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Grim felt cold, too cold.
The world was dark, with ink falling from the sky in a mockery of rain.
The white trees were bare and looked more like skeletons.
Grim's fur was on end, his tail swishing as he observed the world around him.
His electric blue eyes darted around, trying to find the danger.
The crack earth, barren and dry, shook.
There in the distance a giant crack appeared which quickly spread.
The cracks spread across the earth and Grim could only watch helplessly as 6 figures seemed to claw their way out of the original fissure.
The direbeast felt his stomach curl and his ears pin back.
The six figures looked at him and suddenly he was much closer to them, only a few feet away.
The red haired one, the one with red misty flames coming from one eye, wearing mostly black and red, was dressed as a queen and looked at him with distaste.
One with lion features, the one that had that same fire, except yellow, coming from one eye, was dressed in tattered, animal-like pelts, and seemed to look at Grim as if he were the dirt under his feet.
The one with octopus features, the one with a deep blue-purple mist-like fire coming from one eye, had coral branching off its body and looked at Grim with rage.
One figure with a turban had red-orange wispy flames coming from one eye, had snakes for hair, and looked at Grim with crazed annoyance.
Another figure with a golden crown, with purple mist-like fire coming from one eye, had what looked like peacock feathers on the back of his head, and looked at Grim as if he were a bug.
The last figure, the one with bright blue flames coming from one eye, had flaming blue hair, wore cybernetic clothing and looked at Grim like he wanted to dissect him.
Grim backed away and his heartbeat picked up.
No!
Nonononono!!!
Yuu stopped them all!!
Yuu brought them back to their senses!
Grim's ears pinned back further, his tail stilled, and he looked at the figures in front of him with horror.
They moved like puppets on a string and Grim could only watch helplessly as one by one they all fell, ink and blood leaking from wounds that appeared everywhere.
Grim's chest rapidly fell and rose, his limbs felt cold.
Ink washed over their bodies when they fell.
When each wave of ink left, Grim could only stare at their true forms, with the blot's influence, with fear and panic.
They weren't breathing!
NO!!
Yuu saved them!
They're alive!
The ink from all of their bodies swirled together to form something.
The half-formed thing darted around before Grim felt breath on his back.
He turned around and saw a chimera-like monster with piercing white orbs.
Grim froze in terror unable to move.
The chimera leapt for him and it all went dark.
Grim shot up, blankets surrounding him and a soft pillow to his side.
His chest rose and fell rapidly.
The young dire-beast's claws dug into the blankets.
Grim blinked back tears.
A nightmare.
Just another nightmare.
Nothing else.
It could've been reality.
They were all alive.
They might've died had Yuu not saved them.
He wasn't a monster.
Is that true?
He attacked Yuu when he was fully in the correct state of mind but he could still recognize them.
Grim's ear twitched and the azure flames flickered.
The creature heard something, rapid breathing, shifting covers.
He smelled dust, mildew, and fear.
His head whipped around before his eyes caught sight of Yuu, pale faced, sweating, clearly having a nightmare.
Grim's ears drooped and his tail curled around him.
Yuu had been having nightmares since the first overblot.
Just like him.
It's only gotten worse as the days have gone by and they've had to deal with overblot after overblot.
Grim's fangs ground together.
That stupid headmage did nothing!
Now Yuu was traumatized and having nightmares every night.
Grim had only made it worse, attacking them.
Even then he had already caused them so much trouble!
Grim hurried over to Yuu.
The creature hesitated for fear of hurting Yuu.
He could still remember seeing them and attacking.
Could still remember the feeling of their flesh tearing from his claws.
He could still recall the fear and anguish in their eyes.
Could still remember the scent of their blood.
Their voice, calling out for him, screaming, echoes in his ears.
He could still smell their blood.
The taste of their flesh and blood is still heavy on his tongue.
Grim shook his head, making his tail swish, and his ears flick.
Grim shook Yuu.
"Yuu!" he called.
It wasn't enough.
The human was still in the depths of a nightmare.
"YUU!" he shouted.
Yuu shot up, their eyes filled with terror and slightly glazed, unable to differentiate reality from dream.
Their hands shot out and Grim was then cradled to their chest.
Grim stilled before he turned slightly.
He brought his paws to Yuu's cheeks.
"Yuu, you're not there, we're in our room at Ramshackle. It's a Saturday which means we get to go and grab whatever food we want!" Grim kept rambling about anything and everything he could think of that wouldn't send the human into a spiral.
Yuu's breathing was still too fast but their eyes were losing their slight haze.
Grim kept rambling, forcing a smile on his face.
Yuu's breathing slowed, the fingers tangled in the creature's fur loosened.
Then Yuu's eyes slipped back closed and they went limp.
Grim sighed in relief.
He curled up on the human's chest, unwilling to leave the human.
