Chapter 7: Now that he wasn’t running in complete darkness, a shivering mess, and half-blinded by tears, Jrum had to appreciate the wonders of Scar’s village. Cobbled paths wound its way through quaint little cottages and overgrown abodes, golden light filtered through the intricate weave of branches overhead, dancing on the leaves. Oh the treehouses! A network of hand-crafted huts overlooking this breath-taking view. And throughout it all, nature thrived: emerald-green grass waving in the breeze, tangles of vines and ivy curling its verdant tendrils, a babbling brook of crystal-clear waters, little bobbly mushrooms, fluttering butterflies- It was all so… Magical. So surreal. Jrum almost wanted to remain here forever. But, like always, reality came knocking on his door (or rather barged in without bothering to knock at all), shaking him out of his daze. Pushing open the door, he found that Scar wasn’t alone. A woman, with chocolate-brown hair in a bob just above her shoulders, a wreath of flowers atop her head, and a bright pink coat, sat across to him. “Oh hello Jrum!” Scar turned and gave a lopsided grin, indicating the woman “This is Stressmonster! Have you met her before? She’s part of our little band in the jungle!” Jrum thought that ‘Stressmonster’ was a rather gloomy name for someone as bright and bubbly as her, but didn’t say that out loud. “Call me Stress! And why ‘ello Jrum, why last time I saw you, you were barely a toddler!” she beamed at him, “Time does fly, doesn’t it?” Unsure of what to say, he just nodded and took a seat next to Scar. “Oh I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable-“ “Um, it’s fine!” he said sincerely, smiling back. “I was just talking to Scar here ‘bout a search party. For- For Mumbo and Grian I mean.” She added, seeing Jrum’s confused expression and wringing her hands, “I’m just… worried. I know they’ve only been gone barely a day but- I’ve had these- I mean I really shouldn’t be complaining, you’ve probably had it much worse. All the same…” Jrum nodded again, afraid that if he spoke, he might start bawling for no reason again. Now wasn’t the time for tears. “Doesn’t that sound great, Jrum?” Scar said, glancing at him. He must not have looked convinced, or just really miserable, because he added “I’m sure Xisuma will give us permission, why wouldn’t he? And I’m sure the others will help. Don’t worry, we’ll probably have them back by sunset!” There was something too wide about his smile. It was then that Jrum fully processed what they were saying. A search party… He jolted up, accidently knocking over his chair, and making Scar jump. He set the chair straight again. “I- I want to go.” There was such sadness, and understanding, and *pity* in their expressions, he felt his eyes prickle. Blinking defiantly, he set his jaw, staring back. “Why shouldn’t I? I can- I’m-“ Stress laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. “As much as I hate to say this, yer just a kid. I don’t think Mumbo and Grian would like you to get mixed up with whatever mess- whatever shenanigans they’re in, you do know that?” “I’m capable.” He snapped. “O’ course you are. But I’m just sayin-“ “You don’t get what it’s like. To know that the people you love are in danger, and just watching, *watching*.” His voice rose, the glint of red back in his eyes “Feeling like you’re useless, that the best you can do isn’t – would never be – enough. All these mysteries, these questions, these dead ends- They- I-“ “Don’t I?” Scar said quietly. The words were barely a whisper, but they resonated across the room. Jrum fell silent. “Anyway!” Stress intercepted, laughing nervously, “Search parties!” Scar pulled himself together and plastered a big grin on his face. “Of course! I’ll message X and set up some teams.” “Yes.” She beamed at both of them. “I’ll see if Ren’s in’erested. He’s part o’ our jungle after all! And Iskall. He’s a close friend o’ theirs.” She muttered on to herself for a bit. Jrum slumped back onto his chair, feeling it was best to keep his mouth shut. Arguing with the people who were willing to help would not increase his chances of finding his dads. Which were high, he reminded himself, and anyway he could work with Iris whilst they searched. “Oh, Jrum.” Scar drew up next to him, and, unsure what to do, patted his shoulder for a bit. Just then, a small device in Scar’s palm pinged. “X has responded! He’ll be right over.” They sat there waiting for who knows how long. Stress tried to start conversations that ran dry. Scar brought in a plate of biscuits. Jrum just sat there, figeting, his mind spinning too quickly for anything else. After what felt like hours (but were probably minutes), there was a knocking at the door. “Hello, Scar!” X said cheerfully. Jrum couldn’t help but notice, or perhaps hadn’t seen before, that the bags under his eyes had darkened dramatically, his blue eye’s usual glimmer dimmed. Scar seemed to have noticed too.
(Read the top bit first!) | | | | \/ “You look terrible!” he exclaimed, then noticing how it sounded, laughed apologetically. “What’s new?” “No, really X. You don’t seem like you’ve slept in days!” “You know me,” he sighed, “Practically living on coffee. And oh hi Stress, Jrum! Now about the search parties… It doesn’t seem like a bad idea. But if Grian and Mumbo really been kidnapped… I just don’t want to put anyone else in danger-“ “Well what about my dads then?” Jrum interrupted angrily “*They’re*in danger! If no-one comes to get them then… You promised!” “I did, didn’t I. Look I’m trying to see in the grand scheme of things. I really don’t-“ “We’re willing.” Scar smiled faintly, “We’ll do whatever it takes.” He glanced at Stress for confirmation, and she nodded. “I know you will. And I want to get them back too, but-“ he spoke louder over Scar, “-I want you to think-“ “Do you have a better idea?” Jrum hissed. “I- No.” X ran a hand down his face, “If I’m honest with myself, no. I just don’t love this one. Alright, I know there’s no use arguing with you guys, so ok. But I’m coming with you. Full stop.” “And me?” Jrum asked, widening his eyes into what he hoped was a pleading look. “No, Mr Jrumbot. You will stay right here.” Scar pointed towards the ground, “Right. Here.” “But-“ “No buts.” Jrum scowled. Making him jump, the device, similar to Scar’s but a lot more colourful and sparkly, rang several times. She took it out, and Jrum looked over her shoulder to see a string of messages. <Stressmonster101> hey! Has anyone seen grian or mumbo today? <Stressmonster101> they’ve been missing, i’m worried <Iskall85> nope probably nothing to worry about though <Stressmonster101> got these weird thingys asking for help, probs nothing, but i’m thinking bout setting up search teams <Stressmonster101> just incase <ZombieCleo> can’t say i have. You tried messaging them? <Stressmonster101> not responding <ImpulseSV> weird thingys? asking for help? <Stressmonster101> anyone who wants to help please meet in the shopping district? <Iskall85> count me in! <ZombieCleo> sure <Rendog> i’ll be over in a sec <ImpulseSV> of course! “We’ve gotta go!” Stress showed them her screen. “You’ll be fine on your own Jrum? If you need anything just look through my chests!” Scar winked. Jrum nodded firmly. “Then let’s go. And don’t even *think* about coming after us.” ______________________________________________________________________________________ Previous - https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/494189193 First - https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/467888420 Next - https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/506747618 ______________________________________________________________________________________Notes: Search parties! I was going to do the meeting with Iris this chapter but it's already gotten too long- Poor X lol he keeps getting interrupted- "Oh Jrum" seems to have become Scar's signature line We meet Stress! Hooray! And mention various other hermits! Jrum seems to not like X hmm "weird thingys asking for help" what do you thing that's all about? I might try writing from another character's perspective you never know- Who knew I would devote a whole chapter to hermits grouping up? :') (the pacing does seem a bit weird tho) And tOo mUcH DiaLoGUe- Thumb is a bit rushed lol Trying a slightly new style of shading on it-
