Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The mansion of the Vex was red with the blood they had spilled of generations of players. The room he stood had a carpet, one that would be white had his own blood not stained it. Or maybe the dried blood of the person who had sat in this same spot before was to blame, or the person before, on and on until the sun had first rose over the Overworld, before the universe had begun. He wouldn’t know . His mind was a blank slate, and another hand controlled the chalk. The same hand that had spilled his blood could spill his mind. Nothing was secret nor safe in the mansion of Vex. They did as they pleased, together for the benefit of the group. He was lucky to even be given the chance to be sitting here, staring at the blood of ConVex long bought and sold, time and time again. They were very gracious, the Vex, to those they considered their pets.They fed him, they clothed him, and all they asked in return was his complete obedience.  He didn't deserve it.

He was devoted to the Vex, and his name was Cub. That was another thing that he knew, his name being Cub. For some reason, the name felt empty, like it was missing something. There was no logical reason for this feeling though, so Cub let it go. It wasn't important. He was fortunate enough to have a name, after all. He didn't really deserve one. To the Vex he was just 'ConVex'. Not 'Cub' or whatever he felt he should be called. ConVex was a title of great renown. It was important in a way that 'Cub' wasn't. Cub was nothing, after all. His worth was defined by how the Vex wished him to be. If they decided he was nothing, he was nothing. The Vex in his mind chuckled at this. Cub pacified himself without hesitance, letting his mind go blank to keep the canvas clear for the Vex. The cuckling only increased, becoming a cacophony that hurt his ears. It sounded like life and death mixed into one beautifully horrid cry that Cub loved to hear. It was what his Vex sounded like, and that was who he was devoted towards. His Vex were everything.

Cub was nothing and the Vex were everything. 

He liked the sound of that mantra. The Vex did too, from how his mind filled with pleased murmurs. It was a low noise, the Vex weren't actively there, but it was comforting to know they were listening. They seemed to care about Cub. Cub didn't matter to them yet they cared. How gracious were the Vex that they allowed Cub so much freedom in his thought, how gracious they trusted him enough to have made him their ConVex. He was their ConVex. He loved being their ConVex.

You won't be ours soon, a Vex giggled, the voice sounding like nails on a chalkboard, the feeling deep inside of him despite it heard in his ears. It didn't even make Cub flinch like it did at first. He was a good ConVex. He was a good ConVex. Good ConVex didn't ask questions, they trusted the Vex to do what was best, even if it wasn't best for the ConVex. The ConVex didn't matter, he didn't matter, he was just the Vex's pet, and he was grateful the Vex so much as acknowledged him. They didn't have to. He wasn't anything. The Vex made him something beyond the rebellious, awful player body he inhabited. The Vex made him strong. Without the Vex he was nothing. Cub decided he didn't like to think about not having the Vex. 

ConVex,

Convex

...coooonvex

CONVEX the voices yelled at one and all separately, the noises flooding Cub's mind. He leapt to his feet from the kneeling position he had been in, stumbling a bit on legs unused for too long. They burned slightly in an unpleasant fuzzy pain throughout his sore muscles as Cub's vision flashed black. He stayed steady on his feet despite this, waiting patiently for the next order from the Vex. He didn't shuffle, he didn't move, he was a well-trained pet.

Are

Are you ready?

Convex.

Be good

You're always so good.

Well Trained

Pet, move

Cub could see the room he was to walk to. It was the most ornate room in the mansion, the place where other mansions would arrive for… actually Cub didn't know. He also didn't know how he knew this information, maybe the Vex had said it before, but Cub couldn't remember. This wasn't unusual. Cub has found he can't remember how he knew a lot of information that he felt he should probably know. Like that blood on the carpet. Was it his, or was it a different ConVex's? He felt like it was connected to him, but he couldn't remember. He almost thought the lack of memory was abnormal, but it was the only normal he knew. If it wasn't good he was forgetting things, then the Vex would fix it. Unless he was a damaged ConVex? 

Even if Cub was abnormal, he would do his best to be the best ConVex he could, Cub swore. It was all he needed to do, exactly as the Vex said. He was nothing and the Vex were everything. So, Cub walked through the mansion, past the bloodstained places and the odd claw marks marring the otherwise eerily pristine walls, past the maze of carpet, reds and whites, past the many rooms, empty and filled with the strangest of things, from treasures to curiosities to bodies and skeletons, and to the door that led into the hall. 

Doors in a mansion were sized for ConVex and players. Vex didn't need things like doors to travel through, they had their magic. Cub always felt a slight twinge of longing for the magic of the Vex. They could appear in one place and vanish in another. They could create illusions. They could rip apart minds, though Cub didn't know how he knew that last one. They were powerful beings. Cub was honored to not have been disposed of by them. He didn't do much, when he thought about it. He had nothing the Vex could want, yet they put up with the nothing he was. They even seemed amused by his antics sometimes, the way Cub would do his best to please his masters, yet failing over and over thanks to his sinful, player nature. Sometimes Cub wished he could carve out that rebellious player nature, and replace it with full devotion to the Vex. The thoughts he had were intrusive, annoying, the way his mind turned over every problem. It would be easier on the Vex if they didn't have to deal with his mind, yet they let him keep it. Cub didn't know why, but he felt grateful.

The one good thing about thoughts was that they masked the slight boredom that walking through endless halls of tapestries and dark oak, and there Cub could see the room he needed to go to. The room where the Vex had ordered. Cub opened the door and walked inside. He took a step back, gazing over the decadent place in awe. Everywhere, Vex Magic lay, creating beautiful patterns with the dark oak and the carpets. Chandeliers of glowstone and gold hund from the ceiling, all inlaid with diamonds. The table itself was finely carved and engraved, all pieces that spoke of flagrant wealth despite serving little practical purpose among the Vex beyond odd curiosities of a realm they conquered. Cub could see himself sitting down in a small, plainer stool in a distinguished place on the table. Cub climbed up and complied, feeling a bit uncomfortable at the center of attention spot he had been granted. 

Then, he waited. He did his best not to let his mind wander, after all, this was obviously an important occasion, even if Cub didn't quite know what it was. He needed to make sure He was perfect, to show the mansion who owned him in the best possible light. Cub sat and stared, admiring the emeralds inlaid in a tapestry, providing that much proof of wealth. Beside that was glowing diamond tools. They looked off, the glow familiar to Cub, but not on a tool. He wondered if it wasn't enchantment magic that these tools possessed. Any being with half a brain could access enchantment magic. Cub suspected they were tools enchanted with Vex Magic, maybe by pure virtue of existing in a room with so much magic. If Cub looked closely, he could see everything glistening slightly, telling of magic inlaid within them. It was something that happened with objects near powerful Vex Magic, Cub guessed. They took on some magical properties of their own.

That tangent was the last his mind could go on, when the feeling of magic shifted. Cub inhaled, looking around slightly nervously, as a presence poked at his mind. It felt like a Vex, but… it wasn't the mansion he knew. They were strangers, and Cub froze, unsure of friend or foe. He waited for orders like he had been trained, poking the Vex of his mansion slightly. It was terrifying to ask them for direction, but maybe this time would be fine. It usually was, but Cub could remember asking a question and getting punished for it, though he couldn't remember either the question nor the punishment. 

Oh ConVex

ConVex!

New masters.

They bought you.

Good ConVex, very valuable

Yes, many

Many diamonds and magic!

Good ConVex.

Go with them now.

Giggles and chuckling filled Cub's mind from both sides of the transaction. The mansion he serv- used to serve? Cub didn't know, was fading from his mind. Cub felt petrified as the new, strange, foreign Vex began to invite themselves in, feeling around Cub's mind, for… something. Cub didn't quite know what they wished. He would need to learn what they wished, if he was to be a good ConVex for them. He could vaguely recall this being mentioned, him being a ConVex for sale, but he didn't remember where. It was all faded, like it had washed away with most of his memories, and a vague feeling of something was all that remained. All he knew was that this wasn't surprising. He didn't know it, but he expected this, and knew what to do. The first Vex mansion, Cub forgot in his mind, pushing it back with the memories that were vague. They didn't matter anymore, not while he needed to be good for this new house. 

Cub was a good ConVex. He did as he was told. That last order, go with them now, engraved itself onto his heart and soul. Did ConVex have a soul, or was that something they lost when serving the Vex? Cub shook his head to clear the odd thoughts he always had. They didn't matter.

Only the Vex mattered, after all.

Chapter Text

Cub doesn't remember the trip to the mansion. One moment, he was at the old one, the next, he was in the halls of a different mansion. It felt the same, but so drastically different, like the difference between beetroot and mushroom stew. Both were good, both were stew, but they were different. They acted differently. They wanted different things. This confused Cub. Why his confusion was taken with anger instead of amusement. Why they flew in front of his face late at night, while he collapsed from the exhaustion, demanding he move. He felt cranky, off put, and a bit tired. This was what pleased the Vex. The first, and only, time he lashed out was entirely by accident, a part of his taming that didn’t quite stick correctly, leaving him in a place of fear.

Cub had been walking aimlessly. He wished to go back to the room set aside for him, a rather spacious place for what he was. His room was around three blocks by three blocks, with a small cot he could curl up on, a cauldron to wash his clothes, and three outfits to change in between the days. There was no reason to have a smelly ConVex, the Vex had explained, slightly disgusted, and they wouldn’t be the ones to clean Cub like he couldn’t take care of himself, unlike who they’d bought him from. Compared to the rooms of the mansion of Vex, his room was a small, tiny, insignificant part, but that suited the ConVex fine. It made sense, that certain poetic symmetry. He was nothing, and the Vex were everything, after all. His mantra held true even here. The Vex enjoyed having a pet that had only devotion to them, and Cub was a good boy.

He had to be. Even now, beyond exhausted as the world phased in and out around him (or was that simply his vision?), he had to obey the Vex. They had called him to the other side of the mansion, and therefore he had to go there. As soon as possible. Why his face was on the floor of the carpet, staring at the red wool, he didn’t know. He had to get up, but when he tried to crawl, his mind gave out. He didn’t know how long he’d been awake for, running around the mansion to please the slightest whims of the Vex, but it had taken its toll. He was exhausted and weak. The Vex urged him on, he could feel their amusement at his human body's predicament. The Vex didn’t sleep. They went on inexhaustible, their energy was solely from Vex Magic after all, and simple ConVex like Cub couldn’t use Vex Magic. He had to move, he had to. 

Slow.

Weakly.

Waste of money.

Cub silently agreed. He was nothing. He couldn’t even do such a simple task of walking across the mansion. He was a worthless servant, a terrible ConVex. A Vex probed his mind, and Cub… for a moment, lying on the crowd, fear swelling inside him as the Vex circled around, flooding his mind… he forgot where he was. Instead of relaxing to make the entry easy, he threw up barriers in his mindscape. Barriers to protect from the intrusion of other Vex were one of the few things Cub had been taught. A proper ConVex would only use them as a last resort, if his mansion was under an intrusion and he had to hide. Using them on his own Vex? Cub realized his mistake moments after making it, but it was far too late.

DOWN.

Rebellious ConVex. 

Awful. Awful. 

He should be killed for this.

Death is too easy. Punished.

How to punish a ConVex?

Rebelling. 

We were told you were a good ConVex.

Cub sobbed as he ripped apart his own mind's barriers, trying to submit. He had done something against the Vex, committed the most heinous crime. He had thought he was better. He swore he was doing his best, he didn’t know what came over him. He had been an awful ConVex. He still couldn’t believe it. He’d been tired, he’d been cranky, but he’d disobeyed the Vex. That was a crime of his worst imagining. The Vex did so much good for him. They’d given him a room, the simple tasks they asked were nothing. Without the Vex, he was nothing. His servanthood to them was his entire being, and he had failed. He’d failed to do as the Vex wanted. He was the worst ConVex, barely a proper ConVex. He pleaded with them, he begged for forgiveness.

Forgiveness, but discipline.

Discipline is different then punishment.

You should be killed. 

How do we punish…

Leave alone. Nothing from us.

Banished from the Mind. 

Four weeks!

For a week.

Not long, it’s pleading.

Banished for a day, alone and…

It is nothing and it tried to be something. ConVex are for us, and it thought it was something.

But it’s just a pet. Does it know any better?

We train it to be better. But that means discipline.

Discipline isn’t punishment.--

--And Cub’s mind was silent. It was silent. It was empty. There was nothing. Nothing at all. Just… him. He looked around, and he could see the Vex, but his mind told him they weren't there. He called out, and there was no response. The Vex's manifestations swooped around, guiding the stumbling, panicking Cub to a small, off-to-the-side room. The room was empty, save for the giant chicken that stared at him with soulless eyes. He couldn't feel where it was, he couldn't feel it. He could see it, he could touch it, but he was separated. Cut off from the Vex, cutoff from everything. It was terrifying. It felt horrible. Cub's mouth screamed and begged, but the Vex had vanished. They could leave him here, with nothing but his thoughts, and it was his fault. He had been a bad ConVex. He should never have even resisted. He was a bad ConVex, and he wanted to be a good ConVex. He felt horrible, he felt empty, his throat felt sore. He was going mad in his own mind, and the Vex weren’t telling him what to think. 

Which means he needed to remember how to think. He could do that, he had been drilled by the first mansion. How to think correctly, how to be good even in his own mind. The first mansion had told him that his own mind was the beginning of evil, thanks to his rebellious nature. His mind wanted him to believe he was more then the Vex, but that was entirely false. He was nothing without the Vex. He was nothing, and the only thing that made him something was the Vex, but he had failed and now he was crying. He could feel the tears distant as they were. The liquid flowed from his eyes and nose, covering him in filth. He was filth, a bad ConVex. He was self-pitying, not thinking correctly. 

How does he defeat his own mind without the Vex’s help? This was the worst part of his punishment. He couldn’t live without the Vex’s guiding hands on his mind. So, he curled in the corner of this small room, exhaustion mixed with too high emotions to fall asleep. He whispered his truth of wishing to be a good ConVex even as his world faded around him. His last thought before he collapsed into unconsciousness was of the Vex. 

.

It hurt to be separated from the Vex, yet it also hurt to rejoin. It was all overwhelming, far too much for his small player brain to comprehend. He could vaguely recall screaming while the Vex’s tendrils retook his consciousness, sorting through it and revealing all his hidden places. It was like being deeply violated, but Cub did his best to be willing and open. This wouldn’t have happened had he not tried to hide his mind. He had had his deepest instincts fixed to obey the Vex, and even then he’d disobeyed. His eyes saw odd colors, despite his eyes being closed. Flashes of memories, wide green spaces and living wood. Voices besides his own calling out, but the memory’s vanishing before he could even dwell on them for a moment. The Vex seemed to be unhappy with each removal.

They said it was strong-minded.

Awful work. We could just break our own.

Then why don’t we?

First, fix this one.

He was silent the whole way through. Inside himself, he hoped he was just the result of improper treatment, improper breaking. It would be a reason for his rebelling beyond his own faults. He just wanted an excuse.

No excuse.

The reprimands of the Vex felt harsh and cutting to his deepest part. They were right, he had no excuse. He needed to be a good ConVex, despite his… the past mansion’s bad job of changing his mind. He was the Vex’s. Completely the Vex’s. That was the day he swore to always return, to always show the Vex he was good. No matter what. 

His life wasn’t exciting. He was usually forgotten, toyed with, then tossed aside like the toy he was. He would pass the time cleaning the important Vex artifacts, polishing the diamonds. He avoided the terracotta. The magic inside of it hurt to touch as it channeled through his body, overwhelming him. ConVex weren’t kept for their use, though Cub thought they might once have. They were kept to obey and worship their masters, to serve the Vex’s desires and bring them amusement. Cub did his best to be the clay that the Vex would mold into their own desires, wet and soft and easy to form. He didn’t want to harden and shatter.

Chapter Text

That day was like any others. Cub was limping, slightly, his ankle had been broken when some Vex who’d been throwing him around had dropped him. He’d cried a bit, but the Vex found it even more amusing. They’d healed it slightly when they were finished, but not enough. It hurt to walk on, but he pressed onward. Absent-mindedly, Cub pulled out another chunk of hair from his head. It had mostly fallen out, and Cub didn’t know the reason. The patches that remained were more nuisance than anything. While Cub didn’t quite know the time of day unless he asked, he assumed it was a good time for him to go back to his room and sleep until the Vex roused him. While he didn’t feel tired, per say, he didn’t know when the next chance he’d get to rest would be, and he wished to be in his best condition for the Vex.

The mansion was quieter than it usually was. He could vaguely recall the Vex mentioning they had discovered something, between the pain and fear. Maybe some went out to explore when they sent a pillager patrol to investigate whatever they spotted. Cub didn’t know. He didn’t need to know if it didn’t suit the Vex. He needed to quiet down his inner monologue, focus more on the Vex alone. They were all that mattered, and still Cub’s mind wandered. He paused, took a breath. He let it out, focusing on the Vex Mind alone. He was a part of it, minor as his role was, and he needed to act proper. Vex. Vex magic. Cake good. 

ConVex, come.

And Cub turned and followed the voice, all thoughts of sleep put aside to do his duty. His limping foot almost made him fall as he stumbled over the uncooperative limb. A nearby Vex chuckled, the cacophony honey to Cub’s mind. He half hopped forward, the movement awkward and painful, slower than walking, but quicker than limping. He hadn’t sensed urgency in the Vex’s voice, but promptness was a virtue the Vex valued in a ConVex. 

The halls turned more opulent as Cub journeyed. The ones closest to the entrance to whatever was beyond the mansion’s walls were the most highly decorated, showing off the Vex’s might to anyone who may stumble in. Cub found himself trapped in the halls, the door he had been directed to enter too large for his reach to reach. He did try, hopping on his feet, just to collapse. The door opened as Cub struggled to get back up, his leg screaming in pain and heat as it protested Cub’s coercion. 

Once he got on his feet, he hesitated. The last time he was directed towards a place like this, he had been sold to his current Vex. What if the Vex had become so displeased by his failings they decided to get rid of him? Did he do something so wrong they’d decided to cast out Cub permanently? Cub gripped his mental tether in slight fright, holding onto it and refusing to let go as he limped into the room. There was an opulent table, too big for any reasonably sized creature, but that was fine to the Vex.They didn’t use tables, after all. The size was for show, like everything else the Vex had. His Vex mansion wasn’t quite as gilded as the first one, but was still impressive for Cub.

As he approached the table, the tethers of magic lifted Cub up, dropping him down on his broken ankle when they dropped him. Cub looked away, not wanting to cry and potentially ruin whatever the Vex were doing. He was a good ConVex. He would please the Vex. He did as the Vex wished, and did his best to never disobey. Why, then, was there another player sized figure huddled on the table, unconscious or dead? No, ConVex, no whys. Do as the Vex said, he reminded himself. They would explain when and if they wished.

 A friend!

New ConVex.

You help us break it!

The Vex’s voices conveyed this to him all at once, a million times over, in their usual disconnected speaking. Cub had simply gotten better at interpreting it down to the main points, his mind running through the data and piecing together the parts relevant. The figure was a player the Vex intended to become a ConVex. He hobbled towards the figure. It looked young, in its sleeping state. Its hair was a dark color, long brown reminded Cub of his hair, before… He wasn’t sure. He decided that line of thinking was wrong, and moved on to observe the new ConVex’s clothing. It seemed to be made of leather and a softer linen then Cub’s garments. He found himself a bit jealous of this player. It seemed to have been treated… differently. Not better. He wasn’t jealous, he needed to feel pity and pride. Pity this player has yet to learn the grace of his Vex, and pride that the Vex wished him to help train the new ConVex.

He reached out hesitantly, waiting for the Vex to stop him. When they didn’t, he poked the player, once, twice, waiting for it to move. The body stayed still. Cub turned the player over, and saw its closed eyes, rugged face, but the most obvious feature were its scars. Long lines shredded down its face, time only slightly fading the old wounds. Cub traced one in surprise, feeling theforeign texture of large scar tissue. The hat it was wearing fell off. Cub picked the head covering up and placed it back on the player's head. He wondered why it wasn’t waking up. Poking it again, harder, yielded no response. He half-hoped the Vex wouldn’t make him carry it, not with his leg in pain like this. He would do his best, no matter what they say. 

A Vex circled down, magic touching the body’s forehead. The player lashed out with an arm, Cub leapt back in surprise at the sudden movements. The player's eyes shot open and the player leapt to its feet. Its head whipped around, taking in the sight. Cub’s crouched cowering, the Vex’s interested gaze. The player stood firm, not backing down despite the Vex’s pull.

“Where am I, Vex?” spat the player.

Disobedience. Hostility . 

Judged the Vex. Cub shivered at the tone. The player wasn’t budging, like it didn’t know how to properly act in front of Vex. Maybe it didn’t know. The Vex would teach it. Cub wished he could explain it to the player, explain how submission and devotion was rewarding in itself. The player didn’t even seem to notice Cub.

“ My mansion won’t be pleased when they find out you kidnapped one of their own. Do you wish to start a war, Vex?”

Wild ConVex

Free ConVex

This is why we never liked those one

They will assume you died worldhopping. 

Or left for players

“My Vex have more faith in me, or they wouldn’t have let me wander alone.”

They don’t

We won’t let you wander

Wild ConVex are bad ConVex

Ungrateful and disobedient

Needs correction 

Your mansion won’t find out

You are ours now.

Cub’s hand swam trying to understand and process the new information. This player was a fellow ConVex. It was something different then Cub. He didn’t know if he liked the idea, wandering through worlds. He could hardly move without the Vex telling him where to go. This poor ConVex had probably been hurt, practically abused into thinking it was capable of functioning without the Vex. Cub’s heart broke. A Vex stirred, chattering in his ear. It was granting permission.

“I am not yours. I am my own,” defied the scarred ConVex with words that spoke of many years of pain. 

“Please, masters,” Cub said, the Vex who’d permitted his speaking nodding along, granting support for his idea. “Let me take care of it. It just needs a friend to train it.”

Friend…

ConVex train ConVex

The Vex collective spun, visually thinking through Cub’s suggestion. The ConVex beside Cub looked at him with intrigue. Cub ignored the gaze.

ConVex should be seen and not heard-

They gave permission.

The thought relieves us of work.

An experiment!

More ConVex to display, more power to own, more

Selling.

Cake!

Yes.

Yes, take it back to the room you sleep in

See if it has an ounce of brain.

Cub hobbled and offered a hand to the player. He felt a strange shivering and longing when the flesh met. He hadn’t touched someone else… he couldn’t remember ever. As the duo was lowered by Vex Magic to the floor, courtesy of the one Vex who gave permission for Cub to speak, Cub found himself craving more touch then the slight hand the two shared as they together hobbled in tiredness, and pain, Cub guiding to his- the room he slept in. He didn’t own anything, everything he had was the Vex’s. Still, seeing the player beside him’s tired gaze, he wished he could protect and guide the player like the Vex had guided him.

.

There was only one bed in the room Cub slept in. He’d slept on the floor enough, so he didn’t mind directing the player to sit down on it. “Wait,” the player said in a young voice, “my name is Scar. GoodTimesWithScar, in full, but you don’t need to say the full name.”

The smile the player gave was weird. It wasn’t like the Vex’s wide grin or Cub’s empty stare. It had an odd emotion stirring inside Cub, an emotion he remembered the feeling of, but couldn’t recall ever feeling it. It wasn’t loneliness, and it certainly wasn’t fear. It felt like warmth, and Cub didn’t know why. He hesitated, wondering if he should say Cub or ConVex. After all, the Vex had never used the word Cub used for himself. He didn’t even know why Cub felt right, it just did. He guessed that with two around, ConVex would feel even more wrong. So Cub replied back, “My name is Cub.”

“Just Cub?” prompted the player. Cub frowned. He felt like there should be more. Yet…

“Just Cub,” he confirmed, though not without a twinge of uncertainty. He certainly couldn’t remember there being more. Maybe the Vex didn’t like his ‘more’. He decided not to press his mind for it, and was grateful that Scar left it at that.

“Nice to meet you! How are today?” Scar replied. Friendly, that was the word. Cub’s stomach hurt at that word, friend. It was painful, almost awful. That concept of companionship was wrought with fear, and he could almost see the idea of blood being spilled from that word. The feeling itself was good. The word, not so much.

“I…” Cub wasn’t sure how to reply. Should he even reply?

“Nevermind,” Scar said. “How long have you been here?”

“I don’t know,” Cub answered.

Scar frowned. “Do you know anything?”

“I know how to serve the Vex!” Cub said, visibly brightening at that. Scar’s eyes widened slightly. Did Cub say something wrong? Why had he thought this was a good idea, teaching Scar to be a good ConVex. He himself was barely a good ConVex, he had thoughts and ideas of his own and that was bad. How could he train this rebellious, awful player? Cub had no clue. 

“That’s… nice,” Scar answered.

“I’m supposed to teach you how,” Cub said.

“I can serve my Vex. Yours kidnapped me!” Scar snapped. His eyes were almost glowing with anger. 

Cub didn’t know what kidnapping was. He thought over the word. From Scar’s tone, it wasn’t a good thing. Maybe it was taking someone somewhere, but that was about as much as Cub could comprehend. “My Vex are your Vex now. They’re kind Vex.”

“You’re one of those ConVex,” Scar said in disgust. “You can’t think for yourself.”

“Thinking is bad,” Cub retorted, “unless your thoughts are on what the Vex want.”

“Is that why you spoke up, it was what the Vex wanted?” Scar challenged.

“One gave me permission.”

Scar looked disgusted. The expression soon changed to thoughtfulness as the two sat in silence for a moment. “It was still your own thought.”

Cub was quick to defend himself. “Any Vex could have thought it. I had permission. You were being a bad ConVex. I doubt you even ever were one if that’s how you act.”

“Is that all that matters to you? If the Vex told you to kill yourself in a permadeath world, would you?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because they know best.”

Scar’s look of concern hurt Cub. The poor player didn’t understand how good Cub had it. The Vex were so good to him, and Scar didn’t know. Cub just wanted to share the Vex’s gifts with Scar, teach it how to be a good ConVex. Maybe even a better one then Scar. “They call us it like objects!”

“What do you mean’?” Cub asked.

“The pronouns. They don’t see us as human.”

“We are human.”

“Yes,” Scar smiled and nodded.

“Humans are worthless.”

“No, we’re not! We’re people. I am he. I am a player and I deserve respect,” Scar declared. It, his eyes shone with a fury that was, in Scar’s warped mind, justified.

“They’ll hurt you if you keep thinking wrongly,” Cub warned.

“Yes,” Scar replied, “but I’m stubborn.”

“You’re sick. You need helping. I’m here to help you, Scar,” Cub tried desperately. He didn’t understand. How had this young, passionate, yet so obviously hurt player wormed his way into Cub’s heart so fast? Cub had known Scar for not even an hour, yet already felt the need to protect him. He was wrong, Cub knew, his words were the ramblings of a mad man, dissonant thinking so far from what Cub had taught. He needed to teach Scar to be good. 

"You're hopeless."

"My hope is in the Vex. The Vex are everything Scar. ConVex are to do as we're told."

"But I'm not their ConVex. "

"Does it matter?" Cub asked.

"My Vex give me a leash. Yours have you by the collar," Scar said.

"I, at least, know how to obey."

"This argument is going nowhere."

"What's an argument?" Cub asked, the question slipping out before he could think about it. Scar blinked.

"Cub, did you understand the words I'm using?" he asked.

"Most," Cub shrugged. Scar and Cub locked eyes for a moment. Scar shuddered.

"Did… they make you like this? You can say if you don't understand."

"Do you mean, was this my first mansion?" Cub asked, flinching subconsciously at his own words.

"Yeah."

"No."

"Thank Jeb," Scar sighed, "I have a chance."

"A chance of what?" Cub asked. Scar looked away from Cub's gaze. He looked off, concerned, yet planning.

"Nevermind Cub. I'm tired," Scar announced. "Do the Vex let you sleep, or do you have to ask them for that too?"

"I can sleep whenever the Vex don't wish for me," Cub responded. 

"Why don't we do that, wait, where is your bed?"

"ConVex don't own anything," Cub parroted to Scar, "all we are is the Vex's."

"Fine, where do you sleep?"

"I can sleep wherever," Cub shrugged.

"I don't want to sleep on the bed if you don't-"

"I'll be fine, Scar. You need it more than I."

"You were limping. It can't be comfortable sleeping on the floor."

"Serving the Vex isn't about comfort, it's about doing whatever is necessary to make sure the Vex get what's best."

Scar sighed, "Good night Cub."

"Good night, Scar."

Chapter Text

Cub didn't know what morning was, or why he referred to the time after he woke up as it. Time in a Vex Mansion was almost meaningless, the halls unchanging no matter the hour. Vex didn't sleep. It was another way they were set apart from players and ConVex alike. Another way that Cub, and now the sleeping figure of Scar beside him, were inferior. He dwelt a lot on the Vex. After all, what else could he think about? The Vex were his entire universe. They owned his body and mind. Was it any wonder his thoughts first drifted to them? Until, Scar made a small whine in his sleep. Cub looked at Scar. Was this how Cub looked when he slept? Scar looked so vulnerable, lying there on his side, curled up with the thin woolen blanket. It got cold in the mansion some times, especially in the thin garments the Vex gave. 

Yesterday had been weird. His leg still hurt, and now there was a second ConVex. Still, Cub was optimistic about today. He slowly rose to his feet, going over to a small water stream he could wash his face and beard in. He hadn't gotten a chance to wash his clothing yet, so he took the opportunity. His current outfit didn't smell weird yet, so he was fine. He wanted to look presentable for the Vex, but they didn't seem to care about his outward appearance.

The bed creaked. Cub turned to see Scar sitting up and blinking. He was feeling around, his bony fingers reaching for his hat. He turned around, spending a moment blink on the side of the bed, fiddling with the hat, before placing on to cover his mat of hair. He turned his head, and Scar and Cub's gaze met. For a moment Scar's face fell. It didn't stay down, and soon any initial mood was masked by a bright smile on Scar's face. "Hello, Cub!"

"Hello, Scar," Cub greeted. His smile was genuine, if less enthusiastic. His aching leg was a constant reminder of where he was. Where else would he be? He was here to teach Scar to be a good ConVex, so the Vex wouldn't hurt him. Cub was a bad ConVex, otherwise he wouldn't be in pain. How was a bad ConVex going to teach Scar? Maybe it was hopeless, just like Scar said he was.

Scar didn't know Cub's inner worries. The man didn't bother with the sink. He pulled on a pair of boots, and stood. Cub was taller then Cub by a few inches, made exceedingly clear by Cub's leaning on his uninjured leg. "Did you hurt yourself?"

Cub blinked, wondering how to phrase this. "The Vex felt… bored, and I wasn't entertaining enough. They decided I wasn't worth the energy to heal."

"But healing magic is easy," Scar protested. "I could show you."

Cub froze. He darted his eyes to Scar, burrowing his thick eyelashes in confusion. Scar knelt at Cub's side, slowly laying his hands on Cub's hurt leg. 

"Could I?" Scar asked, gesturing. It took a moment of silence for Cub to realize Scar was asking for a response from him. He didn't really know what to say. He didn't remember anyone ever asking him if he wanted something. The Vex always just took and gave, no matter Cub's wants. Why would they even consider him? Was this asking for permission something players did? What it something Cub needed to rebuke? He didn't know.

Cub nodded his head, a bit slowly, cautiously. Scar seemed satisfied with this as Scar closed his eyes and rested his hand. For a moment, there was nothing. A soft glow, the glow of Vex magic, began to appear on Scar's hand, traveling and wrapping itself around Cub's leg. He gasped at the sight, but didn't so much as flinch. It felt like a softer magic, healing what had been hurt, resetting the aches and soothing the pains in a way so calm. Cub hadn't ever experienced something like it. He might have compared it to the sip of a regeneration potion, had he known the feeling of such a thing. It was cool, but warm. Empty, yet whole. The pain became another one of Cub's few remembered memories as the magic flowed back into Scar. The player had a satisfied, if slightly tired, air to him. Cub knew what had happened, it was so obvious, but it made no sense.

"Feeling better?" Scar asked, like he hadn't just done the impossible.

"How did you channel Vex magic?" Cub asked in disbelief. 

Scar's face turned to worry, "Oh no. Did they at least teach you basic mind protection?"

"You mean, how to block Vex from probing?" Cub asked.

"Thank Jens," Scar sighed.

"Why?"

"If you don't know how to do that," Scar said, "the ambient mansion magic will drive you insane in a week."

"How do you know this?" Cub asked, "is the source credible?"

"I read it," Scar replied.

"Read?"

"In a book."

Cub frowned, "I don't think I've seen a book before. I know what it is."

Scar nodded, "They've really removed a lot of your memory. I thought a bit last night about this. You want me to be a good ConVex?"

"Yes?" Cub said, his voice containing a sliver of hesitance.

"I think I am a good ConVex. I'm just not your Vex's ConVex. Don't you think it's not good for me to be here if my home is with my Vex?"

It was logical, but… Cub's Vex told him otherwise. "Maybe they once were your Vex, but my Vex has you now. Once a ConVex, always a ConVex, no matter the Vex masters. You can't just disobey, Scar. It's better to be good. The Vex give us so many wonderful things, I--"

"--Let me cut you off before you tell me more of what the Vex told you to say," Scar interrupted. 

"The Vex didn't tell me to say anything!" 

"You've always, genuinely thought this?"

"As long as I can remember."

"How long?"

"What do you mean?"

"How far back can you remember?" Scar asked.

That… was a hard question to answer. Cub didn't know how old he was. He also didn't have any real way of keeping track of time in these mansions. One of his earlier memories was getting praised by the Vex for thinking correctly. He had been in a dark room, like so many in that mansion. He had been in pain, he remembered seeing his insides on the outside of his body as he was fading away. He couldn't remember what he had done, but all he knew was that it was worthy of punishment. As the Vex around were wondering if they should permanently kill him, Cub had been inside his head. It had been like ripping his mind apart from within as he told himself his truths. That he was nothing without the Vex. That he was weak and hopeless. The Vex gave him a reason to exist. But… How long ago was that? A year? Two years? When had his hair turned gray and began to grow in patches? He didn't know. He felt like that should worry him, but it didn't. It was just another fact. "I don't know."

"I remember back four years," Scar offered, "but my time with the Vex has been longer. You lose time in places like this."

"Exactly," Cub smiled, "it's hard to keep track of the days when you're serving the Vex. Everyday is a new adventure."

"Exploring worlds, finding diamonds, no, that's an adventure," Scar sighed. "You don't know what it's like to feel the wind on your face as you explore the world to find treasures for your Vex."

"But what about sitting down, eating a bit of cake, reflecting," Cub responded, smiling slightly at one of his… rather short list of memories that he enjoyed to think about. Some Vex had offered him cake, and they'd just talked. Something like he and Scar were doing now, but with the Vex. It had been peaceful, him sitting there. He had only ended up eating one slice before his stomach felt like it was about to burst. He'd spent most of the night sitting quietly, listening to the Vex discuss things Cub couldn't understand, being a player. They'd reminded him of that whenever he spoke.

"Sounds boring."

"I'd rather have peace, Scar," Cub replied. "I don't need adventure, I just need what the Vex want."

"And what," Scar asked, "do your Vex want?"

Cub paused. What did his Vex want? He searched for a moment, then replied, with conviction, "They just ask for obedience. It's not much to give."

"But what are you asked to do?"

"Sit there and look pretty most of the time," Cub remarked dryly. His mouth hung open when his brain processed what he had said. It wasn't something bad. Cub found it slightly funny. Not in the Vex way, when Cub was screaming and begging, but just a chuckle. Genuine. 

Scar was grinning wildly, " Cub , I wouldn't have thought you'd have had it in you to joke like that!"

Cub giggled, "It's technically the truth."

"Put on a face full of makeup, lie there, and smile?"

"Pretty much, but without the makeup or smiling," Cub bantered back. The duo giggled again. The jokes may not have been particularly humourous, but they were to them. Cub didn't remember the last time he felt this happy. The warm smiles, the comfort. Being around Scar was comforting in a way being around the Vex never had been. Scar didn't make remarks to put Cub down, he raised Cub up, even when disagreeing. Cub was happy.

It didn't take a minute for that to change.

ConVex, come

Both ConVex! 

Yes, both. 

The new shall be more obedient, ConVex.

Yes. Or it shall regret it.

Chapter Text

Cub would have ordinarily made this walk in silence, mind running through scenarios, preparing himself to serve his masters. Or maybe worrying, wondering if he'd done something wrong? Scar didn't seem to keep the same quiet vigil as Cub did, nor did he particularly care to hurry. Every door they passed, Scar took a peak in, asking dozens of questions regarding the contents of said room.

"What's that?"

"Have you been in there?"

"Is there a map?"

"What's on that shelf?"

"Have you ever read those books?" Scar asked, pointing at a shelf of old tomes that Cub had never noticed before.

"No," Cub replied, hoping to move on as quickly as they had the other rooms. Scar didn't move quite so quickly. He took a step inside the room. Cub froze. His mind raced, should he get Cub? Would the Vex be angry? They had wanted them, were they going too slow? Scar didn't seem to care about Cub's worries. He took another step into the room, staring at the books. Cub jumped forward, grabbing Scar's arm, and yanked him out of the room. 

"Cub!" Scar protested, ripping his arm back.

"We need to go," Cub insisted, motioning towards the hallway.

"It's not that far."

"You don't know this mansion."

"I'm trying to learn it-"

"-You can't-"

"Cub, I just want to explore-"

"Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe," Cub said in a slight sing-song voice, "doing exactly as the Vex command, and doing it happily!"

"That's…" Scar seemed to struggle for the words to speak.

" Action is the key, do it immediately, and joy you will receive," Cub's smile was forced as he continued quoting the nursery rhyme style song.

"Cub, stop."

"Obedience is the very best way, to show that you believe," Cub finished.

Scar shuddered. "I hate that song."

"Did your Vex teach it to you?"

"Well, no," Scar admitted.

"Then how can you hate it? Is my singing really that bad," Cub cracked, the joke not piercing the thick atmosphere surrounding Scar.

"Just…  it's all about them. Doing what they want. Do you have anything you want to do? Any places you want to explore?" Scar asked.

"The hallways. On the way to where the Vex want us to be. So that we don't get in trouble. The Vex are nice and kind, why is obeying them so hard for you?" Cub asked.

"Cub," Scar spoke gently. Cub sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose with his fingers.

"Please let's just go."

 Scar looked away, "...Okay."

 The rest of the walk was an eerie silence between the two parties. Cub closed his eyes, trying to get lost in his thoughts like he usually did, but Scar's shuffling behind him was impossible to ignore. The hallways were so much longer when he couldn't zone out, when he had to keep himself in the moment. The tension was thick. Cub didn't like it. He needed to be Scar's friend. He wanted to be Scar's friend. He wanted a friend. He didn't deserve a friend or anything. Scar was so different from Cub. Was everyone so different? Was Cub-

Scar's cough dropped Cub's train of thought. He inhaled, and exhaled, trying to refind the inner peace he'd relied upon for so long. Why couldn't he find it? He looked behind himself to Scar. "I'm sorry."

"No, you're fine Cub."

"I didn't mean to make you mad."

Scar sighed, "I wasn't mad. I just want to explore."

"But we don't have time, Scar."

"They didn't say it was urgent!"

"That doesn't mean we can waste time, Scar. Like in the song, do it immediately."

"That song is wrong and slightly creepy."

"How?"

"For one thing, it's preaching a message of total obedience."

"Total obedience is important when you're a ConVex. Do you disobey your Vex?"

"Well, no," Scar admitted after a moment of hesitation.

"It's just a reminder, then," Cub replied. "I'm a bad ConVex, I needed a lot of reminders of how to act properly. If you behave with your Vex, just… apply that to your new ones."

"They aren't my Vex," Scar stead, steadfast in his loyalty. Cub wondered at this. He'd never really been taught to be loyal to his Vex, just… to the Vex. Yes, he'd been taught how to keep any invading Vex out of his head, but he'd never really thought about having to use it. He only now realized that he hadn't ever seen more than the top layer of Scar's mind. He could pick up emotions if he tried, but any part deeper was hidden. Could the Vex even find Scar's deeper thoughts? When Cub shielded, it was obvious. His mind was like a solid fortress against any mental peerings. Scar's shield was so subtle, Cub hadn't realized Scar was shielding until now. 

That was something for him to think about later, "I know they aren't your Vex," Cub said with a slight plea in his tone, "but could you try to obey them like they were? Just for a bit? Maybe you'll enjoy it."

Scar bit his lip in thought, "I can't make promises," he said slowly, "but I'll try. For you."

Cub smiled softly, "Thank you."

.

They were here, where the Vex had wanted them. The room was dark oak, like everywhere else in the mansion. Unlike the rest of the mansion, this room had a pristine white carpet that made Cub freeze in his tracks. Scar bumped into Cub, jostling them both. Cub took a step forward to catch himself. Scar's breath was on the back of Cub's head, and his voice carried swift but quiet. "Doing alright?"

"Just…" Cub breathed out, visions of his own suffering on top of the pristine white rug blurring his vision. He swallowed, trying to ground himself back in the moment. Whatever the Vex wanted was what he wanted. Pain was discipline, and discipline was good, and punishment was discipline, and Cub was going to be fine. He was the blank slate, but Scar had carved his name in him. "Do as the Vex say Scar. I believe in you."

The duo entered the room. The lights faded slightly as they did, Vex dancing around and inspecting the duo. Cub stood firm in the center of the room, Scar almost crouching behind him. Their hands met, and Cub squeezed Scar's tightly. No matter what happened next, Cub would do his best to help Scar. He ignored the white carpet and all its symbolism to focus on the Vex encircling the duo. He took a breath, and offered up his mind for the Vex to inspect.

Tardy.

Bad ConVex. Both should be punished.

It was New that delayed. It should be punished.

Old was supposed to help!

Leniency for New. It knows nothing. 

ConVex are more trouble than they're worth.

Awful.

Foolish.

The fear is good. More fear.

New needs to know obedience!

Cub's mind was sorted through as the Vex. He'd long learned to relax and make this easy, to keep his mind blank. Scar didn’t. Cub heard the Vex’s dissatisfaction with what they were scraping off the surface of Scar’s mind. He ignored that, not letting his mind dwell on Scar’s. Every thought he had about Scar hiding his mind from the Vex was buried and forgotten. Cub was very good at forgetting things not beneficial to the Vex. Scar must just be shallow, to have little to no significant items in his mindscape for the Vex to find. Or perhaps his old Vex would remove anything beyond Scar’s surface personality, giving no depth to the man. The Vex deliberated on their ideas, ignoring the acknowledgement that they were Cub’s contributions. ConVex thoughts weren’t worth much. Any idea they had was just what the Vex were thinking, and it was an accident that it ended up in the ConVex’s mind.

Scar was sobbing. It wasn’t a loud sob, but Cub could hear it in his ear. It hurt to have the Vex dig through your mind, especially if you had yet to learn how to just let go. Cub was still holding Scar’s hand. He squeezed the palm tightly, until Scar’s sniffles and sobs became but another memory to be forgotten. Scar’s arms wrapped around and squeezed Cub tightly. His mind offered the word of ‘hug’ to describe this close feeling. He reciprocated the hug, gently rubbing Scar’s back to comfort him. Cub could feel some of Scar’s pain through the Vex’s connection. “Just calm down,” Cub whispered, “just let it happen. It’ll be easier.”

Scar’s mental struggling stopped a bit as he yielded what the Vex had discovered. They seemed satisfied with Scar’s surface memories, already having dismissed Scar having any depth to him beyond that. Scar was just a ConVex, just a player. His struggles in his mind were meaningless compared to the Vex’s power. Even if Scar wasn’t entirely showing himself… Cub dismissed and forgot the thought as soon as it came. He filled his mind with knowledge of the Vex’s power, their might, how good it was to be part of their hivemind. Cub shivered under the wave of approval given by the Vex towards his correct thoughts.

“Think of the Vex,” Cub whispered, “think of how much good they do. Just let this happen. Let yourself be a part of them.”

“It’s them, not us,” Scar’s breath choked.

“They’re more powerful,” Cub agreed, “we are theirs. Think about them, their strength, how much they’ve done for us.”