He tried to ignore how close his claws where to the human's skin.
And he tried to ignore how easily it would be to cut up their skin with his claws and make them BLEED.
Grim let out rumbling purrs, soothing the sleeping human and warding off any nightmares.
He ignored the exhaustion seeping into his bones.
Ignored the chill that passed through his fur and settled into his bones.
Grim didn't care.
It was the least he deserved for being part of Yuu's nightmares.
He didn't know if they would remember this in the morning, didn't know if they would remember their nightmares.
Grim hoped not.
The least he can do is help Yuu and the others.
If that means helping soothe all of them and all their nightmares.
If that means he has to act happy, excited, arrogant, and have almost the same personality he did before Riddle's overblot.
If it means to hide his own pain, hiding his nightmares, pretending he's ok…
Then he'll do it.
He won't complain either.
Because it is the least he can do for them.
Grim sighed.
His fur was soft and thick but it did nothing to get rid of the chill.
Grim looked at Yuu sadly.
They would be leaving soon, he knew that, but some selfish part of him wished that they wouldn't.
Some selfish part of him wished that Yuu could stay with him and keep being his family forever.
Grim knew he wouldn't be able to get sleep that night so he might as well make the most of it by making sure Yuu doesn't get any nightmares.
"Hench-human! Come on! Let's go to the cafeteria before anyone else steals all the good food!" Grim declared from bed.
Yuu just chuckled softly and grabbed the creature gently.
"Of course Great Grim. Let's go get some food," Yuu said softly.
Grim's tail swished softly and he had a grin on his face.
He knew his wording had done the trick.
Yuu believed Grim was hungry so they were going to the cafeteria.
The truth is…
Grim isn't hungry.
Not sense that day when Grim bit into their flesh, attacking them, the flavor of their blood exploding on his tongue.
But he knows Yuu is.
Yuu will never go to the cafeteria and get food unless Grim or one of the others somehow convinces them.
The others badger Yuu which only makes the magicless human feel guilty.
Grim had a more… hidden, approach.
The creature would complain, whine, or badger into accompanying him to the cafeteria because he was 'hungry'.
Yuu, in turn, would also get food with him.
Grim doesn't really know the logic behind it, but he knows Yuu and he knows his method works.
"Do you think they'll have tuna sandwiches today?" Grim asked as Yuu carried him to the cafeteria.
Grim didn't want to be burden.
He didn't want anyone to carry him.
Because that means his claws are dangerously close to their skin, to their throat.
Grim doesn't want to go feral.
He doesn't want to hurt them, not again.
But he knows that somehow his prescience has a grounding affect for Yuu and the others.
That them carrying him grounds them, makes them focus on him.
So Grim makes sure to be extra careful to not let his claws get close to them.
"Maybe," Yuu giggled.
They had bags under their eyes but they weren't too bad.
Their skin wasn't pale like paper.
They weren't too thin anymore either.
They didn't look like how they did when the overblot victims, including Grim, were taken to S.T.Y.X.
Grim huffed, "Well they should! People need to know the wonders of Tuna!"
Yuu just laughed.
It wasn't loud by any means, nor energetic.
It was quiet, small, broken, but there.
Grim had learned that Yuu hadn't actually laughed since Grim was taken.
Yuu would giggle and such but it was always hollow, forced, and broken until Grim came back and it was more real.
But they never laughed.
Not until now.
But Grim couldn't break this moment, so he kept talking, just like he should.
"I mean, Tuna is so good! And when people finally realize it they'll be thanking me! The Great Grim! Because I was the one who revealed it!" Grim continued, his paws waving wildly, but never getting close to Yuu's skin.
Yuu laughed again, tears at the corners of their eyes from laughing so much.
Grim felt joy flicker in him.
Yuu was finally laughing again.
They might never laugh how they used to again but that won't stop Grim from trying to make them happy.
Grim pretended to think for a moment.
In reality he already knew what he was going to say.
"Why don't we find the Adeuce duo, the wolf guy, and the girly looking one? Maybe I can finally get them to try Tuna!" Grim exclaimed 'sparkles' in his eyes.
Grim knew their names.
But if he messed them up then that makes them laugh or annoyed or angry.
It takes them away from the feeling of loneliness, of sadness, and of fear.
Ace.
Deuce.
Jack.
And Epel.
All people Yuu was friends with.
But they were also people Grim had vowed to protect.
They were like Yuu.
Unwilling to eat.
Getting nightmares.
But unwilling to say anything.
But Grim notices.
He always notices.
Yuu just rolled their eyes fondly but nodded.
The two entered Heartslabyul and found the duo's room.
"Come on! We're going to see if they have tuna sandwiches!" Grim grinned.
The duo laughed but joined them.
Two became four.
Then they went to Savannaclaw and found Jack training already.
