Scorch (true name yet to be decided): The insane infection, born of flame and ignorance. Scorch was actually once a true Grimmchild himself, but was a little bit of an outcast, as he had a longer tail and more feline-like looks than the others. He was also quite bold and determinant when he was younger (as if he isn't still), and he wanted to help his dad during performances in whatever way possible. Somewhat unsurpisingly, every offer he gave was refused. Sad and rejected, Scorch decided to leave one day. Soon enough, Soulful found him, then gathered up the others if her species to decide what to do with this child. He ended up moving among them, from one caretaker to another. His preferred places were Deepnest and the Dream realm. Thing is, he never forgot his father and how he was rejected. Ya know how Grimm is often portrayed as a bad dad? Well, that really paid off here, now didn't it? Symptoms of Scotch's infection: At most, the infected creature will seem like a full-on Troupe Leader themself, including the cloak and the fire powers. But there's two traits that every infected bug shares; a faint yet unmistakable swirl in the eye(s), and sudden random outbursts of insanity, whether it's just being ultimately chaotic and confusing for no known reason or feeling the urge to destroy.
Hollow Knight (including Grimm/the Grimm Troupe) belongs to Team Cherry OC, backstory, and infection are mine References drawn with ibisPaintX