Scar cried in pain. Cub’s hold became tighter. Scar was still resisting, despite Cub’s reassurance. How could Cub convince Scar to let this happen before the Vex grew tired of mind games? He thought about obedience, and he shared the thought with Scar instinctually. He poked of Scar’s mind, trying to convince him.

“Please--” Scar sobbed, “please don’t. I don’t…”

“Give in,” the Vex said through Cub’s body, Cub’s voice one of many that echoed through the air itself onto Scar. Scar’s hands covered his ears, but the assault wasn’t verbal. Thus was Scar left, and his eyes spoke of a dilemma. Give up his secrets, or fall in line. Cub prayed Scar would just obey, that the pain would stop for Scar. In that moment, Cub felt like he was the worst friend in the world. He could speak up, take the attention off of Scar and protect him. But he didn’t. He just watched Scar bat away the hands of the Vex that tried to take his mind away. He watched and did nothing, and told himself the Vex wouldn’t let him. 

The Vex weren’t stopping him. Cub wasn’t chained, his mind was still in the moment. His body was his own. There was no reason he couldn’t do something. He didn’t do anything. Scar collapsed and Cub stood still, staring at Scar like he was in third person, above with the chuckling Vex watching the scene. Scar crawled to Cub and Cub stood still, Scar curling up with Cub, asking him to protect him. Cub felt his hand move as he began rubbing Scar’s back, providing a small amount of comfort in the mental Nether that Scar was facing. A Vex swooped down, taking their sword and slicing open Scar’s neck, from the right of the jaw to the side of the breast.

Scar screamed. Cub cried. The Vex laughed. 

Scar broke.

A beat of silence as the Vex finally invaded the areas Scar had been hiding from them. The secrets Cub caught glimpses of, worlds terraformed and built, searches for diamonds, deals with the Vex who’d taken Scar. They were tossed around like a potato fresh from the oven, shared and mocked. Scar was still, too still, in Cub’s arms as the mental verbal assault wormed its way into Scar’s being. Scar’s gaze was vacant. Cub stared into those eyes. Scar reached and tapped a glowing finger on Cub’s forehead.

Scar’s memories were like oil, flowing into Cub’s water. They were contained, but Cub knew. Scar was still hiding from the Vex, with whatever strange powers his Vex had taught him. He mixed the oil and water, and to a Vex, Cub’s mind was the same lake of obedience. Cub and Scar knew that wasn’t true. They could see the oil, hydrophobic, but covered by a sea. Cub pushed his memory of this deeper down. Nothing had happened. Scar wasn’t hiding anything, and certainly not hiding within Cub. That was impossible, ConVex couldn’t do serious Vex magic, just basic shields and maybe a levitation spell if they were lucky. No ConVex could play with someone else’s mind but Scar did.

Scar’s blood stained the white carpet. The wound bled more than Cub remembered seeing on his own wounds. He had nothing to dress it with. When Cub moved a hand to apply pressure to the wound, the Vex sent feelings of scolding. Cub froze in place, then retracted his hand. Scar’s blood stained everything with its sickening redness. Cub never minded his own blood, too focused in on the pain, but he now knew that others' blood was worse. It felt worse, seeing this happen to Scar, even when it had all happened to him before. 

“Scar?” Cub dared to whisper, barely even distinct from a breath.

“Cub,” Scar sighed and smiled. The Vex danced above them, pleased with their work.

“See,” Cub smiled back, lighthearted voice trying to shift the mood, “it’s not so bad.”

“Yeah,” Scar replied. He closed his eyes and shuffled, like he was trying to find an inner peace to all this, to sleep through the pain, “Yeah, that wasn’t so bad.”

Chapter Text

The duo stayed in the room for a few days after. The Vex departed after warning Cub not to help Scar with his wound. They wanted it to scar, to be a reminder of what had happened. Anyone who met Scar after would assume that his name came from the large wound. It was impossible to hide. Scar spent the first of the days sleeping while Cub worried over his friend. The next ones were recovery. Scar kept tracing the wound idly with his finger, rubbing the disfiguring cut. Cub had reprimanded Scar, the wound could have easily reopened. When it didn’t, Scar suggested that the Vex had healed it enough to close the wound, and no more. A deathly ill ConVex was worth nothing, after all. They wanted it to scar, not infect. At least, that’s what Cub assumed. He was good at guessing the minds of the Vex.

Scar emerged from the room a changed man. He didn’t protest when the Vex called, he didn’t argue or talk back like he had that first day. He barely even bantered with Cub. It was like Scar had changed. Cub wanted to enjoy it. Wasn’t that all he had asked for, in the end, for Scar to be an obedient servant to his Vex masters? Why did it hurt so much to see Scar like this, empty and hollow. The Vex’s vessel, and little more. What Cub would give to hear another question like Scar had asked that first day. He should have humored Scar more, and he would have gotten punished. He shouldn’t have suggested that he help break Scar that first day, but Scar would have broken anyway, right? Or was it that he broke to protect Cub? Or would those memories Cub didn’t acknowledge have vanished instead of been protected had Cub not been there? Scar had been there for a week and Cub already secretly put him higher than the Vex in his world.

At first, the days were longer, with every Vex searching and taking Scar, leaving Cub much time alone with his thoughts to reflect on what he should have done differently. No one cared about Cub, the Old ConVex, all properly broken and obedient. Scar made mistakes they got to punish. Scar still protested in his body if not his mind. Scar got lost every day, and always claimed to be looking for the bathroom. Silly ConVex who didn’t know there was no bathroom in a Vex mansion.  

Cub overheard a conversation between two Vex, a few days in. They’d called Cub a ConVex fitter for an old mansion with dozens of ConVex being worked to death for the guests the old mansion Vex hosted, proudful pillagers and piglin kings the Vex sometimes allied with. The two Vex had joked about selling Cub off for the privilege of seeing him killed over and over again, and using the diamonds they receive to buy another unbroken player to have fun with. Cub found himself… scared. Dying was painful, even if he could always remember waking up again in bed afterwards. There was so much fear when he felt himself unable to breath, floating right above his body. He could remember the feeling, like seeing random players, strangers he felt he should know, calling for him to join them in permadeath. Cub had tried to join them a few times. It never worked. The Vex held the strings to his code, to his respawn. He’d never achieve the state of permadeath, even if he wanted.

So he was lost and worried with Scar still sleeping in his bed. He felt he should be selfish and take it back, but… Scar looked peaceful while he was asleep. His eyes closed, his breath slow and shallow. Scar looked content with the world as he hugged his hat. The scar that disfigured him was turning a darker shade of red, healing slowly. Cub should have done something to stop the Vex. He was a bad ConVex, and a terrible friend. He could have done something, anything, but it was all about him. It was always about Cub, never Scar. He was so self-centered and selfish. Letting Scar have the bed didn’t dissolve that. Cub choked back an unexpected sob. He held his breath, hoping he hadn’t woken up Scar.

Scar’s eyes blinked open. Cub looked away, pretending he hadn’t just been looking at Scar. They both knew the truth. Scar shuffled and sat up, scooting over on the bed to make room for Cub. “Want to sit?”

Cub obliged, and joined Scar on the bed. It creaked in protest under the combined weight, though both Cub and Scar were skinny. Boh were silent.

“What have you been doing?” Scar asked.

“Whatever the Vex tell me to do,” Cub answered.

“What have the Vex told you to do?”

“Nothing,” Cub admitted. 

Scar looked away. Cub was such a loser even Scar didn’t want to look at him. “I,” Scar‘s voice cracked, “I wish I could say the same.”

“Scar,” Cub began.

“No, no. I’ve been a good ConVex like they say. I just wish I knew why they hurt me, sometimes. That’s all.”

“Because we’re ConVex. They find it fun to hear us scream.”

“That’s not okay.”

“We’re ConVex. It’s not about us, it’s about the Vex.”

“What would you say if we left, Cub?” Scar asked.

“Left?” Cub asked.

“If I found the portal home, would you go with me?”

Cub’s feet went cold with dread. “This is my home—“ he tried.

“I mean the Overworld. Where players come from,” Scar spoke treacherously and Cub knew. At that moment he knew.

Scar’s obedience was a lie. He was a better manipulator than people realized. He had somehow hidden this from the Vex. Cub could...n’t. The Vex were his home, but Scar was part of that. He didn’t want to leave behind either. But, in the end, he was loyal to the Vex. So while he knew it wasn’t true, he said to Scar, “I would not.”

“Okay,” said Scar.

“I… I don’t want you to leave.”

“Cub,” Scar took Cub’s hand, “I promise I will never leave you behind. No matter what.”

“You don’t get a choice in that. It’s what the Vex want, no what we want.”

“We have Vex in our title.”

“You know it’s not the same.”

“Let me pretend, Cub.”

And Cub did. He pretended it was him and Scar and there was no pain. But the Vex were still there. They were always there. Scar may be something without the Vex, but Cub was nothing without the Vex, and now he knew Scar. He needed them both. “I love you.”

Scar smiled, his eyes far away yet somehow focused on Cub anyway, “I love you too.”

““Good night Scar.”

“Good night Cub.”

.

How long had he been standing there? He didn't know. He didn't know what this was, why the air felt so thick and hard to breath. He didn't know what the blocks he was carefully placing down were. It was all numb and empty. He opened his eyes, and was bombarded by the greenest place he had ever seen. The ground was covered in a slightly damp, fur-like green substance his brain helpfully called 'grass'. He didn't know where he had seen this… plant? Yes, plant, before. It certainly wasn't anywhere in his mansion. Which means wherever he was, he wasn't in his mansion. For some reason, this didn't scare him. It almost felt like a relief, to be here in this grassy plain. Wherever he was felt vaguely familiar. Like it was something he should know.

He took a step forward, wondering why his feet felt cramped. Walking didn't feel quite right, not on his feet. Each step was weighted. Looking down identified the problem. His feet were enclosed in something the Vex had never offered him, and therefore he couldn't ever recall wearing. A pair of leather boots, with golden buckles, protected and warmed his feet. It also called attention to the pants he was wearing, beige pants that all felt so familiar, yet also so uncomfortable. He would prefer a longer coat, maybe something white. The shirt was cut lower than he preferred too. It didn't matter much, but it felt off. Everything felt off here.

The trees looked weird, like someone had forced them to grow in these unique patterns that contrasted the basic tree shape he knew. It was rather beautiful despite the weirdness. He walked up and admired the talent that must have gone into the tree, from the blemishless bark to the grafted branches from a variety of trees, it crafted a beautiful picture. It almost felt like his, the strangest part of this whole affair. He’d never been interested in botany, and now this tree? Whatever this was, he didn’t know. 

That should worry him, not being able to tell what was his and what wasn’t. Yet, he felt used to it. Memories were fickle things and he had such gaps in his, whatever and wherever he was didn’t matter. He wished to go back to the mansion and its comfortable familiarity. Why were his legs not cooperating then? Why was he continuing onward, away from the tree and down a path his legs knew, yet he didn’t. The hat on his head blocked the rising sun. Now that he noticed the hat, he was also startled to find hair. He didn’t have hair. Where was he? Who was he? He just wanted to Vex where were the Vex he didn’t understand he just-

Cub sat up, blinked for a moment, then fell back asleep.

Chapter Text

Scar was already gone when Cub awoke. The bed was neatly folded in, like it was every morning. Cub stood up, washing his face in the water, letting the cool fluid wash away all the muck and all memories of last night. The two had had a normal chat before going to bed. That was what Cub had to know, deep down to his very core. There was nothing for Cub to be concerned with on this day. As long as he obeyed the Vex to his fullest extent, but the Vex hadn't given him anything to do again. Sure they sometimes spent days without acknowledging him, but they had never let him be for a week. It just made what the two Vex had said make more sense. Cub was old news compared to Scar, and the Vex had forgotten about him.  No, they still knew Cub. They knew him as that worthless ConVex they'd bought already broken to have as a status symbol. That's all ConVex truly were, in the end. A way for the Vex to show they could… not take care of, but own a player. 

Cub shoved a raggedy tunic underneath the water stream, cleaning it off. He focused his attention on scrubbing off the dirt and blood stains. They wouldn't truly come off, but they would fade. Things faded after a while. He could count many stains on his garments, yet he only really remembered where a few came from. There was a gash Cub had repaired from when a Vex had stabbed him. They watched him bleed without speaking a word, just enjoying Cub's squirms and gasps. They'd healed the wound afterwards, and the only scars left behind were in the fabric, and Cub's mind. Then there was a blood spatter on the bottom, where Cub's leg was carved off, before he reawakened in his bed thanks to respawn. He thought he may have done something wrong. as he could remember it being a punishment, he just couldn't remember what the punishment had been for. He could go over the garment's stains and tears all day, but for now he just let it soak. Tonight, he'd squeeze the water out and hang it up to dry overnight, so that he could wear it in the morning.

 Cub looked around the room for any more tasks he could do. The bed was made, the floors were clean, and everything was in its place. Cub stepped out into the hallway quietly, eye peeled for any Vex who might appear. None were in sight. There were red blood stains on the dark oak floor. Cub began walking to grab a rag from a nearby closet. Sure, the Vex would clean it up with a snap of their magic in a few weeks if they stumbled upon it, but Cub could do it now and ignore the world. Scar must have made these marks coming to the room last night. He had done a good job of hiding the blood. The Vex must have healed the wounds, but not cleaned Scar off. Cub took a bucket of water with the rag from the small storage closet, and began walking back. Vex mansions were so big, it was far from a quick jaunt, but Cub knew the path well, there and back. He always liked to keep the space near the room he slept in clear and pristine. It was like a small haven to drag himself back towards each day.

When he arrived at the blood marks, he dipped the rag in water and began to clear it up. The blood had dried slightly, but some harsh scrubbing managed to slowly wear down the stain. He moved onto the next major spot, wiping down the small bits in between as he formed a sort-of rhythm to the task. Scrubbing the floors wasn't very interesting, but it took enough focus for him to distract himself from the world. He began humming a small tune he'd been taught, letting the music fill his mind and remove the silence. From the corner of his eyes he could see a small group of Vex coming down the hallway. Cub looked down, not wanting to distract the Vex through his gaze. The blood wasn't coming off here. He pressed down harder.

The Vex were talking. Cub could pick up on their conversation, despite it not being directed towards him specifically. 

They find players, we break them, get more diamonds.

I don't trust them. They could just take the diamonds and leave.

We would kill them then. It's the easiest way to get players.

Breaking is enjoyable!

Where would we get the diamonds for the initial investment?

Cub froze as a chill came behind him. A Vex was watching him, closely. Cub kept his focus on the task, doing his best to ignore the figure behind him. The blood chipped off. He didn't need to keep scrubbing that spot. Maybe there was a blemish he didn't see, however. Maybe he had missed a spot. Maybe he just didn't want to disturb the Vex behind him. 

Why not sell this ConVex?

They were discussing that, but I thought it was a joke.

We need an example to obtain, however.

It wasn't a great purchase.

That visit didn't even end up happening. It does nothing in the end.

The Vex behind Scar had left. The voices grew too quiet for Cub to hear. He looked up, and the hallway was empty. Cub shivered. A soft clatter Cub heard behind him. It wasn't a Vex. Cub wasn't surprised when Scar's voice came out, "Are you okay?"

"Why wouldn't I be okay?" Cub asked, not bothering to turn around.

"They don't deserve you."

"How does that mean I shouldn't be okay?" Cub asked, a bit irritated. Scar's steps were louder. Cub turned around, and Scar was crouching beside him. Scar's eyes looked tired. It was only then that Cub realized his own muscles ached. How long had he scrubbed the floor? 

"They don't deserve you," Scar repeated. "Do you need help?"

Cub looked around, processing how far away he was now. He couldn't see the door anymore. He could finish later, if he wanted. "I'm fine."

"Are you ready to go to bed?" 

Cub shrugged, "Sure."

Scar picked up the water bucket. It was almost entirely empty. Scar's smile didn't look entirely genuine, "Let's put this away together. Then we should go to bed. I don't know about you, but it's been a long day for me."

"You don't even know how long it's been," Cub commented, slowly standing up. He stretched as he yawned. His back ached after hours of crouching over the floor. It cracked audible at the peak of his arch. 

"At least a day," Scar commented.

"How often are you supposed to sleep?" Cub asked. He'd come a lot farther then he thought, he realized. They'd been walking for a few minutes, and he still hadn't arrived at the room he slept in.

"I don't know," Scar admitted.

"How do you know it's been a day?"

"Lucky guess."

"How could you confirm your guess then?"

Scar sighed. 

"Sorry," Cub added quickly.

"No, no you're fine Cub. Just a long day."

"Serving the Vex is hard but--"

"--it's rewarding. I know Cub," Scar sighed again. "You got a lot of my blood cleaned up."

"I don't like the sight of blood," Cub admitted.

"It's never a good sight," Scar nodded. He opened the closet for the duo. Cub wondered how Scar knew it was there. He must have been exploring in between the Vex's orders. Cub tossed the rag in gently. Scar set the bucket down without much more care.

"Thank you for helping."

"No problem."

"You didn't have to."

"But I wanted to, Cub," Scar smiled. "And that's enough."

Cub didn't really understand. He decided he was too tired to care. The walk to their room was a quiet one. The floors had already dried. Cub opened the door this time, Scar murmured a thanks. Inside, Cub went to pull out and squeeze the water from his tunic. Scar watched from afar. He only had one set of clothing, unlike Cub. Cub wondered if he should give Scar the outfit, so he could have something clean to wear tomorrow. It felt nice wearing something without caked blood and dirt and stink around it. One of the worst feelings in the world was slipping into a dirty outfit after cleaning yourself off. Scar didn't sit down on the bed. Cub remembered their conversation from last night, vaguely. He'd spent the whole day not letting himself think about it, it was weird remembering something from it. 

"Are you tired, Cub?" Scar asked.

"A bit," Cub smiled. The world was moving in and out of existence. Cub didn't wear shoes, unlike Scar, nor anything he took off, so he sat on the bed in his full day's clothing. Scar was looking at Cub.

"Why don't you lie down?"

"I'll fall asleep, then."

"It's okay for you to fall asleep now," Scar said. "I'll wake you if the Vex need us."

"Okay," Cub said. He laid the blanket over himself. It didn't quite reach his toes, so he adjusted it again, and curled up slightly. He felt like he was drifting in that bed, the ache of the day had worn him down more then he had realized. Cub was genuinely tired. 

"Goodnight Cub," whispered Scar. It felt like he was granting permission for Cub to finally rest. 

"Goodnight Scar," Cub murmured, already nearly asleep.

.

The path was a long one. He had been walking for what felt like hours, and making no progress. He wondered where he had spawned in to be so far from wherever he wanted to go. Where did he want to go? Why did his legs know but not him? Why did everything look so familiar? Why did everything look so not familiar? Why couldn't he re- well, he knew the answer to that last question. He passed by a house, deceivingly simple in its design. Glancing over, he could see trapdoors, a staircase roof, no visible lighting, logs all placed just so, creating a visual masterpiece. Whoever had built this house was talented at building, that was for certain. It, too, had a terraformed surroundings to add to the beauty, with a pond dug out and filled with fish and squids.

Whoever had built this place had carved it out lovingly, even he could see that. It felt like a home. But who's home was it? It felt like his and not his. His home was his mansion, but this felt so familiar, yet so far… He didn't know. He didn't know and for the first time that was scaring him. Who was he? Where was he?

.

Cub's body was being shaken as the hand rudely ripped him from his state of dreams. Scar stood over him, eyes nervously dashing around the room. Cub sat up with a slight yawn, blinking himself awake. It was still dark in the room. "Scar? What--"

A hand on his face shushed him. Scar pulled Cub to his feet, and he followed instinctively. It was too tiring for him to process anything as Scar shoved a tunic over Cub's head, pulling it down. It was tight and warm with the double layers. Cub didn't know if he liked it. He  couldn't say so much as a word of protest as Scar finished the look by wrapping a blanket around Cub. Cub grabbed the ends and curled up. He was so tired. Scar was fully dressed already.

"What are you doing?" Cub asked. 

"Don't worry," Scar murmured. Scar's smile allayed no worries. "It's just going to be cold soon, and those garments are thinner than paper." 

"It's not that cold," Cub replied. He couldn't think of anywhere in the mansion it was genuinely cold. Maybe a bit chilly, but nothing that deserved this treatment.

"It will be."

"How do you know?" Cub asked. Scar slung his arm around Cub and squeezed in a hug. Cub leaned into the touch. He was so tired, in a way almost unusual. It didn't help when Scar stroked Cub's forehead with a glowing finger. In fact, Cub just felt even more tired. He stumbled a bit when Scar began moving forward. His feet could hardly keep up with even Scar's small steps.

"Do you trust me Cub?" Scar asked.

"I trust you…" Cub yawned. 

"Just be quiet, then. I'll take the lead for now, okay?"

"Okay."

Cub was guided through the mansion, down the halls, the twists and turns. Besides for his exhaustion, it seemed to be normal. Occasionally, Scar would drag him behind a piece of furniture, covering Cub with his body. He tried to ask why, but found himself shushed again. "Just be quiet, okay?" And Cub would nod in understanding, even though he didn't understand. Where was Scar taking him? Why did it feel so wrong? His stomach was sinking with every step he took. For a moment, he stood still, hesitating. 

Scar was prompt to stroke his forehead again, with the glowing fingers Cub thought he should recognize. He blinked, and the world was muted again. He didn't resist, but just relaxed into Scar's arms. Everything was so blurry, it felt like the world was made of carpet. Layers upon layers of wool warming him up and pushing him down into a state he couldn't even think in. Every time he stumbled, Scar was there. Scar was always there, guiding him like the Vex did. Cub stopped again. The Vex. Where were they? He couldn't feel them. Where were they, where were they? 

"Cub?" Scar's voice whispered. Cub was shaking. He put a hand to his head, trying to soothe the headache he felt coming on.

"Where are they?" Cub's voice croaked.

"Who?" Scar asked. 

Cub was hyperventilating. His breath rose and fell quicker and quicker. "I can't feel them Scar," Cub cried, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, what did I do? Please tell them I won't do it again."

"Cub, no, it's fine," Scar insisted. Cub couldn't see his face through his tears. Everything was so blurry. If Scar's hold hadn't tightened, he would have fallen onto the floor. Scar's fingers rubbed Cub's forehead, slowly and steady in a hypnotic pattern.

"I'm sorry, take me back, I'll be a good ConVex," Cub's voice murmured and died as his world became too quiet. He couldn't feel the Vex, but it didn't matter as his mind fogged up again. 

"Hush Cub," Scar commanded. His eyes were glowing, and so were his veins, all in the distinctive colour of Vex magic. It channeled from Scar into Cub's mind, fuzzing it. It was like a comforting static, or a whitenoise that drowned out any of Cub's concerns, any of his worries. Anything that could identify what was happening as wrong, or let him call for help was inaccessible. It was just the blankness of the world and Scar's guiding hands. He moved forward like a zombie, shuffling and obeying every quiet directive of Scar. He was in such a vulnerable state, and could barely process that. Then again, he could always have been put in this state. He always was this vulnerable, the Vex just didn't care enough to. 

Scar pulled Cub into a room. Cub shivered deeply. It was so cold. The room was in the same style as the rest of the mansion, but that didn't matter. What mattered were the green frames of a portal, a sight Cub had never seen before. A weird, yellowish base with green stones over laid, and glass circles on the top. It was to this portal that Scar guided Cub. Cub took a step back through the fog of his mind as he saw the scariest thing he had ever seen. Somewhere inside him, he knew. The Void. It was so dark, and so cold. It pulled Cub towards it, but the sight repelled him. It was so cold, like the deepest chill in his body. 

"I'm scared, Scar," Cub admitted, taking another step away. The Void drained everything. His fingers and toes were blue, not from cold, but from magic. It was seeping out of him. Scar took Cub's hand and squeezed it.

"It's going to be okay Cub," Scar lied. The magic draining, Cub could see it for what it was. A lie. Scar was lying. He needed to get out, he needed the Vex. They cared. The pull of the Void didn't let him leave. He was frozen in this frozen place. He just wanted to leave, but he couldn't .

"I… Scar please ," Cub begged, and he didn't know what he was begging for. His life? His freewill? What even was his freewill, when Scar's arms wrapped around him and told him everything was okay, but had… but… he couldn't… 

"It's going to be okay," Scar hugged tighter and Cub broke.

He had to believe Scar. He had to. He had to follow Scar up the stairs, up to that portal. He looked down, at the Void and its lights, its chill, and its darkness.

"It's going to be okay."

Scar pushed.

Cub fell.

Chapter Text

It was cold and Cub was falling. It was so cold and Cub was crying. His tears turned to ice and burnt his eyes, so he squeezed his eyes shut. The tears didn't stop and his face frosted anyway. It was too cold for him to live, yet he somehow did, in this realm between realms of pure magicless cold.. He didn't understand how he was alive falling aimlessly through the void, never quite certain of the direction he was taking. All he knew was that he was falling. He didn't know which way was up or down, but he was falling . The world's stars and lights and deep blackness all combined to form a formless, disorienting place. Cub's shivering was from fear and terror. He could see too much, and not enough. His entire world was a mess and terror and he just wanted out. He needed out. Out of this endless void he was falling in, out of his head. He curled up, hugging his knees. His toes were so cold. There was no magic draining now, just an empty cold inside him. Everything was numb in a bad way. He couldn't comprehend it. It didn't make sense. The void didn't make sense. It hurt to think about, and it didn't make sense.

Nothing really made sense. He was falling through a void and Scar pushed him and the Vex weren't there and he wanted the Vex. He screamed for the Vex and the Void answered, and the Void said nothing, as the Void wasn't the Vex. Chaos was the order of the void. The world was colder and colder. Cub's shiverings stopped. He was out of energy. He fought the void and the void won. He shouldn't have even fought, he had been trained to be submissive and every time he fought it went badly. He tried to fight Scar and Scar just pushed harder. He couldn't fight the void or the Vex and it was too much and he messed up and he couldn't stop and he didn't know what to do and he was breathing so hard and the air was so shallow and everything was bad-

The void shook around him. It sputter and coughed and let Cub go. He tumbled and falled and woke up.

In the middle of a field. But there was no tree.

He had no idea where he might be.

A moment passed and then he could see.

There was Scar sitting beside he.

Scar hugged him and cried and Cub couldn't work up a feeling to be angry. 

But he was.

He had hated the void.

He wanted the Vex.

When he looked for a portal, none was there.

Only trees and grass and ponds and mobs.

Cows and chickens, so Cub cried too. 

This didn't matter for now.

He would find the Vex again. He had to. He would listen to Scar, he would hide like Scar did from the Vex, but when the moment came, he will find his home again. 

The Vex may hurt him, but that was because he was worthless compared to them.

Scar's touch didn't feel quite so comforting.

"Where are we Scar?" Cub asked, his voice quivering even as he knew the answer.

"The Overworld. We're free," Scar laughed. He leapt up, laughing even harder, a sound so joyfully horrific to Cub. The Overworld. That… was the Vex Mansion even located in the Overworld? How would he find them if they weren't even in the same dimensions. 

Scar seemed to take notice of his lack of jubilee. "What's wrong Cub?"

You took me away from them, Cub thought. He remained silent, choosing instead to stare at the ground. Grass felt so similar, yet so different. There was a bit of prick to the green. It smelled… good. Refreshing even, on the dry dirt. 

"It's overwhelming, isn't it?" Scar said, his voice taking on a tone to beg for Cub's sympathy. "When I first came to the Overworld after my Vex took me, I was crying for hours."

Scar was weak. He was never a servant of the Vex. He was just a person who learned to act like a ConVex. He never truly knew the happiness that came with Vex servitude. Before, that had just made Cub sad. Now? He was angry. Extremely angry. Scar had kidnapped him, like he claimed the Vex did, pushed him into a portal, and trapped him in this Overworld biome. This place that was filled with false joys like the smell of grass and the texture of dirt. They were so deceptively beautiful. The only true beauty was a Vex Mansion, and its dark oak hall and red carpets. Cub wouldn't keep looking. He needed to focus on the Vex, and on getting away from Scar. Scar had poisoned his mind with lies. Cub wouldn't let him continue.

"I love the dirt the most," Scar continued, "You can shape it and move it to create amazingly beautiful patterns. It's sculpture, but with the entire world."

“I like sculpture,” Cub said quietly, thinking of how he compared his malleable mind to shaping a clay pot. Maybe it was more like terraforming then. After all, dirt was worthless and so was Cub. 

“Did you do pottery?” Scar asked. He had grabbed a handful of dirt and was shifting it in his hands, contentedly feeling the rough, wet texture.

“I was too busy to need to pass my time with pottery,” Cub answered. 

“What part of sculpture do you like?” Scar prompted. 

Cub thought of how to answer this question in a proper and Vex-honoring way. “I enjoy them molding my mind to fit properly in with what they want.”

“No, Cub,” Scar said. Scar also wanted Cub’s mind, his devotion. He was just a player, not a Vex. At this point, the lowest of Vex Mansions could wish to take him and he would go. He just needed to get away, somehow. Scar continued, oblivious to Cub’s thoughts, “That’s not okay.”

“And you kidnapping me was?” The words slipped out of Cub’s mouth before he could stop them. He was internally horrified. Scar was powerful compared to Cub. Scar knew how to steal and channel the Vex’s magic. If Scar decided Cub was too much trouble, he could paralyze Cub’s mind and leave him unable to escape back to a mansion. 

“I didn’t kidnap you,” Scar defended, “I just-”

“Took me and mind controlled me so I couldn’t resist. If you hate the Vex for that so much, why do it to me?”

“I’m fine with the Vex doing that!” Scar hissed, his eyes glowing blue in anger, “I just don’t like getting kidnapped by some low-ranking Vex mansion who likes to abuse its ConVex.”

“I’m not abused,” Cub spat back. “You’re just confused about reality.”

“Reality? I’m not the one who sits back and watches someone get cut open and brainwashed.”

“Didn’t your Vex do the same to you?”

“No, well yes, but,” Scar struggled to find the words, “it doesn’t matter. They don’t do that to me how your Vex did.”

“Which means mine are better for being able to properly take care of their ConVex.”

“ Enough ,” Scar screeched. His voice boomed with Vex magic behind every word. Cub could somehow see the wave of sound that emerged. It rattled the nearby trees. Scar stood up, towering over the cowering Cub as he continued, “ I will not let you go back. We are going home. That’s final. ”

Cub didn’t retort. He hung his head low, shivering in the sudden performance. He could still think. Scar had messed with his voice, he hadn’t messed with Cub’s mind. Not yet. He needed to escape soon though. Every moment he stayed with Scar, the likelihood of him doing so increased. It wasn’t a question of if, but when. Scar’s horrified expression served as no comfort. Scar touched Cub’s shoulder. He wanted to move away, but he couldn’t. Obey for now, just like Scar did. Then, bolt when the time came. Maybe find a pillager patrol, some of them had connections to mansions. He vaguely remembered them disliking players, but if he was compliant enough, maybe they would take him to their mansion. From there, he could contact the Vex and submit himself to them, as well as warn them of the danger of Scar. 

Cub had been trained to follow any mansion. It made him easy to sell, at the cost of Scar’s maniac loyalty. However, any proper enough ConVex knew not to rebel against a Vex. Loyalty to the mansion only went as far as the mansion could protect a ConVex. After all, if two fought and yours fell, most beings wouldn't want to be permakilled, ConVex included. Yet, loyalty wasn't the issue with Scar. It was a confusing quality, but it wouldn't be seen as too abnormal. The real issue was him stealing from the Vex. That would worry any Vex mansion protecting their horde. Not to mention the magic. However, Cub didn't think the magic was an issue. Scar had certainly more magical training then Cub had ever heard of, but he had never heard of, or even had, much. Just how to protect his mind.

Just how to protect his mind . He… he had a chance. If he put up the basic barriers he'd been taught, if Scar couldn't break them down, at least his mind would be his own. Any plans of escape would be hidden, any thoughts against Scar. Cub didn’t know how skilled he was at this, but if he did his best, maybe he’d be able to get home someday. 

He just hoped he would remember where that home was.

Chapter Text

Scar didn’t seem to notice or acknowledge the barriers Cub focused on. The man was holding Cub’s hand tightly, forbidding any hope of escape as they began marching towards a place Cub didn’t know. Scar had called it ‘zero, zero,’ the ‘center of the world’. He had a compass calibrated to point towards it. Scar was rather talkative while walking past the miles of oak trees and ponds that made up the biome. Every rock reminded Scar of another adventure he had to share with Cub. Most were irrelevant, practically fantasies, but others Cub could glean information on. Things such as Scar’s apparent talent in healing magic, while being less good at offensive magic. If it weren’t for Cub never holding up any mind shielding, Scar claimed, he wouldn’t have been able to knock Cub out. While he could be hiding something, Cub clung to that thread of hope that Scar wasn’t lying and that all this information could serve a purpose someday. 

Scar didn’t usually talk about his experience with the Vex beyond the magic he possessed. The few times he did, his voice and demeanor changed. Instead of a bright, cheerful young man, Scar took on a more serious and respectful manner, but only in reference to his own Vex. Other Vex Mansions were met with derision and a taste of mockery for being ‘lesser than a ConVex’. Cub bit back a retort when Scar began calling his mansion 'over reliant on physical punishment’ and ‘lacking subtlety’. Cub remained silent, choosing instead to focus on a bird in the distance, one he thought he could recall as being a ‘chicken’. It clucked happily and carelessly, unaware of any danger from the creature lurking in the bushes nearby. A small, furred animal with pointed ears and hackles raised was slowly crawling towards the chicken with hungry eyes. A moment of preparation, and the cat leapt, one quick bite to the neck killing the helpless prey. The cat meowed in victory, before beginning to feast on the chicken’s corpse. 

“It’s a kitty, Cub!” Scar exclaimed, rushing over to the cat. It hissed at Scar as he came closer. Scar knelt down, cooing happily at the angry animal. Cub felt a twinge of empathy towards the creature. It just wished to be left alone, but Scar wouldn’t leave it alone. Just like how he didn’t leave Cub alone. Cub realized that Scar wasn’t looking at him, he was too distracted by the cat. What if Cub bolted now? Would Scar notice? The cat purred. Cub inhaled sharply, somehow, Scar was petting the cat. He was slowly scratching behind the cat’s ears, leading the animal to purr happily. It was odd to Cub, when moments before he had seen the anger of the cat, just to be replaced by weakness in Scar’s presence. “Would you like to pet the kitty Cub?”

Cub blinked, looking down at the orange tabby cat that was sniffed curiously in Cub’s direction. He took a cautious step forward, waiting for the cat to run away from him. It stared down his steps as he slowly inched closer and closer, before kneeling besides Scar and looking hesitantly over to the man. Scar mimed a movement of tracing down the cat’s fur. Cub copied it with a shaking hand, starting from the cat’s head and running a few fingers down its back. The cat’s fur was the strangest texture that Cub had ever felt. It was a soft experience that almost comforted and calmed Cub. When the cat arched its back to meet Cub’s hand, it warmed Cub’s soul. This animal purring over the corpse of the chicken, was beautiful. For a moment, it was the cat and Cub, comforting each other through touch.

“See Cub, it likes you,” Scar’s voice came encouragingly. Cub chuckled slightly. The cat stretched, shoving its butt in Cub’s face. It then curled up, tail twitching, right beside Cub. “Don’t touch it anymore, the tail means it’s done with petting time.”

Cub decided to trust the animal expert. He kept sitting and watching the cat as it enjoyed a chicken feast. It ripped up chunks of meat, barely chewing before it swallowed. It was a predator, but a small one. Cub didn’t want to meet a predator of a size that would hunt him . 

“You know, with the cat here, a village might be nearby,” Scar suggested casually. “If we find one, we could sleep in warmth instead of outside.”

“That would be nice,” Cub agreed. The idea of night was something that intrigued Cub. The world had been getting darker all day after it had reached a peak brightness. If night meant darkness, it meant that Cub would be free to escape. After all, nothing came out at night, and it would be hard for Scar to find Cub if he fled at night. Then… Cub didn’t quite know where exactly he would go. Anywhere was better than with Scar, right? His mental shielding was as strong as it had been when he set it up, why did he feel less like he wanted to go? 

“We’d also be able to find some better clothing for you,” Scar continued, “I don’t have anything much to trade, but if someone in the village needs healing, maybe I could ask for clothes in exchange.”

“You sell your magic?” Cub asked.

Scar nodded. “Most beings don’t have much magic. It makes sense to exchange it for goods we need, right?”

Cub was curious, “Is that how the Vex make their wealth?”

“Some mansions do,” Scar explained, “through things like barters. My mansion does that, but they also have me go searching for riches in other worlds. That’s why I’m allowed out.”

“What about my mansion?”

“From what I observed, they used magic directly to find diamonds.”

“How do you know?”

“I found a room with a lot of gold and iron.”

“I’ve been there,” Cub said, reflecting on the stockpile of metals he had found one day. “How can you tell from that?”

“Vex don’t usually accept iron for services. If a mansion has a lot, they probably mine a lot,” Scar said. “I’m just surprised they’ve never sent you down to mine for them.”

“I guess they just didn’t want me in the Overworld.”

“That could be a reason,” Scar thought. “I’ve been told a lot of things by my Vex, and I’ve visited quite a few mansions.”

“I’ve only been in the mansion that took me originally, and my current one. I just heard things from them discussing how ConVex are supposed to act.”

“They’re wrong, you know.”

“What?”

“The whole ‘ConVex need to act in this manner’. They’re wrong.”

“Why do you think that?”

“I’ve never met a mansion that treated its Vex in the same way as another mansion. Some use them as disposable servants, some as pets, some as little more then things to torture when bored, but no ConVex I’ve met has acted the same way, and no Vex mansion has been the same.”

Cub deliberated, “Like how my first mansion had different expectations then the second.”

“Exactly!” Scar exclaimed with a bright smile. Smiles seemed to come easy to the man. He took Cub’s hand and raised the two to their feet. Scar looked into the distance for a moment, squinteing to something afar. “There! There’s the village.”

Scar began walking, and Cub followed. He glanced behind him at the bones of the chicken and the now sleeping cat. He hoped it would get enough to eat. He may have known the creature for minutes, but it had already taken his heart.

.

The sun was struggling to stay above the horizon when Scar led Cub into the village. Villagers were standing around, chattering and gossiping to each other. They fell silent as Cub and Scar approached, peeking curiously at the duo. Scar bid a friendly hello to the few, and they visibly relaxed, going back to chattering. Cub felt a bit confused at how seemingly trusting the villagers were. That was, until he saw why they had nothing to fear. Near the edge of the village, a giant iron beast was lumbering around, glaring at the village’s edge. Its iron arms caused Cub to shiver in slight fear. It turned around and stared at Cub with hollow red eyes. He shrunk under its weight and kept close to Scar, who was slowly discussing things with the villagers. His hands emphasized and mimed every word.

“Bed,” Scar said simply, “Can we have bed for the night?”

The villager made a motion of sleeping.

Scar nodded in reply.

The villager nodded back. 

Scar placed up two fingers and pointed at himself and Cub. 

The villager replied by holding out an emerald, a question in its eyes.

Scar shook his head, “No money.”

The villager and its friends grumbled amongst themselves.

Scar bit his lip. He held out a hand, closed his eyes, and made a small light emit from his hand. Cub’s gaze was transfixed on the glow, in awe of Scar’s magical prowess. The light was pure Vex Magic, channeled to one area. 

The villagers humed in surprise. They chattered more, before nodding at Scar. One clothed in an apron and long robes pushed its way to the front of the group. It held out a pickaxe, and placed it in Scar’s hands. It pointed to the pickaxe head. 

Scar closed his eyes and exhaled. He rubbed his fingers on the pickaxe, light running down his veins and into the tool. The tool glowed bright and villagers covered their eyes for a moment as the light became unbearable, Cub couldn’t see anything besides blue light. It flashed for but a moment before the brightness faded, leaving a pickaxe that emitted light around as bright as a torch.The villagers clambered in amazement. Cub himself shot a glance at Scar, who looked tired, but proud. How did he do that?

The blacksmith grunted in approval. A second villager pushed its way to the front, reached out a hand, and beckoned Scar to come forward. Scar took Cub's hand and led him to follow the villager. Cub dashed his eyes around taking in all the sites. Villagers were talking beneath the lights of torches as the sun began fading. A few went inside, but a few more stuck around outside, relaxing in the coolness. Cub shivered slightly, aware of his garments' limited protection against the chill. Two layers of thin cloth and a small blanket didn't do much against the slightly damp cool air. Cub looked up and saw the moon.

The moon was so beautiful that Cub paused in his walking. It was slightly clouded, shrouded in mystery, yet its brightness gave off light. It was a reflection of the sun and so much more beautiful for it. How did Cub know that? It was something he knew in his heart, some common piece of knowledge, but he had no memory of ever hearing or learning that tidbit. He couldn't even remember seeing the moon, yet he remembered it dearly. It felt like an old friend that he knew so well. Each of the soft grays and cool white shades that decorated its surface Cub traced with a sort of familiarity. What was it about the sky in the night that was so much more beautiful than the day? Was it the stars that glowed from so far away so softly, the feeling of so much yet so little? The worlds beyond that lay upon those stars were unreachable to Cub and they always would be. He couldn't quite comprehend it. Space, a friend through the loneliness of expansion. Would he miss this when he reached a mansion he could call home, with their plain roofs and unending hallways? He had only seen the night sky for moments, but he already knew he loved it. 

"Aren't you cold Cub?" Scar asked, breaking Cub out of his reflective state.

"What?"

"I talked to the villagers about getting some old robes for you tomorrow. It gets cold out here."

Cub knew that. The way the air moved chilled him to the bone, and it was only getting colder. Would it be worth it to wait another night then? If Scar was going to get him clothing to hold out against the overworld's climate, would it be better for him to wait? However, what was going to be the enticement tomorrow for Cub to stay? While Scar took him farther and farther away from the Vex and civilization, every concept of tomorrow would be pushed further and further back. Cub hated to admit it, but already the overworld was feeling like a place he didn't want to leave. It felt like home, somehow. A place without quite so much pain and anxiety like the Vex mansions offered, but a breath of literal fresh air. If he stayed too much longer, all of the charms of the Overworld would trap him there. How did Scar go back to a Vex mansion after spending weeks in this place?

Knowing what he was going to be leaving behind, how could Cub persuade himself to go back?

He had to. He was a good ConVex. The Vex had taught him well, even if they'd never trained him for this scenario. He had to consider what they would wish for him to do. They would want him to return, by any means necessary. What he 'wanted' didn't matter. He had to get back. The Vex didn't need him, but he needed the Vex. So, when Scar guided Scar into the doorway, he noted it did not have a lock. He remembered every step it took to get to the door. When he saw the bed he was expected to sleep in, Cub knew how many steps he could take and how quiet he would have to be to make sure he could leave tonight.

Scar plopped on the bed and rubbed his face in the thick woolen blankets. "Villagers always make the best items. It's so warm and thick!"

Cub felt his bed and found himself agreeing. It was comfortable. Maybe he could take it with him when he left tonight. The sheets, not the bed. Cub didn't know how he could carry a whole bed by himself, that would be silly. Cub took a breath to calm his jittering mind. He didn't want to go. He had to though. He was a good ConVex unlike Scar. He had a plan and he would follow through. 

"I miss having clothes to change into for the night. There is some water to wash up, but it's not quite the same as putting on fresh clothing. Do you know that feeling?" Scar asked, bouncing around like he wasn't tired, too focused on getting ready to sleep to actually sleep.

Cub sat down on his bed, a bit surprised at how soft it was. It felt like sitting on a pile of feathers instead of on top of a mattress as thick as a carpet. The woolen construction was enticing him to lie down and sleep. It was a struggle for Cub not to instantly close his eyes and dispel the tired worry that had coiled itself inside him. He focused on Scar's voice to keep himself alert. "I liked it when I changed my outfits occasionally at home ."

He spat home forcefully, focusing on it. This wasn't his home. This was just a place he needed to flee. Scar smiled softly anyway. "I'll have to try and get you two outfits tomorrow then. Someone in this village has to have some old clothing, right?"

"If you say so," Cub replied. 

"How are you enjoying your first village?" Scar continued asking.

