Ogrim the Defender. Is the leader of the new knights and is a brilliant tactician. Has moved up from the Waterways to a new home and no longer lives in exile. Likes to plan parties and is generally doing better. He deserves it.

God Tamer: Real name is Xena (I seen it used around and I like it.) Part of the new great knights of Hallownest and is known as Xena the Tamer. Still works alongside her beast, ‘Pickles’. Has an uncanny ability to befriend dangerous beasts and pacifies them. Now has a small zoo’s worth of ‘friends’ that come and go for pats and treats. Dunks on Tiso a lot. Is surprisingly a conservationist. Will beat the shit out of people without hesitation if needed. Often fights new recruits to judge areas needing improvement. Has no tolerance for idiots. Was saved from the infection, but was not infected long enough to cause long term damage.

Allegro: The Grimmchild. Has chosen female pronouns. She is now past the grub stage and has left the kingdom to travel with her father, Grimm, to learn how to take over the Troupe. Still keeps in contact with Ghost through dreams and loves Ghost very much as their ‘Ren’. Was and still is, a little shit. Ghost misses them a lot but is comforted by her visits. Ghost saves nightmares to give to her so she can get big and strong!

Grimm: Considered a friend at this point, and taught Ghost about the dream realm. Visits through dreams. Ghost saves nightmares to give to him. Often has advice when needed.

Sheo/Nailsmith: Uncles. They both run an art school with Sheo teaching fine arts and Nail(Smith) teaching forging. They also run an art gallery. Are up to cause trouble whenever needed.

Oro: Uncle. The real sour one. Teaches new recruits and tends to weed out those that can make it from ones that can’t. Pretty much a drill Sargent. Ghost pays him not only in geo, but candy. Special, custom made candy just for Oro. It’s the only way they could get him to do this job. Oro won’t admit it’s also because he loves his former pupil no sir.

Monomon: Quirrel’s adoptive mother and currently is the royal researcher. Teaches classes as well. Ghost pretty much told her to do whatever as long as it will improve the lives of bugkind and she loves them for it. Is always down to cause trouble. Chaotic Neutral. Has some type of explosive with them at any given time. Tends to ‘vanish’ people who have wrong her or her son. Embodies chaos. Craves gossip. Former Dreamer and woke up when Ghost took the pantheon approach to defeating the Radiance.

Herrah: Queen of Hallownest and considers Ghost one of her children. Is happy to be Queen of her own people and is making up for lost time with her daughter. Likes to meet with the Hallownest rulers for a good shit-talking session. Is made of sass. Former Dreamer and woke up when Ghost took the pantheon approach to defeating the Radiance.

Lurien: Watcher of the Capital. Disaster. Will stay up for days on end working on things to accidentally invent new things in the process in sleep deprived delirium. Often gets drunk or high and contemplates the universe. Has the best edibles around I tell you. Is actually good at his job, which is finding suspicious things and investigating them. Former Dreamer and woke up when Ghost took the pantheon approach to defeating the Radiance.

Lemm: Runs the Hallownest museum and works in the back where he catalogs and studies findings and doesn’t have to talk to anyone and is the happiest he could ever be.

Seer: Holy shit she is old. Still lives in the resting grounds. Ghost visits often and brings tea and snacks. Grandma energy. Is currently working with Quirrel to recount as much as she can about moth legends and society so it can be preserved forever. It’s slow going because she is old, but it’s going.

The siblings: Are now at rest.

Everything else

White Lady: Is still alive and has left the gardens. She resides in a little hidden cottage outside the palace where she grows flowers. Is often called in to overlook agriculture efforts. Has long since revoked her crown and is content with a quiet life. Is not considered a mother by Ghost, and Ghost will not forgive her for her role in things. She is okay with this and hopes to atone someday for what she did.

The Pale King: Still fucking dead. Rest in Pieces you shit.

