Flaming Desire [Ghost X Yandere!Grimm]

Chapter 1- Summoning in Dirtmouth

(Fanart above is by u/winkil from Reddit.)

Elderbug usually thought of Dirthmouth as somber, peaceful place here in the Kingdom of Hallownest. The coolness and soft landscape was one that evoked many memories to the old beetle, reminding them of a safer home. The travelers came and went down into the Crossroads, usually never to be seen again after they dove too far down. The town rather empty besides himself and now the newest traveller, a little bug that seemed to stick around now. He was able to even open up the Stag Ways again and bring back Sly as the Shop Keeper! It seemed to bring back something to look forward to rather than the coldness of Dirtmouth. True, the map shop opened but they kept to themselves, and the little bug seemed to invoke much more interested as he had stories to tell to him.

The small bug, Ghost as he's called, always seemed to venture back to Dirtmouth, listening to the idle chatter and advice that the Elderbug gave. Rather it was about the different places or the updates of new patrons that settled into the fading town, the small Vessel would listen to all his rambles that, unlike Zote, was very welcomed. He couldn't verbally say it, but he would either act it out his response or quietly fill out his map with pins to the areas the older bug would say, and of her gone there they would play a game of Charades to find out what he's done. He's fought many great beast and does already, such a interesting bug as Elderbug would put it.

So when the little Ghost pointed out on his map to Elderbug to a unfilled area in the Howling Cliffs, the elder nodded his head in agreement. That was his next place of adventure.

"Ah, the cliffs little one! Do be careful, there could be something lurking within. Not that I know about it, don't travel much these days. Unlike you, you adventurer." Elderbug said, giving a small chuckle. Ghost gave a small coo, and soon started  heading to his destination. Elderbug gave a wave, knowing that the little nail-wielder would be safe from most danger. The only true danger to him was the lack of food and clean water around here.

Ever since the Infection had spread, food became a major concern to those that would venture down below. There were supplies left behind in Dirtmouth, but with more inhabitants entering food was going to be running short again. As horrible as it was, Elderbug knew what would have to be done with the bodies of the slain if they didn't have another solution for food fast. Seeds aren't taking in the soil, and there are barely any critters that aren't infected that could be deemed 'edible' moreless enough to feed a single bug.

Water was less of an issue, but still prevalent. The water from the walls of the well would drip out enough where pails could be filled up, but sooner or later they would need more than a few pails worth. Elderbug was very worried about that little one. He doesn't want him to descend into the ruins and never come back, he was the last hope to bring something new back, in the older bug's opinion.

Sly soon came out of his little shop, gretting the elder, and mumbling a hello to Zote before hopping down. The fly doesn't go as far down as he used to, but still goes around to harvest things here and there with usual success, rather than the one time where he got lost into a reserved part into the crossroads.

Giving a hopeful sigh, the Elderbug waited by the iron bench for the travellers to return

Some time later...

Elderbug soon stirred from a slumber, his eyes heavy but quickly he looked to his side as he heard and felt a low rumble from a distance. It wasn't of the Stag Station- no. This was much lighter, so it didn't have the weight of the Stag but much louder, as if the source of this rumble was carrying something heavy.

Looking out, he saw something was coming, two massive long creatures were pulling something behind them, and a strange scarlet flame behind them. Elderbug gave a noise of concern-what is this?! It was coming from where the knight was from, did he cause this? Hopefully not, Ghost wouldn't stir trouble up in this collapsed world, not anything purposefully. But, looks are deceiving, and the bug knew Ghost did wear a mask.

Keeping his distance, Elderbug watched as the creatures came into view, and he saw that they pulled a large wagon behind them,  and soon the arrived at the edge of Dirtmouth. Who where these strange people? What are they planning? Elderbug never received any title, but in a lot of ways he did feel like the overseer of the town, a mayor in a sense. So if these people are coming into his town, he would like a word with whoever was in control of this madness, this circus!

Elderbug did a little shuffle to peer closer, looking at the tents that where being pitched up. Oh, so it was a circus, and he gave a chuckle about the pun he accidentally made to himself. Despite this, he felt a strange sense of dread that lurked within the largest tent, and with the scarlet coloured lanterns and lamps being the only source of lights, it made him shiver in both unease and worry.

This was.............a new worry. Not the one about food or water, not about the Infection, not even about his age. No, this was something more devious that has come into town, and he would like nothing better but to find out why they were here and where Ghost was.

(And that's a wrap! The first chapter is out, and I will try writing them a bit longer then this, but due to my bad habits the schedule will be a bit off. This is also a slow burning story, and I'm excited for what I have planned! Any question? Go ahead and ask, I'll answer them gladly. Total word count: 1037)