Cub thought for a moment. "The villagers seem to be nice. Just, how did you make that pickaxe glow?"

"Vex magic!" Scar exclaimed.

"So just like you did with me," Cub said with a sarcastic twinge that Scar either didn't hear, or refused to acknowledge.

"Not really. Vex magic is very broad. You have mind magic, but you also have simpler things, like making an item glow."

"That doesn't explain how you did it."

"No, it really doesn't," Scar agreed, "but it's really something to show, and I'm tired tonight. If you would like, tomorrow, I could try and teach it to you. It's pretty basic."

"I can't do Vex magic," Cub instantly replied.

"You're a ConVex. All ConVex's can do Vex magic."

"Maybe the ones you've met--"

"Being able to shield your mind from me is just Vex magic."

Cub froze. He checked his mind's shielding, praying it hadn't let anything slip. It felt like a large stone wall. There were no penetrations he could detect.

"All ConVex can do Vex magic," Scar reiterated and continued, "most ConVex just aren't taught."

"But you were."

"I like learning about magic. Crystals, animals, healing. I think that's why I keep going back to my mansion," Scar's gaze was afar, "they kept teaching me."

"So, your loyalty stretches so far as you learn?"

"That's not too far off, but not really. I like learning and I keep going back, but also…" Scar sighed. His eyes were unfocused in memories. "Once a ConVex, always a ConVex. I may have been broken differently than you, but I'm still a ConVex. If I had just been a regular player, your old mansion would never have taken me. If my Vex wanted, they could rip everything I am apart."

"They just don't," Cub's eyes rose, mulling over the information, "because you're loyal."

"I will always be loyal to them. You aren't loyal to yours."

"Yes," Cub lied, "I am."

"Weren't you made to swap allegiances easily?"

"It doesn't matter."

"No," Scar sighed again, "no it doesn't."

Cub blinked away the formation of a tear he hadn't caught. He refused to acknowledge the anxiety he felt bubbling inside him. Instead, he laid on the bed and squeezed his eyes shut. "Good night Scar."

"Sweet dreams, Cub."

And Cub didn't sleep.

Chapter Text

Cub waited for thirty long, drawn-out, anxiety filled minutes before he dared to creep out of bed. During that time, he deliberated over whether to take the bed sheets or not. In the end, he decided he would rather not have the terrifying golems after him for stealing from the villagers. He left the bed and it puffed back up. It was so inviting, it beckoned him to come and sleep in its warm embrace. He couldn't afford that. He didn't even take so much as a torch as he crept out of the villager house, opening the door with a baited breath, and emerging onto the streets of the village. The world was empty save for the moon and the stars. The nighttime chill was deeper, a bit drier, but Cub found himself shivering even as he stepped out. 

He snuck through narrow streets, careful to avoid any windows that might alert the village to his presence. He spied an iron golem on the other end of the village. It seemed to be distracted, hitting something with its powerful arms. Cub shivered at the thought of being crushed under the weight of the iron monstrosity. He chose to flee in the opposite direction, starting slow as he crouched through the village streets, before bolting once he was out of eyesight range. He did not know which way to go, so he picked a direction and fled towards a forest of trees. He kept running and running, ignoring his pounding heart and burning legs. He had to get away. The night was colder and he heard the howl of a wolf. He kept running, dodging birch and oak as he made his escape. The world was fear and Cub couldn't slow down, not as an arrow flew past his ears. He spat as a leave hit his head. How long had he been running? His legs were screaming and his heart was pounding and he kept running.

He was so lost in the woods. He didn't know which way he was going. All he knew is that he had to keep pressing on, put as much distance between him and Scar this first night. Scar could find him still. He might have tracking Vex magic. Cub also had to admit that Scar was healthier than Cub. Cub was skinny, halfway to bone. Scar's face didn't carry the same sunken weight. Scar would also have time to prepare, to trade with the villagers for food. All Cub had was his will. He would escape. He would not let Scar win. Scar had taken him from his home. The Vex Mansion was his home. 

Cub spied a small cliff and dragged himself to hide beneath it. He was so tired. His vision wasn't correctly focusing. He needed a plan of where to go next. He didn't know where he was. He didn't know anything about the Overworld. How could he figure out how to get home when he didn't even know where his home was? He felt hopeless and lost. He sniffed audibly, holding back tears that were threatening to spill. What was he doing? He was lost and alone. His head was empty without the Vex and for the first time, he could think clearly without the fog of the Vex or the shields he clung to around Scar. 

The Vex didn’t need him. He was nothing. He needed the Vex. He should have resisted more. Would the Vex even let him go back? In their eyes he was a failure, an awful person. Even if he knew how to return, they might just permakill him for the infraction in the first place. He could have resisted Scar’s control, somehow. It was his fault. This entire mess was because of him. If he had been better, if he had done something. He should have recognized Scar’s behavior. Actually, he did but he hid it. Why? Because he was scared of the Vex hurting Scar? Clearly the pain, as awful as it was, was necessary. They would have forced Scar to obey had Cub told them. 

Cub sobbed again, curling into a ball. The world was darker now, the moon hiding her face behind a veil of clouds, and the world had turned to a dark desolate place. Cub’s heart pounded as he heard a low moan beside him. He dared a glance out of the corner of his eyes. A figure was beside him. Its grotesque, warped body was a shade of rotten green. Fluid dripped out of the corpse, leaving a trail of slime behind it. Its hollow eyes were focused on Cub. It smiled with teeth covered in fresh blood. Cub’s breath stopped. 

Cub ran. 

The zombie was behind him, groaning and moaning as it moved. It seemed intent on following Cub. Cub’s frantic sprint had tired him out, and now he was just trying to walk faster then the approaching zombie. The trees around him provided little cover. Every time he stopped for air, another moan appeared from another location. It was like there were dozens of these monsters, all focused on Cub. He didn’t understand how one monster could be so persistent. He received his answer when the trees emerged in a small clearing. About three zombies, two skeleton archers with arrows primed, and a furry green monster with a mournful expression all stared at him. The creeper hissed.

Cub’s world was a wave of light as the monster exploded. It vaporized the two skeletons,, and heavily damaged a zombie. Cub was in pain, curling up on the burn wounds that covered his exposed hands. His health was low and Cub was tired. The world was spinning around him, filled with moans of pain from both him and the zombies. At this moment, Cub knew without a doubt, he was going to die. Cub shivered in anticipation, but nothing prepared him for the pain as a zombie bit down on his thigh. Cub screamed , teeth sinking into his flesh. 

For a moment, all he knew was the pain as he projected his soul, begging for help from anyone. For a moment, he saw his mansion, Vex crowded around a table, all screeching and covering their ears as Cub’s out-of-control terror and fear surprised them. Only a few could control themselves enough to enjoy it. Their magic swarmed like a den of creepers, gripping Cub’s mind and squeezing it. Cub cried in pain, but his mental walls did not break. A second light batted away the Vex’s hold, battling them for control. Cub’s world blurred in and out, from dark sky and grass to brown wooden mansion. A Vex turned to Cub and hissed.

Where are you? 

“Take me back, please,” Cub begged. The Vex grabbed his neck squeezing slightly. Cub choked anyway.

Where. Are. You?

“I don’t know,” Cub sobbed, “please I want to come back. Please I didn’t want to go.”

The Vex did not answer his cries. Instead, Cub found himself even further away, looking at a person whose flesh was being eaten by zombies, eaten alive. The man looked like him and he looked so alone. He was still screaming, but quieter and hoarser.

“Cub!” came Scar’s voice, but Cub didn’t look, too fascinated but the zombie sniffing his face. “Take my hand, Cub.”

Cub blinked. Scar’s ‘hand’ was like a strand of light, trying to poke and join with his mind. It didn’t grab, it didn’t force, it asked. Cub took it.

“You have to fight, “ Scar said, “stretch out your hand towards the zombie and push. ”

Cub closed his eyes, feeling for the mental connection. Scar was offering him power, and Cub let himself siphon some of that energy as he pushed his hand out towards the zombie. Though his arm only stretched so far, the light, the magic he produced went farther. The zombie’s mouth spewed liquid, but it stayed down. Cub felt energized, the world suddenly so clear, like he could see everything from normal to ultraviolet light. The second zombie vaporized almost instantly under his light. His magic was raw, untamed, and Cub let it fuel him as he gripped the third in his mystical hand, letting that one die as well. Chunks of rotten flesh were all that remained. 

“Now let go,” Scar commanded.

Cub almost laughed at the absurdity of that idea. He had power, he had ideas. He was magic. The Vex had always been more than him with their magic and now he was higher. He had magic and it was chaos. He had magic, and he could hurt. He wanted to hurt, he wanted to make creatures hurt. He saw a nearby cow and watched as it was slowly ripped apart, piece by piece, Cub’s methodical torture of the screaming animal infesting it with magic to keep it alive. 

“Stop it.”

He wondered about all this power. THe cow had now burst from the magic. Cub didn’t notice his own skin flaking off. THe world was his and he was Magic. 

“Cub, fight it!”

Who was Cub, the Magic wondered. The world around him was so black. 

“No!”
Cub gasped as he was knocked to the ground, Scar standing over him, holding Cub’s magic like it was a disease. Scar had taken Cub’s magic, and refused to give it back when Cub kicked and shouted for it. 

“Cub, calm down. You’re safe now,” Scar’s words were frantic. Scar’s eyes were terrified. Cub was suddenly so much more exhausted than he had known.

“Scar?” Cub mumbled. The world was blurry and he hurt. He felt like a part of him was missing.

“Yes?”

“You…” Cub pointed at one of the three Scar’s he could see and prayed he picked right. “I like you. You… friend. Good.”

“Hush Cub. Get some rest. I can carry us back to the village.”

.

Cub woke up on a bed in a house made of oak. He was warm and felt comfortable, so he didn’t bother getting up quite yet. He just stayed there in a state of semi-consciousness, enjoying the quiet he had. It was so tranquil and Cub was still so tired. Did it really matter if he got up or not? The blankets were so comforting, the weight of a hug in the woolen spread, and Cub was always so cold. The pillow was soft and stuffed with hay. It supported Cub’s head in a way he loved. He wished he could stay like this forever. Unfortunately, it was not to be when the cheerful footsteps of a fellow player skipped into the room.

“Are you doing alright Cub?” Scar asked. 

Cub was. He answered, “I… yes.”

“That’s good to hear,” Scar’s voice was bright as he plopped himself down onto Cub’s bed. Cub could feel the weight next to his legs. “I was worried about you.”

“If you say so,” Cub answered again.

Scar shifted. In a bit lower of a tone, came out, “It’s true. I was really scared when I woke up and found you missing.”

“I was fine,” Cub said.

“The only reason I found you was because you were screaming for your life loud enough to alert the Vex. And I mean that actually," Scar said.

Cub blinked, "They… they really were there?"

Scar nodded oblivious to Cub's growing panic. "You were… it was like your mind was crying out to all Vex. It hurt. You have so much raw power. It's what I guided you to direct to defend yourself. It was so powerful--" Scar shivered "--like, you were mentally attacking everyone."

"I was hurting you. I was hurting them ," Cub's eyes widened, thick eyebrows emphasizing the motion.

"I connected with them, for a moment. They were in pain. Not everyone can attack a mansion like that. You…" Here, Scar looked away, almost like he was in awe. Or, was that fear? "You are one of the most powerful ConVex I've ever met."

"You've met more powerful?"

"Sometimes…" Scar bit his lip for a moment, "sometimes I wonder if the Vex know players are powerful with their magic and that's why most don't train us."

"It would allow us to fight them, like I did," Cub concluded. He had fought his Vex. He had been bad. Yet, he felt so free having done that. 

Cub has done that. He had defeated, sort-of, the Vex. It was a strange feeling. He didn't feel liberated, he didn't feel good about it, but... he felt free? Was free the world for this concept, this feeling of sudden relief as if a weight had been taken off his shoulder. Here, bound by blankets heavy and warm, with his kidnapper by his side, Cub had never felt more free. This was weird, but a good weird.  What were the Vex going to do to him? He couldn't run forever and beyond that he didn't want to leave them. Despite this feeling, despite Scar's encouraging look. This wasn't Cub's home. He wasn't home, he was... he was in a village after attacking the Vex. They would kill him for that. THey had been asking where he was and he, in his fear and in his stupidity, attacked them. He hid his mind like a bad ConVex. HThey should punish him, he deserved it. He didn't want to get punished but he deserved it. He was a bad ConVex he was so evil and they just wanted to help him but....

Scar. Scar had helped him fight the Vex, didn't he? Scar had taken him away, and then fought to keep him. How had Scar fought off the Vex, but... or did Cub do most of the work? CUb didn't know. He didn't know anything right now. He just wanted to be good and everything was becoming worse and worse with every choice he made. He followed Scar and escaped. When he escaped, he attacked his Vex from fear. 

What was Cub going to do?  

Scar didn't have those questions on his mind as he smiled, happily and encouragingly, at Cub. "You really need to get trained. You could really protect yourself with your magic."

"Would you train me?"

"I can teach you the basics, but if you come to my mansion, they would help teach you!"

"I... I want to go home," Cub said. 

"If you wanted to go home, why did you attack the Vex?"

"I don't know Scar. I don't know what I'm doing. I  just want to be back at my mansion serving the Vex. That's it. I don't want to learn any heretical magic. I don't want to."

Scar, to Cub's surprise, didn't get angry at Cub's blatant declaration of his true thoughts. Cub couldn't believe Che had said it even. The world was silent, like a pin waiting to drop. Scar looked away. "I'm sorry for kidnapping you," Scar mumbled.

"What?"

"It was wrong. I shouldn't have just taken you. I thought it was the best thing, under the circumstances, but you aren't happy. You were planning to escape the moment you realized what was going on, where you?"

"I don't know what is going on," Cub confessed, "I...." Cub didn't want to admit this. He looked away in shame.

"You what?"

"I want to go with you, if I'm honest. You... I don't know."

"What don't you know?"

"I don't understand why I want to go with you."

"Do you have to know?"

"Well," Cub said, "it's better if I did."

Scar looked thoughtfully onward. "If you go with me, I can teach you some of the magic I know. I don't know much, but I can get by on my own. I can teach you healing, maybe some crystals. I don't know much offensive magic, but I know enough to not have to carry a sword everywhere."

"I don't want to learn Vex magic. The Vex didn't want me to learn it, or they would have taught me."

"If the Vex had it their way, you would be nothing but a mindless servant even before I arrived. You aren't the first ConVex I've met, but you certainly have the most personality."

"Could you tell me more about the ConVex you've met?" Cub asked.

"I'll tell you later. Some of them are long stories, and we're going to have to get up and leave this village soon."

Right. They were still in the village. Cub was still in this bed. "How soon will we have to leave?"

"Preferably by noon, if we want to make good headway. The nights are dangerous, but you've found that out the hard way."

Cub began moving, propping himself up to sit on the bed instead of laying on it. The air was colder today than it had been yesterday. Cub shivered. "I did, didn't I."

"You need new clothes."

"So--" Cub grunted, "-- I've heard."

"I've talked with the villager a bit while you were still out. I got a new outfit, if it fits you. It's a bit too big for me, and it might be a little loose, but we can tie it around you and it's certainly warmer. Just," Scar's smile returned, "be careful when you go into player settlements. They might try to trade with you!"

"Are there any player settlements here?"

"None on this world. I think this was a singleplayer world. The person who lived here seems to have been killed by the Vex when they moved in. No one's explored here ever since."

"Is that common for Vex?" Cub asked, standing up to grab the clothing. It was a several layer outfit of robes in the plains villager style, with a long woolen tunic, and a thicker brown woolen robe over top, with brown pants under it all. The shoes were made of leather and appeared sturdy, especially compared with the lighter sandals Cub had been wearing. There was no real individuality in the outfit, compared to Scar's, but that… actually, it did bother Cub, if he was honest. He wondered where Scar got his outfit that oozed his personality. 

"It's not uncommon. Some Vex leave the player alive, but those mansions rarely amass much power. Players usually drive out those mansions once discovered, and most mansions find creating ConVex to be too much trouble. Even your mansion wanted to try and start with a partially broken in ConVex."

"They thought you were a ConVex who escaped, not a… wandering ConVex?"

"Basically. A rare few have gotten established on multiplayer worlds, but that's usually when they have a deal with one or more of the players."

"Do players ever try to fight the mansions?"

"Not really. There are millions of players. A few hundred getting kidnapped by Vex mansions isn't worth much hysteria to the average player. Most just think they are the little tricksters that glitched in the code then any beings worth devoting their thought to. Player legends mostly surround things like Herobrine."

"Do you know many players?"

Scar shook his head, "I've been around a few settlements, but none worth staying for long. I'm too busy with my Vex."

"And that's where we're going. Your Vex mansion."

"That's the plan. We'll have to worldhop a few more times. It's a ways away and Vex aren't welcome in world hubs."

"I thought most players didn't know about the mansions."

"It's not about the mansions, it's about our magic. Players would think we made a deal with the Vex to get it."

The implication that they'd think this was… consensual somehow wasn't spoken.

Scar stood up. "I'm going to go outside and let you change. Meet me when you've finished?"

"Where should I meet you?"

"I'll be just outside," Scar assured, "no chance for you to miss me."

Chapter Text

Cub stretched as he walked out of the door. The clothing was, as Scar had predicted, slightly loose. He was significantly skinnier than any of the villagers, and even Scar. He hadn't eaten in a few days, but his stomach had learned to be quiet with food. Even it, however, didn't remain quiet when he saw the bounty in Scar's arms. Carrots, potatoes, bread, all manners of fresh foods. It made Cub's mouth water just looking at it. He took a step forward, towards Scar and the wonderful treats, stumbling a bit on his way down as he forgot about the steps.
"You look good Cub!" Scar complimented. 

Cub's face flushed at the words. "I… thank you," he mumbled. Cub might not love the style, but he couldn't deny he felt better in them, They were warm, they were comfortable. He didn't realize how scratchy and raggedy his old ones had been until he had tried this new set.

"I got us some food for the road. You look hungry."

"I haven't eaten in a few days," Cub admitted.

Scar's face took on a look of confusion. "We've only been traveling for about a day. Didn't you eat in the mansion?"

Cub shook his head. "They only feed me some beets when they remember, and they were too busy focusing on you."

"That run last night must have taken some of your energy. Try a carrot," Scar invited, holding out the most delicious looking carrot Cub had ever seen. Not that he ever remembered seeing a carrot.

How did he identify it anyway? He certainly had never seen a carrot before, not in the Vex mansions. He didn't voice this concern, choosing instead to focus his energy on taking a bite of the treat. His tongue exploded in a wave of taste as the juice filled his mouth. Almost instantly, all traces of Cub's earlier tiredness were gone, replaced by a surge of energy that only continued as he kept gnawing on the carrot. He felt full after eating half of it.

"Not going to finish?" Scar asked, seeing Cub pocket the uneaten remains.

"It's a lot of food!" Cub exclaimed. "I haven't eaten this well... ever!"

"That's…" Scar hesitated.

"What do you mean?" Cub asked. He wondered if he did something wrong, not finishing his food, but it was so much.

"Just that… most players, even ConVex, can eat a lot more than just half a carrot."

"So that's bad," Cub confirmed.

Scar simply nodded in accord. 

Cub sighed, before taking on a cheerful expression, "It's fine. Are we leaving soon?"

"I'm ready to leave, if you have any reason to tary?"

"Not at all," Cub replied.

"Well then," Scar said, offering a hand for Cub to hold, "let's go."

Cub hesitated for only a brief moment before taking the offering. Scar's calloused hand felt safe and warm. Cub liked being warm. The Vex mansions were always so cold and he hadn't recognized that, not until he'd been in a place that he could be warm. If he ever went back, he needed to find a better blanket. Maybe he could bring some dirt and grow his own food? The Vex, however, would probably not allow him to keep such indulgent luxuries.

Scar led Cub to the outskirts of the village, under the gaze of the golems. They looked at the duo with solemn eyes. Cub looked away in slight shame. He now knew what they were protecting against. Monsters. Like him? Cub didn't feel particularly monstrous and he didn't know where that thought came from. However, thinking it over again, it made a bit of sense. He was a player who served the Vex. The Vex were, in their most basic form, mobs. Mobs that the Iron Golem might attack. Should they attack Cub too then, if he followed the ideology of a monster? Was he just a monster? Were the Vex? Cub clung to Scar's hand like a lifeline, taking down his shiverings as he let himself breath in and out in a calming pattern. In. Out. In. Out.

"Are you okay Cub?" Scar asked.

"Just... was thinking," Cub replied.

Scar didn't respond verbally beyond a short hum. He looked outwards. The village was behind them now. For not the first time, Cub wondered where exactly they were going. Now seemed to be as good a time as any for him to finally ask.

"So, where are we going?" Cub asked.

"Well, we're going to the coordinates 0, 0, aka World Spawn."

"Why do we need to go there?" 

"World Spawn is the only place you can connect to other servers," Scar answered. "We're going to have to do this a few times. My Vex live on a rather hidden server compared to most. It's safer, but they have less resources."

"If we were normal players," Cub thought, "we could just use a world hub."

"But we aren't normal players, we are ConVex."

"So, what's the real difference? I don't remember ever meeting another player."

"Do you not remember, or did the Vex take away that memory?"

Cub frowned. He didn't think he could remember another player until.... Screams. Begging. It was bad. Cub blinked, trying to clear away his vision. The color of blood was filling it, consuming his mind. For a moment, he forgot where he was. Only Scar's hand kept him in this reality. He had never had that before. Before he could spend days in his head. He never had a true respite. How much things had changed. After a moment of heavy breathing, Cub could answer, "They took it."

Scar's smile was grim, but not unpleasant. "I thought so. Even though most players play on singleplayer, it's rare that the Vex can capture one from a singleplayer world. They're harder to access comparatively."

"You aren't mad?" Cub felt a bit surprised at Scar.

"Why would I be?"

"I just thought..."

"Cub," Scar paused in his walking, and looked into Cub's eyes. They weren't blue like they were when Scar channeled Vex magic, they were entirely Scar's own. Cub liked Scar's eyes. They seemed to contain the universe in them. "I will never be mad at you for this."

"I know that," Cub said, "but I don't know."

"You find it difficult to sort through your thoughts and feelings."

"Yes!" Cub exclaimed, "That's it."

"That's okay. It's hard sometimes. Anyway," Scar shook his head, "to answer your question, I've heard players are different in their code. When ConVex are made the Vex… alter something, in our code, to make us partially Vex."

"So, we're mobs?" 

"More like hybrids. Sort-of like a player who has the body of a creeper. They're still a player, just… different."

"We don't look like Vex though."

"Not externally. But we have their magic, even if some don't teach us how to use it. Changing the code is probably the hardest part of breaking a ConVex, I've heard," Scar said.

"And who have you heard it from?" Cub asked, his earlier questioning still on his mind. 

Scar bit his lip, looking farther off. "It's… tough to answer that."

"Why?"

"I want to protect others' privacy, for one," Scar said. He broke out into a sudden run. Cub flinched in fear, looking around for what scared Scar. Scar leapt over a fallen tree, tripping, falling, before laughing up a storm. Cub froze, looking at the rolling, laughing figure. He was happy. "Come on Cub! See if you can make it!"
Cub hesitated, looking at the tree. He didn't exactly see the appeal of jumping over such an item, but he wished to please Scar. He lifted up his robes, before trotting towards the tree branch. He jumped neatly over, stumbling just a bit, but landing on his feet.

"Woohoo Cub!" Scar cheered, "You did it!"

Cub blinked, taking a few steps to regain his balance in a weird, dancelike way. The ground was so springy, with the grass and the dirt in this field. He caught himself smiling at this, almost, but not quite, giggling. 

"See! Isn't it fun?"

"I guess it is," Cub admitted with another giggle. 

"That's the real adventure," Scar sighed, looking up towards the rising sun. He didn't bother to move, laying there in the dirt. Cub crouched beside him.

"Jumping over logs?"

"More… being here. With you."

"We just met," Cub said.

"But I don't know what I'd do without you."

"I'm…" Cub swallowed, confused by the slight tears brewing in his eyes at Scar's words, "I'm not the first ConVex you've met."

"Maybe not," Scar said, "but you are the best."

Cub didn't know how to respond to that. He looked away, in a bit of embarrassment at Scar's blunt admission. 

Scar sat up and rummaged in his inventory, pulling out a carrot. "This would be a good place to eat lunch."

"I'm not hungry," Cub answered.

"That's okay," Scar answered, "just nibble on your carrot. You've been walking all day and need to eat."

Cub took out the half eaten carrot. His stomach rumbled, and Cub realized he was hungry. He took a bite of the carrot, savoring its sweetness once more. 

"Where were we," Scar asked in between bites. 

"The ConVex you've met," Cub reminded him. 

"Ah!" Scar exclaimed, bits of carrot falling from his mouth. He shut his mouth and swallowed, turning a slight pink shade. In a more subdued tone of voice, Scar continued, "Right. Where to begin…?"

"Who was the first ConVex you met?" Cub prompted.

"Hm," Scar thought, "that would have been when my mansion visited another. They had a fox. She didn't talk much, except to exalt her mansion. She was about as skinny as you, with the fur." Scar took a breath before continuing, "I remember when we went back, I asked about her behavior. I was a bit sad since I wanted to talk to someone. That mansion, apparently, was a firm believer ConVex should only be heard speaking praises and that my questions would have gotten me killed there."

"Did you?"

"Did I what?"

"Did you ask questions?" Cub clarified.

"They told me to be quiet. I just tried to talk to her," Scar recalled. He wiped away a tear, "I think that was my first realization that not every ConVex had it like me."

"You know," Cub swallowed again, bits of carrot still in his mouth, "I thought you had it worse than me when we met."

"I think every ConVex thinks that they have it best," Scar said. He took a bite, and finished his carrot. All that was left was a piece of green that was tossed on the ground without a second thought. 

"Do you think you have it best?" Cub asked.

Scar's answer was quiet and self-conscious, "I used to."

"Why don't you any more?"

"I'm… not sure," Scar admitted. "I've met happier ConVex, and I've met worse off ConVex. I don't know what I can define as 'best' anymore."

"Whether you mean happiness, or if it's treatment or…"

"Exactly," Scar said. 

"But you think you have it better than I did," Cub said. "So you kidnapped me."

Scar bit his lip, "I… You need to see yourself more. You're so skinny."

"Hey, I ate a whole carrot today!" Cub pressed his chest in a gesture of mock offense.

"Cub," Scar frowned, "that's… not… healthy."

"Maybe not for you, but it's how I've lived my life," Cub replied. He gestured towards the remains of Scar's carrot, "You only ate one."

"I had a porkchop this morning."

"Maybe neither of us eat enough."

"Probably," Scar admitted. "Though…" Scar made a weird noise that was halfway between a giggle and a hiccup, "I didn't… I didn't want to leave you there. I don't… I guess I enjoyed you too much to not keep you."

"So what you're saying is… you're selfish," Cub giggled.

Scar grinned awkwardly. He snorted, "Pretty much."

"I can't believe you've done this."

"Believe it, Cub."

Cub laughed heartily. Scar joined soon after. For a moment, they were lying there and laughing, two friends sharing a joke that was funny to, at least, them. They soon fell quiet and Cub closed his eyes, enjoying the peace. The wind whipped around, a quiet ambience that relaxed Cub. They'd have to get up, they would have to move on, but Cub could enjoy a moment of rest and peace.

.

They had been traveling for a long day after their lunch. Dinner was eaten on the road, Cub refusing any food for not being hungry enough to consume it. Scar had expressed concern, but Cub was adamant. 

“I don’t want to waste it,” Cub had said.

“If you’re eating it, it’s not a waste!” Scar offered as encouragement.

“I wouldn’t eat it.”

 “If you say so,” Scar shrugged, before munching on a baked potato. It was amazing how food stayed fresh in an inventory.

According to Scar, they were five hundred blocks away from worldspawn when he deemed the night to be too close to continue onward. Scar had somehow procured a woolen mattress in the village that he produced. He set up a small structure from the wood of a nearby fallen tree. Cub tried to help, but Scar shooed him away with flint and steel to make a fire. He wrestled with the fire for twenty minutes before Scar was finished and could help. It only took Scar a single try. Cub wondered, and not for the first time that day, how he had survived before the Vex. He felt useless, with so many skills Scar seemed to deem as ‘basic’ just not coming to him. What could he do when something as simple as striking flint against steel didn’t produce a spark for him? When he didn’t know so much as how to build a crafting table?

Scar didn’t need to hear those thoughts. He offered to make something for Cub, but Cub declined. Instead, Cub took up his half of the mattress, and laid quietly. He wished Scar hadn’t construed a roof so that he could see the stars. He liked the night sky and her beauty. Despite the quiet stare, Cub didn’t really manage to fall asleep until Scar came inside and laid beside him. The player’s breaths slowed as he fell asleep, Cub finding himself falling soon after into that silent bliss.

Chapter Text

He shivered. The sun had set and the night was cold and monsterless. He wasn't exactly sure where he was. It was a beautiful place, but that only made it all the more ominous. He remembered thinking about the Vex, but he couldn't recall why. He didn't know where he was and he was cold on his exposed fingers and face. He needed to follow the path, he needed to find out where he wanted to go so urgently. It didn't make much sense for him to keep traveling onward, yet he did, one foot in front of the other. The trees, so carefully grown into unique shapes, were becoming more and more frequent, with the land having more and more of an artificially created shape. He thought he saw a hill in the distance with multiple layers of colors to create a tapestry of artwork out of the world itself. Yet, despite this and despite everything, it all felt so natural and real. It felt like it was his as much as he felt like a stranger to it. Wherever he was, he felt like he was home. That was one of the strangest parts of this whole affair. Everything was home but he wasn't home, was he?

He didn't know. He wanted to stop and look at the pond he passed, where the ferns were so beautifully tended, but his legs refused to allow him even that moment of looking. They had someplace they wanted to be, tracing some path that he was unaware of. Maybe he would become aware of it in due time. He wanted to know what was going on, in the end.  Was that too hard of a thing to ask? 

So he passed houses all made up to be pretty, with a mix of colors and such beautiful styles, all evoking emotions. Talent beyond the basic halls of the mansion was present in this world, Cub knew. All the styles were so similar, he found it hard to even consider this could be a build team. It had to be one person. Maybe he was to meet that person. Or, perhaps, he was that person?

He had never had much eye for building and he never cared to create things much. He'd always preferred redstone, whatever that was, building fun machines and contraptions. It was enjoyable in a way building wasn't quite as enjoyable. No, these houses weren't his. Whose were they though? Who had made this beautiful world and why was he tracing their footprints? When he came to a house, one that didn't quite fit in with its dark oak aesthetic versus the lighter oak focus, why did he feel surprised? Where even his emotions not his in this world?

So troubled was he by this thought, for a moment, he didn't notice his hands reaching for the door handle. He didn't notice his shaking, not from the cold anymore, but nervousness. As the door opened, he didn't hear his voice call out, "Who's there?"

.

"Who's there?" Cub murmured sleepily. He batted away the person shaking him. The arm didn't stop, and Cub found himself blinking his eyes open to a smiling, and apparently morning-friendly, Scar. The man's bright smile matched the sunlight peeking in the cabin. 

"Sorry for waking you, but I made some breakfast!" Scar said, "Eggs and bacon!"

Cub wasn't sure what bacon was, but he forced himself to flop out of bed anyway. He had no idea why he was still tired. The sun was out, didn't that mean it was time to get up? That's what Cub had always assumed, and yet he felt so tired. It didn't make much sense to him. He put on the boots, finding it harder to deal with laces so early in the morning. Scar left Cub to it, and was waiting when Cub walked out. The fire had been restarted by Scar, evident from the flint and steel moved from where Cub had left last night. Resting on a wooden plate was a pile of yellow something and thin red strips. They looked good. Cub sat down and glanced up, wondering if they were for him, or if Scar had just set down his plate. His unspoken question was answered when Scar pushed the plate towards Cub, who hesitantly took it. He slowly dipped his fingers, picking up the food. Scar didn't seem to care, so Cub just ate. The flavor exploded in his mouth, but Cub was too nervous to focus. 

He felt like he was doing something wrong. He wanted to not eat. Scar was focusing on mending a tear in a spare shirt. Cub wondered what would happen if he ran again, back to the Vex. The next world was so close, but Cub knew nothing of worldhopping. Once they left, that was going to be it. It was a thought that Cub had been hiding for a bit, the idea that he might never come back to this world, once they moved on. That was it. Not the dreams. The dreams were nothing. No, he wasn't hiding his dreams or his fears, Cub knew he was fine. He had just enjoyed a plate of food in a comfortable silence. 

"Did you enjoy your meal?" Scar broke.

"It was good," Cub responded. He hoped that was the correct thing to say to Scar.

"Are you ready to get going? It's not that far, but it's still a long walk."

Could Cub be honest and say he wasn't? He was not yet ready to move on. He didn't want to leave, yet he didn't want to stay. His mind was solemn and tired. Everything felt tired, a strange sort of numbness that was familiar to him. He was tired, but not tired . It was a mess of oxymorons that Cub didn't wish to sort out. He didn't wish to do anything except stare at the dying fire.

When did he ever get what he wanted.

"I am," claimed Cub. He didn't know how he got so good at lying. It seemed to just come second nature now that he was with Scar. He didn't like that. Halfmindedly, he probed his mind's shields, a bit surprised at how they had stood so firmly. They took so little energy, yet he hadn't expected them to last for so long. Maybe Scar was right about his magic. In any case, it would be hard for Scar to tell he’s lying mentally, and Scar either didn’t care or didn’t know how to identify Cub’s facial expressions that might give away his lies. 

“Okay, anything you need to take?” Scar asked. His eyes were dashing around, making a mental checklist in his mind, presumably, making sure everything was situated. “You can’t take things in your inventory between worlds, but if you carry the item it should transfer.”

“I’m fine, Scar,” Cub reassured. Scar nodded half-hazardly, before standing up. Cub’s legs ached when he copied the motion. He felt like he had been walking for ages, but he had just awoken. It didn’t make much sense. Cub didn’t like it. 

“How are you doing today?” Scar asked, beginning to pick up a pace as he stared at a compass once more. Numbers on the device ticked downwards as they walked, slowly going from ‘663’ to ‘662’. Cub inferred those were coordinates.

“I’m doing pretty good,” Cub replied. He paused momentarily to look at a particularly interesting flower. Scar didn’t seem to realize this, and Cub had to trot to catch up to Scar. He missed the beginning of Scar’s… question?

“...you think so too?” Scar asked. 

“I guess,” Cub replied.

“Not a cloud in the sky, an open plain, this really would be an amazing world to live in, if you didn’t have the Vex.”

“Couldn’t you just live far away from them? I haven’t seen them at all,” Cub said.

“That,’s,” Scar casually dropped, “because I’ve been hiding us from their eyes. A normal player’s lifeforce is a beckoning call to all mobs. Some magic can help with that, stiffen our scent, so to speak.”

“How do you do that?” Cub questioned.

“It’s hard to explain, but…” Scar stopped talking. He seemed very focused on walking past an oak tree with two sheep graving beneath it, shielding from the rising sun. 

“What’s wrong?”

“--Nothing,” Scar claimed.

Cub blinked.

Scar ignored Cub’s rising confusion, “We’re only a hundred blocks away!”

“Okay?”

“That’s great news! It’s going to be so much easier once we get out of this world, depending on what’s in the next. It’ll probably take about three or four worldhops to get to my Vex’s world.”

Cub smiled stiffly, and nodded slightly in attention.

“Of course, when I got here I took about a dozen worldhops, but that’s mainly because I didn’t have a clear direction of where to go, right?”

“Right.”

“The only real issue would be if we find a world with players or corrupted files or a or a hardcore world or a weird dimension. That would be dangerous.”

“Yep.”

“I’m pretty good at avoiding those. The trick is to slip in and out quickly. Of course, it’s harder with player inhabited worlds, since they can sometimes stop you from leaving.”

“Have they?”

“What?”

“Have they ever stopped you?” Cub clarified.

“The last one that did that gave me the scar on my side.”

Cub watched as Scar lifted his shirt slightly to reveal a long purple marking that spoke of an old scar. It was ugly, with its puke green undertones and pus yellow accents. “That’s from a potion of harming tipped sword, isn’t it.”

It was Scar’s turn to force a smile. “Yep.”

“Player’s did that?” Cub asked, not breaking his gaze from the wound.

“When they saw my magic--” Scar pulled his shirt back down “--they said I was an evoker. They didn’t kill me, because they believed I wouldn’t respawn. So instead they just scarred me and kept me alive.” Scar’s voice was monotone. His gaze was far away. Cub decided to stare at another tree.

“How did you escape?” Cub asked softly.

“I killed myself,” Scar replied.

“If I did that,” Cub asked, “where would I respawn?”

“Not at the mansion,” Scar said. Cub glanced away. The mansion hadn’t crossed his mind when he originally asked that question, but now that Scar had brought it up? 

“Then where?”

“Around 2000 blocks away, where we first appeared. But that doesn’t matter. We’re here.”

.

Cub wasn’t sure what he had expected zero, zero to look like. Certainly not a nondescript field like Cub and Scar had traveled on all this time. In fact, nothing was remarkable about this place at all. 

“Not even a pillar,” Scar remarked. 

“What do you mean?”

“A fair few players mark this with a pillar of grass or something. If the player didn’t...”

“I thought you said that the Vex usually killed the players in their world.”

“They do!” Scar nodded. “I guess I just didn’t think about it”

“I thought you disliked players,” Cub said.

“Well,” Scar said, “You're a player, and I like you.

“I’m a ConVex.”

“Still a player.”

Cub stared at Scar for a moment. Scar didn’t back down his gaze

“I wonder who’s world this was, though,” Scar changed the subject.

“Maybe it was noones,” Cub suggested. That was a nicer prospect then what probably happened.

Scar shot it down, “Only players can make worlds. Whoever lived here is dead.”

The two shared a moment of silence for the player neither knew. 

Cub broke the silence.

“How do you worldhop?”

“It’s pretty simple, you take your com- oh.”

“What?” Cub asked, a bit threatened by Scar’s stare.

“You don’t have a communicator.”

“What’s a communicator?” 

“It’s this,” Scar said, showing off the device Cub had assumed to be a compass. Looking closer at it, he realized there were several buttons that seemed to lead to various functions. There was a cloud with one end pointed, a gear, and a few other symbols Cub couldn’t quite describe. The screen Scar was on had clear coordinates, and was marked by a compass tab.

“That’s… wow,” Cub said. He wondered how it worked. The redstone circuitry inside of it must have been extremely complicated to allow for such a compact device to have these functions. He wished he knew what redstone was. It seemed to make him happy to think about. 

“It’s incredibly useful. You also use it to worldhop. You press this button--” Scar copied what he said “--turn this dial to tune into another world, and you’re all set!”

“How do you know what to turn the dial to?”

“You kinda just have to guess until you get something, then write down and save the ip. I usually just guess; it's not really safe to make return trips.”

“Okay,” Cub said, “how would I get a communicator?”

Scar bit his lip. “You kinda spawn with one. The Vex must have taken yours and I don’t know of anyone who can get it back once it's gone except, maybe, an admin?”

“What’s an admin?”

“They’re… players with magic, basically. They can change the world’s code. There aren’t that many of them, far as I know. The Vex don’t really know much about admins.”

What if a ConVex is an admin?” Cub suggested. 

Scar looked afar as he thought, “I don’t know. They’d probably just have a normal ConVex life. LIke I said, the Vex don’t really know much about admins. What I’ve heard was from players. But enough of that, are you ready to go?”

“I… I think so? How can I world hop without a communicator?” Cub asked. 

“Hold onto my hand,” Scar said, “you should come with me.”

Cub reached out and hesitantly grabbed Scar’s hand. He looked to Scar for comfort as he felt a well of nervousness spring up inside him. This was it. If he let go now, Scar might go without him. He squeezed Scar’s hand tighter. Scar squeezed back once. This was right. Cub was leaving. He squeezed his eyes shut to stave off his growing fear. He was standing, in a field, with Scar beside him. Everything was going to be okay. 

“Ready?” Scar asked.

Cub hoped his squeaking reply would be answer enough. 

Scar seemed to take it as. He stepped closer and leaned on Cub, offering the comfort of touch and body. Cub could almost feel tears threatening to fall. He was… scared. That was the only word for it. Cub was scared. He was scared of the Vex he was leaving behind, but he was scared of moving forward. He was scared of Scar and his great powers that he used against Cub. He was scared of who he was, before as a broken ConVex and now as a freer… something. 

“3.”

Cub quaked and quivered.

“2.”

He thought about letting go.

“1.”

He wanted to let go.

He didn’t let go.

The world went dark.

Chapter Text

Hoping between worlds was different from the fall through the cold void. It was like it took a moment, and yet, also a  thousand days. It was black and blank, like Cub was nothing but a pile of code. Maybe that was all he was. Red messages screaming ‘error’ and ‘virus detected’ meant nothing to him. When he floated past a file marked ‘memory’, he tried to take a peek inside. All he could see was the face of a Vex and a message saying ‘file corrupted.’ He looked away, closing his eyes just to see lines and lines of strangely disjointed words screaming even errors at him. It was strangely peaceful, despite the redness. He was just code, floating through the world.

All too suddenly, he blinked. He was in a savannah. In fact, he was on top of the savannah, or at least, one of its orange acacia trees. Scar was beside him, rubbing his head like he had a headache. Cub was still hugging Scar, and found the closeness to be rather embarrassing. He scooted away, wondering how the two were going to get down from the tree. Scar poked his head down beside Cub’s. 

“This is a weird spawn,” he said. Cub silently agreed. Mossy stones of cobble were scattered around in a chaotic messy path. The village beside them was quiet and void of life beyond the cow that now seemed to claim the sandstone houses as its own. The grass was dry and a pale shade of green. Past the eye, down the cobble path, was a range of mountains barely able to be made out in the distance.

Scar poked out his communicator and Cub watched as Scar’s hands carefully plucked out words. His typing was slow and a bit clumsy, with a healthy dash of spelling mistakes that caused the communicator to spit out errors.

“On the plus side,” Scar said, “whatever player lives here is offline. They’re still around, within the last hour. If we hurry, we might be able to get to 0,0 before they return.”

“How far away are we?”

“Just a thousand blocks.”

“That’s a full day's worth of traveling,” Cub pointed out, recalling how long it took them to make their journey, “and it’s already well past noon.”

“We could set up camp in that village, but it looks like whoever lives here already pillaged it.”

Pillaged, Cub’s mind took, before running with it as far as it could go. He traced a path from pillager to illager, and from there, to the Vex. It shot Cub like an arrow, piercing his heart as he realized the truth, what being here, sitting in a tree, with the empty world and Scar beside him. He was… free? Certainly not. He could still feel his mental shields and Vex magic, buzzing beneath his skin like a pleasant but foreign tangle he always knew. The Vex, however…

The Vex could world hop. They had to be able to, how would they have captured Cub? how would they meet with other mansions? They could, technically, somehow, rationally, Cub knew they could find him. Why did he feel safe despite this knowledge? Was this feeling safety, his muscles relaxing, but his heart still pounding? Cub sorted through the whirlwind of thoughts and fears, and couldn't figure it out. His mind felt like a jigsaw puzzle, all mixed up with pieces from someone else's puzzle, strange as that was. The other puzzle wasn't the Vex, and Cub didn't quite know what he meant through this analogy. It certainly didn't make him feel any better then before his mind had started down that spiral. He couldn't quite get out of it. 

What was his mind? How could he sort out the mess he knew he was? Could he? All he seemed to do was question his own sanity, sanity he wasn't sure he had ever been granted. After all, he'd been taught to serve the Vex, and one didn't need to be stable to do such a thing. Now, though, he was out in a world of dangerous monsters. He was with Scar, yes, but Cub couldn't rely on someone he barely could understand, and, despite every good thing Scar had done... Scar had taken on a role closer to the Vex's then a friend. A master, not a companion. A kinder one, who tolerated Cub's fallacies and questions, but a leader never-the-less. Cub found he was liking leaders less and less. It didn't make much sense as to why. Or, thinking deeper, it did. Cub wasn't a psychologist or therapist, he didn't even know why his mind offered up those words while he was thinking about it. He just thought too much, even when he was, or as, a ConVex. His brain refused to shut off and that was dangerous for Cub. Still, he couldn't stop doing it. He needed to figure himself out, he needed to reveal the pieces, turning them over to glimpse at that shattered mind and pile of errors and codes that he had seen hopping between worlds. Of course, the only way to see that again would be to worldhop again. Maybe if he asked Scar, Scar could offer advice on deciphering the code. He didn't feel much like asking Scar though. It felt too personal. 