Eternal Emilitia: Is a member of the new noble class and takes her job seriously. She mostly keeps the other nobles in line when she can and helps delegate orders to places where they need to go. It’s like herding cats but she’s getting better with it the longer she’s around. Is respected by Ghost since she knows what it’s like to hit rock bottom and is quite sensitive to the needs to the people.

Radiance: Dead. Was going mad and in pain by the time Ghost got to her. Is now at rest.

Greenpath/Queen’s Gardens:Given back to the moss-kin and Unn. Unn has started to awaken more now that the infection is over and her children are freed from it’s influence. Is considered it’s own ‘kingdom’. Is in good relations with Hallownest.

Fungal Wastes: Still thriving. A hivemind made up of everything from microscopic spores to the entire fungal waste itself. The mushroom tribe trades with Hallownest and is in good relations with them. Still considered weird to most but they are good and peaceful people.

Mantis Tribe: Is in a good relationship with Ghost, Hornet and Quirrel, and not much else. Has complete independence but was asked nicely if they could help train the most dedicated of new guards/knights. Did not pass up the opportunity to be allowed to beat the shit out of willing Hallownest citizens who wanted to train.

Deepnest: Ruled by Queen Herrah and Princess Hornet. Good relationship with Hallownest and enjoys full independence. The beasts that reside are no longer hassled by Hallownest encroachment and thus does not push back into it. Exports silk products and is now a very prosperous nation.

Dirtmouth/Crystal Peaks: Still the same, but with now more people. All our favorite Dirtmouth folks are doing well. Elderbug is delighted to have a full town to be a mayor over.

City of Tears: Now called the 'Capital'. Plants are now on the ceiling to redirect water and stop the constant rain. It's much more pleasant now.

Colosseum of Fools: Left alone mostly. Ghost cannot stop people for wanting to go there if they are of sound mind to make the decision.

The Hive: Is now ruled by the new Queen Apis. Is fully independent and enjoys a cushy trade agreement with Hallownest and the rest of the various nations. She wonders if she will ever live up to her mother, Queen Vespa, but has many friends to help her grow into the role. Hive Knight is her loyal friend.

[saturno-sol]

The Brainrot has gotten to me

WELL HERE YOU GO FOLKS (almost) ALL MY NOTES ON WYRMTHREAD (Chantilly/Quezal) both in Canon and in a Happier AU because yes Most put under a readmore because its over 1K long and the very end has some suggestive things because I’m allowed to think like that too so just as a heads up

Anyways here

Canon Codex

Do not establish a relationship outside of a blooming interest in each other that gets nipped in the bud due to...yeah cries 

So let us not delve too deeply into Canon rn, and sadly since the plot absolutely needs Chantilly gone to progress we turn to HAPPIER AUS!!!!! :DDDDD because I drove myself deep into brainrot and aoughhhhghhhghhhhghh

Songs I associate with canon because music is good- 

I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE by Tyler the Creator

Mr Loverman by Ricky Montgomery

Rest Easy, I’ll See You Again by Cuco (the title is a LIE) 

Pain by Pinkpantheress

La Gata Bajo la Lluvia by Rocío Dúrcal

The Night We Met by Lord Huron (thank you Jaxx) 

Noche No Te Vayas by Los Tres Caballeros 

Better Timeline AU!!!! 

Placeholder name but honestly it might stick because I’m too lazy to think up of a better one hghfdnkj, am open to suggestions tho

Basic Premise of this AU: Through some magic fuckery or whatever, Chantilly is allowed out of the Troupe and decides to tag along with our funky wyrm gal because nowhere else to go/hrnng big lady pretty. They actually do start going out and it turns out hey! They like each other, like a lot. 

They like each other so much that they get married and bam, WyrmThread real 

This is great because not only is my otp now canon and alive, Fuego (and later on Lune when Fuego adoptskidnaps them into the family) now has both parents! And they love their kids sm like damn do not get in between them else you want to get yeeted to Unalive World. 

