TW- Pain Third person- Stress’ POV Stress had never ran for so long in her life. As soon as she had thrown herself out the window and grabbed Mumbo and Grian, she hadn’t stopped running. Coming to a slow, she panted and leaned against a tree, looking around at where she was. Mumbo clung onto her, squeezing on and burying his face into the nape of her neck. “Mrrp…?” Grian questioned, trotting up to her as he panted from the run, his little chest heaving rapidly. “I- I think we’re… f-fine here-” She wheased, looking down at her friends, and gently bending down to let Mumbo out of her grasp. Pain burned in her abdomen, causing her to suck in a sharp breath and instantly straighten. Stress screwed her eyes shut and held herself for a moment as Grian worriedly pawed and meowed at her. She knew whatever had hit her earlier had caused this, but now wasn’t the time to deal with it. “Stress…?” The toddler whispered as he peered at her, wondrous eyes wide and watching her. “M’ fine-” she puffed, opening her eyes and carefully resuming the task she had been meaning to do. Once she had set Mumbo down, Stress pulled the bag of random things she had grabbed, around and shuffled through it. There wasn’t much; a bandage roll or two, about 5 apples give or take, 2 bottles of water, and two, maybe three, random potions. She sighed and closed it before pulling the straps back over her shoulders. Looks like she’ll just take the pain. No worries. Looking around, she noticed that trees surrounded them at all angles, draping with curtains of vines, while various bushes and vegetation grew on the floor. From the direction where they had come from, there was no sign of a pursuit and the surroundings were similar. Up ahead, some of the trees seemed to thin out in the distance, replaced by… bamboo… and a worn jungle road they had been running on. “Stress… where are we?” the young Brit questioned, eyes still on her and full of fear. “Somewhere safe at the moment.” She didn’t have the heart to admit that she wasn’t sure where they were, or how safe they were. If they were safe. Up ahead, Grian sniffed wearily at the floor before looking up, meowing, and trotting off into the direction where the trees thinned out. “Come one luv, (/p)” she said, taking Mumbo’s hand and starting to follow, “it seems that Grian has other ideas.” The three of them walked silently down the worn jungle road, the only sounds coming from them were the scuffs from Mumbo’s steps, and the occasional twig snap or shuffling leaves. Grian led the way, trotting encouragingly, and glancing back at the others, waiting for them to follow. And follow they did. Stress kept an arm wrapped around her abdomen, eyes tired, pained, and worried, but her face was hard with determination. Mumbo walked with her, holding onto her hand and looking around wearily, as though the shadows might jump out to get him. Considering what had happened they probably would. Soon the trees in their surroundings thinned out, replaced by more and more bamboo. In the distance, smoke seemed to rise through the tree branches and the tension in the air changed. It didn’t disappear, but a new buzz seemed to ease it. Grian turned to look back at his companions, and let out a mrrp before running ahead. “Grian, wait!” Stress called, watching as he disappeared into the undergrowth. A sigh escaped through her lips and she moved to pick Mumbo up and hurry after the furry. “C’mere Mumb-” “I can walk, “ He interrupted, gently pulling his left hand out of her gentle grasp. Stress’ eyes pinched with worry as she gazed down at him. “Are you sure, luv?” “Mhmn.” Mumbo confirmed, looking up at her with certainty in his eyes. Before another word could escape her mouth, he hurried off after Grian Man, he still kept his stubbornness even as a toddler. “Slow down!” She called, shifting the bag on her back and hurrying after the two. (Continue to Notes and Credits)
(Continued from Instructions) Leaves and branches grabbed onto her and snagged at her hair as she pushed her way through the shrubs in her path. Stumbling into a clearing and Mumbo, she pulled her hair out of her eyes and looked down at him. “Mumby, you alright?” she asked, placing a hand on his shoulder. He nodded numly, eyes focused and nervous as he peeked through the vegetation on the opposite side of where they had entered. Then Stress heard it. It was someone’s voice. Soft, smooth, and it had a jingle to it. Melodic if you will. Though words couldn’t be made out, he sounded calm. Stress stood on her tiptoes to try and peek over the shrubs, but only what seemed to be the roof of buildings and huts was visible. Mumbo looked up at her, holding his arm gently. “Grian went twhrough there-” Biting her lip and thinking for a moment, she sighed. Stress bent down with a grunt and picked him up. The toddler gripped onto her, wrapping his arms around her neck as they made their way through. Stumbling out, Stress brushed the leaves and twigs out of her face and gasped. In front of her stood a village, hand built certainly. (No villagers would ever attempt something like this) Cobblestone paths intertwined around the centerpiece of town, before spreading out onto their own adventures. Stone creations towered tall, but the leaves of the trees stood taller. Lush plants and mushrooms grew, filling the area with life. Sunlight shone down onto the scene, and sparkled dazzlingly onto the giant crystal as it reflected through the town. And at the crystal’s ledge sat the man with the melodic voice and their friend. The sound of the two's presence caused him to look up, face brightening before looking troubled. He stood, holding Grian in his arms comfortably and hurried towards them. “Stress, what’s going on?” He asked, slowing as he approached them. The shorter sighed and shook her head. “I wish I knew, Scar. I wish I knew…” -------------------------------- Happy April Fools! The new chapter is no joke though ;) This one is a little shorter than the rest, but it was fun to write! Question of the Chapter: Is Stress the new Mum figure of the group? Thank you so much for reading, and I'll catch you in the next chapter! <333 -Opti