Instead, Cub looked over and tried to refocus on Scar's half-muttered rambling about where they were to go, and the quickest route to take to get there. "We're definitely going to have to go through those mountains. I bet that the player who lives here set up shop around those, I know I would. They are beautiful."

Cub nodded. The mountains were tall, parts almost looking hand carved, and were a sight to behold. Cub wondered how far he could see, standing on the tallest one.

"If we go there and are right, we should be able to steal some supplies from whoever lives here."

"Won't they find out?"

Scar smiled grimly, "Probably. But hopefully after we've already left."

"They've been gone for an hour."

"Yep."

"Would they," Cub swallowed some saliva building in his mouth. He didn't know why he felt this hungry after just standing here, "be able to tell?"

Scar bit his lip, "Yep."

Cub swung his legs out, and neatly slid from the top of the tree, landing on his belly on the spongy grass with enough force to knock the wind out of him. He quickly recovered and scrambled to find purchase in the soggy ground. Scar's leap down was much more graceful, with bent knees breaking his fall, and no stumbling. Cub brushed some dirt off his chest. He wondered at how well his villager clothing kept the dirt and cold off him. They held together in a way so much unlike the Vex provided… garments. Getting a spark of having his own clothing somehow made him want more. 

"Are you ready to get going?" Scar asked. 

Cub nodded. It was an unnecessary question. He didn’t have a say in what Scar and him did, really. Scar took Cub’s hand, and began leading Cub through the world, past the plundered, empty village. Past the lonely, empty desert where the sun burned down on Cub’s back, soaking his heavy robes in a deep sweat. He felt thirsty, and tired, but he ignored those feelings to focus on following Scar. It was the one thing he was good at, following someone else through the world. He stumbled on a dead bush, breaking the delicate plant into a pile of sticks. He mumbled a curse under his breath.

Scar gasped, half-snorting at the noise. Cub brushed himself off, slightly irritated.

“What?” he asked.

“I’ve never heard you curse before,” Scar replied.

“Is that…”

“It’s fine.”

“Good,” Cub grunted, satisfied. He felt irritated from the heat and the walking. The mountain seemed no closer than when they had first begun.

The duo continued onwards, Cub a bit more watchful of his feet. He half-wished for Scar’s pants, the skirts of the robe were comfortable, but on the verge of being a bit too big. Each step he took he was careful, making sure that he didn’t trip over the garments. Everything was covered in a thin layer of sand, courtesy of the surrounding desert, that no level of brushing seemed to be able to get off. Scar didn’t notice or didn’t care about these issues, so Cub kept quiet. He did have to admit that it was oddly peaceful, if not exhausting. The world was dry, but the sweat felt nice. If he had a river he could drink from, he wouldn’t mind making a home in the desert. Maybe he could build a giant pyramid for shade, and cover it in redstone contraptions. That’s a project he could think about later. First, he needed to ask Scar something.

“What is redstone?” Cub asked.

“It's a dust you can get from far underground and mold it to make weird contraptions. I once heard someone made a device that can do math with it,” Scar replied. 

“That sounds interesting,” Cub replied, his curiosity beginning to grow.

“Do you remember something?” Scar asked casually.

Cub’s weird dreams rose in his mind at the question, but he pressed that thought down. It wasn’t relevant for the current conversation. “I sometimes think of it with a rather strange fondness. I wonder if I made things with redstone before.”

“It’s probable!” Scar nodded, “the Vex don’t use redstone, so any talent in that area wouldn’t be seen as a threat nor an asset, so you definitely wouldn’t know if you have it tell you try.”

“How could you try? Is the dust rare?” Cub asked.

“Sort-off,” Scar admitted, “villagers will only touch the stuff for potions,. The only way to get mass quantities is through other players and we don’t have time for that.”

“Are we on a time limit?” Cub asked.

“I’m supposed to report back to my mansion every few months. They'll probably be beginning to get worried.”

“What do they do if they get worried?”

“Depends,” Scar shrugged. “Since I’m bringing you, they probably won’t punish me too hard for being late. They like it when I bring back gifts.”

“Is that what I am,” Cub asked, anger rising slightly, “a gift?”

“No, no, that’s not what I…” Scar sighed. “They’ll like having another ConVex. It’s a sign of wealth among Vex. And a way to have gotten back at the mansion who took me.”

Cub shrugged, unsure of how to respond. Scar bit his lip, and stayed quiet too.

.

They reached a river on the edge of a desert before the sun began to set. It was shallow enough to wide through, but Cub still hesitated. He wasn’t sure if he knew how to swim. He had no memory of learning. Rather than teach Cub, Scar had simply built a bridge across the water, allowing for an easier cross that didn’t get either of the duo wet. “We’ll have to teach you to swim sometime. Drowning is scary.”

“The water is so empty,” Cub commented.

“I bet we’ll get a world with aquatic life someday. You can never quite tell with the Devs.”

“Devs?”

“I don’t know much about them, but they are basically player gods.”

“Like the Vex?” 

“The Vex without the whole, kidnap and mindsweep you,” Scar joked.

“Would it be weird,” Cub asked, “to a player if I don’t know this stuff?”

Scar waved his hand in a ‘so-so’ gesture, “You can just say you newly spawned in, but you look old.”

“Thanks,” Cub said, stretching the a with sarcasm.

“I mean that, the longer players tend to have old eyes. You look older, but not too old.”

“Maybe I’m younger than you,” Cub half-joked.

Scar shrugged, “You could be.”

They were walking in a savannah now, bunnies racing away as they trodded through the grassy cliffs. The mountains were close, and more terrifying for their height. The cobblestone path they had seen now had joined them in their journey towards zero, zero. CUb suspected that whoever lived here had built their base their base there, and was curious on what it might look like. He never remembered seeing a… Cub blinked, recounting his vivid dream. He wondered why it kept becoming a point for him to think about. In any case, he had seen playerbuilds in his dream. He had wondered if it had been his memories, but why didn’t he feel like he had memories of seeing something such as another player's builds. It felt like something he should have done.

No matter. The sun was getting further down, and the mobs would pop out soon. Scar’s traverse of the past came with a deeper from every step the two took. “I had hoped we’d’ve reached something by now, we’re only 250 blocks off.”

“What should we do, then?” Cub asked. 

Scar walked up to a tree, and spent a moment punching it down. He put wood and a stick, one from the dead bush, Cub recognized and wondered when he had snatched it, together, creating a simple pickaxe. He swung, and began carving a little hiding hole inside of the mountain. Scar beckoned for Cub to come inside, before blocking the door with some of the stone he had collected. “We can wait out the night in here.”

Cub crouched, and then sat himself down on the hard floor, wishing for the comfort of a mattress, or even a wooden floor. Scar was smarter, and laid out two wooden benches made from the gathered wood, Cub picked himself up and sat down on the slabs. 

“It’s not the most comfortable,” Scar admitted, “but it works. We should have taken some wool from the village.”

“What’s done is done. This is comfortable enough,” Cub replied. Lying down, he felt a wave of exhaustion he had been suppressing all day poke through him. His legs were aching, a good ache of exercise, not the bad ache of torture. He was a great deal more tired then he had realized, and the robes he kept on were like a heavy blanket, providing warmth and comfort. He thought he heard Scar say something else, but only managed a mumbled half-question before he was already asleep.

.

The inside of the house was lightly furnished with chairs and tables, chests and other bits and bobs. The soft scent of cooking applesauce and cinnamon filled his nose. He took a step forward and marvel at the fine woven woolen carpet that covered the floors. A rocking chair in the corner creaked, but when he darted his eyes to the noise, the seat was empty. He took a step forward, feeling the floor. The room was cold. He wished that the fireplace was lit to try and keep away the ever present, ever growing chill. He left the fireplace alone, and instead chose to sit down on an inviting blue couch near to it. The couch was bright compared to the natural colours of the surrounding room, and it almost had a strange sort of glow to its cover. Despite this, it looked old as time, with the small holes and the fuzz sticking out from all ends. He blinked. When had he become so tired?

He disregarded the tiredness he felt. It was normal, he had spent a long day walking, and now he was wherever his body wished him to be. The couch might have been a gift from another player on this lonely singleplayer world. Maybe a traveler passing through. It was simply a piece of furniture that would be good to rest his legs upon. There even was a blanket right there, how bad would it be for him to lie down and fall asleep inside of this dreamy world? There was no reason for him not to. He sat down on the couch, almost holding a breath.

Nothing happened. He heard the bell of a clock. It was once. Twice. Thrice, and onward, stopping once it hit eleven. He let out a sigh, another breath he had almost been holding. Midnight was an insidious hour, but it wasn’t midnight quite yet. He had nothing to fear. Nothing had happened. He just wanted to wrap himself in that almost glowing blue blanket, lie down on this new couch and sleep. It wasn’t like something bad would happen, how silly. It was just a couch. Just a couch he told himself, wrapping himself in the binding blanket. It had to be weighted with how heavy he became curled up in it. He lay his head on one end and his feet on the other, and before the clock cried midnight, he had fallen asleep.

The giggles he heard in the distance weren’t his concern.

Chapter Text

“Cub!” Scar shook the sleeping figure awake with an unnatural urgency. Cub shot awake, already forgetting whatever visions or dreams he had been partaking in. A communicator was shoved in his face, and Cub blinked, orienting himself to see a list of three names in a list. GoodTimeWithScar, and Zedaph. Cub didn't have time to reflect on why his name had not been given when Scar’s voice continued hissing, “We need to crouch. We can’t let this Zedaph player find us.”

“Why?” Cub asked.

“He’s a player,” Scar reminded.

“And you can’t trust players,” Cub parroted.

“He could kill us.”

“Or worse,” Cub shivered. Scar was crouched in an oddish position, covering his communicator's signal with his body. A loud ‘ding’ broke the silence. Scar frantically looked around, touching large buttons on its interface to mute the comm. Cub caught a glimpse of the chat.

<Zedaph> Hello new players! 

<Zedaph> I don’t see you at worldspawn. Are you alright?

“What do we do?” Cub implored.

“We need to get to zero, zero without them spotting us,” Scar said. “I don’t know how to do that.”

<Zedaph> Don’t worry, you can trust me! I’m best friends with Wormman!

“Who’s Wormman?” 

“I don’t know. Some players go crazy in singleplayer worlds. Maybe this Zedaph did.”

<Zedaph> I love meeting now people :D

<Zedaph> *new

<Zedaph> I could show you my redstone contraptions!!!!

“He knows redstone,” Cub whispered.

“Cub…”

“I want to learn, Scar,” Cub glanced away from the communicator.

“It’s not safe. Maybe someday we can explore your past, but right now we need to escape.”

“He seems friendly.”

“He’s a player! They hate us.”

Cub swallowed. Scar was right. He knew more than Cub did, in any case. Cub stayed still, looking at the communicator with growing internal dread.

<Zedaph> Are you lost? Do you know how to use the communicator?

<Zedaph> If you’re reading this, you just need to press the ‘T’ button and the chat will pop up.

<Zedaph> You can type a response in there.

<Zedaph> It can be short!

<Zedaph> I’m just getting worried :,(

“We can’t not talk,” Cub said, “he might go searching for us.”

“If we talk, he could figure out where we are. I’m surprised he hasn’t teleported to us already.”

“Players can do that?” Cub gasped.

Scar nodded, “Some can.”

“That’s terrifying.”

“It is,” Scar agreed, “especially when you are on the receiving end of it.”

“What can we do then?”

<Zedaph> Oh! I see you in the cliffs there.

<Zedaph> Are you stuck? 

<Zedaph> I’ll dig you out :D

“Oh no.”

Cub’s eyes followed Scar’s to the cobblestone Scar had used to hide the entrance. It worked on mobs, unable to tell much difference between blocks. Players, however? The cobblestone wall was slowly breaking right before their eyes. And there was nothing either Cub nor Scar could do about it. Cub took a step back, pressing himself against the corner of the cave in fear. Scar stood, staring with unshaking eyes at the collapsing cobblestone, almost daring it to collapse. A brick fell in, and the head of a stone pickaxe appeared, breaking away the stones top before continuing it's work on shattering the bottom of the cobblestone. Cub could only catch a glimpse of the man's brown sweater from his position, hidden in the shadows. 

Scar acted quickly, snuffing out the torch and plunging the room into darkness. Cub could only watch as Scar took a step forward, obstructing Cub's view of the approaching player. Cub realized two truths at the exact same time. Scar's face, blank at first glance, was filled with fear. Fear of the approaching player, fear of what could happen? He had put himself in a position to be noticed, and he was, number two, with his body, hiding Cub. He was protecting Cub. Cub crouched lower, struggling not to tremble. He had never truly met a player before. Even Scar was another ConVex. Or, maybe he had, but that was in a life he didn't remember. Cub swallowed. The block broke.

"Hello!" came a bright and deceptively cheerful voice. Cub wished he could see who it belonged to, but he could imagine the player having a bright smile like a Vex's on their face, and evil in their red tinged eyes. "Are you GoodTimeWithScar?" 

Scar took a step forward. He seemed to have the players' entire attention, Cub nonexistent in anyone's mind, and especially the mind of whoever had stumbled upon them. 

"I'm Zedaph," the player introduced, still seemingly unaware of Scar's fear.

"Hello there," Scar said, the words coming out like they were forcefully churned out of a pillar of fear. 

"You can speak!" Zedaph's light voice teased. Scar flinched, blinking a few times.

"I... yes, I guess?" Scar said.

"Oh my goodness, you don't know how long it's been since I've seen another player, well, besides Impulse and Tango but they've been busy so I haven't seen either of them much, but instead I get to see you and you look so cool! I love your hat," Zedaph's voice was quick, too quick for Cub's brain to register everything he was saying. It was like the player was a cat, racing through the savannah quick as could be, difficult to make out as one chased and ran and ran, never catching the stray.

"Thank you..." Scar offered a shy-ish smile. He was shaking ever so slightly. 

"How did you end up in my world? I didn't invite anyone," Zedaph asked.

"Cub- I was worldhopping," Scar explained. 

"Worldhopping!" Zedaph gasped. "That's amazing! Did you see anything cool and new?"

"Not much. I'm just trying to keep traveling, if you don't mind..."

"Well you can't go yet!" Zedaph declared. "I haven't even shown you what I've built. I've been experimenting with redstone and I want to show it off, but Tango's not here."

Cub's mind short circuited. Redstone. Red. Stone. Images of the red dust he couldn't remember seeing filled his brain. He wanted to see it. He wanted to feel the slight spark it held, the way it might interact with his Vex magic. He almost missed what Scar continued to speak.

"Why don't you show it off to... Wormman? Was that your friend's name?"

"Well, yes," Zedaph's voice was low and sad, "Wormman hasn't been around either. It's just me." In a flash, the tone brightened, "Until you came along! I love meeting new people!"

"I'm sorry, but I just want to--"

"I want to see the redstone contraptions," Cub spoke up.

Scar took a step forward. Cub could hear his breathing.

"Who was that?" Zedaph asked.

"What? I didn't hear anything," Scar tried desperately. Zedaph walked forward anyway, pushing Scar out of the way. Cub froze when Zedaph's gaze fell on him, taking in the player for the first time. Zedaph didn't have red eyes, or a mean face. His face was bright, like his voice, with the peerings of a smile on it. His eyes practically shone with excitement in their purple color. He wore a thin woolen sweater, brown, certainly villager-made, with buttons keeping it closed, and blue jeans to cap off the simple look. Everything was slightly wrinkled and covered in a layer of dirt and red dust. Even his frazzled blonde hair that stuck up in every direction had flakes of red in it. 

For a moment, Cub and Zedaph merely stared at each other. Then, like tnt had gone off, Zedaph sprung to Cub, examining him with a smile somehow impossibly wide and cheery. Zedaph's voice cried out in happiness, " Two new friends! This is the best day of my life! I didn't see you on the communicator thingy. Do you program yours to hide you?"

"I don't have one," Cub said.

Zedaph jumped back and gasped, looking at Cub with the most pitying gaze. "That's terrible! I wish Tango was here, he could probably figure out how to make one. Tango is very smart and he has admin magic! But he isn't here," Zedaph spoke the words like it was the most depressing thing ever, Tango not being there. It was all very exaggerated in a way that was helped by seeing the way his body moved with each word. Happy words were accompanied by a shaking that didn't seem to be from fear, but more of excitement. It didn't quite make sense to Cub.

"We really need to move on, Zedaph," Scar said.

"But you just got here," Zedaph said with puppy dog eyes.

Cub walked over to Scar. He gave a comforting touch to Scar, "He seems nice, Scar."

"He's a player," Scar hissed back in a quiet tone. 

"Are all players bad?"

"Yes, well, no, but… gah!" Scar snorted in frustration. "Just… I don't trust him. We can't trust him. It's too…"

"Dangerous?" Zedaph piped in.

Scar flinched.

"I was right here hearing your conversation," Zedaph continued, "and I know, you're new and world travelers and I know some players are mean but I swear I'm nice!"

"How can we trust you?" Scar spat.

"Scar…"

"It's true. We can't. You're a player."

Zedaph's head tilted, "So are you two. Unless…" Zedaph's eyes opened wide and shone, "Are you two villagers? That would be so cool!"

"We're not villagers!"

"He's wearing their robes."

"So? We are not-"

"Scar!" Cub shouted. The two fell quiet. "I want this. I know you have had issues with players in the past, but I need to make my own mistakes sometimes."

Scar shot a dirty look towards Zedaph.

"...Fine," Scar acquinsed, "you two won't go off alone. I'm coming with you."

"The more the merrier!" Zedaph exclaimed. "I love showing off my contraptions."

"Let's just hope they aren't 'kill ConVex' Contraptions," Scar whispered in Cub's ear. Cub glanced at Scar. His voice was filled with hate, but it was clear from his body's shaking where it sprung from. Scar was scared. Cub was scared too, if he admitted it. Zedaph could kill them, or trap them. Cub had never met a player before, but they had hurt Scar. When Zedaph beckoned them to follow and hobbled out the door, Cub followed first, with Scar taking the heel. Cub could feel Scar' eyes boring holes into his neck. He prayed to whatever god players worshipped that he had made the right decision.

Despite the grace he had shown inside the cave, Zedaph's actual movements seemed to be a strange hobbling. It almost felt like Zedaph was having trouble with his feet. Maybe his flopping shoes were a bit too big for him. Maybe he just had some issues with his back. Either way, the march was slow, giving Cub plenty of time to take in the surroundings. Nothing had particularly amazing aesthetics. It was mostly just the default mountains, rising and falling in the surroundings. Trees, grasses, and a large amount of sheep wandered around. In fact, since they had arrived at the mountains, Cub had only seen sheep.

"Do only sheep spawn in mountains?" Cub questioned.

"I wish!" Zedaph replied. Cub blinked. He'd forgotten about the player. Zedaph sprung into the air, landing neatly next to a nearby sheep, with a grace not even Scar could reach. Zedaph knelt down next to the sheep, snuggling its wool. In a loud voice muffled by the wool, Zedaph proclaimed "These are mine!"

Cub took a step closer, just to be held back by Scar. He and Scar locked gazes. 

"What if it's a trap."

"He hasn't hurt us so far. Maybe players aren't as bad as you think," Cub suggested.

"He doesn't know who we are. If he did…" Scar trailed off. He let go of Cub. "Be careful."

"I am, Scar," Cub said. Scar didn't trust him to take care of himself. Then again, Cub didn't trust himself either. Scar knew more than he did, but somewhere along the way, it felt like Scar had lost his trust, the little pieces of his soul that had been lost after years of hardship were different pieces then Cub had.

He walked up to the sheep, hesitantly kneeling beside Zedaph. The sheep looked his way, and Cub was entranced by its eyes. They looked like Zed's eyes, now that he saw them up close. Unlike Scar or him, Zed's eyes had different pupils, lines instead of dots. Just like the sheep right in front of him. It was such an unusual difference, Cub was surprised he hadn't noticed it before. Something inside him nagged, telling him that something was off with Zedaph. The way he walked, his jumps, his eyes. Cub elected to ignore that voice for the moment, and instead concentrate on the animal in front of him. It made a baa-ing noise, before stepping towards Cub. He glanced towards Zedaph, who motioned for Cub to pet the sheep. Cub obliged, marveling at the feelings of wool yet to be made into textiles.

"Wow," Cub said as the sheep began making a happy braying noise.

"Sheep are so much simpler than players," Zedaph said, his gaze far away. "Sheep don't ignore you, or push you around, or hate you for not being human, or anything."

"Aren't you human?"

"Aren't you not?"

Cub and Zedaph stared at each other. Zedaph was completely still. "I'm human."

"Are you?"

Cub blinked, "I…"

"You may be human," said Zedaph, with eyes filled with wisdom, "but players don't like you. There are two types of worldhoppers. Those who are avoiding other players, and those who wish to find… 'special' players like you and I. Your friend has encountered the second ones a lot."

"Then what are you, if you aren't human?"

Zedaph sprang up into the air, kicked off his shoes and pants, to reveal hooves and a pair of sheep-like legs. A small tail sprung out as well, completing the look. Zedaph landed, looking entirely too pleased with himself. Cub could see Scar's leap back from the corner of his eyes. "I'm a satyr!"

"What's a satyr?" Cub asked.

"Half-man," Zedaph pointed towards Cub, "and half sheep!" To emphasize this point, Zedaph hurried gracefully to the sheep, giving it a hug. 

Scar was staring at Zedaph with wide-eyes. "You…"

"I'm like you, see!" Zedaph said, his smile growing wider. "I'm not human and I don't think you are either. So, what are you?"

What was he? What. was. he. Cub took a step back, bumping into the sheep. He didn't know. Was he human, was he even a player? Or was he just a ConVex? When had being a ConVex become a bad thing to be? Cub glanced over at Scar, who was just as confused as he was. Scar was tearing up almost crying. Cub's stomach turned. Something was wrong. Scar was frozen in place. Petrified. If Scar wasn't to answer, how could Cub? Cub didn't know who he was. Did Scar know who he was? 

In the end, Cub gave the only answer he could, "I'm not a player. I'm not a villager, but I might be human. Maybe we don't know what we are. Is that so wrong?"

He held his breath, awaiting Zedaph's response. Every moment seemed to be a thousand years with Zedaph. He looked off into the distance. "You know," Zedaph said and Cub froze too. "That's as good an answer as I've ever received. I'm glad to have met you, Scar and Cub."

"I never told you my name," Cub said.

"I know, he," Zedaph nodded towards Scar, "gave it to me when we met, remember."

"I don't remember things," Cub said quickly.

Zedaph nodded thoughtfully, seemingly approving Cub's response. "You remember redstone, yes?"

"Of course," Cub replied.

"Then let's get to my cave. It's not too far from zero, zero, and you two still have a journey ahead, follow me!" Zedaph sprung into the air, leaping much more gracefully as he traveled this time. Cub walked over to Scar. In the conversation, Scar was now standing there, absently staring.

"Are you doing okay, Scar?"

"I guess I don't need to protect you," Scar said unprompted.

"What?"

Scar's smile was forced. "Next world. You need to learn magic. After redstone."

"After redstone," Cub repeated. He joined hands with Scar, and the two followed the bounding satyr.

.

The sun was high in the sky when they arrived at a nondescript cave entrance. Dozens of sheep filled the surrounding area, all manner of colors, creating a rainbow pattern that dazzled both Cub and Scar. He could swear he saw one that shifted between all manner of colors. In the distance, large platforms had been built, shadowy areas where iron golems appeared just to be pushed down a stream. Zedaph had mentioned them as Tango's Iron Farm, a hint of pride in his voice. Scar had made a comment on their aesthetics. Nothing was particularly beautiful, but that didn't seem to bother anyone besides Scar. Scar liked to make things good to look at, beyond pure functionality. Zedaph didn't seem to have that same goal.

"Welcome to my humble abode!" Zedaph introduced, flinging his arms around the hollowed out area, hidden beneath the mountain. Cub was surprised at the scale of the place. Contraptions of all shapes and sizes filled the area, with obvious holes from misuse of tnt. Blocks of redstone were piled around haphazardly, the sheer amount overwelcoming. A bed was flung into the corner of the room, right beside a desk with piles of ripped up papers strewn across the floor. Cub heard a sheep bleat. 

"It's all machines," Scar commented.

"Well, not all!" Zedaph assured, grabbing Scar's hand and racing him to another corner. Cub hiked his skirts and dashed to catch up. He gasped when he saw where the sheep noises had come from. Odd buildings and sheep mixed with one, a clearly disorganized space of either a madman or a genius, and Cub wasn't too frankly sure which Zedaph was. 

"It's… certainly you," Scar ended up settling on. 

Zedaph's smile looked like he had been given the biggest compliment ever, "You… you really think so?"

Scar bit his lip, "...Yes?"

"Impulse and Tango always say that but it never feels real coming from them!" Zedaph exclaimed, tears forming in his eyes. He took a step forward towards Scar, opening his arms, before thinking better of it and crossing them instead. "Could I hug you? Impulse always tells me to ask before hugging someone."

"I… sure."

Zedaph wooed, before leaping to hug Scar. Scar froze in place as the arms wrapped around him, before giving in and returning Zedaph's lovingly physical gesture. Zedaph half opened one eye, looking at Cub, "Get in here you!"

Cub took a few steps forward, before Zedaph physically pulled him into the embrace. It felt nice, if he admitted it to himself, the comforting arms of the satyr pulling him into a warm hug that Cub didn't quite want to ever end. End it did, and soon the trio were looking at each other. Cub had a small grin on his face. Zedaph's giant smile was the opposite of Scar's small, mellowed out, yet still happy look.

"This was really enjoyable." Scar admitted.

Zedaph beamed, "Thank you!"

"I wish I could have seen some of the redstone up close," Cub said.

"It's getting late though, Cub," Scar said.

"You two are weird. Non-human worldhoppers, one without even a broken communicator," Zedaph said. "I hope you find someplace to live someday. What I've carved here isn't much, but it's home. Even if Impulse and Tango are too busy to come around as often."

"Who are Impulse and Tango?" Cub asked curiously.

"They're my two friends! They're very smart with redstone. I'm just messing around compared to Tango's Iron farms and such."

"What you've built here is really cool," Cub responded, "I don't even recognize half of these components and you've made some interesting looking stuff."

"Well," Zedaph smiled, "my dream is to host a game show, someday. But who knows?"

"Who knows," Scar agreed. 

The three stood in silence for a moment. 

"We need to get going," Scar said.

"I understand. Zero, zero is right by my base. I can lead you there," Zedaph said, beginning to walk towards the exit. As they walked together, Zedaph continued "I just have one more question, if you don't mind."

"What is it?"

"Neither of you have denied not being human. However, what exactly are you?"

Cub and Scar looked at each other.

Cub flicked his head.

Scar nodded.

Cub stared at Zedaph, his head raised slightly, "We're vex. Sort-of. It's complicated."

"Vex... " Zedaph hummed, "I've heard about creepers and zombies, but never a vex hybrid before."

"We're not exactly hybrid, either," Scar answered, "but it doesn't matter much."

"No, but maybe we'll see each other again regardless?"

"That would be nice," Cub agreed.

They were there. Zero, zero was marked by another pillar of cobblestone. Cub grabbed a hold of Scar's hand. He didn't squeeze it this time. He knew Scar wasn't going to leave him there. 

"Oh, one more thing," Zedaph said as Scar began dialing the communicator, searching for nearby worlds, "if you see Tango or Impulse, could you tell them to come visit? I miss them and it's lonely here."

"I promise," Cub replied. Zedaph's face was a nervous smile.

"Yeah, thank you. And don't forget--"

Cub didn't find out what Zedaph didn't want them to forget as he was already gone.

Chapter Text

It was easier, this time, traveling through the void. The code ran past Cub's mind, but the nonsensical shock that had come the first time was nowhere to be seen. He reached out and grabbed ahold of a word racing past. It was a line of constantly shifting letters and numbers that Cub let go of quickly, unable to comprehend the weird symbols mixed in between. It felt friendly, curious, the words almost peering at him from all sides, analyzing him while they constructed and changed his code, his essence. When he and Scar landed in the new world, he felt oriented, ready to go from the start. When they landed in a world surrounded by birch trees, Cub went over to punch one and harvest its wood. Scar joined him in the basic collection efforts.

The monotonous task was continued in silence for a few moments. Cub eventually pierced the world's barrier, "How far away are we from zero, zero?"

"Three hundred blocks. I think we are getting closer to my Vex's. The numbers are just a few digits off," Scar said.

"And then what?" Cub asked.

Scar hummed. "Then… we go home."

"To your home," Cub said.

"My home is your home," Scar said with a small smile that almost seemed to be more melancholy than encouraging.

"What if I wanted to go back to my mansion?" Cub asked, not really feeling anything in his words. He didn't want to go back, and yet, he wasn't sure, after meeting Zedaph, if he wanted to go forward either. If he admitted it to himself, he would be happy living with Zedaph. Zedaph had been so enthusiastic in a way that Cub had never seen, taking the slight shell he had and flinging it open, allowing certainly a different Cub to emerge. He didn't think he liked the idea of going back to the Vex quite as much. If he left right now, he wouldn't try to return. He'd probably keep on wandering and worldhopping until he found a new home.

Which was, on the whole, a dangerous prospect. As much as Cub wanted to believe he could do this, that he could survive without the Vex, what happened to Scar was proof it could not be done. He was a ConVex, and when a Vex mansion found a stray ConVex, they took it. Thinking it over, that was what had happened to him, with Scar. Scar had found Cub and taken him away, not truly caring about his opinion on leaving. He did think it was better for him, he felt so much more free, like the Vex had never hurt him, despite the strange dreams and memories. He didn't want to go to a new mansion, to be taken again. 

"I… Do you want to go back?" Scar asked.

Cub, for the first time, answered truthfully and definitively, "No."

"Then why ask?" Scar tilted his head.

Cub focused his gaze on a blade of grass, swaying softly in the cool wind. "I… I don't…"

"You don't what?" Scar kept prying.

What if I don't want to go to a mansion? Cub thought. He didn't vocalize this thought, instead choosing another, greener blade of grass to bequeath his attention. He wondered what it felt like, how it got its energy from the sun above. It was such a simpler life, waiting to be eaten by a sheep. He wondered if Zedaph ate grass. 

"Cub?" Scar's voice was hesitant.

"I think I need a few days. I'm tired, Scar," Cub whispered. "I'm tired of worldhopping."

"You've barely done it," Scar protested. 

"I know," Cub replied, "I'm just tired."

"You're not tired of worldhopping," Scar analyzed, "you just are scared of the Vex."

"I'm not… scared. I just…" Cub sighed deeply, rubbing his face in a comforting movement. 

"If you want," Scar said, "this world is empty. We could rest for a bit."

"Are you sure?" Cub whispered hoarsely.

"Yeah. I could show you how to build a house."

"I would like that," Cub nodded along to his words, finishing with a smile that lost a lot of his nervousness. 

"Okay, well," Scar smiled, "have you ever built a house before?"

"I've never built before," Cub admitted.

"Building is a lot of fun! My favorite is terraforming, but let's start with the building basics. Okay, first, let's turn some of those logs into planks…"

Slowly and steadily did Scar teach Cub how to slowly help construct a simple birchwood shack, surrounded by flowers. They started a simple mine together to collect the stone they needed, and slowly together wove a mansion. Scar pointed out where to place various blocks in ways Cub never thought to combine. From the birch serving as a structure outside, to the cleverly combined stairs and fences, it slowly became a simple masterpiece. Every so often, Cub simply stood back to look at the building, before Scar dragged him back into the building process. He could see why the builder enjoyed this so much. It was a creative, if vaguely monotonous task. 

"Toss me some more wood, please!" Scar called.

"Coming! Planks or logs?" 

"Planks, and I dropped my crafting table again!"

Cub chuckled, quickly slicing up the wood, before attempting to toss it towards Scar. He frowned as he couldn't quite reach Scar. "You're going to have to climb down, I can't reach you!"

"Just use some levitation magic," Scar called back.

"I don't know magic!" Cub shouted.

"It's easy," Scar said. "Just… focus on moving the items, but with magic, like your shields. You've done it before!"

Cub looked up at the still building Scar, wondering about this latest change. What was Scar playing at, was he… trying to teach Cub magic, like he had promised? Why, then, was he framing it as a matter of convenience instead of the power it truly was. Cub shook his head, refocusing his brain onto what Scar had said. Move the items, but with Vex… his magic. This was his power. He had done it against the zombies, albeit, with Scar's help. Could he do it now? He didn't know, but he scrunched up his sleeves anyway, setting down an easy target to focus on. A single wooden plank. How hard could that be?

He stared at the plank, contemplating how to go about this. He opted to visualize the plank in his mind, noting the squareness and the rough texture, combined with a slight reflectivity. The shadow on the house half-covered it in darkness from the sun's position in the horizon. Yet, beneath all that frivilarity, all the shaders and textures, was sturdy wood, two by four planks built up from wood to create a solid, tight, waterproof, but breathable surface. It could be taken ahold of and picked up by Cub. Could it, however, be taken ahold of by Cub's magic?

What was his magic? It was from the Vex, from some time long ago when they had claimed him as a ConVex, changing his memories to that of an obedient servant, then sold him off to the highest bidder. And still yet… Cub could feel it inside him. He had claimed himself as part-Vex before Zedaph. Wasn't that what he was, then? He was a ConVex, and thus a conduit of the Vex. They would have used him as a puppet to their will, but now, Cub was using what they had left within him, magic, to do his bidding. He was the master of his own self now, not the Vex. He never wanted to return to the Vex. He would never return to the Vex, not his Vex. Not even Scar's Vex, as good as he claimed. Not willingly. He didn't want to. What he wanted, right now, was for this magic, this blue bubbling that he had used sparingly for the sake of mental shields, to raise the planks to Scar. 

Scar. The man who had taken him away, who had kidnapped him and taken advantage of his vulnerable trust, just to introduce him to a world far greater then he had ever known. Scar, teaching him to distrust others, yet seeming so surprised when Cub hadn't just trusted him. Scar, who, despite everything, maybe this was just some weird syndrome of his brain speaking, he loved. He loved Scar. He could go back to Zedaph's world and its redstone, but… he wanted to stay with Scar. It didn't make sense, similar to how it made little sense that the block was levitating towards Scar, blue light enwrapping it, but it held firm. As Scar took the block levitated, and shouted at Cub with joyous approval, Cub knew he had made the right decision. 

"You did it Cub!" Scar hollered. 

Scar's smile was infectious. Cub wished to demonstrate his newfound ability again, and raised more and more blocks up to Scar. Scar quickly put the finishing touches on the curved rooftop, before neatly leaping off. Cub startled, and caught Scar inside of his levitation field. Scar chuckled as he was slowly set down. 

"You were really good," Scar praised. "The Vex will be able to teach you a lot."

"I'm not going back, Scar," Cub answered, head held high.

Scar blinked, "What?"

"I'm not going back to a mansion. I'm tired of them. This," Cub gestured around, "this is freedom. Why do we need to stay with the Vex?"

Scar bit his lip, "Let's not discuss this now. We had a great day. It's getting late. We should get to bed."

"Scar," Cub tried.

"No. Just... '' Scar sighed, "I'm too tired. There is so much I need to tell you, but it can wait until the morning."

Cub hesitated.

Scar batted his eyelashes, "Please Cub."

Cub relented, "Maybe over breakfast?"

"Sounds good to me," Scar agreed. 

"But we will talk."

"Of course."

Neither Cub nor Scar budged in their gazes. Scar blinked first. 

"Come on, we have some beds. The inside isn't furnished, but we won't be staying here for more than a few days," Cub said, beckoning Cub towards the door of the house. Cub followed Scar inside the room. It was one empty, open space. No floors for each level, no stairs, and somehow Scar had compiled twenty chests that looked to be full of random debris, strings, dirt, and items that Cub had no idea they had even collected. How had Scar compiled this mass so quickly, Cub had no idea. He took a bedroll from Scar and laid it out on the ground, before kicking off his shoes, he hadn't even noticed the aching of his feet, and lying down.

Cub sighed. He was more tired then he had realized, and more than a twinge hungry. He remembered that when they had been clearing out leaves they had found a few apples, so he forced himself back up to his feet to find them. Taking one look at Scar's chest… monster was the apt term, he promptly sat back down. He'd eat in the morning.

.

He was tied up. This took a moment to register, the world was still spinning from whatever exhaustion he felt. While he didn't feel any rope or leads, it was the only logical conclusion for why he was unable to move a single muscle to even push and struggle against any ties. It was a strange paralysis, deep within his mind, refusing to let him go. Each moment was a struggle to find the energy to inhale and calm himself. He was going to be okay. This was all just a dream. He refused to acknowledge the clean, dark oak wooden planks that he could see. He didn't let himself notice the red carpet or the fireplace. He didn't want to know. This was a dream. This was a dream. This was a…

Oh pet…

You only wish.

The voices were a familiar cacophony that only caused him to shudder, internally. He still couldn't move a muscle beyond his own pounding heart. He wanted this to be a dream. What could it be if not a dream… a memory? A memory of himself that had been erased from his conscious mind, reappearing now that the Vex weren't around to reinforce his mental self-destruction. Why then did this not feel the vague familiarity of other references, such as redstone. Thinking about it logically, this memory didn't seem to fit in, but it was his … wasn't it? A different, more recent memory stirred in his mind, of his mansion and of Scar. He flung it away. He was paralyzed in the mansion of Vex, now wasn't the time to be thinking of other mansions. He needed to focus on surviving this one, dream or memory, or weird vision.

The Vex floated around him, and loosened his paralyzing chains. He shot straight up, tilting his head and hat back to see the Vex circling around him. They all observed him with curious eyes. He felt the vision take over as he shouted, "What are you?"

We?

It doesn't know it's place.

"I am not an it. I am he," he snapped.

No, no it doesn't. 

Do we punish or forgive…

Maybe let it choose?

We will be rich with the wealth it will bring us.

"Where am I?" 

They turned to stare at him. One swooped down, causing him to stumble backwards.

We are the Mansion of Vex, little player.

You only wish...

"What do you mean, 'you only wish'?" he asked.

Tell me, player, what is it that you want?

"I want to get out of here! Let me go!" he demanded.

The eyes of the Vex turned angry.

That is not the correct response

He screamed as a sword slid down his skin, and yet, he couldn't move. He stood and took the pain. "I don't... " he cried, "what are you doing, what do you want?"

We want you to be our ConVex.

"What is that?" 

We want you to serve us, fully.

Mind, body, heart, soul.

Never disobey!

Always return like a good ConVex.

You should want what we want.

"But I'm not a ConVex," he said, "I don't even know what a ConVex is."

The Vex's grin grew wider and madder.

You will .

He did know. He knew what was about to happen, as it had happened before, albeit, maybe, not to whoever's body he was currently inhabiting. Only now, surrounded by Vex Magic and the faces of his nightmares, did he truly understand what had happened to him all those years ago. He hadn't just been taken, ripped away from everything he knew to be used as a servant for unforgiving gods, gods that wished to use him and sell him, gods that only saw him as a symbol of wealth and power, yet were unwilling to so much as budge when he needed something. He had physically been changed, and that was what they were about to do. He couldn't feel his magic, his internal dance that had always felt slightly foreign if so familiar. He could feel only the Vex. The Vex, the Vex with their all seeing eyes and unfeeling gaze that he had thought he had escaped. 

He had never truly escaped. They had kept a part of him, when they ripped out his soul to make it their own. He would never get back what they had taken, and now he was to experience the thievery all over again. He didn't cry, not this time. He just laid helplessly as the Vex went to work. One in the corner of his vision was looking over an ancient tolm. They were directing the others and instructing them how to move. One chirp and he could no longer even pretend to struggle. Another and a Vex phased through him, then another, and another, chilling him to the bone with each piece of magic inside of his body. It was painful in a way he could never describe, like bees stinging his insides, or the chill of ice burning when you slip and fall into a frozen lake, unable to do anything but watch yourself drown, no matter how you struggled, you were frozen solid, ice in your heart. Ice that didn't just leave you frozen and dying. No, that would be too easy. The Vex couldn't properly channel magic through a player's body. Player's weren't good conductors of magic. They had so much conflicting code, with respawn abilities, and other internal magic. In order to let the Vex properly run through his body, they needed to change his code on a fundamental level.

And that is what they did, sinking into his muscles, ripping out the zeroes and ones that made them what they were, flicking switches until they were not entirely, well, human. He screamed and screamed as his body transformed, slowly glowing a blue light shade as his veins were reworked to channel the magic of the Vex. There was no contract, there was no consent. It was a blatant violation of his body and he couldn't do anything about it. He was powerless against the Vex, just a player who had been chosen, ripped from his home, and forced to become what the Vex wanted him to be. What did the Vex want him to be? Did they wish for him to die here, as he felt like he would.

Yes, he would die here and now. He couldn't even think for want of an end to the constant crippling pain that overwhelmed his mind and body. He just wished for the world to be quieter, the mad giggles overhead hurt his ears in their cacophony. He could look down and see the Vex surrounding him through eyes that had shifted from their original yellowish color (though he didn't know how he knew that his eyes were yellow originally) to a green as the light mixed with the cyan. It was just pain. Too much pain for him to cope, and there, surrounded by the giggles of Vex and the world around, is where he wanted to die permanently. He prayed to every god of the players he knew, jeb_, Dinnerbone, CornerHard, and, yet, no answers were given. Just more emptiness.

Oh player .

The voices of the Vex were singing in such harsh tones. He could shudder, and so he did.

None of your gods can help you now. 

No, no they couldn't. He wasn't a player, he was… something else. The burning was fading, and now, after everything, he could think clearly for the first time in what felt like hours. He tried to move, but only his fingers would slowly allow his hand to be closed into a loose fist, albeit, with more sensations of pain. Every muscle ached, every vessel ached, but now, he could feel something inside of him. It was a loose, pleasant tingling in his mind and body that he could feel was familiar. Familiar and foreign. Vex Magic, at least, a place to properly channel it. They had given it to him. Now that he had it, he did not know how he had managed without it. He was crying, ever so slightly. Streams ran from his eyes and onto the floor. A Vex swooped down, landing neatly on his chest. He moved his eyes down and looked his gaze on his tormentor. A tormentor, and yet, the little, the powerful Vex had taken him and fixed something in him he hadn't even recognized as broken. If he could move his mouth, he could tell he would be thanking them.

What is your name?

He couldn't answer. He could still hardly move. Everything ached. The Vex were displeased, he could tell. They didn't concern for him, so much as wish for him to serve immediately. He didn't move, just stayed in his uncomfortable, but at least not painful, position. A Vex flew through him, and he suddenly felt a pleasant, warm tingling flow through his body. He gasped, slightly, as his muscles went through a feeling of deep relief, like a healing potion had been injected directly within them. He blinked, before slowly beginning to move, stretching out muscles that no longer screamed in pain.

Now…

What is your name?

He opened his mouth to answer, and the wrong word slipped out before he could stop it, "Scar."

Scar.... 

You are our ConVex now.

"What does that mean?" he asked, a small sense of dread growing inside him.

You serve us. 

But we will be kind!

We've never had a ConVex before. We found a book to make one.

Most of us smaller mansions don't have them. You can help us gain treasure!

"Okay," Scar replied, "how?"

Chapter Text

Cub shot awake, breathing in heavily. Scar was still asleep, Cub could hear his soft snores. He didn't know Scar snored, he'd always fallen asleep before him. His stomach rumbled louder. He slowly crept to his feet stretching and letting out a silent yawn as he finally forced himself to the chest monster. He scratched the side of his head, and his fingers felt the beard he had again. He had been clean shaven in his dream. Either that, or simply unable to grow hair. He wasn't quite certain.