In this one, the motivations for [REDACTED] have now morphed into somewhat the same way in terms of being dealt with but now we got the lacey boy to help Quezal do [SPOILERS], fight [SPOILERS] and help complete [SPOILERS] and help establish her empire. (I’m sorry but I am not revealing any important Codex spoilers yet)

“Will you be the Malfina to my Connecticut Clark?” 

Girlboss and Malewife, except they’re both still murderous and would happily see you to your grave if you intervene with any of their plans. I’ve given Chantilly throwing knives :) because he deserves to be dangerous. 

He deserves to look cool!! With knives!!! Fighting alongside his wifey!! 

Of course NKG fucks off when Chantilly leaves the Troupe but I love to think of him being akin to a disapproving in-law (“Really Chantilly?? You run off and marry some wyrm that didn’t even have a kingdom to begin with? Have the standards of the Nightmare Vessels deteriorated as time went on?”) 

Chantilly is somewhat concerned that Fuego is much more, for lack of a better word, feral than a regular Grimmchild would be but he doesn’t regret the decision to have him. He loves his bitey son even if he scratches through fabrics like water. 

And Quezal enjoys having another person to coil around and snarl at anyone that gets too close to them. It does take a while until they’re like velcro due to her issues with touch being equated to violence (Thanks dad /s) but once she overcomes that fight or flight response she absolutely does not let go of him. 

Burrowing into a dark place and nuzzling until he smells like her makes Wyrm brain go brr. And since he isn’t a wyrm there’s no instinct yelling at her to maim him if there’s no babies to take care of/mating season passed, he in her eyes is harmless. Even if they both know different, at least in her brain he is just a lil guy, no threat to her. 

Chantilly loves all the attention he’s getting from her, absolutely will allow her to carry him off and coil up against him as long as he can work on sewing while she broods over him. 

He’s naturally warm and for a wyrm that needs outside heat to regulate her inner temp like a snake he’s like a hot water bottle, world cold husband warm. 

Happby family can these Queers be HAPPY PLEASE 

Love languages!!! 

Quezal once she gets comfortable with physical stuff likes to nuzzle and bite :) but not to draw any hemo or cause harm, just to hold in mouth. She also likes to do acts of service, making sure that her husband is wont for nothing and doing little things like sharpening his knives for him. 

Chantilly loves to gift-give! Usually things he made by hand. 

“Quezal pls let me make you pretty dresses and outfits please you would so look good in teal” 

He likes kissing a lot, smoochies for wife and cuddling is great for him too, as long as he can sleep with his chest unobstructed he’s good 

They both love showing each other off

“Look at my partner they’re the fucking best ever, none of you bitches can compare to them.” 

When the empire is finally formed and Quezal takes her place as Empress she offers the title of Emperor to Chantilly 

He declines, Royal titles are just not his thing and he feels uncomfortable with them, so instead he goes by the title of “Lord”

His duties consist of assisting with any paperwork Quezal doesn’t want to deal with and being eye candy (/j but also not really he loves being shown off esp in new outfits) 

He also deals with nobles that aren’t too pushy, the ones that do are quickly steered towards Quezal. And usually after a meeting with her they learn better than to try to smart mouth either of them. 

Family Notes!

Chantilly’s the one to go to if you need advice and soothing comfort

Quezal’s the one to go to if you need someone beat the fuck up and also advice but in the no nonsense way. 

She also comforts but it's not in the way that Chantilly will delicately soothe the pains away, she tells you how it is but will hug you and tuck you into bed if wanted. 

On the other hand, Chantilly is the one Fuego and Lune go to if they want to do something crazy or stupid and know that mom won’t say yes. 

He dresses them up in poofy outfits (see the clown costume I’ve thrown on Fuego as an example) and shows them off to Quezal 

“Look my dear! Aren’t they the sweetest things you have seen!” 