"Come on! Grim wants to see if there's Tuna sandwiches," Ace called out, grinning.
Jack hesitated but followed and four became five.
They went to Pomefiore and found Epel standing before the mirror hesitantly.
They didn't let the smaller boy protest.
Jack grabbed Epel and dragged him through the portal.
Five became six.
Grim looked at his humans, and beastman, with happiness.
These were his people.
Grim kept his paws in his lap, unwilling to touch any of them with his claws.
His claws were stained with blood that never seemed to wash off.
Grim grinned at them and jumped out of Yuu's arms.
"Bet you can't beat me to the cafeteria!" Grim called out, already yelling.
"H-hey! No fair you got a head start!" Ace sputtered, soon running after.
Deuce's eyes lit with determination and he race after them.
Epel, not wanting to be left out, quickly followed.
Jack and Yuu exchanged a look before Yuu grinned.
Jack seemed to get the message and let the human onto his back.
Together they ran after the other four.
Grim reached the doors first and beamed in pride.
"Myah ha ha! I beat you!" Grim cheered.
Ace huffed, crossing his arms, but there was a smile on his face.
"Well you got a head start," Deuce shot back, a grin present.
Epel showed up soon after, panting but not much.
"You need to warn us when you do that Grim. That way we can all start at the same time and see who's actually the fastest properly," Epel admonished but his eyes held a glint of fire.
"It's no use," Jack said, appearing from behind the corner.
Yuu was still on his back but upon seeing them they slid off Jack's back.
"Grim will always be the fasted when it comes to food," Yuu said softly, amusement clear.
Grim huffed but didn't deny it.
He wasn't hungry.
He hasn't been hungry in a long time.
Grim just needed to get these five to the cafeteria so they could actually eat.
They don't know what he's doing, keeping them happy, warding off nightmares, and getting them to take care of themselves.
And Grim likes it that way because it keeps them from feeling guilty.
It prevents them from looking at Grim in worry because they think he's ok if he pretends to be normal.
The six of them walked into the cafeteria.
The smell of food hit them instantly and Grim's stomach curled in nausea.
The other fives' stomachs grumbled and Grim could tell they were grateful to have come.
They went into the short lunch-line and grabbed what they wanted.
Grim made a show of looking for the tuna sandwich.
"What! They don't have it," Grim wailed.
Yuu just chuckled softly and the others looked at Grim with fond, but exasperated, eyes.
"Don't worry Grim. Maybe they'll have it next time," Yuu says softly.
Grim pouts but nods, grabbing his trey.
"Eat any more and you'll be to heavy to carry," Ace teased but his eyes held relief.
Grim knew the others worried for him like they did the others, though quite a bit less, and he can't help but sometimes wonder why.
He hurt them.
Got them into danger.
He was selfish too.
And he always made trouble.
They think that he is untouched by the horrors they've gone through.
Think he's still naive, a little arrogant, and energetic.
They think he doesn't have nightmares.
They don't think he knows about their nightmares.
But they too seem to forget that Grim's witnessed every single overblot, just like Yuu.
They seem to forget that Grim has done things he regrets.
Has witnessed thinks he never forgets.
But Grim lets them.
Because they don't need more worry and them not knowing makes Grim's self given duty easier.
They sat down at a table near the corner of the large room, right against the wall.
The six chat quietly.
Ace and Deuce talked about the rules of Hearstlabyul and the new treats Trey has made.
Jack told them all about his training schedule and giving tips to Epel.
Epel eagerly took notes and asked Jack questions before he complained about his dorm's strictness.
Yuu talked about Ramshackle and talked about their cooking recipes.
Grim just listened and when he sensed one of them going into darker territory he would interject and complain which lightened things up.
He made sure they never strayed into dark territory.
They fell silent for a while before Jack sighed.
"How was everyone's night sleep?"
Ace hesitated, "It was… ok, but I didn't get much sleep."
Deuce picked at his food, "Nightmares quickly wake me up so I didn't experience them too much."
Jack leaned in his hand, "Went to bed late and woke up early. I was too exhausted to move when I went to bed so I had a mostly dreamless sleep."
Epel fiddled with his fingers, "The nightmares aren't too bad and I managed to wake up fairly quickly, though… it was five am and I couldn't fall back asleep."
Yuu sighed, grabbing Grim and settling the creature in their lap as they pet his ears softly, "I had a nightmare but it managed to go away after a bit."
Grim knew they didn't expect him to say anything so he didn't.
He didn't mention how Grim was the one that stopped Yuu's nightmare.
He didn't mention how he barely got two hours of sleep before waking up from a nightmare himself.
"Let's have a sleepover! If my subordinates can't sleep well then I shall use my prescience to make you sleep well!" Grim declared
The others let out laughs before Epel hummed in thought.
"We could have a sleep over. We do all sleep better when we're next to each other," Epel said quietly.