Digging through the chest monster took a long enough time that Cub vowed that he would never let his chests get this untidied. It was a pain, but eventually, he uncovered the apples, as well as a bowl filled with water he could use to wash his face. He plucked a comb and a piece of woolen cloth as well, before settling himself in a corner to groom himself. His beard was long, but he didn't wish to trim it without a proper mirror. After enjoying one of the apples, he set about slowly removing the many tangles that infested his beard from lack of proper care. He didn't remember the last time he had actually sat down and done this. 

He was about half-way through when Scar awoke. Scar took one look at Cub, sighed, and sat down in a different corner, building a furnace to cook something up to eat. Cub only half-watched it, too busy focusing on the steady strokes. The tangles hurt sometimes to work out, but he knew that, in the end, it would be better. He used the water not just to wet the hairs, but to also serve as a sort of mirror. When he finished, he thought he looked much better than he did at first. The beard was still too long, but it wasn't a matted silverfish nest. 

"You look good," Scar said, walking towards Cub with a bowl of what looked to be a simple mushroom stew. 

"Thanks," Cub responded, taking the stew and taking a sip. It was more refreshing on his stomach then the apple had been.

"I told you we'd talk, yesterday," Scar said softly.

Cub sighed, "We need to."

"Yes, we do."

The two sat in silence.

"I don't even know where to begin," Scar admitted, head down towards his soup.

"Nor do I," Cub said, keeping his gaze on Scar, "but we need to start somewhere. We can go back if we need to."

"Okay," Scar whispered hoarsely. It took Cub a moment to notice Scar was crying. Cub froze for a moment, a bit uncertain of what to do, before setting down his stew, and offering a hug to Scar. Scar leaned into the touch, shivering ever so slightly. 

"It's going to be okay," Cub whispered, rubbing circles into Scar's back.

"I know. But I did something Cub. I didn't just mess with your head, I put something inside of it."

Cub froze. 

"It's… it's going to sound crazy," Scar continued, looking everywhere but Cub, "but… I put some of my memories inside your head. Some of the ones I knew that your mansion would have wanted to take away from me. I could feel them trying to erase them, to… make me you, " Scar shuddered, "you don't remember what has happened to you, it's a hole in your mind and I can feel it. I… I used that hole. I hid my memories there, because you were already broken. They wouldn't have suspected you to hide that from them, and you didn't get a choice to."

"Scar…" Cub began. He scooted back from Scar, but the other ConVex grabbed his hand.

"I violated your mind. If they had known, they probably would have permakilled you, but I was so damn selfish I just wanted to protect my own mind. I don't know what's in those memories, I just know I knew they were important, but the truth is, I don't know how to get them out. I can't steal memories, I only learned to move my own. But I won't tear down your walls," Scar's voice turned firm, "I violated you so much. I wouldn't be surprised if you can't forgive me for that, but the only way I can get my memories back is if you let me in."

"So," Cub's voice was a bit raw, "they weren't dreams. I was you, or at least, I saw what you remembered."

"What… what was it?" Scar asked, trembling.

"A lot of walking," Cub listed, "a lot of builds. I went to sleep on a couch, and I woke up and was transformed into a ConVex. Well, you were. But that…" he sighed even deeper, "that all probably happened to me as well, at some point."

"I… I don't remember," Scar replied.

"I can't get my memories back," Cub thought, "but you can."

"What do you-"

"You lied to me, Scar," Cub said, staring into Scar's green eyes. "You lied, you kidnapped me, you invaded my mind…"

Scar nodded along, how could he deny Cub's piercing words.

"...and, most of all," Cub finished, "you saved my life."

Scar blinked, "What?"

"Without you," Cub explained, "I'd still be in that mansion. I don't know what's going to happen next, I don't want to go to your mansion, but this is what I do know. You saved me. I trust you Scar. What do I need to do to help you?"

.

Cub lay down on the soft bedroll, focusing on keeping his breathing calm and collected. Scar was biting his lip as he scrolled through his comm, bringing up long texts that appeared to be scanned in from the books Cub had seen in his dream. Scr had commented on the weirdness of knowing that this knowledge was in his communicator, but not remembering when he had scanned it in. It was a weirder memory, and Cub wondered how many more he hadn’t dreamt in his weird headspace. Scar mentioned believing he had crammed as many of his important memoires as he could inside Cub, and not for the first time did Cub wonder how many that actually was. 

It didn’t matter to him. He was tired of them, and was glad to not deal with the dreams, or were they nightmares, plaguing his sleeping hours. So, with that in mind, it did matter to him. 

“Okay,” Scar sighed, “okay. I think- I think I can do this. I’ve done it before right? Muscle memory still stays without the actual memory?”

Cub reflected on his instinctive knowledge of things such as names. He only briefly considered the innocuous things he didn’t remember. It was going to be okay, he had to keep lying to himself, for the sake of Scar. With a smile, he replied, “Of course.”

“Cub, I don’t want to hurt you,” Scar said, “if this… if I fail, you could lose your entire memories.”

“Good thing I’m used to it then,” Cub joked, his voice a bit too lighthearted for the weight in the air. 

“Cub…”

“I trust you Scar,” Cub insisted. “I might not always, and I don’t think I’d ask you to build a redstone contraption--” Scar giggled, “--but in this, I’ve seen your magic. You haven’t messed up my mind yet.”

“No, just drugged you and stopped you from questioning my actions,” Scar’s voice was filled with regret and hatred.

“Have you done that since?”

“I…” Scar’s lip bled slightly, “what if it’s still in your head? What if that’s why you trust me? I shouldn’t have done that. It was wrong and I wasn’t thinking.”

“If you are still subconsciously ordering me to trust me,” Cub thought, “you’ll see it when you are in my head. And the fact you are worrying about this makes me inclined to believe I should trust you.”

“But I don’t trust me,” Scar whispered. He was crying again, his eyes red and heavy. 

“And I do, and I want this. I need you to trust you Scar. You deserve to have your memories,” Cub squeezed up, before relaxing his muscles again, “even…. Especially if I can’t.”

“Okay,” Scar’s voice was calming, his breath evening. He slowly raised a hand to Scar’s forehead, pressing down slightly. Cub felt a wave of exhaustion flow through his body. He closed his eyes, accepting the intrusion as he disassembled his mind's barriers to create an easy pathway for Scar to access his deepest memories.

“I love you Scar,” Cub breathed. Moments before he fell unconscious, he heard a reply.

“I love you too.”

.

He was in a world where time didn’t seem to make sense, a world of light and chaos. He had only one urge, protect. He had been told to suppress this urge as the intruding blue began to poke around the world. It was a violating tentacle in the mindscape, peering over memory after memory, to compare it with their own and observe. It wasn’t attacking or removing, so he stayed quiet. Before, when the very powerful blue with the mad laughter that drove the mindscape into a feeling of panic and fear, he had flung himself at the blue with all he had. It invaded and twisted and changed, warping memories to its cause and forcing compliance from the mind and body. He hated the blue, even if the conscious parts of him didn’t.

This blue was similar in aura, and yet so different in the way it acted. It felt more a part of him than the last blue, but still he remembered. He remembered this blue, and its last invasion, how it had injected false memories in. He hadn’t fought it then, the overwhelming blue was too powerful for him to concern himself over a smaller and weaker invader. The memories it left behind were encased in a shell, like a membrane that contained and separated them from the rest. He occasionally watched over the memories, seeing visions of Vex and builds long forgotten. Compared to the other invaders, this was a peaceful storage, with a  request to preserve. And so, he did preserve the memories, keeping them safe and secure. He assumed that was why the blue light was back here. It wished to have its memories back.

He saw no advantages to continue as a storage system for the memories of someone else, and thus, he helped guide the light to where he had safely stowed the memories away. It seemed to appreciate the help, and they continued in silence. He showed the hole in the mind where the memories had stayed hidden. Flashes of the memories appeared and vanished in their incorporeal, code like form. Zeros and ones were automatically translated to the ideas of the most basic Java, the language of the originals, until they were warped into images. The light flickered in recognition as it slowly absorbed the foreign ideas and concepts. The hole in his mind slowly reappeared, until all he could remember was the memory of having them.

The light probed out at him. He accepted the handshake, the motion of acknowledgement, before following the light out, slowly repairing the mental walls as it left. It was oddly peaceful, floating through the mind with a… friend. One who wasn’t intent on causing harm and damage, one that just wished to retrieve what was given, and remember who they were. They seemed nervous with their flashes and shaking, their form wasn’t corporeal, after all. At the edges of the mind, that was where he stayed, watching the light of Scar exit peacefully. Staring into the distance of the clouds, that was where he sat down, sighing with contentment. And thus, he reawakened, not unchanged, but not broken.

It was a good feeling.

“Scar,” he said, blinking his eyes open. Scar blinked, and his eyes shifted from their glowing blue back into the steady and stable green.He was leaning over Cub, a worried look on his face.

“Are you okay Cub,” he asked hurriedly.

“Yes,” Cub sighed in a relief he didn’t know he was still holding. “I’m fine. Do you remember?”

“I do,” Scar said, “I… it’s worse than I thought.”

“What did you think?”

“All I could remember were the happy memories with my Vex. Those were fine in their eyes. Now I have the bad parts, and I don’t like the bad parts.”

“Do you want to go back?”

“I…” Scar’s voice hitched, “I don’t know.”

.

The rest of the day was spent in silence. Scar chose a corner and sat down, looking far away. Cub wondered if he was reliving the memories he had long since suppressed. He looked tired and worn out, there in the corner surrounded by birch wood. Cub laid a few blankets on him to make sure he was comfortable, before choosing to go outside and enjoy the sun. The world was a strange peacefulness, no one around. Chickens clucked and cow’s mooed, but beyond that the quiet was enjoyable. Cub liked quiet, it was like silence, but better in an odd way. The forest was beautiful, with its flowers sprouting around and the shadows simply there to provide tranquility. He decided to go for a walk, and weave around the trees, but not daring to go too far for the fear of getting lost. He wondered if there was a village in this world. He wondered if there were cats, or players, or any other of the things he’d come to enjoy.

Birch bark  was like paper, easy to rip off. Some of the older trees had much ripped off from the cows and sheep that used it to scratch themselves. He could even see small flecks of wool, fur, or feathers near those places. When he found an egg, he pocketed it, planning to cook it up for Scar and his dinner. He thought about trying to climb up a tree and see what was above the canopy. Scar had been the one to build most of the roof of the house they had made, and thus Cub had yet to see such a view. He chose a tree, and slowly began to scale it, one foot after the other. One branch, then to the next, he climbed higher and higher, until the sun warmed his face from it’s home high above the world.

The view was beautiful. Trees sprawled out for what seemed to be miles, with mountains in the distance. Towards the sunrise, the birch gave way for a mighty oak forest, and to the sunset,a beautiful and vast ocean. Cub hoped that the coordinates lead to an ocean someday. He had never seen so much water in all the life he could remember. He wanted to stop categorizing what he did and did not remember. He would never get those memories back. He didn’t have the luck of Scar, to not have the Vex take them, nor did he hide them away inside his mind. He hadn’t been able to. Now, was the only life he had. What happened before, it didn't matter. That Cub was dead, and he was now here. He was Cub, and he had never seen an ocean up close, and, therefore, someday he would. Maybe not in this world, but maybe the next. If not the next, then the one after next.

He didn’t have to stay in one mansion. He was free, for the first time, and… and now, he could do what he pleased. He was sitting on a tree, staring at an ocean as the sun set below the horizon, crying, but he was able to do that. He didn’t need permission. They had taken him, but he had left them. They might be a part of him, he might have their magic, but it wasn’t theirs anymore. He was Cub, and he was a ConVex and a player, but those were simply adjectives. In the end, he was his own. 

With the sun setting, he climbed down the tree, head held high and stride assured, plucking up another few apples on his way. They might make a good applesauce to go with the egg, or he and Scar could eat the apples raw, and savor their juiciness. He opened and closed the door quickly, to prevent any stray skeleton arrows from searching for a target inside. Scar was now tidying up his chest monster, but half-heartedly, as if for want of something better to do. They exchanged a quick greeting as Cub lit the furnace.

“Could I cook?” Scar asked.

“I don’t want you to do all the work--”

“--No, no, it’s… I like cooking, but I don’t often get to share it,” Scar reassured. 

“Do you want me to keep organizing your chest monster?”

“It’s not a monster! I have a system.”

“Yes, a system of disorganization,” Cub shot back. 

Scar snorted. He took the egg and apples from Cub’s hand. “How would you feel about egg drop soup? I gathered some herbs earlier. They should be somewhere…”

“That sounds delicious Scar. You can start the broth, I’ll search for the herbs.”

Cub wasn’t the neatest person, yes, but Scar took it to a whole new level of unorganization. Nothing seemed to be placed in the right spot, and if Cub didn’t know better, he would almost say it was deliberate. He found the herbs Scar had mentioned buried under a chest filled with saplings and some cobblestone. He left the cobblestone, but took the saplings to a ‘nature’ chest he had started, before handing the herbs off to Scar for cooking. How did Scar cook so good, Cub couldn’t hazard a guess. Somehow his chaos worked, and he usually managed to get the ingredients in on time for a good meal. The way Scar quickly chopped up the herbs with a stone knife, precisely delicate in a way Cub wondered if he’d ever managed to achieve, the way his body moved in fluid motion as he transferred from the small crafting table he used to cut to the cooking furnace, Cub admired it all, for just a moment, before going back to work sorting the chests. 

He was nearly done when Scar called out that the soup was ready. Cub finished up the last chest quickly, before bringing over a bucket of water for the two to wash their hands in. As they nestled down, Cub asked a question that had been poking at the back of his mind, amongst all the more important things to worry about. “How come in some worlds, we get hungrier quicker than others?”

Scar didn’t seem to expect that question to start the meal. He swallowed his soup, and formulated a response, “Probably the world type. Some worlds are harder to live in then others, and in a harder world you need more food. I’ve heard on some worlds, players just carry around stacks of steak to constantly sustain them.”

“Is that a type of world you would want to live in?” Cub asked.

“I… hm,” Scar thought, “I don’t think I would be averse to it, but I don’t want to live in a singleplayer world again. I built all this stuff, but I never got to share it with anyone.”

Cub was quiet. “Except me.”

“Except you,” Scar agreed.

“You’re a very talented builder,” Cub said, “it would be nice if you could share that talent to make beautiful things.”

“Like… in a multiplayer world?”

“Yes. One with other players we could share with.”

“It’s hard to find a good multiplayer server,” Scar thought, “a lot of the smaller ones collapse and that can be dangerous.”

“How so?” 

“Maybe it’s just legends and mythos,” Scar said, “but to the players, Vex like ours are myths. I’ve heard of being that stir up conflict amongst their group. Let’s not mention that we are ConVex. Players might think we had a choice. They might attack us, and I’m… I don’t want to break apart a group for what I am.”

“We’re not going to lie about who we are. Not to anyone who matters,” Cub agreed.

“But that’s what makes it dangerous. The Vex don’t like rogue ConVex. I can remember now, they spend a lot of energy transforming us, don’t they?”

“Yep.”

“That’s… that’s why your old Vex would have been so excited to find what they thought was one. They didn’t have to figure out transforming and could just…”

“...Just, make you relearn how to serve the way they wanted you to.”

“Exactly.”

“And they could kill everyone on a server to get to us.”

“Especially my mansion. They’re going to be upset that I was away for so long. If I never return, they might search for me, and if they do…”

“Yep. That’s not something we want to happen,” Cub agreed, “I don’t want us putting a server in danger for our sake.”

“So what do we do?”

“I don’t know,” Cub admitted. The duo sat in silence for a moment, each considering their options. Cub reflected, briefly, of the worlds he had seen. They weren’t a lot, but… 

“What if… we find a place for you, and I go back,” Scar suggested.

“What? No!” Cub said firmly, “I’m not leaving you with the Vex.”

“No, the idea would be… we find you a world, an SMP, somewhere for you to live on. Then, I go back,” Scar swallowed, “face the Vex, and ask for them to let me leave.”

“What if they say no?”

“Then they probably wouldn’t let me leave the mansion anymore,” Scar’s voice was quiet and honest.

“Scar, I can’t let you face them alone.”

“I’ll be fine Cub,” Scar reassured, “they are my masters. They have been good to me. They don’t punish me even when I deserve it.”

“You don’t deserve to be punished, you taught me that,” Cub responded.

“I… I guess I did,” Scar replied. “If you come back, they’ll keep you. I can’t guarantee we will escape again. Not together.”

“Didn’t you have grand schemes of them teaching me how to use my magic as well as you do?” Cub said, a slight sarcastic twinge.

“That was a lie, a lie I made in my head,” Scar replied, “I have the memory back of making that false memory, to deceive your Vex into thinking I wasn’t as powerful.” Scar’s laugh was hoarse, “seems I deceived myself as well.”

“This is weird.”

Scar smiled sadly, "Yeah.”

“But, where would we even find an SMP, or a world. What we’re doing is good and all, but these worlds are abandoned by others, and probably for a reason.”

“Well, we’d have to go to a world hub.”

“I thought those were dangerous for us.”

“They are,” Scar nodded. “Think you can handle some danger?”

Cub leaned back and stretched. “I handled the Vex manipulating me for years, and I’d say I came out okay despite that. How hard could a worldhub be?”

Scar giggled, “Don’t jinx it.”

“So, we leave tomorrow?” Cub suggested, “or do you want to stay here a few more days and finish sorting out… that.” Cub nodded to the half-cleaned up mess of a chestmonster.

“Honestly Cub,” Scar replied, his voice filled with the air of fake seriousness, “I think it’s hopeless.”

“Is there a Vex spell for ‘clean and sort everything up’?”

“If I find one,” Scar said, “I’ll let you know.”

“I’m not the one who needs it!”

When Cub went to sleep that night, not bothering to clean the dishes when the world wasn’t even one he would be going back to, he didn’t have any weird dreams, except for one about a twenty block tall cat, but he had a feeling that one wasn’t one of Scar’s memories.

Chapter Text

Neither bothered to clean up the mess they had left. It was another unfinished project that they would never need to return to. Why both with something no one was to see was the general feeling between the two though Cub did tidy up the last of the sections he had to finish. It was just another way to pass the time and ignore that they were about to embark on an entirely new chapter in their lives. The junk from the old was left behind, and now, they both were ready to be free from the bonds they had imposed upon themselves. They were ConVex and no matter what happened, for now, they had each other. 

Of course, they wouldn't have each other forever, Cub reflected. If he found a home, he would be leaving Scar behind. Scar was steadfast that he wished to stay with the Vex, no matter what sorts of cruelty they'd impose onto him. It made only a miniscule of sense to Cub, after all, he'd spent so long with his Vex, it wasn't until Scar had dragged him out  of there and to his senses didst he truly decide to stay away. He refused to put Scar through that. Scar was free to make his choice and he had. Any mental manipulation the Vex had put him through was, at least, not magical. Then again, Cub knew enough about the player psyche that maybe Scar was still not okay, even if the force that compelled him to stay with his Vex wasn't magical, it was still strong as any binds. Cub almost could admire Scar's steadfast devotion, if it didn't mean the two would have to part ways.

Disregarding that, Cub looked forward to what would happen next, if he took it independently of Scar. He would be given the chance to make it on his own, and while the Vex would be an ever looming threat, he was certain he could do this. He was a ConVex, and that meant more than even the Vex knew. They saw them as servants, beings to show wealth, but Cub now could see. A stray ConVex was an enemy to all Vex, as they had the power, but with freewill. Cub had freewill now. He was free. 

He had made his choice. He led the way out the door now, not even looking back at the house that he and Scar had so carefully constructed together, a labour of love between the two, he marched forward, occasionally checking back on the compass on Scar's communicator to make sure that they were on the right direction. Cub wished he had one of those communicators. Maybe the world hubs they were about to explore would have one for sale. He decided to suggest this to Scar, casually. It may be a short walk, but it was a simple enough question.

Scar shot him down as soon as he brought the idea up, "Communicators are tied to a specific player, and losing them is rare. You'll have to get a new one custom made and I don't know where to go for that."

"Couldn't we search for someone?" Cub suggested.

Scar shook his head, "World hubs are really dangerous. You have the places the admins are active and moderate everything, but in the shadier areas? You could get kidnapped or worse."

"What could be worse?" Cub asked.

"I once heard about someone who was taken to a hardcore world and forced to fight to the death in a series of pvp tournaments," Scar said.

Cub shuddered, "Okay. Stick to trodden paths. Be wary of strange players. Don't get lost. Find some place to live."

Scar stopped walking. Cub reached out, grabbing Scar's head and squeezing it to either reassure himself, or Scar. He didn't really know, at this point. 

"If we stick together," Scar said, "everything will be fine."

They wouldn't be sticking together. The entire point of this was for them to leave each other. That, however, remained unspoken between the duo. Cub didn't want to acknowledge that he was leaving Scar, and Scar didn't want to leave Cub. 

When the world began to fade around them, Scar leaned into Cub, embracing the man beyond the simple handhold required for the transfer of worlds to work effectively. He and Cub hugged as the world faded around them, and, together, for truly the first time, did they shift between worlds together. It was a different journey, when the two were together and touching in such an oddly intimate way. Cub didn't focus on the memory corruption errors, nor the strange letters and numbers that zoomed past, that he could almost read. No, he focused on Scar, closing his eyes. As long as Scar was there, everything would be alright. As long as Scar was there...

.

They emerged in a world, surrounded by more people than Cub had ever seen. That was his first impression, sheer shock. The place was massive, towers everywhere composed of the finest materials, golds and stones, with a healthy mixture of stairs and slabs. They weren't quite as personal as the quaint cottage he and Scar had built, but they sure were impressive. The world was loud, players of all shapes and sizes, hybrids and humans, all journeying around and chatting to one another. Cub counted three creepers, an enderman, and six ocelots before it began to hurt his head. There had to be the entire world here, in this open space flourished with flowers and authority. Cub spied a sign and read it allowed to himself and to Scar, "Welcome to Worldhub #6 entryway C."

"I choose one of the smaller hubs, to... not overwhelm you," Scar said, shifting his eyes around at every nearby player. No one was wearing much armor, and some just seemed lost. 

"Who are those people?" Cub asked, referring to a group just wandering around, taking in everything with wide-eyed fascination that even Cub couldn't match for his first time visit, "They look like they've never seen a build before."

"They might not have," Scar spoke, "players just spawn into random worlds, they might have stumbled in here on accident. But don't stare, you don't want anyone to get offended."

Cub nodded, and tried to find something besides the players to focus his gaze on. Now that he had passed the initial state of shock at everything, he could appreciate the smaller details. The world was very much a quieter place then he initially thought, as they moved out of the spawn in the area, Cub noted empty corners of greenery, especially on the edges of the tall walls disguised like mountains. The terraforming was obvious, but well done. He just wished it was less bright and tacky. Tacky. That was a word he thought fit this place to a tea. Everything was too much, and that was too much. He wished the paths weren't made out of screaming wool, and instead had a more muted dirt path, or potentially wooden planks. Everything seemed to clash in a way that it was purposefully bad. Even some players wore outfits that seemed 'purposefully bad'.

"Where are we going first?" Cub decided to ask Scar.

"Well," Scar asked, "where do you want to go?"

"What are our options?"

"There's the multiplayer recruiting areas down that way," Scar nodded to an open path that was covered in more wool. Cub didn't understand the love the builders had for this terrible block pallette, "Down that path are the pvp areas as well."

"What are in the pvp areas?" Cub asked. He didn't have much recognition of player to player combat, but he felt he might enjoy it, if he had the right partner.

"Mostly just people punching each other in hunger games matches," Scar said, "occasionally someone famous will participate and everyone will lose their minds."

"Combats okay, but I don't want to do it all the time," Cub voiced.

"I don't have interest in it at all. I can fight," Scar assured, "I just would rather do literally anything else."

"What's down that hallway?" Cub gestured to a much more crowded area, where most of the players spawning in seemed to be walking towards.

"There's a sign right there. I don't know every corner of this map!" Scar called.

Cub walked past a bird posing next to a giant tree made of glass. On a pole thirty blocks high, were simple signs that screamed in bold coloration where each path led. He skimmed over the first area, reading aloud, "Singleplayers, forums, merchandise."

"Merchandise is a good area to go if you want unique items," Scar commented, "at least, if you have diamonds. I always see ten things I want and can't get!"

"You mean... things like clothing?" Cub asked in confirmation.

"Clothing, plushies, you name it, they have it. But you need money and I'm broke. Unless you have some spare diamonds around," Scar shrugged. 

Cub mentally noted that. Maybe he would get enough diamonds someday. He didn't know everything. "Is it going to be an issue, not having money here?"

"It shouldn't be," Scar said, "most of what you do with diamonds is throw them at famous players and beg them to say your name."

"Are there any names I should know?" Cub asked.

Scar shook his head, "I was never interested much in that side of the community. We'll have to go down this path anyway, it might be near where some of the celebrity corners are and I could show you."

"I thought you avoided this place," Cub said, a bit surprised at how much Scar seemed to know about the nearby area.

"I do," Scar agreed, "but I've been here before, I guess."

"In your past life's memories," Cub said quietly.

"It's not a past life," Scar defended, "it's just... before."

"I consider my life before to be dead and gone."

"You also don't have any memory of it."

The two stood in silence, staring at each other in slight tempere. Some pushed Cub to the side, barging past him with no regard. Cub whipped around, irritated, for Scar to hold him back.

"We don't want to start fights," Scar warned. He added in a whisper even Cub could barely hear, "We're not safe here. It's fun, but we need to be on our guard. Loud players either disappear or become famous, and we can't afford either right now."

"I know, but are the people here always this... rude?" 

"Pretty much," Scar shrugged. 

Cub sighed. He guessed not everyone was Zedaph, "Do you think that Zedaph's friends could be here?"

"They're probably off on some world somewhere. I feel bad for the guy, they might have abandoned him," Scar sighed. "I don't... I don't like being alone."

Cub pulled Scar into a hug, "You're not alone, you have me."

You have me for now. Cub decided he wanted to avoid the SMP and Singleplayer world sections. Going there, finding a place? That meant leaving Scar behind. He couldn't do that. Not now. 

"Well, there's another sign, maybe we could go in that direction?" Scar suggested, pulling away from the quick embrace.

"Do you want to...?"

"No, please, please read it. I'm..." Scar took a moment, biting his lip, "I'm very bad with words. I get them all mixed up on signs and such."

"So, like dyslexia?" the word came out of Cub's mouth with instant recognition. Scar's eyes widened slightly in an apparent display of surprise.

"Well, exactly," Scar laughed slightly.

"This sign says 'Redstone', 'Modding', and Farms," Cub read off.

"You wanted to learn redstone," Scar noted.

"Yes... I really do," Cub half-chuckled, the laughter, while not forced, was an attempt to mask his awkward and strange fear at the idea of actually meeting redstoners, in a group. What inventions and tricks would they have come up with that would blow Cub's meager knowledge of the redstone's powers out of the water? What if they didn't like him.

"Then," Scar slung his arm around Cub's shoulder, "what are we waiting for! These are your people!"

"I... yes. Let's go," Cub agreed. He took a deep breath, inhaling and exhaling, before following Scar down the bright, sparkly, too tacky woolen highway, through the hallways of mountains, to another world unknown.

Chapter Text

To Cub’s pleasant surprise, the garishness was soon replaced by a sleek modern look of iron and stone mixed in with terraformed greenery. The paths looked technical in their geometric designs, with redstone used as aesthetic decoration. It surprised Cub, somewhat. He hadn’t expected the redstoners to also understand the basics of design. Observing the nearby area more, however, Cub found he understood the hidden brilliance of the lines. They weren’t lines, they were marking and designating chunk borders! Certain chunks had green in them, presumably marking slime chunks. All this was displayed in a geometric pattern that anyone with a basic knowledge of redstone could begin to comprehend. The paths changed blocks as they split, Cub assumed that the ‘glitched like’ blocks lead to the modding areas. He walked past them, but paused when he saw what he assumed to be the area for farms, based on the elaborate iron pathways leading to it.

“Scar?” 

“Yeah?” Scar responded, keeping close to Cub.

“MInd if we take a peek down there?” Cub asked.

Scar shook his head, “No, not at all.”

Scar and Cub walked down the iron path to an area with several players in it. A man with cat ears and a red shirt was in one of the corners, quietly taking notes on an area where several iron golems stood. Villagers bustled around their daily business, ignoring the nearby players as they went about their daily tasks. Inside, a robot with glowing red eyes was continuing to construct what Cub assumed to be an iron farm. He was bickering what a man in yellow garments, but Cub was too far away to catch their conversation. He walked up, admiring the sleek design. 

“Have you tried using glass instead?” the man in the yellow shirt suggested.

“Yess I have, Impulse. That’s not the issue!” the robot called back.

Cub zoned out the bickering, wandering next to a more simple farm concept that used a green block Cub had never seen before that appeared capable of sticking to other blocks and moving them around. With this design, someone was powering an overly efficient chicken cooker. He could follow the basics of what was going on, but a lot of the concepts Cub was finding to be completely foeign. He wondered if redstone had changed at all. It had definitely been a while since he’d explored it at all. He heard the loud braying of a sheep in trouble, and turned around to watch as a sheep disintegrated into lava. The creator of the farm was struggling to haul another sheep to test his farm, water flows pushing the sheep around only so well. It headbutted the player, baaing even louder. This seemed to catch the ear of the robot.

The robot jumped off their iron farm, marching their way towards the man and their sheep. Scar shuddered beside Cub. Cub instantly regretted coming here. Scar didn’t seem to enjoy these farms and the death they held. Neither, however, did the robot. In an angry voice, the robot yelled, “Hey, no killing sheep!”

“This isn’t your forum. I can show off my sheep farm if I want to,” the other man spat back, “I know you have a lot of respect, but you don’t control this place.”

“Your sheep farm is a complete disaster. That design may have worked… in 1.2. Thatś composed of nothing but outdated redstone. You don't even have repeaters to continue the redstone, half your problem is that it dies before the signal can even be sent. Not to mention that killing chamber is extremely slow and inefficient. Your design is complete garbage,” the robot analyzed all this with a deathly voice, as their detractor seemed to shrink smaller and smaller with fear. Every word was cold and harsh, ¨Mutton is an extremely poor source of food. You shear sheep for wool, and when you have to manually dye each sheep that you senselessly murder, you’re wasting dye. It’s a pile of junk, and to top it off, it’s a sheep farm. I might not make the rules here, but I do enforce my own. No. Killing. Sheep.”

The other man was practically yelping as he scampered off. The robot sighed, taking the sheep over to his side of the forum. The yellow shirt man was shaking his head, but the smile on his face revealed his true feelings on the matter. The watchers of this began to disperse as things began to return to normal. Cub had a feeling this wasn’t the first time someone built a sheep farm to make the robot lose his cool.

“Think Zedaph would mind caring for this little guy?” the robot asked. 

“He’s never said no before!”

Cub was speechless. He turned to Scar, “Do you think…?”

“I-” Scar blinked, “it could be.”

Cub bit the bullet. He walked up to the duo with a lot more casual courage then he thought himself capable of, and asked, “Excuse me, are you Tango?”

“Yes, I am,” the robot confirmed, “and I know what you are asking. No, I will not help you fix a farm in your world. That was a one time thing. If you need to troubleshoot, do that on your own and try to-”

“No, I don’t need your farms. I just... “

“We met Zedaph a few days ago and were curious if you were the Tango he mentioned,” Scar explained when Cub’s voice failed.

“You saw Zed?” the yellow shirted man, Impulse, looked surprised. “I thought he didn’t like coming to world hubs. Most don’t let him bring his sheep.”

“We were worldhopping and-”

Tango stuck a sword to Cub’s throat quicker than he could explain, “If you hurt him, I will make and throw you in your own personal unbreakable redstone hell, and you won’t get out until the Developers have mercy, vagabond.”

Cub flinched, “No, no we didn’t hurt him. We were just passing through.”

“That’s what they all say,” Impulse snarled, ‘then you find a world filled with nothing but dead bodies.”

“I don’t kill people” Cub said, “and Scar wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

Scar denied it immediately, “I have.”

“You’ve what?” Impulse asked.

“Cub I’m not as innocent as you think. If you want to get their help…. I’m tired of lying,” Scar admitted. Tango didn’t blink. Cub wondered if he could.

“Then, tell me the truth. Did you hurt Zed?”

“No,” Cub confirmed.

“Did you hurt any of his sheep?”

“Of course not!” Scar gasped.

Tango set down his sword, putting it back into his inventory. The robot stared at Cub and Scar, then nodded, “I sense you are telling the truth. I don’t trust worldhoppers. What,” Tango nodded to Scar, “do you mean by having killed people.”

“I mean that I will kill to protect Cub,” Scar answered. “I may not be the best at it, but I can hold enough on my own if I must.” Scar's voice was deathly serious for the man. The world was silent for a moment.

Tango grinned sharply, showing off fangs, "I can respect that in a person."

"Wait, wait," Impulse cut in, "are we just going to trust each other without sharing names?"

"Well, I'm GoodTimesWithScar, Scar for short," Scar introduced. Impulse nodded at the markings that lined Scar's body.

"And I'm Cub," Cub followed.

"Just Cub?" Tango asked.

"I'm not sure," Cub admitted.

"What do you mean, not sure? Just check your communicator!" Impulse suggested.

"I don't have one," Cub replied.

Tango tilted his head, "What do you mean, did you lose it?"

"Someone… I used to trust took it from me. I don't know where it is now," Cub replied, slowly moving the words through his brain. He couldn't explain the Vex, but maybe they would understand…

"That's not good," Tango remarked. 

"Is there a way to get another one?" Scar asked.

Tango shook his head, "Each player spawns in with one. You could try the black market, but you'd be stealing someone else's identity. It's best if you two stick together then, if he doesn't have a communicator."

Cub's heart skipped a beat. He and Scar wanted to get away from each other, in a strange way. They both cared deeply for one another, and yet, this entire trip, the point of coming here, in the end it was to part ways. Now, here was Tango saying, in essence, that Cub and Scar should stick together. The robot didn't know Cub and Scar's circumstances. All he knew was that they knew Zedaph, and yet already he had been treating the duo with a level of respect and cordiality unbound by any other player. Impulse beside him as well, quieter in the moment, yet still so obviously kind. That was what struck Cub the most, the kindness of these two near strangers.

"What if," Scar asked, "we were here to split up?"

Impulse started, "Wait, I thought you two were friends."

"We are, just..." Scar swallowed.

"It's really safer with a friend, unless you have a good reason for splitting up, " Tango said, "staying together, especially in worldhubs is best. Not every corner of them is the tacky spectacle they pretend to be."

"I noticed that," Scar spoke, "the design choices are awful, who even made that... those colors clash horribly!"

"The developers did," Tango said, with an air of finality that Cub didn't catch until after he had spilled his next comment.

"Could the developers get me a new communicator?" Cub asked. 

Impulse and Tango shared a look, silently communicating in a way that Cub recognized and new. One glance between friends told a deeper story, a bond that couldn't be cut so easily with a sword. "They could," Tango began.

"Then how could I contact them?" Cub asked, looking away. 

Impulse laughed, "You can't just contact a developer--"

"--I might know someone who could help," Tango revealed. The three others in the group shot their heads to him. 

"What?" Impulse asked, clearly just as in the dark as Scar and Cub were, if not moreso. Strangers don't often casually share things, but friends do. For Tango to have kept this a secret...

"It's not a secret that I know some people in Mindcrack, and, might I remind you, some of them have had contacts with the devs," Tango revealed in a tone level.

"What?" Scar inhaled quickly.

"How do you think Docm77 lost his arm?" Tango grinned. Cub liked Tango's grin. It was about as wide as a Vex's, but all the more kind. 

However, he had a different thing on his mind, "Wait, what is Mindcrack?"

"You- you don't know what Mindcrack is?" Impulse said, in a bit of surprise to his tone. 

Tango's eyes narrowed in a suspicion that Cub and Scar pressed against each other for mutual comfort from the robot's analyzing gaze. "You aren't telling us everything."

"No," Scar said, "but we are telling you what we can. You don't like worldhoppers, but there is a reason we don't like players."

"You don't like players," Cub reminded gently, "I'm ambivalent towards them." 

"Those scar's aren't entirely from mobs, are they?" Tango observed.

"I'd rather not talk about this right now."

"Then I respect that," Tango nodded, "for now."

The group was quiet, an awkwardness filling the air. Impulse was the first to break the silence.

"Now that that's sorted out," Impulse said brightly, "why don't we get going on that dev finding scavenger hunt."

"Woah, woah, it won't be so easy Impulse," Tango warned, "especially not dragging around these two."

"Hey," Scar began.

"Cub here doesn't even know what Mindcrack is. He's new, at least in mind," Tango argued back before Scar could even begin, "he needs protecting, and if you two plan to split off, Cub is a good target without his communicator on."

We're both good targets, Cub thought, at least, if you players knew our value. But you don't, and we will take advantage of that to provide for our personal protection. 

Is it lying if they don't ask? Cub and Scar being with Tango and Impulse shouldn't put them in danger. The Vex weren't a threat, not here, so far from Cub's... not home. Home was the wrong word, but he didn't have a word that didn't evoke feelings of place with it. He settled on mansion to describe it, with plans to revisit the subject when they weren't focused on... something. Cub shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He needed to stay focused.

"I might not know a lot," Cub said, "but I trust you and I promise to not let you down. You have no reason to trust us, we're basically strangers, and--"

"--And Zedaph rubbed off on me. He makes friends with everyone, even shady worldhoppers. The whole time we were talking, Impulse over there was contacting Zedaph," Tango casually revealed. Cub looked over at Impulse. The man was sheepishly holding a communicator that Cub only now realized he had been typing away at for the entire course of conversation.

"Zedaph knows you two. Says you stayed a few days and that you are like him, whatever that means," Impulse reported.

"I don't understand any more then you do," Scar replied, trying to keep a note of awkwardness out of his voice.

"Oh! He's replying," Impulse said. Tango peaked over Impulse's shoulder, Scar and Cub stood there, neither will to admit the worry they both felt. 

"You two are hybrids?" Tango said, surprise rising in his voice. "You certainly don't look like it."

"To our advantage," Scar replied.

"Zedaph's dealt with enough freaks. They don't come after me that much after my name became well known enough, but they have tried with Zed and Impulse," Tango nodded.

"Some people," Impulse sighed, planting a palm into his face in a show of exasperation, "they like to think that just because I wear a creeper on my shirt, I must be part-creeper!"

"What are you two hybrids of?" Tango asked, "I'm assuming villager for you, Cub, but--"

"--I'm not a villager," Cub quickly clarified. 

Impulse blinked, "Then why are you wearing villager robes."

After a moment's hesitation, Scar stepped in to answer for Cub, "The clothes he spawned in with weren't very good, so I got him some more from a village. We don't have the diamonds to spend on a nice outfit for him."

"But you did have the diamonds to spend on one for you," Impulse observed.

"I didn't buy this, I spawned in with it," Scar said. 

"It doesn't matter, it's just clothes," Cub quickly retorted, praying that the group would end this small squabble sooner. He was being selfish enough, after all. He was diverting the attention of three people to find and bother a being that was only rumoured to exist, just to get a communicator for himself. It felt almost dirty, how easily it had been to basically manipulate the others into agreeing to do what he had wanted. The Vex were manipulators, and Cub had claimed to be of the Vex. Was that what he was as well? A manipulator? Why had Tango and Impulse decided to help them, could it be for more sinister reasons then helping a friend of a friend. They had mentioned hybrids and nonhuman kidnappings, was that what they were walking into?

"It's not just clothing," Tango replied, seemingly a bit shocked by the tone he inflicted. "It's a style, it's how you present yourself. It's what's comfortable in your body. And no one should have clothes that they bartered with villager's for, at least, not because of lack of option."

Cub blinked, suddenly feeling self-conscious in the layered robes he wore. He hadn't particularly enjoyed them, he had to admit, but they did do their job. The idea of clothing that he could feel both comfortable in and look nice... he didn't think that was an option. Especially not for the cost it would take. "I don't want to be a burden--"

"--It's not being a burden!" Impulse declared, "it's taking care of a new friend."

"You're already doing so many things for us," Cub swallowed, "I don't want to take advantage of you."

TAngo nodded, "And by not wanting that, I'd say you are a far step ahead of not taking advantage. This is my treat, and I have more diamonds than I need."

"Even if you don't know everything about us? We could be lying to you," Cub shot back.

"Are you lying to us?"

"But what if we are?"

"Are you?"

Cub and Tango locked their gazes on one another. Cub was forced to admit defeat after a minute of intense staring. "No," he relinquished, "I guess we aren't."

"Then what are you waiting for?" Tango asked, holding out a cybernetic hand. Cub stared at it for a moment, a bit hesitant.

"Cub?" Scar's voice rang in Cub's ears. He just...

"This is probably going to come back to bite me in the butt," Cub heard himself say, "but thank you."

He took Tango's hand, feeling the tough material. It was metallic and cold, but Tango's gaze was warm and confident. They shook hands briefly, and Cub slowly felt a smile creep onto his face. Friendship was nice, he had to admit. 

Scar split up the handshake, jokingly, in a moment, "Well, we have a lot to do today, so we should probably get right into it soon."

Cub withdrew, chuckling slightly.

"The shopping area isn't too far away, but it's a good walk, do either of you two want to rest first? It's always day here, but you still grow tired and you don't need to take a nap on the streets!" Impulse's voice was fast, Cub observed. Fast, yet somehow calculated in a way the robot's voice wasn't. Impulse had a lot to say and no time to say it in.

"We'll be fine," Scar spoke for the group.

"Cub?" Impulse asked.

Cub blinked, wondering why Impulse had asked him as well as Scar. Scar had answered for the group, hadn't he? Or was this something players did, making sure everyone was in accord before continuing with something. Cub searched himself, and while he was a bit tired, he wasn't in need of rest. Just... maybe a break sometime. He didn't dare say that in front of Tango and Impulse, so instead he simply responded with, "I'm fine too."

"Good," Tango responded, "I know a shortcut, but it's probably best we stick to the main paths when we have two noobs here."

"Scar's not a noob," Cub defended, "and neither am I." Silently, Cub added, we've been around for longer then you know.

"He doesn't mean it in a bad way," Scar spoke, "neither of us are particularly good at human interaction."

"Zedaph liked us," Cub defended.

"Zedaph makes friends with anyone who doesn't traumatize him," Tango said, completely deadpan. 

"Is that a joke...?" Scar's uncertainty shuddered his voice.

Tango's response was a quick and cold, "No."

Scar bit his lip. 

"Well," Impulse smiled, "we should get going. I know the main paths unlike Mr. Edgyface here, so I can get us there quick!"

"Why haven't they built a minecart track or something to get around quicker?" Scar asked, sighing.

"Only the developers know," Tango shrugged, "and who knows what they get up to."

"I thought you did?"

"I know people who might know," Tango clarified, "but the likelihood of this working is low. Very low."

Cub swallowed. He didn't want to admit that to himself. Everything he had learned so far had pointed to the comm as the one source of independence. Whichever world housed it was inaccessible to him, and dangerous besides. If this didn't work... he could just stay by Scar's side forever. That option was much more appealing then a darker thought that came into his mind as they began to follow Impulse, Tango and Scar beginning to pick up friendly banter as they learned each other's speaking quirks, feeling each other out and learning through speaking alone. Cub wasn't quite so good at speaking, but Scar somehow had that touch with Tango. Whether it was the robotic nature, Cub didn't know. He was just happy that they connected so well.

It gave him plenty of time to ignore the ugliness of his surroundings and think about a life with Scar. Scar wanted to go back to his mansion. Cub would follow, albeit, with hesitance and fear. Yet, for Scar, Cub felt he was willing to move a mountain. Scar almost felt better then a simple friend though it was a different deep then romance. It was brothers, a family that he had chosen for himself, a bond not smeared by bondage. If Scar asked, Cub would drop this quest in a heartbeat, and continue with him to his mansion, living the rest of his life as a Vex slave to be with the one he wanted. 

Being a servant to the Vex hadn't been too bad. Underneath the surface kindness and days of being ignored was nothing but a narrative of abuse, in the end, and yet it hadn't been so bad? Cub smacked himself, trying to clear his mind of that thought. Things outside were better. The Vex had made themselves the worst thing in Cub's life by removing his memory of anything that could have potentially been worse. They had chosen that when they stripped him, sold him. And yet... for Scar....