It is very funny 

SONGS I ASSOCIATE WITH THIS AU

Meet Me At Our Spot by WILLOW

First Love/ Late Spring by Mitski

I Hear A Symphony by Cody Fry

She’s My Collar by the Gorillaz

My Kind of Woman by Mac DeMarco

New Light by John Mayer

Vivir by Jardin

coffee by Miguel

Never Getting Rid of Me from the Waitress Musical

WARNING WARNING

Ok next few am going to be a bit suggestive so stop here if you’re not into that but

I’m debating on if they’d have more children than Fuego and Lune and if so, how many HDJFJKSJ (thinking of twins named Arco and Iris because Arcoiris means Rainbow and I kind of like that and I’m also a sucker for twins) 

Listen, they’re both switches but most if not all the time Quezal’s the one topping. The man is submissive and breedable what do you expect HDJFJS

s i z e  D i f f e r e n c e 

Chantilly is a sensual romantic and loves a lot of buildup while Quezal just wants to get on with the good stuff, they make it work with communication and understanding each other :) 

They’re both capable of carrying so if they did have more kids I’d imagine they’d take turns on who’s turn it is to be eggy. (And I have so many thoughts about how they’d treat each other while pregnant but HHHHFJFJFHHHF too embarrassed rn waagaghgg) 

These two love each other very much and I love them. 

[fascinatedhelix]

Hmmmmmm...No Straight Roads and Hollow Knight...I love it! But it's missing some entertainment...

Where's the Grimm Troupe? Can they show up in Vinyl City now? Is the ritual still a thing? If so, who would be dumb enough to partake in it, if it isn't Ghost?

Hehehe, that was kind of what I was talking about when I said certain entities would be able to cross the veil.

The Grimm Troupe would probably have a blast on Earth, if only because there are so many humans whose fear they can feed off of. Modern society rebuilds itself constantly, so I like to imagine that he’d find a good supply of nightmares among mankind to not have to really wait for their total collapse, as well as a number of nightmares left uneaten by their predecessors. Vinyl City in particular seems to change its status quo every few decades, which does spark his interest.

This is much to the annoyance and concern of those in charge of Vinyl City, as the circus does kind of freak people out, if only because of an uptick in nightmares involving circuses and fire... Grimm’s troupe’s presence does induce nightmares in those nearby, primarily so they have something to feed off of while they’re visiting.

Grimm does still need his ritual, though, and while the city is still alive and thriving by the time he arrives, it has enough fear leftover from it almost getting obliterated by a satellite to feed his child and continue the cycle. Ghost, curious as ever, takes him up on his quest.

BBJ doesn’t find out about this until Ghost comes home one night with a new little friend. Zuke: “Ghost, what is that?” Ghost shakes the smoothie in their hands, ignoring the little flying grub trying to bite at the straw.

Mayday thinks the Grimmchild is adorable, and while Zuke agrees, he scolds Ghost for taking on such a responsibility without talking to them first. Ghost kind of ignores it, if only because they don’t expect it to be a long term ordeal. After all, they know Vinyl City about as well as the back of their hand, they can collect the fire pretty quickly enough, and presumably the child will be off to do their own thing once that’s done.

Only it isn’t. Mayday and Zuke don’t witness the battle with the Nightmare King, but they do arrive on site to find the whole troupe missing, leaving nothing but an empty field and two children, one of whom looks much bigger than they last saw.

They begin calling the Grimmchild “Grimm Jr” or Junior for short, because they find the title kind of weird, and adopt him into their little patchwork family. Weirdly enough, Tatiana kind of adores the little stinker, probably because she thinks his trying to eat her fire is adorable. Most of the other NSR folks are kind of scared of him, if only because he seems to blow fire at anything he’s curious about.

[pocket-infinity]

Here we go again...

Pardon me what whilst I indulge my complete fanaticism for a minute and make a bulleted list about why I’m entirely addicted to reading through this every other second.

Mandatory link (go read it). Mandatory @corruptapostasy.