The others thought before nodding in agreement.
Plans where made and Grim smiled brightly.
They thought his suggestion was innocent and not thought out well besides wanting them to sleep well.
Grim would never tell them that he was the reason their nightmares never reached them when they were together.
Grim knew he as thought to be untouched by nightmares.
So he acted like it.
When they all left the cafeteria Grim smiled.
His plan worked.
He could keep them safe for another night.
Epel arrived first, a bag in hand.
Jack arrived next, a duffel bag with him.
The duo came last, chatting but tense.
They've all come over so many times that they have no need to bring clothing but they still did it anyway.
Grim bound up to them.
"You're finally here! I was getting bored!!" Grim whined to the duo.
Ace laughed, a teasing smile in his eyes.
Epel chuckled while carving an apple.
Deuce just smirked slightly, a fond look in his eyes.
Jack helped Yuu cook, both of them following Yuu's recipe.
The night went on like normal.
They all tried to stay up for a bit but Ace fell asleep first.
Then Deuce fell asleep after doodling on Ace's face.
Yuu fell next, leaning on the duo.
Then Jack fell asleep next, his tail curling around the other three and his right arm gripping the sleeping three, pulling them closer to him.
Epel stayed up a little longer, curling underneath Jack's free arm.
The petite boy looked at Grim with drooping eyes.
"Hey Grim," Epel started.
Grim perked up.
"Yea?" Grim asked, a grin on his face.
"Thanks for being ok, for not being like us and traumatized, unable to even sleep properly," Epel whispers a little self deprecatingly, his brain not fully comprehending what his mouth said.
Grim froze and Epel fell asleep.
Grim stood there, his tail still.
Epel…
Thanked him?
Thanked him for being 'normal'?
Grim felt tears blurring his vision as he let out a quiet, hollow laugh.
They think he's the NORMAL one?!
They think he's ok?!
They're happy he pretends to be ok?!
He shook his head stubbornly.
Grim walked over to them, and laid half on Jack's lap, half on Deuces.
He watched them all before he felt Jack tense.
Grim knew the signs and before Jack could fully slip into the nightmare Grim started purring.
It was loud, loud enough for al of them to hear.
Grim would stay up the entire night, he's done it before.
It's hard to sleep when nightmares constantly plague his mind.
It would be better for him to just stay awake.
It's the least he can do for them.
They saved him and he hurt them.
Grim let his eyes slip close and his body loosen and spread out.
He feigned sleep, unwilling to let himself be caught now.
He's to far into his role to be caught now.
Grim's already done this for months, pretending to be normal ever since Riddle's overblot.
At first it was simply to keep the duo and Yuu health, safe, and happy.
Then Jack was added into that equation.
Then Epel.
And now Grim's duty has transformed to protect them from their nightmares, make sure they take care of themselves properly, to make sure they're happy, and to keep them safe.
"I'm sorry," Grim whispered.
To himself or to the others he didn't know.
One thing he did know for certain was that he would keep this role for as long as he was needed.
Then when he was abandoned and not needed anymore…
Maybe then he could finally break.
Yuu would go home, back to their dimension.
Though Grim wants to be selfish and ask them not to leave.
But he won't, because Grim knew it would tear Yuu apart and he knows Yuu has their own family and friends back in their world.
The duo will go back to the Queendom of roses, perhaps forgetting Grim along the way.
Grim wants to ask them to stay with him.
But he won't.
They have families, friends, a life.
They shouldn't have to prioritize him.
Jack will go back to the Shaftlands and perhaps become a caretaker of the children.
Grim wants Jack to stay with them all and be the people the wolf beastman considers pack.
But Grim knows not to ask because Jack has a home, a family, people who care for him beyond the walls of NRC.
The beastman shouldn't have to feel torn.
Epel will go back to Harveston and take care of his family's farm with Vil perhaps getting the younger male to be some kind of influencer.
Grim wants to ask the smaller male to stay with Grim and the others so they could all be a family.
But Epel has a life, a home, a goal, a family…
So Grim won't say anything.
And when they all leave, Grim will be left all alone.
Just like he always is.
Grim will alone again.
Grim will be cold again.
The creature doesn't want that.
But he'll endure it if it means the others' get happy endings.
Grim kept purring, trying to will himself to stop thinking and from going down that rabbit hole.
Grim feels a pang in his heart but he pushes through it.
He'll keep them safe for another night.
Grim has kept them safe for months already.
He'll keep doing it even longer.
He'll be the pillar for as long as it's needed.
And when it's finally time for them to leave.
Grim will let them go without complaint.
He'll let himself be alone again without resistance.
But that's neither here nor now.
Grim will ward off their nightmares for the night and all the nights after.
They'll be safe, happy, and take care of themselves until he's no longer needed.
Yes, he'll make sure of it.