"Are you doing okay Cub?" Cub reoriented himself at Impulse's words. The man had fallen back. Cub noted his surroundings passively, noting the sleekness of the technical oriented district had been replaced yet again by the garish color palette of the center forum. 

"Of course I'm doing all right," Cub replied, his words slick with their lies before he even had a chance to think about it. Was he okay? He was scared, yes, but Tango and Impulse had planted something. Things were happening quickly, and Cub didn't like that. He enjoyed the thrill of speed, but right now, he just wishes they could slow down, take a step back, and plan out their next moves before racing off into a world unknown. Cub didn't know what was happening, and he was realizing he disliked not knowing things.

"Cub," Impulse's gaze searched into his soul, like it was trying to pick out Cub's internal self-reflection and take it for his own, "I know Zedaph trusts you, but I'm not as blindly trusting as Zed. Scar said you two were worldhoppers, but I've never met one like you."

"What do you mean, 'like me'," Cub asked, his voice containing the faintest start of a tremor.

"My theory is that you two aren't worldhoppers. You lied because you didn't want to tell us the truth," Impulse's words shook Cub to the core. He inhaled, exhaled, trying to refocus. Impulse was observant, intelligent. He almost seemed to hyperfocus on Cub while simultaneously herding the group. Tango might have taken the front end during the initial conversation, but to Cub, it was clear who the leader of the duo was. 

Cub kept his response short, "And?"

"If you are lying, that's fine," Impulse said. He stressed the next part of his words, "But, if what you are hiding could put us in danger, I need to know. I'm going to ask you a few questions, and I need to get an honest answer. Not an answer Scar may have told you to say, but an honest one."

"Why would Scar have told me to say an answer?" Cub asked, mimicking Tango's head tilt subconsciously.

Impulse sighed, "First question, is Scar hurting you?"

"What?" Cub physically recoiled at the notion.

"I mean, is Scar's coercing you to go anywhere? You seem pretty eager to separate from him, I need to know if we need to make that separation sooner," Impulse said.

Cub shook his head quickly, "Scar saved my life. He wasn't always a good friend, but now I trust him. We just both have our own ideas of where to go next, but we're seeing each other off."

Impulse narrowed his eyes, "In what ways, wasn't he a good friend?"

He used his magic on my mind to kidnap me. Cub didn't say that. He couldn't, but how could he say what happened in a way that didn't sound terrible. A voice in his mind reminded him that it was terrible. Scar had taken away his choice, did the Vex taking it away even more make a difference? 

If one kidnapped a person who was devoted to another, even if their life with the kidnapper was better and more free, was Scar really in the right?

Cub couldn't say that. Not to Impulse. Instead, he said what he hoped would work, "When Scar met, I was in a bad place, and I thought it was good. He helped me see that leaving was a better option then staying."

"Hmm," Impulse seemed to consider Cub's words carefully. "I think I can understand that. Are we in any threat from that place?"

"Tango shouldn't be in much danger, they'd probably want to keep to human minds," Cub thought, "but you would have to ask Scar about that. You could be in some danger, but when it comes down to it, if the... place from our pasts attacked, it would be me they go after most of all."

"Why you?" Impulse asked.

He was a ConVex who rejected the Vex. He would be fun to break. He could barely fight back, but he still knew magic enough to be more useful. He wasn't as troublesome as Scar. "They hate me the most."

"But who are they?" Impulse pressed.

"I'd rather not say."

"You just admitted they could be a threat to you. I don't want you getting hurt. Zedaph--"

"--isn't here, nor is he you. I don't need someone I met after hiding in a cave in fear to be your only judge of my character."

Impulse's smile infuriated Cub, "So, you are afraid?"

"Of course I'm afraid," Cub growled deeply, "Two weeks ago I was stuck in a mansion brainwashed out of my mind, and I still don't know who I am. I could be a monster, I could have been something, but I'll never know, and I'm never getting the chance to learn."

"You were quick about wanting your own communicator," Impulse's voice rose as he seemed to fit the few puzzle pieces Cub had granted him together, "because it's your only chance to truly be free."

Cub laughed hoarsely, "I'll never be free. Scar's going back to his mansion, and he'll probably be more safe then I will ever be."

"Being safe doesn't mean being free."

"What does that mean?"

"If, and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, if Scar plans to return to his abusers after freeing you from yours, because he prefers safety over freedom, then he's wrong. Did you feel safe in your… mansion?"

Cub's gaze trailed to the side of the path. He observed the rainbow of flowers, some changing color even as they walked past in a subtle spectacle that he suspected was the magic of the Developers. "No," Cub said, "I just feel fear and regret."

"But you feel safe with Scar?"

"I don't want to leave him," Cub admitted. He wondered who tended for the poppies, all lined in a row, none plucked nor trodden.

"Do you feel safe with Scar?" Impulse asked, and Cub realized what Impulse was doing. He wasn't allowing Cub to deflect or not answer. He was being direct, focused in his words. Cub didn't have a choice but to answer with honesty and firmness. It was comforting in a way Cub had never expected honesty to be.

"Yes," Cub answered, head held high, "I feel more safe with him than I do without him. He is family to me."

"You don't want to see family going back to an abusive situation."

"He's made his choice," Cub said, his throat unexpectedly catching on the words, "I've made my peace with it."

"Have you?" Impulse asked.

Cub refused to answer.

Chapter Text

Their destination soon arrived. Cub, Scar, Tango, and Impulse were closer together now, after a friendly warning by Impulse to keep a look out for pickpockets. When Scar had pointed out neither of them had items to pickpocket, Tango had tossed them each a diamond, saying that 'now they did'. Cub realized, then, he had never remembered holding a diamond before. The Vex were wealthy, hoarding all manners of gems and gold, but they had never wanted Cub to touch it with his naked hands, and insisted that he take care to use gloves when polishing the precious gem. The diamond felt dizzying to hold, like it was a battery of pure Vexual energy. Cub had to squeeze his eyes shut and focus on the pure chaos that reigned in it. It was intoxicating, and he could see now why players craved the precious stone. It wasn't particularly beautiful, but it was powerful, even if players couldn't feel it. Or, perhaps, they felt just a pleasant tingling, or a yearning for more power in their stomach. Cub didn't quite know. It had taken a concerned comment from Impulse and Scar's guiding hand for him to let go of the diamond and carefully bury it inside his inventory.

With the diamond mostly out of mind, Cub was instead shook by the market itself. Players crammed into each other on dirty streets, sellers peddling all varieties of wares, from live animals to cheap trinkets. Cub's head swarmed as he tried to figure out what to focus on, the muddied dirt streets? The scent of garbage and food? The neverending daylight that made the place hotter than it had any right to be? The cat screeching at passerbyers to try their world-famous fish kebabs? Cub didn't know. He pressed closer to Scar, making sure to keep a tight grip on the fellow ConVex as they pressed their way through the crowd. It was overwhelming, and Cub wished he hadn't decided to come here. Even walking in the shadow of Impulse and Tango didn't help much, there were just too many players. How could there be this many players in the entire game? Players with their own lives and stories, happily trodding the world, unaware of any world beyond themselves? Cub swallowed. He needed to stay focused and follow Tango and Impulse. He was glad they hadn't thought to come this way before, without the help of the duo, they would be so hopelessly lost in between the ringing and shouting.

"Two pails of pufferfish! Cheap!"

"Get a snack from a modded server!"

"Swords! We got swords!"

Cub pressed closer into Scar. Scar was shivering, hard. His gaze looked glazed over and unfocused as tears dripped from his eyes. His breathes were shallow and far too quick for Cub's liking. Cub called out, "Tango?"

"Yes?" Tango shouted back.

"Can we get someplace quieter?"

"We're almost to the clothes!"

"Soon please!"

For now, Cub used Scar as his focus, guiding the panicking player through the shops, trying to ignore how many players were around them. Far too many. This was a bad idea. Cub didn't like this, and he was tired and Scar was crying, and they both needed to get out of here. Cub didn't even dare to deviate from Tango's path, never-the-less, petrified with the idea of getting lost in this hustle. Cub breathed a thanks to every god out there when Tango turned and pushed his way through the crowd. Impulse helped by walking beside Cub and Scar, using his body to keep the walkers at bay while they broke off into a smaller, yet significantly less crowded and calm, street. 

The area was filled with cloth. That was the best way to describe the wools, some colorful, some not, and linens that lined the walls of the merchants. Others seemed to sell armor, spacesuits, and other manners of clothing in a wide variety of styles. About twenty stalls were here, and everything was a lot quieter.  Cub and Scar looked around, admiring the furs and leathers with shock at the fine quality of the goods and outfits. Cub spied a leather jacket similar to Scar's, and joked, "Maybe we could twin!"

Scar snorted, "Find something you like Cub."

"And don't worry about the cost," Tango said, "I'm willing to pay for anything you want."

"I still don't want to take your money..."

"Consider it a reward for making my day better then. I haven't been outside of the technical areas in a while. I've forgotten how ugly everything looks," Tango laughed, "they may make incredible life, but do the Devs not know how to make a matching color palette?"

"The technical area looked nice," Scar commented.

"That area is player designed," Tango said, "of all the places, the technical area is the only place where we really carved out our own spot. the builders, I've heard, have been petitioning to allow them to redesign the areas, but the Devs haven't responded."

"Do they often ignore things?"

"It's less 'ignoring'" Tango made air quotes, "and more that, the world is getting larger every day. They're too busy to be close with players anymore."

"But Docm77 of Mindcrack knew one," Cub recalled.

Tango nodded, "He challenged a god to a battle and lost his arms."

"I- what?"

"Go have a fun shopping trip Cub," Tango said, plucking diamonds out of his pocket, and practically thrusting them into Cub's hands. Cub didn't bother to count, he could already tell it was more wealth then he would ever get to own again. Dozens upon dozens of blue gems, and they were his so long as he spent them. It dazzled his mind. Cub took Scar's arm, dragging him away from the fine hats he was trying on, insisting that they shop together. "I need to know what looks good on you!"

"You'll look best in what you feel comfortable in," Scar said. 

"Look at that!" Cub gasped as he perused the wares of an armor shop. On display they had a heavy chainmail set, with purple inlays. 

"It's going to be far too heavy for you," Scar warned, "I don't understand how some players wear nothing but armor."

"I've never worn armor," Cub reflected as he observed his reflection in the shiny mirror.

"If you don't want the armor," the player manning the booth said, "I also sell other padding protection. You might like the leather armor."

Cub looked over the aforementioned leather armored set closely, feeling it. However, as much protection as it would provide, Cub didn't feel like it. It was a sturdy piece, it would certainly help him take a hit, and yet, it was just so cold and stiff. He shook his head with a smile, "I don't think I'm in the market for armor."

"In that case," a brown-haired passerby walked up to the booth, "I'll take the purple armor. Purple is my favorite color."

Cub moseyed to the next booth, which was selling accessories, not outfits. He glanced over the booth and its bracelets, scarves, and other array of items. There was a thick stink wafting from odd cubes, covering everything in a strong floral scent that made Cub's eyes water. He took a step back to catch a breath of air. 

"See anything yah like?" the shopkeep, a cow clothed in complex robes with piercings everywhere, asked.

"Maybe later," Cub smiled shakily. 

"You just let me know, dear."

Cub shuffled away, and finally fell upon a booth selling more normal attire. From t-shirts to tunics, all wares were carefully watched over by a half-resting man in a hat not quite dissimilar to Scar's, were it not for the blue coloration. Cub pawned through the goods, noting that the stall sold pants, shirts, undergarments, and other similar items. Baseball caps lined the perimeter of the store. Cub didn't particularly like the idea of wearing a hat. He mostly lacked hair on his head, with only a bushy beard and a few longer strands that still had yet to fall out from the stress of his life. A hat, he felt, would just be itchy, and wasn't worth any limited protection it might provide.

Instead, Cub searched through the shirts, desperately checking each one, its design, its style, its color, wondering what he truly wanted in it. Maybe he was overthinking something that should be as basic as shopping for clothes, but, to him, at least, it wasn't just buying clothes. He was buying something for him, something entirely his own, that he got to pick out. Scar had gotten everything, and before that it had been the Vex. Now, he had been given diamonds and told to take what he wanted. Whatever he wanted. He could take the green shirt with the ugly beige lining if he wanted, even make it clash with the redstone-shaded pants. He wasn't a builder and even he knew that would look awful, yet he didn't care. He had the option, and that was what mattered. He wanted the option to make his own choices, to greet someone in the streets, for better or for worse. This was his choice and what he truly wanted. Clothing didn't matter. His option to take what he wanted mattered.

Scar was beside him, quietly chattering to the shopkeep as Cub moved on. Nothing had particularly interested him there, but the next stall had something that caught his eye. The clothing here was a more traditional variety, and a lot more formal. Off to the side was a clean, newer shirt and tie. It was gray-ish blue. The color of the Vex. As much as Cub wasn't too fond of the Vex, he had to admit he still adored that color, and the formalness? 

His prior clothing didn't quite compare. The shoes right next to it matched it perfectly as well, with their slight black shine, and the pants beside it, a darker color that matched perfectly. He wanted it. He desperately did, and that's how he knew that he had finally found something he would always be fond of. The shopkeep was playing on their communicator, a jackalope with red bangs. He cleared his throat, worked up the last bit of courage he needed, and spoke, "How much for this?"

The jackalope looked up, shrugging, "A diamond? I don't know the prices, you'd have to ask Arduano."

Cub reached into his pocket, pulling out the diamond he now had. He didn't quite want to part from the fuzzy electrical feeling he received holding it, but this purchase was worth it. "Is this enough?"

"Sure man," the jackalope shrugged, accepting the money as Cub picked up the garments. The material was firm, but comfortable. Just before he walked back to Tango, something else caught his eye. A piece of white fabric in what appeared to be a secondhand clothing stall, from the odd mix mashed variety. Cub caught Tango's eyes for a moment, before forcing himself to turn away. He took the white fabric, and realized that, on closer inspection, it was a coat. A lab coat, to be specific, with dozens of pockets to hold things in. He tried it on, and it, of course, fit perfectly.

"How much?" he instantly asked.

"All's a diamond," the shopkeep grunted from behind his newspaper.

"Sold."

Then, taking all his newly purchased goods, he walked back to Tango, shuffling his baggage around to try and give Tango back the spare diamonds. Tango shook his head, "Go try those clothes on first. You can stand behind Impulse and I if you would like."

Cub was grateful for the opportunity. He quickly took off the layers of villager robes, placing them with the dress shirt, the pants, the button-up lab coat, the tie. It was almost instinctively that he tied it up into a perfect knot. Everything fit like a glove. He twirled around slightly, enjoying the way the lab coat spun with him. A small giggle escaped his mouth, unprompted. He loved it. The villager robes were good, but this? This was what he had truly needed. Clothing of his own, that he picked out, and now he was wearing and enjoying, and it was comfortable .

"You done yet?" Tango called out in his always slightly strained voice, "Scar seems excited."

"I'm ready," Cub responded, glad his rising flush was buried under his beard. Tango and Impulse parted for Scar.

Scar's jaw dropped, "I, Cub, you look amazing."

Cub sputtered a bit, smiling even more, "Thank you."

"I'm serious," Scar said, "it just… it suits you. You look happy."

"See, you deserve good clothing," Tango nodded in satisfaction.

Impulse was bouncing in excitement, a habit that reminded Cub of Zedaph. He wondered who did it first.

"Thank you, Tango, I just, I can't thank you enough," Cub proceeded to do something he'd never done quite before. He took a step forward, and hugged Tango. The metal chalice surrounding Tango was firm, cold, unyielding, but that didn't deter Cub from his warm embrace. He was crying, he realized, slightly.

"You don't have to thank me," Tango squeezed back. Under his breath he added, "I'm just returning a favor."

Tango's tone didn't speak of wishing to continue that, so Cub just offered one final hug, before pulling back. He wiped away some snot that had formed on his face. "I just…"

"I know."

And Cub felt that Tango did know. He could see it in the robot's face, the way there was an ever so slight humanity to his expressions. Cub smiled, comforting and warm, to see Tango's face fill with an unreadable expression, before treading back into its neutral positioning. 

Impulse coughed. Tango and Cub turned around. Cub smiled at the two. He barely knew them, how were they now a group? And yet, he felt like, somehow, they were a group. From duo to quartet. Cub was happy in a way he didn't know he could be. Even if they didn't speak. They were there, in the back of Cub's mind, like a looming presence that comforted him.

He enjoyed people.

.

"So what now?" was the question that slipped out of Cub's tongue.

The group had been led to a small orchard of trees, still in the shopping district, but away from the business and bustle. The world was oddly silent, and it almost felt unnatural how the barriers muffled sound instead of echoing them. The trees were artificial, but they were at least made of natural greenery, and not wool. It was like a meditation area, a place Cub could clear his head. It was the perfect place for the group to plot out and figure out where they wanted to go next. Tango seemed content with standing, he explained it was comfortable for him with his robotic design. Scar sat on a rock that almost seemed perfectly placed for that purpose. Impulse and Cub ended up sharing a fallen log to sit on. The grass was lush and green and real. The air was slightly damp from mist. It was refreshing and cool, Cub's new clothing keeping him at the perfect temperature. It was the perfect air of calm to lead into this discussion. 

And yet, no one spoke. Tango's gaze seemed far away, Impulse was nervously shuffling beside Cub, and Scar? Cub blinked. Scar seemed to be entranced by a beautiful blue butterfly that had chosen to rest upon his finger. It flapped its wings, before flying away. If not that he hadn't sensed any usage, Cub would have almost suspected Scar had conjured it via his magic. It was another curiosity, another distraction. Sensible distraction, but still a distraction. If Cub wanted to get anywhere, he had to do it himself.

"Right now, we have several options," Cub began, "and I don't love saying them, since, in the end, they are all based around me. I feel a bit selfish for this, but at least, for Scar, our next move is together. No matter what happens, I assume we want to stick together. Scar?"

Scar looked up, "Cub…"

"...Until then."

"Wait," Impulse said, "why exactly do you two need to part?"

"Actually, yes," Tango replied, "you two are an enigma."

Cub inhaled, sharing a glance with Scar. "I thought we've gone over this," Cub said.

"We know someone's after you two. I also know you two probably disagree on how to handle this. I want to know how I can handle this," Tango explained. "Being with you two paints another target on my back, doesn't it?"

"No," Scar said, "they won't take you. Four is too much trouble when…"

Cub picked it up for Scar, "Not when I'm the best grab. They go after me first, then Scar. You two would be fine."

"We won't be fine if we don't know who we need to watch out for," Impulse pointed out.

That… was actually a good point, Cub didn't want to put Tango nor Impulse in danger. He didn't want to put himself in danger. He didn't want to put anyone in danger. Did he trust Tango and Impulse? He had never gotten a negative reaction yet, but, an internal voice he could almost recognize as the feeling of fear was warning him off. This would go badly. Maybe not today, maybe tomorrow. He could feel it. He looked at Scar's gaze and recognized the fear. Then he looked at Tango and Impulse… They were worried. So worried. Worried about themselves? He didn't feel like it. He almost was like they were worried about him and Scar. It was a realization that made him stand up. "Do you mind if Scar and I take a minute?"

"Go right ahead," Tango said. Scar followed Cub as he led the duo a bit deeper into the small grove. They ended up near a small waterfall. It's roaring was deemed sufficient enough to disguise their voices from any suspicious ears. Cub stood near a birch tree, leaning slightly on the solid scarred trunk.

Scar was the first to speak, "I don't want to tell them about the Vex."

"They need to know," Cub responded.

"I just…" Scar sputtered. He drew back, pacing in a circle and playing with his hate.

"Why don't you want them to know?" Cub asked. He crossed his arms as he leaned back. He was almost surprised at his calmness compared to Scar's worrying. If the situation wasn't so crucial in the moment, he might have allowed his mind to wander and poke into why he didn't seem to get panicked nor stressed like Scar evidently was. His breathing was clear, Scar's was harsh. He was still and Scar was thrashing. 

"I… I'm worried they'll hate us. We're not human, but we're not hybrids. We've ConVex," Scar inhaled, and exhaled, deep breathing to try and calm himself down.

"We are together," Cub responded, "and they know us. If they hate us for being abused--"

"--I wasn't abused," Scar instantly said.

"Scar," Cub shot him glance.

"The Vex weren't always pleasant but--"

"--But when I made those arguments, you kidnapped me."

"That was different," Scar insisted.

Cub shook his head, "This isn't relevant now. They won't hate us."

"How do you know ?" Scar insisted.

"I don't," Cub smiled, "I just have a bit of trust in them."

"That's dangerous," Scar warned, but his voice didn't carry any foreboding. It was a statement that had been drilled into his very core, and now was slowly being proven wrong. Cub took Scar's hand, providing a small amount of comfort. When had he become the one to comfort and help Scar?

"I know," Cub nodded, "but what's friendship without a bit of danger?"

.

When Scar and Cub emerged from the clearing, the world fell silent. The world was so still, so peaceful in contrast to the minds of the two ConVex. Scar was steadier then he had been, but he was relying on Cub comforting touch to keep himself strong under the gazes of Impulse and Tango Impulse was biting his fingernails, Tango was standing and staring. There was a sense of awkwardness in the air, a feeling that Cub could cut with a butter knife, from its thickness and perveances. No one seemed to know where to tart, and so the group stood there, lost. Scar swallowed. Cub squeezed his shoulder.

"So, you two are back," Tango said. The robot's red gaze fell on the two. Scar almost pressed backwards, but only for a moment as, to Cub's surprise, Scar took the initiative, stepping forward and answering Tango in a level voice.

"We're not going to tell you everything. It's... It's too much," Scar spoked,  "especially for us."

"We don't need to know everything," Impulse reassured, "we just want to know something."

Cub nodded, making room for Scar as the two sat down beside Impulse of the fallen log. Scar's eyes were empty. 

To... I... Before we do this, we need to ask you a few things," Cub said, "just to see how much we need to explain."

"No problem," Tango nodded.

"We can answer anything you need us to."

"And we might ask questions of you as well. You don't have to answer. We may have pushed you too hard-" Tango was cut off by....

"No," Scar said, "you two deserve to know, especially if you are going to be helping us. Have you ever heard of the Vex?"

""Those mobs? I guess?" 

"They aren't just mobs," Cub said quietly, "they have power. A lot of power. And they want more power."

"I don't see what this has to do with you"

"Zedaph thinks we are Vex, or at least, half-vex. We aren't either. We're something that the Vex themselves created. We're ConVex," Cub revealed.

Tango and Impulse's gazes were marred by confusion more than anything. Impulse asked, "And what is a ConVex."

"A player," Scar stared at a tree with a particularly eye catching knot. His voice was mostly emotionless, but thick with something that Cub couldn't quite trace, "a player who the Vex find, somehow. And then the Vex takes this player and they change them. into something that can serve as... a conduit of Vex magic."

"You two have magic?" Tango asked.

Cub closed his eyes. He visualized the rock he knew was in front of him. The cracks, the shape, and the slight moss on it. He pictured the rock and he pictured it raising higher and higher. He stretched out his hands as the whispers of power flowed through his body, towards the rock. From Tango's gasp and Impulse jump, he didn't have to look to know he had performed it successfully. He slowly set the rock down before turning to the two. "Does that answer your question?"

"The Vex gave you this magic, that's…" Impulse's voice was raw with awe.

"It hurt," Scar spoke. Tango tilted his head. Scar pointed towards himself, "they rearrange you. I'm not human anymore. I'm not a hybrid, I'm just a ConVex."

"You can do magic," Tango said, "if not being human means you can do magic …"

"The magic is probably the only bonus," Cub warned, "you also get the very pleasant bonus of having the Vex own your soul and mind, rearranging it and distorting it, until all you know and wish it their will."

"I- what? " Impulse gawked.

"Then, when you are the perfect servant for the Vex, some mansions will sell you to serve as a symbol of status and power to the mansion. You are less than a player in the eyes of the Vex. If a Vex happened upon Scar or I, they would see us as their property, in the same way we view diamonds found on the ground to be our own," Cub continued, "they kidnapped us, they changed our minds and bodies. Scar was lucky to be allowed to leave his mansion occasionally and keep his communicator. My experience, far as I'm aware, is more typical for ConVex, except for one key difference. Scar and I escaped from my mansion. However, if another ConVex finds us, if the Vex find us, we could be taken again. They say we are worthless--" Cub laughed lowly, "--we're so valuable to them. They hide it because they fear us escaping. We're their nightmare and we just want to be left alone. Or, at least, I do. But… if they do find us, anyone we travel with could be in danger. My old mansion is still around. They could even be searching for Scar and I after Scar took me. If you come with us, they might take or kill you," Cub took a breath, "I don't want that to happen."

The forest was so silent you could hear a pin drop, or maybe an item clash to the forest ground. The expressions of the various players were varied, mixed as their species. Tango's intrigue, Impulse's surprise, Scar's fear, and Cub's... Cub's  Cub didn't know. He was numb. He almost felt like none of this matter anyway, not anymore. It didn't matter where he was or that he was doing this. This didn't matter. He had said his piece, and he was making a plea to a higher , wealthier entity to help him. How was that? It was a consensual beggin. A plea for help,. Cub held his breath in anticipation of the room's next words.

"I... Cub, that's... that's horrible," Tango was the first to break the silence, with words shocked and still comforting. 

Cub couldn't help but laugh. There was nothing funny, but the picture he had right here of Tango's words. Or maybe he just didn't know what else to do... Or maybe he was just tired, emotionally and physically. It had been a long day for everyone, not just Cub, but he wondered if it bent down on him more than the others. . 

"It's what happens. I'm not the only player in this mess, and I doubt Scar and I will be the last. There isn't a way to stop it," Cub shrugged. To his slight surprise, Impulse nodded.

"Even the Devs can't stop this from going on between other players. I can't imagine how they could deal with creatures who can alter a player's code. I'm so sorry that you had to go through with that. Neither you nor Cub deserve it. You two... you two don't deserve this."

It's not whether we deserved something," Scar said quietly, "It happened. It's nothing we can change now. I still sometimes see the days where the Vex punished me, even on my good days.."

"Wait," Tango's brain was running. If he wasn't built so efficiently, Cub could imagine fans in the back of his head working over time to drive off the heat that must be generating as he leapt from thought to thought, "You said that you wanted to return to the Vex, didn't you?"

"I do want to return to the Vex," Scar agreed.

"Scar," Tango took a step forward, bending up in front of Scar, before dropping to his knees, almost like he was proposing Scar or engaging in courtship. Tango took Scar's hand and asked, "Why are you going back to those that hurt you?"

Scar didn't seem to have a good answer ready. He started and stopped his mouth several times, not unlike a fish in terms of what was happening. . Eventually, Scar landed on a simple, "I know. I need to go back."

"Why?"

"I don't want you to press. It's safer with the Con- with the Vex. It's safer. I'm not safe without them, the world is dangerous," Scar babbled and babbled.

"You know how to use a sword?" Tango asked.

"I… yes?"

"Then carry a sword if you need safety," Tango replied, "going back to abusers isn't safe. You're just afraid."

"You mentioned they hurt you," Impulse chimed in. "When the Vex hurt you, do you feel safe?" 

Scar was deathly still. Tango stood expectantly, waiting for an answer. Scar shuffled, "I… no," he admitted, "I can't leave them. They weren't as bad as Cub's. And if I go they'll find someone else, and they won't treat them half as well. It's not good, but I'm happy with my life. Cub doesn't deserve that. He deserves to get his own chance, somewhere, but he can't do that if he doesn't exist. He needs to get a comm, somehow. I have no idea how."

The group fell silent, again. No one really knew how to proceed. No one knew anything. No one wanted to be the first to speak. Cub was included in that. That was why he forced himself to open his mouth and shatter the silence. They needed a leader. Cub had to be what they needed. "Tango," he directed, "what do you know about the Mindcrack person--"

"--Mindcracker--"

"--Who met one of the Devs?" Cub ignored Impulse's interruption. 

"Docm77?" Tango asked.

"How did he meet the Dev?" Scar asked, curiously.

"He challenged them to a fight, and Dinnerbone removed his arms."

Scar blinked. Tango didn't change his story.

"Do you know Doc?" Cub followed-up

"Actually, yes," Tango confirmed. 

"Was that through Hermitcraft?" Impulse asked.

"Wait," Scar cut-in, "what's Hermitcraft?"

"It's an SMP I helped out once. They've invited me back but they're just about to find another world, so I'm not doing much with it," Tango explained.

Cub hummed with thought at the explanation.

"Anyway, I did jump in right in time for one of the potential whitelist meetings, and I met Doc through that," Tango explained. He tilted his head, almost looking far away. Cub assumed he had a communicator embedded in his eyes. "I sent him a  message. Let's see if he responds."

"What did you send?" Cub asked.

"I asked him if he still was in contact with the devs," Tango said, "and if he is, can he help my friend get a new communicator. I probably should have done this back when I first heard about your problem, but..." Tango sighed, "You were hiding something. Thank you for telling us that."

 "It's easier to build a relationship on trust than on lies," Cub noted.

Scar's slight flinch seemed to have gone unnoticed by all but Cub. "But," Scar swallowed, "it can still occur. Just… harder?"

"I mean, we can't fault you for not telling us your life story as soon as we met," Tango said, "and you didn't try to hide that you needed help."

Scar bit his lip.

"How long do you think it'll be until Doc responds?" Impulse asked, changing the subject.

"Probably a while," Tango said, "it might be night on Mindcrack, or he could be doing an event. We could be here for a few more days, and cross-server communication is best when at least one party is in a worldhub."

"So, we're basically trapped here?" Cub confirmed.

"It's not too bad," Impulse smiled, "we've got each other. Plus we could go look at cool builds in the building district. Or new redstone innovations, or whatever. It's sort of like a vacation for us. Tango and I don't hang out enough."

"What about Zedaph?" Scar asked.

Tango sighed, "He doesn't like worldhubs. He's gotten grabbed one too many times. But we should be fine so long as we stick together, and, well, to the main areas."

Cub absentmindedly wondered if the Vex ever tried grabbing players from worldhubs. It seemed like it would be too dangerous, but maybe sending a ConVex to pretend to be a player and snatch others would work. He couldn't imagine much usage for a 'unique' player, but he suspected asking or even probing more on the topic of player snatching would be less than ideal at this current time.

“In any case,” Tango continued, “you hum- players are probably getting tired. We’ll want to find a place to sleep.”

“But the sun is still up,” Cub pointed out, ignoring his tiredness. 

“Remember,” Scar said, “the sun never sets here. It’s truly a place that never sleeps.”

A place where players met. A place where you could talk in-between worlds. A place with the sun never sets. It was all so strange, a foreign idea, and yet, it all felt so good. Dangerous, but good. Cub didn’t quite know how to describe it. “So where do we find a place to sleep?”

Impulse stood up, with a slight smile on his face, “Follow us!”

Scar and Cub shared a confused glance, before standing up as well and following the duo out of the woods.

None noticed the white and black figure who followed as well.

Chapter Text

Scar and Cub were led to a mansion, a giant house that made Cub quake at the sheer size of it. The place was built beautifully, with gold and dark oak trimmings, though the main area of the mansion was made out of spruce. Wicked spikes poked out of every which-way, adding onto the eerie appearance of the mansion. Cub found himself stopping dead in his tracks, unwilling to move onward and continue onto the mansion. That was what it was. A mansion. A house of evil. It was so dark, despite the ever present day. He could almost imagine the Vex swooping out of the mansion, giggling and laughing, taking him and throwing him against the floor, demanding an explanation of why he had left. He would put the blame on Scar, but they wouldn’t care. They would keep stabbing him harder, and harder , and--

“--Are you okay Cub?” Tango asked.

Cub blinked. He was back in the worldhub. The place in front of him was simply a wellbuilt, very large house, not a Vex Mansion. He was okay. He was safe. Tango was there and he could still think. Unless the Vex were inserting an illusion to make him think he was safe, so they could invade his mind. His breathing picked up again. Something touched his back. Cub swung around and slung …

Scar cried as Cub’s fist made contact with the ConVex’s nose. Scar bent over, covering the bleeding nose from Cub’s sight. Cub blinked.

He had hurt Scar. He had hurt Scar. He had hurt Scar. He took a step back. He had hurt Scar. He was safe. He had hurt Scar. Tango was in his vision, trying to calm him down. He could barely register the robot’s soothing words.

“It’s the mansion,” Scar said. He had hurt Scar. He thrashed arms wrapped around and squeezed him, holding him in place. He didn’t move, instead, he went lump. The person holding him grunt’s under Cub’s newfound weight. 

“I’ sorry,” Cub gasped. He was crying. When had he started crying? He was safe, wasn’t he?

“Cub,” Tango said. Cub looked away with burning shame. “Cub, look at me. Look at me.”

 Cub forced his gaze to meet Tango’s red eyes. He trembled underneath them.

“It’s not a mansion. It’s not a Vex mansion. You’re safe. We’re here. You’re safe. It’s just a hotel, okay? A place for us to sleep. It’s okay,” Tango repeated, “it’s okay.”

“I didn’t want to hurt you,” Cub mumbled. He felt so tired, suddenly, the weight of the world crashing down upon him as he slowly calmed from the panicking high he had just experienced.

“You didn’t hurt me,” Scar said, “you’re just panicking.”

“I’ve had panic attacks too, Cub,” Impulse added, “you’re going to be okay, okay? You’re safe. You need to rest.”

“You’re safe.”

“It’s okay.”

“They can’t hurt you.”

“Cub-”

“Cub.”

“Cub!”

Too much. It was too much. He was slipping away as he sobbed, it was too much for him to bear. The world was too much, the sun was too bright. He couldn’t move, he just wanted to curl up in on himself. It was so stupid, it was just a mansion, how did it trigger something like this? He was stupid. He hated this, he hated himself. How could he be so stupid? Why wasn’t he able to move? “Please, I’m sorry. Please be quiet. I’ll be good,” Cub sobbed, adding in almost a whisper afterwards, “please don’t hurt me. I’m a good ConVex.”

“No, Cub,” Scar was the only voice now. Cub was in the shade, and a piece of his mind told him that Tango and Impulse were blocking the light with their shadows. It helped him calm down, the light had been so overpowering. “You’re safe.”

Cub didn’t feel safe. And Scar had lied in the past. And it was so much, too much. He grabbed the fabric of his lab coat, he wasn’t there. He was safe. He was in a worldhub. He checked his mind’s shields and they were solid, secure, and unbreached. This was real. He was real and he was still alive. He wasn’t with the Vex. He was here. He was something. He was something . Cub repeated this over and over again in his mind. He needed to calm down. Scar hadn’t reacted this badly. When he forced his eyes open to look at the build, it looked nothing like a Vex mansion. There was no dark oak, it was spruce and birch. The blue lining the walls wasn’t the shade of magic, but of lapis. He was safe. He was free of that Vex. Did he have to be free of his own mind as well?

“I’m safe,” Cub repeated. Scar reached out a hand, and Cub took it, leaning slightly on the other man to help him stand up. He felt his face flush with embarrassment as he realized that other people on the streets had been watching his breakdown. Impulse and Tango had been blocking him from the gawking of onlookers, but they could only do so much. Still, he was grateful, even as he held his head down in shame. He was so much more tired, and found himself stumbling when he took a step forward. Impulse and Scar swooped underneath his arms, prodding a steadying way for him to pretend he could walk on his own. He was grateful for that. 

“Are you okay with going into the man- House?” Tango asked. Cub refused to notice the slip of his tongue. He just nodded, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He was too tired to worry, and, leaning on Scar like he was his life support, the group hobbled their way to the front doors of the house . It was just a house. A large house with rooms for him to stay in. That was all. He was tired. He needed to sleep. He couldn’t lose control again. Not like this. As anxious as he was, moving closer and closer to the front doors, he bit his tongue and refused to let it show. The doors were decorated and made of a simple redstone contraption that automatically opened them as the group came closer. 

As they stepped past the threshold and into the ma- house. House, house, house. Cub found himself breathing a bit easier. The rooms were a far cry from the sparsely decorated halls of the Vex. They were beautiful, and not in an opulent way. Large windows hung on the walls, providing clear views of the outdoors. Simply the sight of the outside made Cub feel better. He could escape, if he wish. He could smash a window and jump out of the house. He wasn’t trapped. The area was warm, and designing for players with its decor. A few players were even around, sitting and talking with one another. Cub felt himself under the gaze of one sitting in a shadowy corner, a panda in a suit. Yet, when he blinked, that player had vanished, making him wonder if they had been there at all. 

He tore his eyes away from the sitting room when he heard his name mentioned by a receptionist that Tango was talking too. 

“So you’re saying,” the player, a man with horns and a demon tail dressed in a suit and tie, spoke, “that ‘Cub’ doesn’t have a communicator.”

“It was taken from me a while ago,” Cub confirmed. Tango shot him a glance.

“How can we verify your identity if you claim to not have one?” the player leaned down, pushing down sunglasses and looking into Cub’s eyes. 

“You could find the being who took it and ask them,” Cub suggested, “but I have a feeling you wouldn’t be able to find them either.”

The receptionist  laughed, “I like you. You can go through, but just remember,” the player grinned, a gesture that Cub supposed was meant to be unsettling, “we’re watching you.”

Cub shrugged. Tango seemed to visibly sigh with relief as he took the room keys from the receptionist. “This is usually a VIP only type place, so one room should have more than enough space. I got one with a window, I noticed you seemed more comfortable with it.” Tango explained.

Cub smiled. He was surprised that Tango had noticed that. It was such a minor thing. Cub half-hoped he would get a place to sleep alone. He didn’t want to hurt anyone with sleep terrors or panic attacks. They deserved better than him. They deserved someone who didn’t take and make a quest entirely about himself. They needed a leader that wouldn’t panic at the faintest reminder of the Vex. Instead they got Cub, a nervous mess in this moment. He wasn’t worth it.

The room was down a small hallway. He leaned on Scar to guide and remind him of where they were. Things were more cramped, and yet, he found the lack of grandeur more comforting. They weren’t too large, or too small. They were meant for players. He… he didn't feel like a player right now. The door was opened, and the room was decorated. Cub could barely register the details. He almost felt like his field of vision had narrowed, back into the small, narrow dot it had been before. Cub blinked. When had his field of vision gotten wider, and why was he only now noticing this, when it shrunk again. Did the Vex take his eyes as well, or was it something else? Why was he focusing on stupid things, like a narrow fov, when he should be doing something.

Cub was sitting down now. Tango and Impulse had taken another room, thought they were both connected by a door. There were two beds in this room. That was good. Cub undid his shoes. Everything felt so much like moving through a thick liquid. If he closed his eyes, he would fall asleep. He didn't close his eyes. He took off his lab coat, barely caring that it landed in a mess upon the floor. He loosed and let his tie follow. He stared at the two items, suddenly wishing that he had had the energy to hang them up properly. When he tried to slide off the bed, and pick it up now, he stumbled and fell on the floor, collapsing with a bit of a pained shout. He deserved it. His body was as fuzzy as his mind. Hands grabbed him, picking him up, placed him on the bed.

A blurry figure he could barely make out as Scar rubbed his forehead, "You're exhausted. It's okay."

He didn't want to hurt Scar. He needed to apologize. He had hurt Scar. "'m sorry."

"It's okay," Scar repeated, "do… do you want a push?"

Cub blinked. He didn't register what Scar was quite saying. He needed to pick his clothes up. Tango had bought them. He needed to put them up neatly. His attempt to explain came out as, "'lothes up… I nee' 'lothes up…"

"I can get them," Scar reassured, "you're just tired. Do you want me to help?"

"'es," cub mumbled. everything was so blurry.

"okay," said scar.

a finger on his forehead.

a wave of magic.

sleep.

.

His vision was black. The world was dark, and cold, and empty. He felt empty. What was he? Where was he, this cold abyss that wrapped its tendrils around his mind and body, forcing him to submit to its authority. The Void was not a friend of his. It made its distaste clear by ripping away his arm and parading the bloody stump in his vision. It was funny, for some reason he thought that having his arm ripped off would hurt more. And yet, there it was, floating in frost of his vision, the blood droplets frozen in time as they danced across the dark abyss. The abyss blinked, opening its pure white eyes.

He blinked along and swayed with the eyes as they searched him curiously, like a cat. Also like a cat, the void began to bat him around, throwing him every which way. He braced for collusion, but all he felt was the same floating sensation that he had felt before. There was nothing, just… empty… endless… 

The mouth grinned, and the grin was a Vex's grin, wide and teethy, with the overwhelming feeling that you were the prey of the Vexcat. And here was an easy target, on display, no way to avoid the Vex. He tried to run, but his legs turned to jelly. A cat purred in the distance as a cat wearing a giant Vex mask crept into his vision, picking him up and shaking him like it meant to kill him, before tossing him hard in the other direction.

He shouted and landed with a thud on no ground. There was no ground, just empty floating as he ran through the trees. They were composed of mist and ash, making him cough as he tried to run, run away from the catified Vex. The Vex didn't care. They never cared. Even as he struggled and shouted they just wished to toy with him, grab his mind, rip it into pieces like it, like he was nothing. 

He didn't know what to do now. It was hopeless., wasn't it, and even as he built a fortress, he couldn't fly away from this hellscape to somewhere he was safe. He was stuck in a mansion of crystal and floor, cruelly waiting to be the last to die. He felt like there were others, just out of his reach. They were bright white spirits singing softly to him, and he had no idea where they appreciated from. They came and danced around him, protecting him as the Vex plucked one up, dangling their prey with a certain atmosphere of hopelessness and thrill for the struggles and shouting. The Vexcat smiled, opened its mouth, and swallowed the spirit whole. The other spirits kept dancing. 

He sobbed as another was plucking in the same way, plucked and eaten even as he begged for it to stay alive, to stay away from him. He was bringing them all down, and if it weren't for him they would still be alive, they would have survived. Instead, he was to watch as another was swallowed whole. 

He leapt in front of a third spirit, just for the Vexcat to ignore him and grab a different one to taste. The one it bounced around as it shrieked in fear and pain, running for another spirit that he called its lover. The two lovers were eaten together, unwilling to part from each other, not even in the face of death. And there were two, himself and the final spirit. The final spirit went willingly, after hugging and wrapping him in comforting warmth for but a moment. It was his turn to die now, wasn't it? Yet the Vexcat dThe Vexcat grabbed the final spirit and he screamed and it did, swallowed alive by the cat once more. He sobbed.

This was it for him, a life cut so short by the jaws of the Vexcat. He didn't want to die. He was going to die. He just curled in a ball, and the Vexcat spoke.

Obey my commands, and I will not slay you.

He blinked. 

Obey my commands, and you will have peace.

He briefly wondered if, at one time, in another life, with some persuasion he had accepted the offer brought forth by the Vex cat. For now, he stubbornly shook his head, and called out in a voice as loud as he could manage, "No."

Barely a squeak, but the expression of rage on the face of the Vexcat made it worth it. The Vexcat flung around, wreathing with anger. The Vexcat grabbed him, ripping at his throat, ripping at what remained of his limbs, shredding his body to pieces in their rage at his denial. He was just their doll, stuffing emerging from his face and hands, he was crying now, fighting with his entire body against the very human hands that grabbed him. He struggled and flailed, but the chains were solid, unmoving, until they moved him.

"Cub," a voice boomed. The world was so blurry.

"Cub," a voice echoed.

The room was so dark and fuzzy. Cub tried to speak, but his throat couldn't produce much more than a gurgling noise. He turned over in the bed, realizing how hard it was to do so, his body sinking down into the mattress like it was made of air. Scar was there, on his right side. The man was in a robe that was a far cry from his day-to-day wear. He was shivering slightly, though Cub suspected it wasn't from the chill.

"Are you awake?" Scar asked. Even his voice trembled.

"Yeah?" Cub answered, his voice raw.

"I saw you were thrashing," Scar said, "did you have a nightmare?"

Cub shivered as the memories of his dream returned. Everything felt so far away, like nothing really mattered and he guessed it truly didn't. It was just a dream. It was just a panic attack. It wasn't anything. He shouldn't have reacted this bad to something this irrelevant, right? He should have acted better, he should have been less panicked . He was almost ashamed to even admit he didn't want to go back to sleep now. 