Chapter 1 •Establishes a status quo in 2 seconds flat •Quickly and efficiently introduces the conflict (even though we all already know who it’s gonna be) •Lurien and Monomon banter (it’s a blessing, trust me), which efficiently lays down a groundwork of character for each without muddling either

Chapter 2 •Radiance time baby!!! seriously though she’s introduced well and I love the gravity she has the moment she appears •PK is, like, strong as all hell, but it’s left unknown exactly how strong he is •The White Lady, my girl, the best tree wife! I’m. She’s so good I can’t even. She’s… so amazing I love her. •Holy shit, Grimm too, oh my god Grimm, Mr. I-know-way-too-much-about-void. Love him and his demeanor and he’s just SO damn GOOD. •PK glowey boi (but really tho he GLOWS) •Looking back this is like Gods: The Chapter and I love it

Chapter 3 •Okay PK and Grimm working together just makes me so happy, alright? •PK just casually tossing corpses out of windows, that’s just… comedic to me, somehow. •Bat Grimm asks to hide in PK’s robes and that’s a little too funny to me •Soul -Soother- -Master- Bastard has an amazing introduction to establish the kind of person he is •But really Soul Bastard what the fuck •Brumm my guy (specifically when he calls Divine a miserable cretin) •The Grimmchild! Adorable baby (and of course Grimm is an amazing dad).

Chapter 4 •Ogrim is such a goof •Hegemol actually has good jokes (really, though, the comedy, when it’s gone for, is very well done). •Dryya cannot take a joke and is 100% serious all the time, and any/everyone mocking her for it is amazing, especially for her fear of ghosts. •Isma is high key what’s holding them all together •Ze’mer is just calm and composed the whole time and I just really like that. •More White Lady more White Lady more White Lady (can you tell I like her yet?) •Pale King mourning his citizens is written really well, specifically the part where he ruins one of the Delicate Flowers (don’t we all know that pain, buddy) •But really, though, you can feel how much PK cares about all these people. There was a sense of distance before, but this part just makes it all feel so much more real. •Let’s turn it all around with the SEER OH MY GOD she’s amazing •The White Lady picking PK up is just the most adorable and amazing thing. It deserves like 3 bullet points of importance just because I love it so much; oh my god the two of them are adorable. •Oop there’s some Grimm/Nightmare King foreshadowing here •Again, the entirety of the city grounds everything in reality. •Not to mention when literally one infected tries to snap at the Pale King, it becomes abundantly clear how poorly the guards are handling the situation •The White Lady just knows how to handle shit? Like so well? Oh my god she’s so amazing I just really love the tree lady y’all •But really, though, this would be worth reading even if the White Lady was the only good, well-written character, which she is definitively NOT. •She’s such a good person, and oh my god every time she interacts with PK is just. Adorable 101: an introduction to a loving relationship. •Xero time baby! Holy shit the whole fight is an amazing, well choreographed, well written scene. *Chef’s kiss* Magnificent! •Soul Bastard is really a bastard •Xero’s last thoughts before the infection gets him are just so good. For the short amount of time he’s in the story, he feels like he has a character; that is to say, he’s not just scooby doo villain man

Chapter 5 •Oh boy oh boy this one’s a wild ride •Void Grimmchild oh god oh fuck jesus christ what the hell •Grimm has never been angry before and it’s positively terrifying! •E N K A Y •But really though I just… love Enkay here. The entire scene is so soft and good, and even though we don’t get a particular amount of concrete events that happened between PK and Enkay, there’s just such obvious chemistry between the two. They’re just really adorable and I like seeing adorable things, so just let me have this, alright? •The Archives are now a hospital and dear god is it sad •Honestly a lot of this is sad but it’s really well written so you’ve gotta love it •Lurien calls out the fact that it’s Radi and oh dear gods it hurts to watch the trauma give him a personalized hell experience •Aaaaand he also sees the Troupe. •Lurien and Monomon talking about The Pale King is just so good •Honestly every time Lurien is sad I’m sad- •Oh god an earthquake and everything has gone horribly wrong •Watching The Pale King jump between incredibly pissed and just crying on the floor because of how much stress he’s under just hurts like hell. •Honestly any time Grimm and PK fight just hurts me because I love them both so much •Grimm yoinks some Enkay memories and the fact that PK likes brewing tea is,,, adorable •Pale King is too curious for his own good like 200% of the time •Quirrel!!! He’s so good why does everything try to kill him •Herrah oh my god she’s amazing •Jesus there are so many things I love about Herrah, mostly her casually insulting everyone else and not being able to walk down stairs but just… ughhh she’s so good and also helps Quirrel so that’s, like, an instant +10 points •Quirrel wears a bandana!! adorable •Lurien’s constitution is a -12 •Uh-fucking-oh the Shade Lord’s here