"It's okay," Scar's voice cracked, "I have nightmares too."

Cub nodded his head. When had he started crying again? He didn't want this. He wanted to go to sleep, didn't he. He was tired, and sleep felt like the least appealing thing in the world. He would just have another nightmare, wouldn't he? He was breathing in faster than normal, but Scar didn't seem to notice.

"I'm going to go to bed. I hope you have better dreams," Scar was turning around, and Cub cracked.

"Wait," Cub's dry voice barely cooperated. Thankfully, Scar heard, pausing in his quest to go to his bed. "Do you want to… Would… if you don't…" Cub swallowed, "I don't want to be alone."

Scar froze and Cub wondered if he had said something wrong. "You…" Scar parsed, "I could sleep with you tonight. In the same bed. As friends."

"Yeah," Cub shifted onto his back, staring up at the oak wood ceiling, "as friends."

Scar walked around, the bed shifted under his weight when he got in on the left of Cub. Cub allowed himself to roll a bit closer to Scar, wishing to feel the ConVex's presence, foolish as it was. When Scar put an arm on Cub, it was the safest feeling in the world. He could sleep.

And with Scar beside him, the two cuddling, he did.

.

The light was on when Cub awoke. He shielded his eyes with his hand as he blurily readjusted to the feeling of being awake. Scar was still snoring beside him, soft noises. His arm was on top of Cub. Cub carefully moved the appendage out of the way before he got up, gently, so not to wake his friend. He stretched, yawning quietly. The world was so calm right now, the moment before the storm of the day. He wondered if Doc had responded yet. Whatever was going to happen, was going to happen today. Or, really, was it today? The sun was just as high in the sky when he peeked behind the curtains as it was before. For all intents and purposes, it looked like it was still high noon. Who could tell when the day shifted in this place?

He knocked gently, waiting for the 'come in' of Impulse to walk into the room. Impulse's hair was damp with water. He was drying it off with a towel, rubbing the hair around until it stuck up in weird places as it dried. Impulse's smile was much more full after the rest, "Good morning, Cub."

"Howdy," Cub replied, a bit distantly. Steam was emerging from a nearby room, the warmth felt nice. He took a glance in it, seeing what appeared to be a water closet and a neat pile of towels. He wondered what that was for.

"Is Scar still asleep?" Impulse asked.

"Yes," Cub answered. He looked around, and noticed the absence of something in the room. "Where's Tango?"

"Downstairs. He wanted to grab some food; Doc replied," Impulse added almost as an afterthought.

"Can he take us to see someone who can get a communicator?" Cub asked. 

Impulse nodded, "I'm not sure the full details, but I've heard he could."

Cub blinked. It suddenly felt a tiny bit surreal, the concept of him getting a communicator. Sure, he had spent this entire trip, if not originally intending it, striving to find one, but now, he could get one. It was within his reach, thanks to Impulse, Scar, Tango, everyone. So many people had helped him, and he had done so little for them. He felt a bit guilty at that thought. He didn't want to mooch off the kindness of others, he wanted to be the person the Vex hadn't allowed him to be.

"If you want," Impulse said, dropping a towel into the basket, "you can use our shower. Make sure you don't wake up Scar. He needs his sleep."

"Shower?" Cub asked, tilting his head like Tango tended to do. Impulse almost looked like he caught this, and smiled slightly at Cub's motion.

"It's the water stream, they call it a shower. You can use it to wash things up," Impulse explained, "I… guess where you're from, you don't have showers."

Cub shook his head, "It's… different being some place designed for players to be comfortable."

"I couldn't imagine," Impulse admitted. 

There was awkwardness, then, over their story. That was fine to Cub. He hadn't expected everything to go as well as it did. He was surprised things had gone over well at all, beyond his… panic. He seemed to be fueling his guilt this morning, though Cub wasn't sure he knew why. Maybe it was sharing a bed with Scar, when he had needed someone after his nightmare. He wondered, however, if it had been Scar that had needed that more so than him. 

"There's, uh, soap on the side of the counter you can use to scrub off your skin," Impulse continued, "and plenty of towels, so don't be shy. And a door you can close, if that makes you feel more comfortable."

Cub nodded. He made his way to the bathroom, closing the door behind him. He quickly undressed and grabbed the soap, but hesitated before the water. Poking a hand under it, he almost sighed. It was the perfect temperature, warm and gentle on the skin. He usually bathed in cold water, and he wondered what they used to keep the water so perfect. Stepping inside for the moment felt like a dream, and he spent several minutes under the stream, almost trapped by its gentle perfection. He remembered the soap, and scrubbed his body clean of all the dirt and dust he had accumulated. When he stepped out and dried himself with a towel, he was startled, though not too surprised, to find he had never been this clean before. After putting on his clothes, he gave his beard a quick trim, before emerging from the bathroom with his head held high and a smile on his face. He felt so much better, somehow. It was astonishing what a simple luxury such as bathing did for his mood. 

Scar was sitting on a small chair in the corner, and Impulse was sitting on the bed. Both were dressed and appeared ready to go. Cub would miss this place, it felt comfortable in a way he'd never quite felt before, mainly due to lack of time to actually relax for a moment, and enjoy himself. "Good morning Scar!"

"Good morning Cub," Scar replied, returning the friendly smile that Cub had on his face.

Impulse frowned slightly, looking back at the room, “You two slept together?”

“Nightmares,” Cub commented vaguely.

“Yeah,” Impulse nodded, “I know that feeling.”

Chapter Text

The halls were less scary after a time of rest. Emerging into a much less busy lobby, Tango was leaning on a table, a few plates of food set up. He waved the trio over to the table, situated right beside the large window that marked the wall. Different people were there than yesterday. He didn't see the panda today. He also took notice of a fireplace gently warming the room. He followed Impulse and Scar in choosing a chair. They were high off the ground, the table at the height of Tango's shoulders, and it almost looked like the robot was sitting down. 

"I got you guys some food," Tango said, pushing the plates towards them.

"Did you get yourself something?" Impulse asked

"I ate before you came down."

"How long have you been down here," Cub asked.

"A couple hours," Tango replied. He shook his head, "I'm fine, don't worry. Please eat. You must be hungry."

Cub was. His belly rumbled at the feast of food before him. A porkchop, chopped and steamed carrots, and a slice of pumpkin pie. He felt a bit self-conscious about the idea of being the first to eat, though he didn't know why. 

After a moment of everyone staring at the food, waiting for each other to blink first, Tango exasperatedly said, "We have to meet Doc in an hour. Please finish sometime this century. 

Cub blushed, picked up the porkchop, and began to devour it with a hunger he had not discovered until now that the food was in front of him. His hunger soon found him with a full belly and empty plate, the first to be finished of the three. He wasn't sure what to do with the plate, but Tango did, taking it away from Cub and placing it in his inventory. Impulse finished next and Scar last, Scar savoring every bite. Cub's stomach protested the food. It had been the most he'd eaten in such a short time in... it had been the most. He hadn't realized how much protest his body would give at the idea of eating food so quickly.

While the other two had chatted with each other as they ate, Cub simply watched the lobby. People, cows, ocelots, all sorts of beings from realms known and unknown passed through those doors into the empty confines of the house. He wondered where they came from, and where they were going. Who they were, and did it matter who they were? They all existed in this world, players united by a need to rest. What if the panda, the one he had seen yesterday, still in the corner as always, who was he? Who was the panda in another corner, lonely just the same. Were they lonely, or did they enjoy the company of themselves. Cub would never know their lives and they would never know his. At this moment, he wondered about them. Irrelevant as it was, he could, for a moment, pretend he should care about them, and not about the meeting, the next step of his journey, he was about to embark on.

He was the first to stand up, beyond Tango's gentle leaning. The group looked at Cub in slight surprise. Scar's eyes were wide, Impulse's were narrow, and Tango's head was tilted, ever so slightly. Cub wondered when he had gotten so good at recognizing the others little tells about their emotions. It didn't make much sense, if he thought about it, and yet, here he was, observing and understanding, a bit more astute than others, at least in this circumstance. Cub smiled at them. They had wormed their way into his very being as a person, in a good way. "Well," Cub said, too cheerful for the time, "don't we need to get going to meet Doc?"

"Of course you would be excited," Impulse laughed, "a communicator! Of your very own."

Cub flushed slightly. He didn't want to acknowledge the fact that in this moment, it was about him and what he wanted. He wasn't averse to getting what he wanted, in fact, he was finding he quite enjoyed others offerings to him. However, it felt weird, in a good way still. He wasn't sure if it was kindness alone sometimes. It was difficult to believe that players like Tango and Impulse could exist to make the world a bit better. He'd done nothing for him, and they still were his friends, they still loved him. It was comforting, again, in a strange, weird, magical way. Friendship was magic sounded so cheesy, and yet, it was. He loved it. "Of my very own," Cub parroted. 

Scar giggled at Cub's facial expression, prompting Cub to push Scar ever so slightly. 

"It's not funny," he laughed.

"It's kinda funny," Scar didn't stop giggling. Even as Tango shook his head at the antics, the smile upon his face was an obvious tell. 

"We do need to get going," Tango's voice carried a small note of urgency, "it's a long walk and the meeting is in an hour. Did you leave anything behind in your room."

Impulse shook his head, "I double checked and I don't think you two brought anything."

Scar caught the glance Impulse sent them to double check the accuracy of his words, and nodded silently. "We've never had much to our names."

It was always the wealth or scraps of Vex's, but that was left unspoken by both parties. Impulse and Scar stood up, and Tango collected their plates in the same manner he had done Cub's. Cub took a step forward, towards the door, but hesitated as he waited for the others to catch up to him. They soon did, and together they walked out the door. As they were walking away, Cub refused to turn around, recalling his earlier panic. He would not let that happen again. Not today. He needed to be sound of mind, even if he wasn't quite so sound in body as the others. He needed to impress Doc. He couldn't let this chance slip away, his one chance to fully slip away.

That was what this was, in the end. The last thing that Cub needed to be free , to do as he pleased with the rest of his life. With a communicator, he could escape any threat that chose to come into his world. Constantly running, even though he was free...

"Cub, are you okay?" Scar asked. Cub realized he had stopped walking. 

"Yeah," Cub lied without a moment's hesitation, "I'm fine."

"No, you aren't," Scar replied. Scar's face softened as he saw Cub turn away in shame, "It's okay Cub. Talk to me. Please."

Cub began walking, attempting, for a foolish moment, to ignore Scar. Scar trotted a bit to catch up to Cub. Tango and Impulse didn't seem to have noticed their falling back, and as such Cub was able to keep walking, ignoring his thoughts. He didn't want to acknowledge them right now. He didn't need to, it was fine for now.

"Cub," Scar tried again. 

Cub walked faster, leaving Scar behind. 

"Cub, please," Scar's voice carried a desperate tone. Cub paused. He was shaking, slightly. Scar was on his right side, and so, he looked to his left, continuing to walk. "Look, Cub," Scar's voice came, "you don't have to talk. Just… let me be here for you. I don't know what's going on, but please. Let me help you."

"I don't want to think about this right now," Cub said. 

"Can I hold your hand then?"

Cub nodded, holding it out. They kept following Tango and Impulse, past trees both real and woollen, and through the world hub. Cub had grown accustomed to its garish nature, though now he was desperately searching it for a way to keep his mind off of the thought that he wasn't ever going to be free of the Vex. He was free from them. They couldn't hurt him anymore.He had to believe that, at least, for now. One problem at a time was all he could take. There was a panda, didn't he see that panda before? And look at the human with a hat that looked like Scar's! Cub amused himself, player watching as they journeyed, ignoring how close they were getting, or any intrusive thought. As they passed under a section marked 'SMP', Cub finally felt confident that his head wasn't going to betray him

He swallowed when they approached what appeared to be a building, tucked away in the corner of the 'SMP' section. Tango opened the door, allowing the other three to shuffle in. Cub took a deep breath before passing the entrance way. 

The place was a shed, with chairs and tables placed sporadically around. It was dark, lit only by the flickering light of half dead torches. Scar sneezed from the dust that stirred in the air at each step. In the corner, a player with a sword slung across his back was leaning on a chair, feet resting on top of a broken table. There must have been a redstone torch nearby, as a red glowing was emerging from the area. Cub held a baited breath, feeling rather nervous. He stepped on a floorboard, and flinched at the creak that echoed through the room. 

The red light blinded Cub for a moment as it hit him straight on in the head. It, or maybe, Cub's eyes adjusted, and the world dimmed again. With a loud thump , a creeper appeared in front of them. The creeper towered over the group, blinking softly. Their fur was well groomed, and almost appeared soft. Their jump had been helped by powerful hindlegs that didn't look at all like a creeper. The most obvious feature on them was their cybernetics, including a cybernetic arm.  

"Doc?" Cub asked, praying his shaking didn't show up in his voice.

For a beat, the world was silent, simply the creeper and Cub staring into each other's eyes. Their face was heavily scarred, the red eye staring into Cub's soul like it was trained to kill. Cub refused to shudder or show any weakness towards the player. The player reached up a hand, Cub's heart stopped.

"Boop."

Cub blinked as his nose was gently pressed inwards by the man. He looked up, confused. In the corner of his vision, Scar was trying not to laugh. Cub shot Scar a glare that only made him laugh harder. Cub covered his nose as he blushed. The creeper in front of him joined in the laughter, a loud noise that echoed through the room. Cub snorted, giving into the lighthearted mood as he struggled to maintain a slightly serious air due to the injustice of nose-touching that had befallen him. 

After the noise quieted down, the creeper finally answered Cub's question, "Yes, yes, I'm Doc."

"It's good to meet you Doc," Cub replied, offering out a hand for the player to shake. The creeper looked down, sniffing the hand once before grabbing it with a muscular arm. Cub could feel the power behind it, and yet he could also feel its gentleness, the player behind it taking care not to squeeze too hard and crush Cub's hand. He appreciated that. Though he was, slowly, gaining some weight and muscle, he was nowhere close to the creeper in front of him.

"Anyway, Tango, good to see you friend," Doc nodded, "and Impulse. Which of you two are Cub and Scar?"

"I'm Cub," Cub bit back an addition of a title, unsure of what to call the creeper in front of him. Sir felt too formal, yet it didn't feel right to just call him Doc. He pushed that aside, deciding to instead not address the creeper's name until he had figured this out.

"So that makes you Scar," Doc assumed. Scar flinched slightly at Doc's gaze. The creeper's grin was filled with teeth, but they didn't appear sharp, to Cub's surprise, "Don't worry, I'm a vegetarian. I only bite plants."

"Yes, I," Scar took a breath, "yes, I'm Scar. It's good to meet you."

"Likewise," Doc nodded. He took a step back, now addressing the group. Cub caught a clearer glimpse of his attire, a lab coat, similar to the one Cub was wearing, save for how it was shredded. Doc was also shredded, and it was easy to see beneath the thin belly fur and his lack of shirt. His feet were paws, and claws gripped the floor, almost like they were trying to dig into the wood and get a tighter grip. It was a body not built for a life on the ground, but one of climbing and scavenging. The metal arm was just another addition to the whole affair, a cherry on top of the body. Cub had heard that Doc lost both of his arms. He supposed that either he'd been wrong, or only one had been given back by the developer.

"So as not to waste your time Doc, you know why we are here?" Tango asked.

"You want to speak with a developer about getting a new communicator for Cub there," Doc nodded. "How did he even lose it? I didn't think that was possible."

"It was stolen," Cub answered.

"But... it should have reappeared when you left the world," Doc said, "I've lost my hold on this thing numerous times, and it's never been permanently lost."

"It... might be in another realm. One that's not safe to go to for players, and I can't access it again," Cub gave only minimal details. He didn't wish to, without Scar's consent, tell too much of the story to someone who was relatively a stranger, even a stranger that Tango trusted. He could never be too careful.

"I've been to dangerous places," Doc said, a note of intrigue in his voice.

"Not like this," Scar shook his head, "don't. Don't even try. They will either permakill you or enslave you. You can't defeat them."

Doc's head shot back farther than a human player's could go, "If there is a threat, I need to know. There are pvpers here who take down threats to servers regularly. If there is someone who is stealing communicators and can keep them or destroy them, that's not good."

"Look," Tango said, "maybe we should calm down and sit down. Talk things through."

Doc's cybernetic lights flickered, "Yes."

"Do we have to do this here?" Impulse asked, shivering slightly.

"I'm comfortable enough," Doc shrugged.

"It's dark."

"I can see."

"Me too," Tango piped in.

"We don't all have cybernetic eyes," Impulse replied.

"Guys!" Cub shouted, "This isn't important. Let's sit down, and talk this over."

The room was silent. Doc smiled, and nodded, seemingly of approval. He flicked his tail towards an inside door, "Follow me."

Doc led the group through the dark hallway. Cub almost tripped on a broken piece of wood. He wondered what this place was, and why Doc had chosen it of all places to live in. It didn't make much sense, especially if 'Doc' was a local celebrity. It was comforting, however, being around Doc. He wasn't a robot, and he wasn't human. Though Cub doubted he'd qualify as non-human to Cub, he wasn't, technically, human anymore. What was human anyway? It was just another classification of player, in the end. Players all followed the same basic shape, two arms, two legs, and a head. Cub followed that mold, but he also, externally, followed the mold defined as human. Both he and Scar did. Being more comfortable around nonhumans didn't make much logical sense. Cub shook his head, dropping the conversation from his brain. 

Doc opened a leaning inside. A flickering light emerged from the room, and Cub went in with hesitance, a bit unsure about what was to be behind that door. Scar needed a little more persuasion, and Cub eventually just offered to hold his hand as he walked behind the threshold and into… somewhere.

A large, open room, stocked with all kinds of elaborate machines players were throwing their money into was what was  behind that door. The light's flicked on and off in all sorts of neon displays shouting at the rambunctious crowd, all hidden away, to spend their money with the promise of gaining more riches than they know. Music blasted from jukeboxes, creating a loud, ear-aching pain. Cub narrowed his eyes, struggling to adjust them as they followed Doc into the place. Scar looked flabbergasted at everything surrounding them, the colors and the lack of color. Cub admitted it was certainly unique, something that he couldn't say he had ever seen before. He wasn't sure if he liked it. The world was too loud for him. Tango and Impulse seemed to find it irritating in a similar fashion. Doc didn't appear to care much as he forced his way through the crowd, and to a table next to a bar.

A waiter in a loud pink dress came to the table. Doc flicked them a diamond, adding with a growl, "Leave us alone for the hour."

They nodded and scampered off. Cub shifted. The seats were sticky, but here in the corner the environment was more chill. Cub could hardly believe all this was down here. He had heard nothing when he was in the shack. How did no one notice everyone coming and going? His mind burned with questions regarding the sheer logistics of organizing an operation like this, that he failed to respond to something that Doc said. He could tell something had been directed towards him, as the group, especially Doc, all looked at him. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

Doc sighed, "Scar asked if you and him need to confer about what you are willing to share."

"I don't know about Scar," Cub said, "but I'm fine with sharing everything that Tango and Impulse know."

"I agree," Scar quickly added.

"Then," Doc asked, leaning back in the same way as before. Cub wrinkled his nose at the feet on the table. "What do Tango and Impulse know?"

Half an hour and a lot of backtracking later, they had given Doc a basic rundown on the Vex and why Cub needed a new communicator. Doc had listened quietly to the whole affair, his face mostly expressionist. His tail was his only tell, flicking at some moments, such as when Cub recounted having no memories of his original encounter. The version told to Doc was more detailed in some ways, but more vague in others. Scar kept talking over Cub, piping in with good memories for every negative one shared. Tango reminded them to keep on track several times. 

Cub didn't understand it. After everything the Vex had done to Scar, to them, to hundreds of players, Scar still defended them. He still wanted to return to them. Somehow he had caught the idea that the Vex had his best interests in mind. Whether this was one of Scar's own thoughts, or simply the work of a very manipulative Vex, Cub didn't like it. He knew the Vex hurt Scar. Scar still remembered the Vex hurting him. He still remembered what it was like to be ripped apart. He still remembered life before the Vex, the beautiful buildings he constructed, the world he had carved by hand, and still Scar wanted to go back. Cub didn't understand it.

Neither, it appeared, did Doc. When the story had gotten to where they had met Doc, the creeper finally spoke up, "I've followed the story, mostly, but I'm confused over one thing. Why do you," Doc nodded towards Scar, "want to return to the Vex, if they have done all these things?"

"They're my family," Scar declared. "I was alone in that world. They…" Scar sighed, "they did some bad stuff, but I wasn't alone anymore. They didn't take away my mind, look how free I am. Any bondage to the Vex is now by my choice. I could walk away right now, but I'm not, because they trust me."

"They'll still be mad at you for being late," Cub recalled distantly.

"Yes, but they'll understand when they hear I was captured," Scar retorted, quicker than he had any right to. The tension between Cub and Scar could be felt as the duo stared the other down. Cub relented first, with a deep sigh. 

"Or they could kill you," Cub whispered.

"They won't kill me. I'm no use to them dead," Scar pointed out.

"You're not just something with a use ! You're a player, you don't have to submit to them anymore," Cub begged.

Scar's shoulder's rose, "I'm going back to them. You've never met my Vex. Maybe coming here was a bad idea. Maybe meeting Zedaph was a bad idea," Scar's voice rose higher and higher, screaming the last part, "maybe you would have learned if we'd never came here!"

It was quiet again. Even the casino dwellers were quiet, though one player called out 'Fight, Fight, Fight!'

Cub was shaking, though he wasn't sure whether it was from anger, or nerves from the environment. The world was too loud, and lights kept flashing. He took a breath, focusing on avoiding any more panic then he was already in. Though he wasn't sure when in the argument he had stood up, he sat back down, ignoring Scar. How could he say that. How dare he say that. Scar had kidnapped Cub, did he want Cub to now worship him like a Vex, obeying every command without question? Did Scar want him to join his Vex mansion, even now, after everything? Cub had lost so much. He'd lost his mind, but right now, he couldn't lose his head. 

"Or," Cub responded, with an artificial calm, "I would have gone to your mansion. I would have been happy there. You would have taught me more Vex magic, and we would have been together."

Scar's confused gaze encouraged Cub to continue.

"I'd still be enslaved to them. It was never my choice to be with them. I would have been happy, maybe even happier, but…" Cub sighed, "but we're not free. I want to be free. I don't want to be happy if I can't be free. And if being free means not having you," he paused, "then I guess we're soon going to be saying goodbye."

Scar's eyes dashed around, observing the gazes, calm, nervous, pensive, and Cub's empty, if slightly accusatory, look. He looked at the floor, his hat covering his eyes, "I… you're right. I'm not your keeper. This entire... 'thing' is about me not being in charge of you," Scar glanced up to Doc, matching his gaze, "But you won't harm my mansion. I'm safe there. Not all Vex's are evil. It's just a different culture. I won't let you hurt our people. We are part-Vex. They made us their heritage."

"I disagree," Doc responded. He leaned his bearded chin on top of his arm, resting on the table. With the way his fur moved, sticking out in all directions, Cub had to suppress and inappropriate snort at the image. "If your culture rests around kidnapping players, it's not a good culture."

"It was barely kidnapping," Scar started.

"It was kidnapping." Cub bluntly broke in.

"It wasn't that bad!"

"You're being irrational!"

"I know my Vex-"

"QUIET!" Doc roared. "I heard from Tango you two were friends. Either that's not the case, or you two need some serious talks. I, however, am not a therapist. I'm here because you wanted to contact a developer, and are now informing me of a playernapping ring that no one knows about. Do you know how many players go missing each year?"

Cub slowly shook his head. Doc snorted.

"Thousands, most of them the young, powerful, curiosities, or ones with magic. I've had too many good friends vanish without a trace. For your sakes, I will leave this stone unturned, for now, " he added at Scar's relieved expression. "I can't help them, but I can help you, Cub. I can keep you from becoming that statistic. As it stands, you don't exist. You are the perfect target for anyone. And so, I will do what I can."

"What can you do?" Tango asked, the first time in a while that Impulse or Tango had chosen to speak.

Doc's smile felt forced to Cub. He moved restlessly in his seat. "I will contact the man who took away my arm."

.

Chapter Text

He hadn't always been the player he was today. He had faced many challenges along the way, rising from the bottom, the depths of society. He had been born a player in the shape of a creeper, and thus he had been born an outcast, a target of fear and hatred amongst players. He had been forced to work harder than the other players he knew, humans were given their chances, he was not. He forced himself to be a phoenix, rising from the ashes with every rejection, every failure, emerging more and more powerful each time. He had been growing, and he was still growing even today. He had regrets. He had failures, but he also now had power, authority. He had everything he had ever wanted, why did it feel so hollow?

He had seen many friends, good friends he loved dearly, fall along the way, lost to players who lined their pockets with the diamonds of the rich, who simply wished for curiosity. There was no shortage of rich players looking to buy and sell, and thus there were no shortage of playernappers. They had tried to grab him once. He had lost half his face, but they had lost their lives. He hated them, with every fiber of his being, down to the core. They had taken his eye, and even the knowledge they had been dealt the most dreadful of consequences, a permanent ban, worse then even exile, it had been a painful reminder of his place in society. He needed to keep his drive to grow, to be stronger, as one day, he would have another fight. Someone else would wish to grab him. On that day, if it ever came, now he would be able to declare 'I am Docm77, Mindcracker. You have messed with the wrong creeper.' He would take them, and he would extract every revenge for every friend he had lost to them, and he would dismantle them and everyone involved in their trade, from buyer to seller.

But that hadn't happened yet. He had lost track of his roots, even today. He didn't regret what had happened. It had, in the long run, made him stronger, and a better person. It had been a crippling blow to his self-confidence and strength at the time. He had finally, finally, felt powerful, like he had the ability to do anything, to dismantle the society that he had succeeded in. To dismantle the trade that tried to hurt him. In his haughty high, he had dared the developers themselves to come down and stop him, he had challenged them, publicly, to give him a 'nerf'. Maybe it wasn't directly to them, but they had, nevertheless, taken it as a challenge. He had been celebrating, slightly tipsy off the wine he had sipped, another win at a UHC, further pushing him along to the category of 'best'. That was when he showed up, the upside-down developer. Evoking his name would turn entities upside down, without seemingly them having any knowledge of it. Dinnerbone.

Dinnerbone appeared for moments, but it, to him, had felt like ages. He had appeared behind Doc, greeting him with a simple and deceptively sweet 'Hello Doc'. He remembered feeling surprised to see him there. Developers had been around more often, back then, but they didn't often appear on player's world unannounced in that fashion. For a moment, a sweet deceptive moment, he had wondered if Dinenrbone was there to congratulate him.

With a flash of light and a loud noise that Doc would describe simply as 'indescribable', his right arm had vanished into thin air. He had remained composed, shouting in disbelief. Dinnerbone didn't seem to care, simply smiling at his frantic dance, trying to recover where his arm was. It was empty, the sleeve of his lab coat limp beside his body. When he turned to Dinnerbone, a rage building in his body, it was with a tip of the upside-down hat and a 'ta-ta' that Dinnerbone vanished. He lunged at the spot, but without his arm, his balance was thrown off and not even his tail could recover him from falling flat on his face. Snarling as he got back up, screaming curses towards Dinnerbone and his lack of arm, he didn't even notice the charged creeper Dinnerbone had summoned to complete the humiliation. He had been screaming in confusion, just for him to be blown up, items scattered. He reawoke in his bed, in disbelief, barely registering the lack of his arm in his shock. 

Over the next few weeks, he slowly learned how to live. He couldn't let himself beat himself up, nor get depressed over this. He was a phoenix. He rose. At first, he had tried to learn how to fight with his left arm. When that plan had ended in his humiliation one too many times, he got fitted for a prosthetic attachment, discovering all too quickly it wasn't as easy as slipping on a prosthetic. Every movement he made had to be relearned. He had to undergo procedures to wire the arm into his brain. While his earlier eye prosthetic made it easy enough to attach it, there was still painful modification and months of rehab that had to go underway. 

Years later, today, he hadn't obtained his earlier victories again. His time in the spotlight was fading, yet he found he didn't mind as much as before. He was Docm77. He was a name known . 

That was the story of how Doc had met Dinnerbone. He had never apologized for taking Doc's arm, but sometimes when they met up, Doc liked to pretend that he regretted it, though he doubted it. Devs operated on a level beyond the common player. Doc's struggles were foreign to Dinnerbone, but the two had at least maintained a tenuous relationship. That was how Doc had scored the meeting with Dinnerbone today, out of the casino, and in a quiet diner in the redstone district. Cub had listened with wide-eyed fascination surrounding the tale. Tango had piped in to ask a few clarifying questions, and Impulse had chuckled at a few bits. Scar was silent. The earlier abrasion was not yet forgotten and forgiven.

Cub was quiet, and let himself half-mindedly listen to the banter between Tango and Doc. He had been surprised when it had first started up, but soon realized the serious creeper did have a soft heart. "And then…" Tango could barely force his words out in between chokes of laughter, "Zedaph was like 'If you're a sheep, say Baaaaa'. And Impulse here let out the most depressing 'baa' a sheep had ever made!"

"It wasn't depressing," Impulse protested, "I'm just not a good sheep."

"It was depressing Impulse," Tango's eyes almost appeared to be shedding redstone tears as he laughed. Doc was crying with laughter.

"If even Tango calls it depressing, I know who to believe, Impulse," Doc chuckled. Impulse huffed, turning to his side and starting a conversation with Scar instead, neglecting the still laughing faces of Doc and Tango. Cub smiled slightly, joining in with the jolly mood. He was nervous, but the roaring of his frien- Doc and Tango was contagious. Cub stretched, yawning slightly. 

“Tired Cub?” Tango asked.

Cub shook his head, “I just need some food. MInd if I grab some?”

“Considering Dinnerbone isn’t here yet, feel free,” Doc frowned, “he said he would be here ‘soon’ but who knows what a Dev means by soon. We could be here for weeks, if we operate on their timescale!”

“Wait,” Scar said, “ weeks? ”

“All I know is that I ask when the next snapshot is going to release and the Devs say ‘soon’ it’s either a few days or months!” Doc exclaimed.

“Developing takes a lot of time,” Impulse argued back. Cub didn’t bother to listen for the reply as he walked up to the counter of the cafe. A redstone contraption was in charge here, distributing food for diamonds inserted into its system. Cub admitted it was quite clever, and he would have killed to get a chance to peek at it. He wished he had had more time to do things with redstone. He felt so busy that he had neglected his pursuit of learning the material, despite his interest in it. It was with intrigue he inserted the diamond, flicking the levers, and waited for the food, his selection of a steak and carrot dish. 

“These machines players build are always so clever,” someone next to him commented. Cub glanced over to see a panda in a suit looking thoughtfully over the build.

“I’d love to take a look at how they work,” Cub replied.

The panda flicked an ear, “I agree, though I’m not the best with redstone. I usually spend my time exploring various maps and testing things.”

“That sounds fun, I’ve never played a map before,” Cub knew what they were, somehow. He wondered if in another life he had played one.

The panda smiled, showing sharp fangs for an herbivore, “You need to try it sometime. They’re a fun way to spend your free time.”

“Maybe I will,” Cub nodded. 

“Ordinarily,” the panda changed the subject, “I wouldn’t have to ask you this, but I can’t seem to figure out, what is your name?”

“It’s Cub.”

“Cub,” the panda seemed to savor the word, despite his slight mispronunciation of it, “just Cub?”

He shrugged, “As far as I know.”

“Hm,” the panda reflected. “I’m Ulraf.”

“Just Ulraf?” Cub asked.

Ulraf giggled, “Yes.”

“It’s good to meet you, Ulraf,” Cub smiled. Ulraf’s ear flicked again.

“I need to go, one of my boss’ need me,” Ulraf sighed, “maybe we’ll see each other again sometime?”

“That would be nice,” Cub replied. The redstone contraption dinged and dispensed Cub’s meal, chopped steak and carrots. Ulraf poked his nose into the machine in curiosity, his fascination almost greater than Cub’s. He slowly inserted a hand into the dispenser, retracting it quickly when a sword slammed down. Cub gasped as the bleeding appendage, but Ulraf simply shrugged, gazed afar for a moment, and, so quickly that Cub almost thought the initial wound had never happened, the hand restored itself, not even a scar remained.

“The creativity of this community astounds me sometimes,” Ulraf commented, before turning away and towards the door. As he departed, Cub was left with a strange feeling he was unable to identify. It almost felt like recognition in some strange way. Something had happened, yet Cub was unsure of what took place.

He didn’t linger on the encounter, taking the plate back to the table. Scar promptly claimed several pieces as his own, Impulse taking a piece as well, and even Doc grabbed a carrot. Tango didn’t touch the food. Cub popped a piece of steak into his mouth, savoring the flavor. It filled him with an energy that Cub hadn’t known he needed. The friendly atmosphere of the diner, the chuckles and banters of his friends, the chattering from other customers, Cub enjoyed everything. He let out an off-hand comment on Doc’s lab coat that caused chuckles all around.

Like a pin dropped, the room fell silent. PLayers in other areas all were turning around, glancing with varying expressions of awe and fear at the door. Doc himself couldn’t fully hide the fear that appeared when he glanced to see what it was. Cub’s view was blocked by Tango, so he poked his head out to see… a player. Upside-down, and almost appearing like he didn’t realize it. As his legs moved in the air, his head glided smoothly on the surface of the world. The cape he was wearing didn’t obey gravity, acting like it too, was upside-down. Or maybe the rest of them were upside down, and this player was the correct one. 

While Cub had never seen him before, he knew instinctively who this was, even Doc’s expression alone was enough to go off of. Dinnerbone.

“Morning Doc,” the developer greeted.

“Dinnerbone!” Doc’s fearful glance was replaced by a smile, only the tiniest bit insincere. “How are you today buddy?”

Dinnerbone glided smoothly across the floor. CUb was uncertain whether he was to look down upon his face, or look at his feet like he was looking at a head. He followed Doc’s eyes, which seemed to prefer the first of the two options. “I’m doing well Doc. iInd if I sit down?”

“Go right ahead,” Doc nodded. Doc and Tango scooted over, making room for Dinnerbone to sit. The man sat like a normal person would, but inverted, flipping upside-down. It was odd seeing the positioning of Dinnerbone’s feet in the air. Everything about the man was odd. How did he live upside down like that?

At least the rest of the diner had begun their conversations again, like there wasn’t an upside-down man beside them. That comforted Cub, and he pretended that this was normal. Having an upside-down developer right in front of you was normal. 

“Ooh! Steak,” Dinner bone exclaimed. Cub pushed the plate toward the man.

“Feel free to have some.”

“Thank you,” Dinnerbone’s body almost seemed to move through the table to grab the piece. Cub had a startling realization of how this worked. Dinnerbone was acting like he wasn’t upside-down, maybe, because in his mind, he wasn’t upside-down. The world simply had, out of Dinnerbone’s choice or a glitch, flipped how he looked upside-down, per say. Still strange, but Cub could pretend to understand it. “Very good steak,” Dinnerbone commented, “now, I don’t think I need an introduction, as I hope Doc would have told you my name by now, but I’m Dinnerbone, one of the developers at Mojang. If you don’t know what that is, I help create this world, and the updates that come with it.”

“That’s… really cool, actually,” Scar admitted.

“It’s a lot of work, but the fun makes up for it,” Dinnerbone dodded, “hm, you’re GoodTimeWithScar. I don’t believe we’ve met before. TangoTek, Impulsesv, Docm77, and…” Dinnerbone smiled at Cub. Cub pressed backwards unconsciously,. “You. You don’t have a nametag. One of my collegues mentioned your name was Cub, but there is another Cub, and all usernames need to be unique.”

“That’s why we’re here,” Cub answered, “I don’t have a communicator. I don’t know how to get one. We were hoping you could help.” 

“Wait, colleagues,” Tango broke in, “Cub’s met one of you before?”

“Ulraf has been following your group for a while now,” Dinnerbone explained, “he likes to do that sometimes.”

Ulraf- the panda? Cub blinked, trying to remember if he had noticed the panda before today. It was with a sense of surprise and a twinge of dread that he recalled the appearance of a panda in almost every crowd he’d been in. Were they truly all the same, one panda, the one who had just talked with him? Cub scooted, suddenly feeling a twinge uncertain at this situation. They were developers. They would be more powerful then even the Vex. Could Dinnerbone even read his mind right now?

“Yes,” Dinnerbone answered the question. Cub’s eyes shot up, even more fear piling in his gut, threatening to explode, “but don't worry! I tend not to use it.”

“Why were you reading my mind just then, then?” Cub challenged, blurting out without thinking. Scar gasped.

“You can read our minds?”

“I was only doing it because Ulraf said you had an interesting mind and your thoughts are so hard to hear compared to most players. You must have learnt that level of shielding from vex. Those glitches are always fun to deal with,” Dinnerbone sighed with a sincere happiness that took the slightly sarcastic leaning choice of words and made them sound serious.

“The Vex took Cub’s communicator,” Doc mentioned, almost off-handedly.

“Hm,” Dinnerbone reflected thoughtfully. “Also, Tango, even for a robot, you have very loud thoughts. Could you take lessons from Cub, or just stop thinking for the moment?”

“I, oh, sorry,” Tango replied. He turned off his eyes, looking like he was focusing on keeping his mind calm.

“Although,” Dinnerbone’s response was casual, “it is nice to see someone has a crush on me.”

“Wait, no! ” Tango gasped, “I never thought that. Not that you’re not… nice to look at, I just-”

Dinnerbone’s laugh revealed the conspiracy earlier than Cub supposed he had hoped, “Just messing with you.”

“Don’t mess with my head,” Tango grumbled. 

Dinnerbone’s smile contained no promises. 

Cub wasn’t sure what to make of the upside-down developer. He seemed to have a trolling streak in him, yet, based upon Doc’s story, also didn’t seem to care how a player’s life was changed by his trolling. If he was reading Cub’s mind in the moment, Cub hoped he would see things that would persuade Dinnerbone to help him. He didn’t know the developer. He barely knew Doc, or even Tango or Impulse. Yet, they had helped him, with but a friend of a friend relationship. It was a strange feeling, Cub reflected, being helped through the world. He wondered if, had he never met Scar, he would have ever escaped the clutches of the Vex. Would their tendrils in his mind stay forever?

Would they have sold him off, getting bored of him and his pliant obedience? How far would he have gone before permadeath? And here he was, yet again, held at the mercy of one who could kill him, permanently. Except this time, if he left, Dinnerbone might let him live, at least Cub hoped.

"Don't worry, not Cub," Dinnerbone reassured, "I wouldn't kill you."

Cub shuddered, trying to press down his fear at Dinnerbone's casual mental invasion. He didn't even feel his shielding being so much as probed. The Developer could look straight into his code, and pluck his thoughts as easy as cake. 

"Could you please stop reading our minds," Scar whimpered.

"Oh, I'm sorry, it's just a habit," Dinnerbone explained. "It's a lot quicker to just pluck the thought from someone instead of waiting for them to vocalize it."

"But we don't know what the other people are saying," Impulse pointed out.

"Yes, yes," Dinnerbone nodded, a strange sight that involved his head phasing through the seat, "it's been a while since I've been around a group of players. Most I hang around with are used to it. But I'll try not to--" Scar sighed in relief "--but, actually, I do have one question for you, GoodTimeWithScar."

"Just call me Scar," Scar said.

"Scar, yes, why are you okay with the Vex seeing your mind, but not me?" Dinnerbone asked.

Scar bit his lip. "Well," he swallowed, "I know my Vex. I don't know you."

Dinnerbone nodded again, "That makes sense."

"It does?" Impulse broke in.

"Yes, yes. Entities act in code. Players are more messy, you're still code, but it's a mess of code. Notch coded the original players, and his code is notoriously spaghetti. There isn't a pattern to players, not like sheep or villagers. Everytime I try to understand you, you keep surprising me."

Cub could only follow half of Dinnerbone's explanation. The dev used words that were familiar, yet the context and placement was foreign. He simply nodded without asking for an explanation, accepting the oddity of developers. 

"Not to change the subject, or interrupt you, but we do have something we needed to ask you," Tango butted in. The robot had been uncharacteristically quiet after the thoughts comment.

"Oh, yes, of course. You needed a new communicator?" Cub nodded. Dinnerbone smiled, "That'll be easy enough to arrange! It's just a simple matter of deleting your connection to your old one, so players can't exploit it, and spawning in a new one! Yes, yes, easy. Just one thing."

"Which is?" Tango asked, the robot's face flashing confusion.

"Well," Dinnerbone nodded towards Cub, "we need to know who you are."

"I told you," Cub replied, "I'm Cub."

"Not your nickname, your username! Like how GoodTimeWithScar is called Scar! Or Docm77 is Doc. Without your username, I can't give you your communicator, except," Dinnerbone shook his head, "you don't know your username. That's an issue."

"There has to be a way to do it, right?" Doc asked, "You wouldn't have agreed to come if you didn't think there was a way."

"Of course, it's easy! I just have to knock him out and root through his code until I find his username. Of course, with how messed up the Vex made his code, that'll make it difficult, but I love a challenge!" Dinnerbone practically cheered the last part. "That's why working on this game is so fascinating. You have to change the world, test and debug, plan new features, it's all so satisfying!"

"Game development is fun. I'm a fan of the planning stages, it's great to get to toss out ideas and consider new things."

"Oh!" Dinnerbone's face lit up, "right, you've made games before, haven't you?"

"Nothing like changing the entire world," Impulse said, "but we both enjoy creating."

"I'll have to talk to you two about it one day. It would be fun! But first," Dinnerbone turned back to Cub. "You."

Cub shuffled as he was the center of attention yet again.

"Getting to your code should be painless, but I recommend doing it in a more secure area. Would you mind coming back to Mojang with me?" Dinnerbone asked.

"Wait," Doc questioned, "all of us?"

"Just Cub. We love visitors, but in this case, I don't want to have to entertain guests while working."

Just Cub.  Going with someone, who could read his mind, change his code. And he was to go alone. With each thought, his stomach sank deeper and deeper. It wasn't that he didn't trust the developers, in principle. They had created the world, they had even, technically, created him, or at least the code that had defined who he was. He, for some reason, doubted that they held any wish to do him harm. And yet, Cub found himself doubting the idea of going with Dinnerbone alone. Dinnerbone looked, to put it bluntly, crazy. He was upside-down, he didn't seem to understand the etiquette of 'don't read minds'. He reminded Cub of the Vex, but if they took the shape of a player.

Dinnerbone wasn't a player, nor was he a Vex. He was a developer, and he was offering Cub help to find out who he truly was. His username. A communicator. All he had to do was trust Dinnerbone. It wasn't that hard of an ask, but it was difficult for Cub to go alone. He wished he could take Scar, or Impulse, or Tango or even Doc. He hadn't been alone in a long time. In fact, the last time that he had been alone, without the Vex, or a player, had been when he had ran from Scar, all that time ago. It wasn't even that long ago, considering, yet it felt like a lifetime. 

He wouldn't be alone. He would be with Dinnerbone. Maybe he would see that panda, Ulraf. He had been pleasant to interact with, even if the idea of him stalking Cub was disturbing. He could reconcile it with the idea that Ulraf was a developer. They operated on different rules, as evidenced clearly by both the healing, the mind reading. They were developers . He couldn't trust them. Then again, he couldn't trust players either, and trusting them had gotten him this far.

Trust was a funny thing. It could be given, it could be taken away. You can have your trust in the wrong people, and be led astray, hurt, or even killed. You can't force trust. You might be able to encourage or lie, but when the truth comes out, only trust remains. Cub might not trust Dinnerbone, not explicitly, but he trusted Doc. He trusted Tango and Impulse. He had been with them long enough, he hoped that his trust wasn't misguided. He had no way to confirm this. He could be walking into a trap. This could just be an elaborate fantasy planted in his mind by the Vex.

If he couldn't, however, in this moment, after everything, trust himself?

Well. Why was he even here? 

He lived. Therefore, he must be.

Therefore, he had to trust, and choose who to trust.

"You've made your decision!" Dinnerbone exclaimed. His face sputtered for a moment, before Dinnerbone quickly added, "Don't worry, I wasn't reading your thoughts! I could tell by your face. You learn a lot about reading players' facial features when you code them in."