Chapter 6 •More Quirrel more Herrah! •Literally everyone has to tell Herrah to stop cursing around Quirrel •I’d like to correct myself: Lurien’s constitution is -15 or more •Monomon being a mom is just :) •Oh dear god The Shade Lord has the complete eldritch god vibe •Pale King is completely and utterly helpless! Fun times for everyone! •Really though the Shade Lord is terrifying the entire time oh my gods •To be specific, the way the Shade Lord communicates is just… so different, and it only serves to strengthen the unknowable eldritch monster vibe •Pale King can’t keep his legs on the ground •Hell even Grimm’s afraid of the Shade Lord •Making contracts bound in blood with an eldritch god? Lovely, what could be a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon •Pale King and Grimm just, like, cannot get along on the smaller level and it’s amazing •M O R E White Lady. Tree goddess being happy for even a moment is amazing and oh my god she’s just- so good. •And Herrah’s here now too! Dear god I love the way she interacts with everybody •Quirrel just cannot stop being adorable. He’s too good for this world •He’s so excited to see the King do stuff I love him oh my goooooood •Quirrel almost got adopted by the Pale King? And the White Lady? Love it. Also Quirrel is a child and he’s adorable •I’ll never not call Quirrel adorable •Pale King feeling the pressure and fear to hurry up with the cure •Ogrim and Hegemol with Quirrel, even for the 2 seconds we see it, is amazing •L O R E •So much LORE I love it •Gods splitting (“Split Theory”?) is really creative and I love it •Literally none of them thought of replacing the nightmares with dreams… Pale King you’re smart as all hell but also a complete idiot •The White Lady picking the Pale King up by his crown is so fucking amazing oh my god •Oh boy another ancient god! Nightmare King! Yaaaaaaaay! •Pale King’s crown as toothpicks I’m just- •Gods: The Chapter Volume 2: electric boogaloo

Chapter 7 •The White Lady is so good and amazing she’s just aaaaaaaa- •She makes… a specific variety of implication and it had me cackling •Quirrel is too curious and 2fast4you •Quirrel hugging the Pale King!!! I love him •The Pale King cares about Grimm. Cute. •Drinking game: Take a shot every time the Pale King blushes; you’ll have alcohol poisoning before you know it! •Void is a mix of jello and play-doh •Oh, great, Soul Bastard is back! •Rain would rather die than get near Grimm •Dryya is scared of ghosts and everyone mocks her for it; it’s hilarious •Grimm asks if they’ve met a ghost and Dryya nearly has a heart attack •Pale King healing his people is just :) •Honestly every time the Pale King interacts with his people is great because it establishes the stakes more, but, then again, we already know how the story ends, so it’s just a bump up in the sad factor •All the worldbuilding and lore (Grimm healing [or at least helping] people via fire, nobody being able to look at the Pale King without a mask, etc). All of it is so good •Quirrel and Grimm! A winning combination •Podzol. Love Podzol. He good. •But really, though, it’s interesting to have a character (a mortal character) who is skeptical and questioning of gods, and he’s consistent and well-written (as usual for this fic). •One of Monomon’s scholars freaks out when he sees Grimm, which makes total sense and fleshes out the world a bit more. •Honestly it’s really nice that there are stakes existing “hey you know these characters and like them” •Also more worldbuilding is always amazing •Also Podzol just figures out that it’s another god on his own with literally no knowledge given to him, so well done my guy. Smart boi. (This may be my bias towards people solving mysteries on their own but shhhhhhhhh) •Okay I’m gonna cut it here at every scene with Podzol? He’s so good •Grimm and Monomon making puns at each other •The reason for Lurien’s magic sight (did not expect his face to be scarred to high hell but I love it) •Enkay trying to bench press a bookshelf oh my god he’s such an absolute fool I love him •”I read you like an open book!” “Yeah! A blank one!” I’m fucking wheezing out here •”Ms. My-Entire-Fucking-House-Is-Made-With-Acid-Pipes!” This is her new canon name •I think Dryya just really wants to duel Grimm (I’d watch that tbh) •The troupe!! Oh my gods, the troupe! •Divine and Brumm and some ghosts know people!! •Monomon just chomps a jellyfish •The White Lady holding the Pale King! I’ll never not smile at those two being adorable together •Talia the Flame Demon! Ms. I-Ate-A-Magic-Fire-For-Fun. Wh- How the hell?? •Grimmchild is so hyper I love them •Grimmchild is an adorable little baby!! The Pale King holding them is just aaaaaaaaaaa it’s so cute I’m gonna die •The Grimmchild just hopping into the Pale King’s crown. Adorable. •PK’s reaction to having something in his crown. Hilarious. •Ooh more Podzol debating against gods •Monomon making a specific type of implication about the Pale King and Enkay (best gay bat bf) •Oh god oh fuck wait holy shit what the fuck ghost Enkay oh god no that’s terrifying •Grimm is a mass murderer! Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay (oh god what the fuck) •The Fundament? The Void Heart? Can’t wait to learn more! •Grimm getting possessed and just the Nightmare King generally •Soul Bastard how DARE you hurt Wol you little fucker

Chapter 8 •Hi welcome to the all-good-things-get-slapped-in-the-face chapter •Except the Pale King and the White Lady’s relationship. That’s still amazing and good and nice and I swear if that ends rough I will cry •Monomon and Podzol have many questions •The White Lady shakes the ground by jumping down a 5 foot hole •OOPS THE TROUPE IS A DEATH CULT OKAY THEN I GUESS! THIS IS FINE I’M FINE EVERYTHING’S FINE! •Quirrel being adorable is so nice to see- oh wait the Soul Bastard’s here •OF FUCKING COURSE THE SOUL BASTARD IS HERE! He just had to go and traumatize little baby Quirrel huh? Had to do that? God damn it Quirrel is too good for this world •Oh and the Fundament hates Talia wonderful just wonderful this is such a lovely and positive chapter •Oh great now the Radiance is here to mock Lurien •She’s got gravitas but she fucking DARES TO HURT MY BOI •I will end her. I will stab her, don’t think I won’t, how DARE she bring up his scars •Lurien’s got magic, though, so that’s fun and nice •If the Radiance could stop talking and specifically not say that Lurien will always be a slave I’d appreciate that kthanksbye •My lovesick little fireflyyyyyyy I love him •Quirrel is damn good at improvising! Such a good kid •Lurien coming in and vibe checking the Soul Bastard with a one-liner in tow is the greatest experience of my life •Lurien is such a good person why do I have to know how this all ends damn it  :( •Grimm and Brumm don’t know how to react to the tram aww that’s adorable •Monomom and Quirrel reunion oh my gooooooood it’s so adorable I’m dying •The Seer is a blessing upon all of us •Oh great Grimm has a panic attack because of memories! What a fun time! •Oh and of course the Fundament is bullying Grimm. Hey sir could you kindly back the fuck off? •The Seer making jokes about the Pale King’s height I’m-pfffff I’m dying •The Pale King should 100% paint his nails •Oops the Pale King might have done some immoral stuff in the name of knowledge- •Okay now this is normally the part where I’d start going thing-by-thing with what I like about the conversation between the Pale King and the Fundament but uh… I tried that and I found myself just rewriting the whole scene so we’re REALLY chopping it down •But, seriously, read the scene slowly and thoroughly because it’s amazing •Oh great Grimm’s dying because he’s not accepting memories! Hurray! This is so fun can’t you tell that’s I’m having such a fun time •Ooh yay more lore on so many things. There are too many topics so I just don’t have time •Oh hey the Radiance used to be kinda nice and now she’s a psychopath. Lovely •”You didn’t have to let your children die” oh boy Pale King wait until you see what’s coming… •Wonderful! An argument! This is such a good vibe and I’m having the time of my life •Radiance, if you could just kindly fuck off and get out of the entire area of the Pale King’s head (and everyone else’s while you’re at it) that would be nice •Ah great good to know that Enkay made the Wyrm change into the Pale King as a way of trying to escape the Radiance this is lovely, please continue killing all the saints •Thank you Fundament for shoving her the hell out •Aww and the reconciliation (really tossing my heart around here, huh?) •Sleepy Grimm is adorable •The White Lady and the Pale King being a couple is so damn cute I love them •The White Lady is clearly the superior gardener •Fantastic now she’s crying why have you done this to meeeeeee •Oh not to mention that they have to sacrifice their kids to the void fantastic • :( •”fits” (you’ll know it when you get there) PFFFFFFT OH MY GOD I’M DYING •Oh so the Fundament knew the Wyrm? Well shit now I’m damn intruiged… •All of the incarnations feel like a ton of roommates and it’s a Good Vibe •Ah great now the Radiance is here again, just being a complete psycho towards Grimm this time! •Thank god for the Fundament coming in to vibe check the Radiance not once but twice •Also aww the Fundament cares about Grimm

Well, that covers about… half of it? A third? Somewhere around there, but I think I’d be here for a month trying to get all of it. So, yeah, I hope you all enjoyed my obsessed ranting again, and that’ll be it for this one.

[marrow-bone]

hollow knight or warrior cats for the ask meme? (jackdaw)

HI JACK thank you for the ask <3 I'm a bit bored at the moment so... Both.

Blorbo (favorite character, character I think about the most) The Hollow Knight / Yellowfang; Tragic characters for somewhat opposite reasons. Hollow is just a little Dude who needs a proper parent, and Yellowfang is an old crusty lady who needs a good kid. Conclusion: Yellowfang should adopt Hollow

Scrunkly (my “baby”, character that gives me cuteness aggression, character that is So Shaped) Grimmchild / Ravenpaw; Grimmchild has the CUTEST NOISES and they just a good little babu, and Ravenpaw reminds me of scrunkly cats I've had in the past. Definite babies both.

Scrimblo Bimblo (underrated/underappreciated fave) Salubra / Purdy; Salubra is just so happy and sweet! I would love to see more fan stuff with her; Purdy is just an OLD MAN, his entire existence is centered around being OLD and I LOVE OLD CATS!! A total badass besides, he deserves major props for being Old in the beginning of TPoT and making it all the way to AVoS

Glup Shitto (obscure fave, character that can appear in the background for 0.2 seconds and I won’t shut up about it for a week) The Weaverlings / Mousefur; the Weaverlings are probably my favorite charm, and whenever I spot them in any fanwork I of course have to go AAWW; Mousefur is the first asexual character I ever saw in a youth book, which explains why I always had a soft spot for her, even if she didn't get much attention outside of being old

Poor Little Meow Meow (“problematic”/unpopular/controversial/otherwise pathetic fave) The Pale King / Rock; PK is kinda all of those things really, and totally a fav of mine! I Just Think He's Neat. Rock isn't unpopular per se, but he's probably the closest I got, and is problematic for all of the Haunting People stuff

Horse Plinko (character I would torment for fun, for whatever reason) Zote / Scourge; Zote is self-explanatory, and I want to pick up Scourge and put stupid outfits on him

Eeby Deeby (character I would send to superhell) The Radiance / Bramblestar; this moth has caused some Problems On Purpose, and I'm sad Bramblestar didn't get rabies.