It wasn't really much of a decision. Cub nodded, "I'll go with you."

Chapter Text

Cub had expected it to have been a long walk. He had at least expected time to say something beyond a quick farewell. He had thought they would have to walk to zero, zero like Scar and Cub had done together so many times before. In retrospect, after all he had seen the developers do, being able to teleport out of the world with only a blink was far from the most impressive thing. Cub was thrown through the void, thrashing around as he was held in Dinnerbone's upside-down arms. he was hot, like the sun, like doing in lava but somehow worse, before plunging into the deepest cold of the snowy tundra and water as they swooped through the paths and worlds between worlds. Dinnerbone appeared, somehow, to be navigating the oppressive landscape, with its error codes and textual stars, as he went.

"That's not good," Dinnerbone commented as they flew past a loud and red 'error'. Cub couldn't even wonder what it was in his confusion. Dinnerbone picked up on this, and elaborated, "It's an error saying the world can't register who you are. It thinks you're a mob, but your code is that of a player. If I'm not careful, you could be forced into a mob state. I bet Scar would receive that error too. I wonder how I could fix it..."

Dinnerbones musing fell silent as they approached, in the middle of space, a building. Somehow, in this chaos realm, there was a perfectly normal office building. Greenery swarmed around it, showcasing itself as a lovely view outside of the many windows of the office. Its tan-gray coloration was mostly drab, but a spot of red color above the door held the Mojang logo, the same one on Dinnerbone’s cape. As Dinnerbone flew down, a sidewalk formed beneath his feet, and on this sidewalk, he set down Cub.

“Sorry for the bumpy ride,” Dinnerbone said sheepishly, “ordinarily I’d just teleport us, but I didn’t want to risk your code corrupting even more than it has.”

“That wasn’t teleporting?” Cub asked. 

Dinnerbone shook his head vehemently, “Teleporting is smooth, you just walked through the dimensions. That was closer to worldhopping.”

“Is there a difference?”

“Yes! A huge difference, in fact. When we fix your communicator, I’ll have to show you teleporting,” Dinnerbone nodded. “But first, let’s get inside.”

The sidewalk vanished behind them as they walked the short distance to the Mojang Office building. The door automatically swung open for them, and closed when they had passed. A desk with greenery beside it held a young-looking wolf… something. His first thought had been ‘player’ but in this house of Mojang, they could very well also be a developer. He didn’t know, and for some reason that almost worried him a little.

“Hello! Don’t worry,” the wolf assured, “I don’t bite. Well, not players.” The wolf’s grin showed off sharp fangs. 

“Good to see you Wolffe63,” Dinnerbone greeted.

“Same to you, who’s your friend? They don’t have a nametag.”

“I’m Cub,” Cub answered, having a feeling he would be saying that a lot that day.

“Wonderful!” Wolffe grinned again. “You are an oddity. We like oddities here. DO I need to contact Jeb to upgrade--”

“He’s not a new employee. He’s here because we need to root into his code and find out who he is,” Dinnerbone interrupted, “besides, I can contact Jeb myself.”

“Who’s Jeb?” Cub asked, thinking of the rainbow sheep named jeb_ he had encountered at Zedaph’s.

“He’s the lead game designer!” Wolffe exclaimed, his tail wagging faster than a piston hooked up to a clock. “He took over after… that one dummkopf left.”

“Wolffe,” Dinnerbone warned. Wolffe tucked his head down in slight embarrassment. Dinnerbone straightened up, glancing at Cub, “We do need to get going. I bet a good few of the community relations team will fawn over Cub. They don’t often get to show players directly, mostly just make more overarching announcements. And you could talk to your friend Ulraf while I’m getting everything set up.”

“He’s.. not my friend,” Cub forced.

Dinnerbone laughed, “Probably not, but it could be not yet. ”

Cub couldn’t think of anything to say in response. Before they moved on, Cub had one final question, “Wait, what about the whole ‘reading minds’ thing?”

“I wish I could do that,” Wolffe sighed.

“You can’t?”

Wolffe shook his head, “Only the developers who work with code figure it out. But maybe I can convince them to teach me one day. You get used to it, after a bit.”

Cub didn’t want to ‘get used to it.’ He didn’t wish to stick around long enough for that to happen. He turned to Dinnerbone, who frowned slightly in consideration. 

“Hm… they’ll still need to read you, but maybe something, a shield, to discourage them from reading your code… encryption would trap you here... “ Dinnerbone’s face lit up, “Aha. I think I know something that should work. Do you prefer iron or chainmail?”

“I don’t have a preference,” Cub began.

“Good, good. Stay still for just a moment…” Dinnerbone closed his eyes. Cub didn’t move, even as he noticed letters and numbers begin to flow into Dinnerbone’s outstretched palm. Cub’s vision was filled by a blinding light, for just a moment, and when it faded, his head felt much heavier than it had before. Cub reached up, and found he was wearing a helmet made of iron. “There!” Dinnerbone exclaimed, looking pleased with himself, “I couldn’t alter your code, so instead I altered a helmet. It should block your thoughts themselves from being picked up, so you can have your player secrets, but we’ll still be able to take it off once it's time to fix your code.”

“Wait, fix my code, I thought we were just going to get my username for a communicator?” Cub asked, tilting his head.

“That too, but you can’t expect me not to want to fix things while I’m in there. Your mind is one giant error message, and that could lead to you corrupting and the world deleting you!”

Cub swallowed, “Oh..”

“Not good at all,” Dinnerbone nodded, “so, with that in mind, do you mind if I change and fix your code while I’m in your head?”

“Just… don’t change me,” Cub replied.

“Don’t worry! I’ve messed with player code hundreds of times.How do you think I flipped upside-down?”

“But you haven’t flipped back up.”

“Why would I?” Dinnerbone asked, “sometimes you just need a new perspective on life’s great issues.”

Cub didn’t think the upside-down would help to solve life's great issues, but he was tiring of this argument. Dinnerbone seemed to recognize this, as he motioned for Cub to follow, before walking in his weird upside-down way to a staircase. Cub followed Dinnerbone up the staircase, to another simple hallway. Awards lined the path, notes of achievements for the team, and letters of praise from players. Many seemed to be older, in particular the player letters, before eventually stopping. It was like the community had developed for themselves a distance between the developers and themselves. It almost made Cub feel slightly sad for them.

The hallways were coated in bright, but pleasant, carpet, with wooden walls and plant decorations. Paintings and sketches of mobs, creepers, skeletons, and some designs that Cub had never seen before lined the walls. Everything had a pleasant warmth to it, it smelled homely. The window at the end of the hallway showed a view of the void, and its swarming chaos. Dinnerbone led Cub through a door, and into a room, bustling with life. Players, developers, were in various states of ‘busy’ throughout the room, which featured machines of a type that reminded Cub of communicators, all sitting upon desks. A few workers were frantically typing away at those desks, including yet another upside-down player, but others seemed to be in a form of break, lazing and chatting on couches. 

The first to spy Cub and Dinnerbone returning was an elf, dressed in a green tunic and hat. He perked up at the duo’s approach, prancing lightly to Dinnerbone, bidding a quick hello and asked, “Did you have a good trip to the Overworld?”

“I did. Didn’t get to do much catching up with Doc as I would have liked, but I made a new friend in Tango, Impulse, and Cub here.”

The man turned to Cub, smiling at him, “My name is slicedlime. It’s good to meet you… Cub?”

“That’s my name,” Cub confirmed.

Slicedlime sounded confused as he spoke, “He doesn’t have a communicator?”

“That’s why he’s here, We’re going to take a peak in his mind and fix it.”

“Wait, all of you?” Cub broke in.

“Well, it’ll mostly just be one person, but some others might take a peak. We don’t often work with players individually. It’ll be a fun challenge!” Dinnerbone explained. 

“Wait!” another player called, leaping towards the group. She had long hair tied up in a ponytail. She was wearing a green dress made of fabric of the highest quality with tassels on the sleeves, a headband wrapped around her hair, and bright blue eyes that complimented and showcased the look of excitement on her face, “You! You’re a player! What did you think of the latest update? I worked really hard on it, and I don’t often get feedback from actual players !”

“I’ve been busy, but all the new things I’ve seen have looked great,” Cub reassured. The developer clapped.

“Wonderful! I’m so glad you're enjoying it!” she exclaimed, “I’m LadyAgnes. It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you as well,” Cub replied, letting a small smile take his lips. Her enthusiasm was infectious, if exhausting. More and more people turned to Cub, and he soon found himself surrounded by developers saying hello or asking him questions surrounding their work. He found it hard to breathe in the crowd of strangers, as a ‘Searge, you might know me for writing some books that have been passed around’, ‘I’m Grumm, yes, I’m also upside-down,’ and many other developers passed Cub around to introduce themselves. He was their distraction for the day.

Cub wished that his other friends were here. Having people to divide social interaction with would be easier. He didn’t mind being the center of attention, but he certainly didn’t enjoy it. He’d prefer to take a backseat role, get things done, while still being in charge. Instead, he let his smile and well wishes to the developers, hoping that he would have built a friendly enough rapport.

“Cub!” a familiar voice called. Ulraf pushed his way to the front of the crowd, “Good to see you again.”

Cub swallowed, feeling a bit more relaxed, “I… likewise.”

“I noticed you have a hat on to stop us from gleaning your feelings,” Ulraf noted.

“I didn’t think I’d be able to stand several of you doing that,” Cub whispered. Ulraf nodded.

Raising his voice, the panda called to the crowd, “Now, now, we need to leave Cub alone. He has things to do and we do as well!”

The crowd seemed to acknowledge Ulraf, and slowly began to disperse as the panda pulled Cub aside. Cub wiped his forehead, “That was exhausting.”

“It was a lot,” Ulraf agreed, “I can’t believe they listened to me. You needed a break.”

Cub nodded. “Where’s Dinnerbone?”

“He went off with Jeb to prepare a room to do the code in while you were distracted by the crowd. I asked permission to keep an eye on you while they did that, so now you're stuck with my eyes!” Ulraf giggled, “I hope you like them. I coded them myself.”

Cub blinked. He was grateful that the crowd had dispersed and begun to do… whatever it was developers did. A few broke off into sections, others did things on the table-communicators, but they all were doing something, things that Cub didn’t understand. 

“Anyway,” Ulraf said, “if you have any questions, or concerns, or really, anything, just ask. We might be here a while and I love to talk about the world. You could also talk to the others, but they might be a bit less forthcoming after your distraction. Major update coming, we’re revamping combat!”

“That’s… really interesting,” Cub admitted. He wondered what it was like, entering code and being able to shift the world and the way it works for thousands of players, all at once, just like that. He could hardly consider it. He supposed that the modding community had done a lot, but those were worldspecific. 

“It’s a lot of fun! We have to code the blocks and update them, and then sometimes we have to code in glitches, like your Vex.”

“The Vex are glitches?” Cub asked.

“Well, we had plans to add them in the future, maybe 1.11, but then some code got out of hand and mansions formed on different dimensional planes. We usually just leave them alone, since removing them might remove players like you, or hybrids with Vex, or other things. It’s tough to fix glitches,” Ulraf sighed contentedly, “but the challenge is rewarding.”

“You could remove me?” Cub asked. He was starting to notice a pattern with his fear of permadeath.

“From what I’ve gleaned, some of your code is intertwined with the Vex glitch. Removing them could remove you, and any like you. What would be more ideal is not removing, but, rather, shifting you, and thus the Vex, to a new form. Maybe something that players can beat…” Ulraf seemed to consider. “That all depends on what we’d find in your code.”

They could remove the Vex. Suddenly, his problems seemed hilariously small. They could just remove them, like nothing had ever happened. The devs were gods, even if they didn't seem to consider themselves in that way. Cub wondered if they did so regularly, removing the issues that popped up. He didn't think so. They didn't want to remove the Vex for the sake of the players they had corrupted. If they were gods, they were of a benevolent nature. Still terrifying, but in a way that Cub could deal with. 

Ulraf said, "It's weird talking to a player. I need to do this more often, you don't act in the way I recognize."

"What do you mean?" Cub asked.

"Well," Ulraf began, "for one thing, most devs I can just read their minds and see exactly what they are thinking. You have that privacy helmet on, so I don't know what you are thinking. It makes me a bit sad, you have a very interesting mind."

"How much of it have you seen?" Cub asked nonchalantly considering what was being admitted.

"Oh, not much," Ulraf shrugged, "I didn't really go poking into your memory files. I just passively was reading players who passed by-- I'm bad at conversation-- and you popped up and your mind was all twisted and weird to see and corrupted. I got intrigued so I followed you and listened to your thoughts out of curiosity. You..." Ulraf glanced away, "You probably find that weird. Grum explained it to me, most players aren't like us. You don't enjoy having your thoughts searched or being followed, do you?"

"Not in the slightest." In response to the panda's downcast face, Cub offered up a shy smile to take the edge off his words. "But," he continued, "I don't think I mind it so much now. You're kind."

"I try to be nice," Ulraf said, "I just, well, I don't understand players that much."

"You should try hanging around them more, then," Cub suggested. 

"But, how?" 

"Maybe interviews?" Cub suggested. "Ask players how they feel about the updates, see what needs to be fixed. If you really enjoy having a player around who can give personal lived in feedback on the world, then talk and arrange interviews with them more."

Ulraf considered Cub's worlds with a careful deliberation. Ulraf's face broke into a smile, "Yes. Yes, we should do that. Maybe even invite some players here? Organize times for us to get to know each other, community-developer bonds! Yes!" Ulraf leapt with excitement, "Yes, that is what we can do!"

Cub's smile grew more genuine. Ulraf's tail was twitching in thought of his plans, elaborating more and more ideas for reaching out and forming connections with the minecraft community beyond just a few.

"We've grown distant to the community. They used to send us letters, but they have stopped coming. We need to grow and share. We aren't just developers of our game, we are forming what the players shall live in. They deserve to have a say, don't they?" The question wasn't directed at Cub, but he answered anyway.

"Yes," he nodded, "yes, they do."

Ulraf grinned, "Wonderful! I'll have to bring it up at the next meeting."

Cub was struck with the thought he had just made a suggestion that might be implemented at the developer level. It wasn't much, but it was something, albeit, something strange to think about. He was stronger and better at this then he cared to admit, wasn't he? He was Cub, and he had come so far to learn who he was.

"I'm talking a lot more than you, aren't I?" Ulraf asked, frowning slightly at that realization.

"I don't mind," Cub responded, "it's a good distraction from what's about to happen."

"Are you ready for your code... I'm not sure what to call it. Surgery doesn't fit since we aren't operating on a bodily scale, but... code operation?" Ulraf considered.

"Code analysis?" Cub suggested.

"I'm not sure I'm fond of that name either," Ulraf admitted.

Cub agreed, "It isn't very good. How about 'walkabout in my code and see what fun errors are underneath that I am unaware of'?"

Ulraf laughed, "Maybe! That's certainly a maybe."

"Let's leave it on the table, but come back to it later," Cub suggested.

"Please," Ulraf nodded.

"Not everything needs a fancy name."

"But it's more fun with one."

"I have to say, I agree."

"You don't have to say you agree," Ulraf's eyes had a mischievous twinkle, "everyone knows I'm always right."

Cub snorted, "Are you now? Never have any bugs or glitches in your code."

"I mean that on a philosophical scale!" Ulraf exclaimed.

"Then your philosophy is wrong," Cub stated.

"How can it be wrong," Ulraf asked, "if I am always correct!"

"But you didn't say correct, you said right. I see a left side on your body, so you are definitely not all right."

"I'm alright in the sense that I'm not going through any mental health issues I need to see a psychiatrist for. I am all right in the sense that I am always correct."

"Or you just have a lapse in judgement that makes you believe that you are alright and all right, when you, like I have mentioned before, have a left side."

"Well then," Ulraf's nose twitched, "maybe I should remove my left side from my code."

"Please don't," Dinnerbone approached, a timid-appearing man with luscious red hair followed him, "it's difficult to get used to, and you wouldn't gain any new perspectives from it. Side ways might be fun."

"Dinnerbone," Ulraf nodded his head in greeting, "and, Jeb! It's good to see you."

So, Cub blinked with surprise, taking a second glance at the ginger, this was Jeb. He had beautiful red hair that made Cub green with envy. A wreath that wrapped around his head daintily, weaving in and out of his hair, kept the pieces from falling into his face. His clothing was standard affair, with some more greenery waived in. They appeared to be of the same quality as LadyAgnes' previously. He didn't have a smile on his face, but his expression carried a thoughtful seriousness that almost seemed to fit the most their world had to an active deity figure. 

Dinnerbone did the talking for Jeb, disappointing Cub slightly as he wondered what Jeb sounded like. He imagined the voice would be lush with a similar accent to the one most developers seemed to carry. "It's time," Dinnerbone said, with a deathly seriousness in his voice.

Cub swallowed and nodded, "Where do I have to go."

Dinnerbone led Cub back into the hall. Uraf tailed the group, staying a bit behind after a glance from Jeb seemed to have struck some nervousness into the panda. The journey was barely that of a few blocks, but it almost felt like  an eternity. He was going to have his mind looked at by developers. He was going to be okay. This was entirely and perfectly safe. Why, then, did he feel a crippling sense of nervousness in his being? Was it that he disliked being exposed in this way, to the entire crowd of developers that was to poke at his mind? He wasn't entirely certain.

The room had a bed laid out in the center, with a mattress and pillow that appeared comfortable enough. Seats aligned around it at the height of the bed, and the strange communicators also appeared along the way. Cub found himself directed to sit on the bed. He faced the door of the room, and was surprised when Dinnerbone closed it behind them, leaving only Ulraf, Dinnerbone, Cub, and Jeb in the area. He had thought there would be more, for some reason. Ulraf seemed to blink with surprise at this as well. It may have been a newer development.

Dinnerbone offered a quick explanation, "After talking with Jeb, we agreed that having less developers involved, and, more specifically, ones that you seemed to trust would help us out better. He would also prefer to take a look himself, if you don't mind. He worked on the code of the original players Steve and Alex." Dinnerbone took a breath, like he was prepping to answer a question. Cub wasn't sure what Dinnerbone was looking for.

He offered a smile and shrug. Dinnerbone frowned.

"Alex and Steve were the original players, and the base models of them," Dinnerbone spoke. "Have... have you not heard of them? Their legends were quite popular amongst players I've met."

"Dinnerbone," Cub said, "with all due respect, I've had my memory and files corrupted beyond belief by the Vex. There isn't any room left for that corruption."

"Oh," Dinnerbone commented, "that... yes. That's understandable. In any case," Dinnerbone swapped the subject, "is there anything you wish to know before we begin."

"What, exactly, are you planning to do to me?" Cub asked. The question slipped out easily enough, but the intentions behind it were far from easy. He didn't want the developers to change him, just fix him. He was fine with being Cub. In more thought, he was fine with who he was. He just wanted a path to freedom. He wanted a communicator.

"That's a very good question," Dinnerbone nodded, "what we are going to do, in layman's terminology, is peek inside of your memories and remove any that are beyond saving while trying to clean up the ones we can. We hope to find out your username there, but I doubt it. Next, we will be going deeper to find your core and take the username from there. Along the way, we will be fixing and changing any bugs or obvious Vex modifications we come across. Jeb will be taking the lead on the complicated matters, while I and Ulraf shall assist where possible. We may have a few additional hands come in to that notes to release a hotfix to remove any issues we come across, including the exploit that the Vex must be using to be able to do all this damage. Does that explain it clear enough for you?"

Cub considered for a moment, mulling over what Dinnerbone had said. After running through the phrases in his head a few times, he had to concede that Dinnerbone had probably done the best job he could in simplifying mind magic. There was only one concern that Cub had. "If you see anything that is a physical change by the Vex, and I don't mean things such as mindalterment, but more.. beneficial modifications, could you please leave those in?"

"Beneficial?" Ulraf asked, flicking his ear.

"The… when they…" Cub sighed, "when the Vex violated my body, they changed many things. I don't want hidden commands by the Vex to stay, but I still love the magic they gave me."

"Oh! So like that strange mental shields you and Scar have that no other player does?" Ulraf asked.

"Exactly."

"Leave the hybrid, take the forced obedience," Dinnerbone nodded, "should be easy enough. Maybe.”

“You don’t have to, if you don’t want to it’s just…” CUb bit his lip.

“Your experiences defined who you are as a player, and despite everything you still consider yourself to be of the Vex, even if you are removing their direct control?” Jeb suggested. Cub blinked at the soft voice that emerged from the man. He had been right about the accent.

“I- exactly,” Cub said.

Jeb nodded, “I know that feeling.”

Cub desperately wished to ask for elaboration, but he had a feeling the quiet developer  would prefer not to. 

“Anything else?” Dinnerbone asked.

“What’s it going to be like to have my code messed with?” Cub asked.

Dinnerbone gazed far away for a moment, “I wish I could say you would go to sleep and wake up, but I have a feeling you might be aware for some of it. Just… try to not fight. Let us do our work, and we will keep you safe.”

“The Vex would have punished me if I fought,” Cub answered drily.

“We wouldn’t push you,” Dinnerbone reassured, “you’re just a player, and thus you are under our care. We won’t hurt you if you resist, just try to soothe down that part of your mind. Like applying a numbing gel to an area.”

Simple as that. Cub closed his eyes, taking a deep breath in and out to calm his nerves. Don’t resist. They were here to help. They were going into his mind with his consent. That was the key, he had given his consent. Their previous flaunts and violations had simply been a culture and power imbalance. The man that hurt Doc was to heal his mind, and Cub was to grit his teeth and bare it. “I think I’m ready.”

Ulraf placed a potion into Cub’s hand. It swam the color of the void, and glinted like a nether portal. “Drink up,” said the panda.

“Take off the helmet first,” Dinnerbone added quickly. Cub nodded, it felt like a dream, the world was moving so slow. He took off and set down the helmet, wondering if even now the developers were going to probe his mind. He half wanted to think of something funny to make them laugh, but he couldn’t think of what to think. He lifted the bottle of potion into the air, before taking a deep sip of the brew. He paused to swallow.

“All of it,” Ulraf said. Cub nodded, feeling rather tired.

He kept drinking more and more, and soon he found that his head was fuzzy and numb. He wasn’t sure what happened after that, only that he was tucked into a bed, with someone saying a calm suggestion of ‘sleep.’

Cub obeyed.

Chapter Text

He blinked his eyes open in his world of fuzz. It felt like wool was surrounding him in a fluffy embrace from all angles, tickling his mind so that he could hardly move, trapped in the cloud of wool's soft embrace. Each time he twisted even a bit, the cloud grew thicker and thicker making it harder and harder for him to resist. Why did he even need to resist, after all. He was safe here. He was content and happy and there was something in his mind, something foreign that touched his code deeper then even the Vex could. The Vex code in his mind disliked this. THey were yelling at him to investigate, to stop this purge that was about to happen to them. He laughed at their desperate cries. He was about to be free, wasn’t he?

The Vex’s voices had made his world a living nightmare. He had been tossed to the side, abused, hurt. He was glad that they were to be removed from his system. They were his self-doubt and his failings, and the small hold they still had on his was to be removed. He tore through the wool, forcing his mind open wider for the sake of the developers entering, to give them more room then they had had before. Jeb, Ulraf, Dinnerbone, they were his friends, closer than Vex had been, despite knowing for a much shorter of a time. And then there was Doc. And before that Tango and Impulse. And before that? 

Scar.

Oh Scar. How much he had done and how they were to part. He was getting freed, wasn't he. There, the developers rooting through his code, sniffing out and extermenting any last traces the Vex had placed in him to force his cooperation. Scar wasn't here and he wasn't receiving that blessing. Scar was with Tango and Impulse, and Scar was truly alone. He had the Vex, but the Vex didn't care about him. They were code, they acted in patterns. Even glitches were able to be duplicated. No matter how different his was, they still had a similar mindset. He felt that, deep inside of him. Scar wasn't safe, and yet, what could he do? If Scar wanted to stick with the Vex, he wouldn't drag him out.

Scar had taken him and kidnapped him and saved him. He should be doing that same thing in return, shouldn't he? Yet, he didn't want to. He didn't want to force Scar into something he didn't truly wish to do. Scar didn't want to leave, and thus, Cub would allow Scar to go. It hurt to think about, Scar and Cub were soon to depart. They hadn't done much. They'd survived hell, and they were still learning to heal.

They were both like children, in a world that was designed to mold them. They were both outside of that mold, the mold of players. They were ConVex. They weren't ordinary humans, they were barely human. They had magic and Cub loved his magic. He loved his freedom and he loved reclaiming what the Vex took. As for the Vex, they had meant evil against him, but Cub took it and made it for good. He and Scar had brought about this result to save themselves. 

He floated in his mindscape, heading deeper and deeper, peeling back the layers of visual rendition, into the place that was nothing but code. The Vex could only do their work in the physical realm, but players could go deeper, and devs could modify that deepest part. Cub didn't know how he knew this.

He didn't know how he knew a lot of things. He was guided and fueled by instinct and innate self-knowledge to be able to float and find the place where the devs were rooting and shifting his mind. It was a pleasant tingle in the location. It wasn't violating, he was at peace with what they were doing. He found them. Numbers were being observed, kept, deleted. With each small modification of his own thought pattern, Cub felt better and better. He felt optimistic that things would get better. He had hope, something he hadn't truly believed he had in so long. He had faith and he had love. A dev looked over and nodded at the floating image of Cub in his mindscape. He was acknowledged. It wasn't about his body, or what Cub could do for them, it was about him. It was about Cub and who he was. That was what they were to find.

Did Cub know who he was? 

He had always thought, back then, that he was the Vex's. He was made to do their bidding. He was forced to conform to their whims in heart and body. His life was one of servitude to... he couldn't think of the word. It wasn't creator, the devs were the closest thing to a creator he had. The Vex were like a bad art restorer. Haughty and convinced they knew how to 'fix' the work, they molded it into something that they themselves wanted, pain and suffering and the innate beauty that rested inside of players was gone. It was just a hollow shell of the Vex.

Then, Scar, and he had started having worth. He was something. He was something and the Vex were nothing to him. He was his own Vex, his own architect of his own body and mind. He knew this. He was himself. It felt good, so good to be free.

The devs were freeing more and more. He wasn't sure how long they would take, but that was okay. He was fine with just watching, floating, not resisting them. He hadn't resisted the Vex. Cub blinked, his mind starting to sharpen. Why did he feel so inclined to compare the negative qualities of the Vex to the positive qualities of the Devs?

They had lied and looked into his head.

They had stalked him.

They had hurt Doc, they would hurt him too.

He wasn't thinking correctly because they had taken his mind and melded it to think of them in a positive light, when only they could be positive in Cub's mind.

Who were they?

Oh ConVex

ConVex!

We are the Vex.

We made you.

They may have taken the clay, but we made it beautiful.

You are so beautiful

ConVex

Come back.

We want you. They don't.

Can't you feel them, they are in your mind

They want to get rid of us.

We, the Vex, we supply your power.

Get rid of them!

He...

Cub blinked, squirming, covering his ears, physically attempting to bat away the voices. What were they and why now. Now, he was so close. What were the doubts he carried inside him, his fear, his lack of trust, it was crumbling down now. They were getting closer to his memory files...

oh.

oh .

They didn't want that.

That would be bad, wouldn't it? He would know what had happened to him. He would know his own backstory. With the past, he could forge a new future for himself, and realize any truths the Vex had been trying to hide from him by forcing him to forget that they were in his mind. That was it, wasn't it. That was it, Vex of his memories and mindscape.

No!

You need to trust us

If trust is so important-

Then I will trust my friends.

We are your friends

We are-

Liars. You have lied to me. You have cheated and stolen and hurt.

So has Scar!

And Scar was taught that by you. It's not his nature.

How can you be so sure?

Because…

See , the Vex were triumphant, see, you cannot.

No. He couldn't. He couldn't trust the devs, if he was logical. He barely knew them.

Cub smiled. Good thing trust didn't always rely on logic. Just… his choice. He could choose to give and take away his trust. He had a choice and his choice mattered. He mattered, his thoughts mattered and he was alive and everything was good and Cub was happy. This was happiness. The feeling of belonging, of loving and being loved, of existing because he chose and the way he chose. He chose his clothing, he chose what to eat, and now he chose to reject the Vex. 

He was Cubfan135.

The Vex would never take that away again.

No.

They are in your memories. We can't do much, but you will relive your worst nightmares.

A shadowed image of a Vex flew to Cub's face filling his vision.

Do you want that?

"No," Cub admitted, "but I'm ready."

You will regret this.

"I have many regrets. Finding out who I was won't be one of them."

.

Cubfan135. 

He was looking down upon the man that he presumed to be his past self. The figure looked so much like him. His hair was black, and covered his entire head, unlike his current bald head. His eyebrows were still thick, even compared to the mop on his head. His eyes were lighthearted, holding none of the Vex's ill blue. The way he moved was quick on his feet, carefree. He didn't have a care in the world, wandering through the simple oak forests that carved his home. He was going somewhere, though Cub wasn't sure where he was going. He just followed, spectating on the events from above, not like a participant, but an outsider, watching.

This was his memory, wasn't it? It was so startling to think about. He didn't recognize any of this place, not the sights nor sounds. All he knew was one thing for certain. This was his home, or at least, his old home. A place that he didn't know now, but knew then.

Somewhere along the line, he had separated his current, present self from the person who was in the past. It had been easy, afterall, he had no idea who the Cubfan135 he was looking down upon was. They were a foreign entity that happened to also be him. This man didn't know of the Vex, nor of what was to happen. He just... was doing something. Cub didn't know what.

Cub's body turned, peeking behind a tree. Someone giggled nearby, from his position in the air, he could see them. Past Cub couldn't, and thus received a nasty surprise when the player behind him shouted, startling Past Cub. Past Cub fell flat on his face as the player roared with laughter, falling to the ground themself in their hysterics. They had a nice face, with a pound of wool on their head, horns, and the tail of a deer complementing the scales that crested around their body. Cub wondered who this person was, and why he seemed to know them.

"Hey!" Past Cub laughed.

"You need to watch your back," the player shook their head, but their smile betrayed their true feelings.

"Good thing I have you to do that for me."

"Whatever you say," Past Cub snorted. "But I think I still found you."

"I doubt it," the player grinned. "I found you."

"It wasn't my turn to hide!"

"That is beside the point."

Past Cub shook his head, "Why are you like this?"

"Because," the player giggled, "you aren't hiding. One, two, three..."

Past Cub ran. He tripped over a tree trunk in his mad dash to get away. The player who was with him giggled. Cub huffed indignantly, "No peeking!"

"No promises!"

Cub smiled at the banter, the warmth, the companionship. He wondered who that player was, and what had happened to them. What if they were still out there, waiting for him to return? Or maybe they parted ways peacefully, and he could find them once again someday. Cub liked the idea of that, another story to hear, a new, but old, friend to have.

The memory was so peaceful, the games of children played by two who loved the company of one another. He had happiness, didn't he? Back then, all these years ago, Cub had happiness. Such a primitive emotion, and yet, Cub had feared only seeing the Vex's takeover. Then again, they would have no reason to remove memories of the world if they had been bad memories. Bad memories could be used against Cub, good memories would always remain good, or, at the most, turn into bittersweetness as they were longed for and remembered in times of desperation. 

Past Cub stumbled upon a village, and deigned to hide inside of the blacksmith's chest. The blacksmith themself shook their head, but continued upon their day's work, too busy to concern themselves with the games that players played in their spare time. It was at this moment Cub realized how small he was. Truly this had to be an older memory if he was still so young. Then again, he had always thought that players emerged in the world fully formed. His musing must have been wrong. 

He wondered how long it took players to grow up.

"Several years," a voice beside him answered. Cub didn't startle or scare. He glanced beside him to see Dinnerbone.

"Thanks," Cub said, "so this is my memory?"

"This is one of them, or at least, what we could recover. I thought I should explain to you when..." 

Cub gasped. The memory was fading, disappearing like it had never been. Cracks appeared quicker then they could be mended, and around Cub and Dinnerbone, the world of the mindscape shattered into thousands of small pieces, leaving the two floating through the nothingness of zeroes and ones. 

"Well," Dinnerbone's chuckle was grave, "that happens."

"That's all you recovered," Cub realized, "that's all that's left?"

"Of this memory. There are more, but you shouldn't have to relive all of them. Just... particularly important ones we find that we think you need prompting."

"Rewatching old memories would take all night," Cub nodded.

Dinnerbone snorted, "More like several years. I don't think the player community would be happy with that."

Cub nodded. He wished they were still surrounded by trees, not nothingness.

"In other news," Dinnerbone nodded, "I'm here not just for that, but because some of the later memories? They are... bad memories."

"In what ways?" Cub asked.

Dinnerbone gazed afar, "Bad things. You might relive things you would much rather forget. I'm here to tell you, that if it gets too much, yell, and I will send one of us to find you."

"Why would I rather forget?" Cub asked, "I've spent a lifetime forgetting. I want to remember, the good and the bad."

"Your bad is worse than most," Dinnerbone muttered. He continued in a louder voice, "We're taking notes on this. We've dug up a few lurking Vex in your mind, small, but pesky ones. They won't be able to hurt you. Once we fix the memories, we should be able to safely sever the last of your ties to the Vex. You will be a free... ConVex, was the name?"

"That's what we were called," Cub agreed.

"You will be a ConVex beholden to no Vex. No Vex will be able to so easily reach into your mind and make them yours either. You shall be your own Vex mansion," Dinnerbone both explained and declared in his level voice.

Cub's reaction wasn't so composed. He was crying, wasn't he, right in front of the developer. He would have almost found it embarrassing if he didn't infer they had already seen much worse. He wiped his face clear, took a deep breath, and slowly calmed himself. He would do no good in this high emotional state, happy or sad. Things were coming and he needed his energy to face them. 

"And the notes we've taken so far, on your mind?" Dinnerbone said, "I hope we can release a fix for both the Vex and the ConVex. Neither side should be hurt. But that's just my hope. Call me too optimistic but--"

"Thank you," Cub broke in.

Dinnerbone blinked. He nodded, "You're welcome."

"And it's Cubfan135, if you haven't found it yet," Cub blurted out.

"We have," Dinnerbone nodded, "but it feels good coming from you. You know what you are now."

"I am a ConVex, and I am Cubfan135," Cub nodded.

Dinnerbone glanced to the side, "Anothing memory is coming. Good luck, friend."

"Likewise."

This time, Cub was prepared.

Chapter Text

Past Cub was sitting alone, on a bench, looking out over a lake that appeared to have been formed naturally by the world generation. It was still, quiet, and peaceful. The world didn't seem to want to move much, content staying in its place. This Cub was fully grown, and Cub now wondered at the beard, a dark, rich black carefully trimmed close to Cub's face. It was a bold deviation from Cub's current wild style, and one that Cub didn't think he would be willing to take the effort to maintain today. Cub's hair was thinner and pulled back into a ponytail. A rather large spot of it seemed to have fallen out, a bald spot that Past Cub either didn't notice or long since learned to live with. 

Past Cub stood up and stretched. A sheep brayed in the distance. Cub blinked as Past Cub began to go to the sheep, a few blocks away. The creature had been carefully harnessed and tied to a fence, surrounded by grass. Past Cub was chuckling as he patted the head of the sheep. "Are you doing okay there?"

The sheep bleated, depressingly low, like it seemed to be sad.

"I miss them too," Past Cub sighed, "but they'll be back, and with friends! Can you imagine, living on a server? It'll be so different. I'm excited, are you?"

The sheep, of course, didn't care, partially due to the fact that it didn't speak Player. The other reason was that it was a sheep.

"I'm not a huge fan of change," Past Cub admitted, "but this will be good for us. Two sheep friends, a sheep and a human."

Past Cub seemed to find the thought of this very amusing.

"Let's get you back to the herd," Past Cub said, walking over to the fence post and untying the sheep. Current-day Cub was a bit in shock. He didn't have any interest in sheep today. The idea of him doing something with sheep of all creatures didn't make much sense to him. This Cub seemed happy, content in his life tending for the herd of sheep he had led the other one too. The sheep scurried to their herd, Past Cub choosing to sit and watch them. 

Cub moved himself down, close to his Past's face. It had a few wrinkles, but was smooth and youthful. Cub sighed, wishing he had that back, the youthfulness, the lack of stress or care about the world. Maybe that was the benefits of being around sheep, he would have to question Zedaph about that sometime.

Past Cub stood up again, and Cub wondered how often he would stand up and sit down, moving through the day like a robot, well-trained in his movements. Nothing was really new. Maybe that was why his past self's eyes seemed to be so tired, even compared to his eyes today. He wished something would give his past shelf back that spark that drove them, even if Cub didn't know what that could be. 

That was when his past self decided to surprise him. Past Cub walked away from the sheep, though not quite out of sight, and to a small shed that appeared to be filled to the brim with chests. Past Cub flicked a lever, turning on the lights, before heading to a particularly out of the way chest. Past Cub took off a woolen blanket that was covering a large wooden chest. Cub wondered why he had to hide it, when Past Cub opened it...

Redstone. And a lot of it.

Past Cub began scooping the powder and blocks into his pocket, as well as some various components that Cub barely had time to name before his past self had squirreled them away. After gathering a large amount of resources from the ground, Past Cub left the shed and proceeded to a nearby field, throwing the items into a pile on the ground, before picking them up and examining each component. Repeaters and comparators were sorted out, as well as a few chests and dispensers. Cub wondered what he was trying to build. When his past shelf laid down a crafting table and created a pair of shears, Cub blinked. 

He was making a sheep farm to automatically shear the sheep. It was a genius idea. If he used the pistons, he could create a loop to constantly provide the sheep with food, and then rewire the dispenser to shear the wool as it grew back, and a hopper underneath to collect it all. It wouldn't be a perfect system, but it would be a particularly clever one if his past self could figure out how to make it work. He hoped that past him would figure it out. He never got around to relearning redstone, despite the connection he had with it. It was one of his regrets.

From the looks of it, they were doing rather well in this endeavor. Simple circuits made way to larger ideas, the redstone magic sparking as it was trailed down and around the area. He seemed to be starting with the shearing contraption, placing shears inside of the dispenser, before proceeding to attempt to rewire the machine to allow for it to shear any nearby sheep. He tested it on himself, letting the machine take a patch out of his hair. Cub wondered if that was how the bald spot from before had gotten formed. 

When Past Cub appeared satisfied, he whistled. A sheep trotted out of the herd and raced towards Cub, bleating loudly to him. Past Cub smiled, leapt the fence enclosing the sheep in, and grabbed the creature, lifting it up as one would a large item, before hopping back over. When he set the sheep down, it promptly began focusing on eating the new grass that it was now privy to. The sheep barely seemed to notice the shears making their way through its wool, automatically chopping off the soft wool as Past Cub cheered at the success he had with his invention. Cub found himself grinning as well, and made a note to attempt a recreation of this simple, yet effective design.

"What are you doing?" a voice shocked Cub out of his happiness. Cub and Past Cub turned around in unity, to see the player from before, and they were not alone. A cat, sleek skinned and narrow eyed, a scientist with a dragon mask, and something Cub could best describe as an eldritch abomination all stood behind them. 

"Redstone," Past Cub responded, glancing away in an emotion present Cub was uncertain of.

"Oh! You're making a wool farm?" the dragon asked.

Past Cub nodded. 

The dragon mask scurried over to the dispenser, sticking their hand in, then promptly removing it as the blade slammed down. Behind the mask, Cub could see their grin. "Oh my goodness, that is so clever! How did you do it?"

Cub laughed, beginning to explain and show the inner workings of the dispenser to an enraptured player. The two who had stuck behind were smiling and giggling amongst themselves.

"I knew Cub would like Calc," the original player said.

"They're certainly birds of a feather," the cat noted.

The eldritch abomination groaned in response, to which the others laughed, turning back to look at the excited scientists. 

It was happy, so happy. yet, all Cub felt was a sinister atmosphere. Something wasn't right here. Where were these friends today, if they were so close in the past? Did they leave him? Did Cub leave them? Did they fight? As the world faded back to the void, Cub didn't think he wanted to find out. He wanted to pretend that this was all there was to it, that he had just been happy and the Vex had never taken that away from him.

It was a foolish thought. Cub needed to face his past, the good, and the bad. Whatever had happened to the group, Cub was going to know. For better, or, for worse.

.

The next memory came and went quicker then the others. Cub saw him sketching out a plan for another contraption, late at night. He was on the floor, feet in the air, and getting visibly frustrated with every mistake he continued to make. Another page was scribbled on and tossed to the side in a pile of paper of failed concepts. The only company around was the moon's soft glint welcoming him to the nighttime. Past Cub yawned loudly and unashamedly. He stood up, wondering over, but not to the inviting bed beside him. Instead, he grabbed a glass of a dark fluid that Cub's mind identified as a strong tea.

Past Cub didn't seem to particularly enjoy the drink, but forced it down with a grimace, and thus was all the more active for it. He walked back, almost clearly intending to return to his late night's session of planning and idea gathering. After a moment's deliberation, he instead chose to wander to a window. Cub blinked, recognizing the build around him. It was his house, simply, plain, but fully his. He wondered where he had built it, when he had built it. He didn't actually know how far these memories were taking place, though he suspected this was a few months after the previous memory, based upon the thin hairs that struggled to cover Past Cub's head. He must have gone bald before the Vex.

Past Cub leaned on the windowsill, looking up at the moon with a sort of longing that Cub recognized. He seemed fascinated by the glowing of the stars, and what might lay beyond them. "I wonder if I could get to the moon someday," Past Cub mused, "build a machine powerful enough to break the world height limit and rocket myself to the moon. Maybe with a flying machine..."

Past Cub smiled. It wasn't a warm smile, or a friendly smile, but a tired acknowledgement of the longing happiness that Past Cub seemed to be feeling as he gazed upon the stars.

"I wonder what's on the moon, is it endstone? Is it something else? Are you reflecting the sun, and all that's gone by as some poems suggest, or do you emit your own nonsensical light, like the End. Are you the End? If you are the End, what is the beginning?" 

Past Cub wasn't talking to anyone besides himself and the moon. Cub didn't talk to himself. It was a small contrast, but it served to further illustrate the alienation that Cub had undergone from his past self. Past Cub was a foreign man, who smiled more often, who loved the moon and the thought of going to it, who innovated and designed. Present Cub smiled too, but less bright, more reserved. Present Cub loved the night sky, but he knew that the idea of going to it would be preposterous. What could be beyond the beyond but void, after all? Finally, Present Cub didn't design, nor did he innovate. He was simply there, living and thinking.

As the memory faded once more, Cub found himself in a state of sorrow for the death of who he once was. The man he had been seemed to be a good person. That was, at the least, relieving. He hadn't expected to find out he was a monster, but he didn't know.

He turned to the next memory, with higher hopes of goodness. He wished to ride the good for as long as it came. Even though this story would certainly not have a happy ending, he could still try. That was all anyone could really ask of him, and all he could ask of his approaching memory.

He blinked and the world morphed into a darker scene. The group from before were sitting down, each carrying an expression that spoke of worry on their face. Cub was sitting next to the dragon masked player. The woolen hair player was stood up, pacing around like they were nervous. Past Cub had hair in his hands, like he had physically pulled it out of his scalp. Cub felt his own bald head and shuddered slightly at the idea of pulling it all out. 

"Look," the player standing up began with a sigh, "at this point, I don't care who it is. We're all tired and we don't need these pranks. Please just come clean."

The players looked at each other with varying notes of worry marked upon their faces. Past Cub scooted away from the group as the tension continued to grow. Cub could see claws being sheathed and unsheathed, waiting for a fight.

"I like pranks, we all like pranks!" the player shouted, "But this has gone way too far. Death isn't something to always take so lightheartedly. I've lost four sets of armor to those lava traps!"

"I've lost five," the cat player hissed, "and I'm pissed."

The eldritch abomination snorted, "You think you have it rough, don't you? I haven't slept in five days after someone put a swarm of chickens under my base!"

"None of us agreed to be pranked," the dragon mask said, "we wanted a prank free server. I just want to get to do what I want without worrying about whether I'm going to get blown up. You all know I hate getting blown up."

Past Cub didn't add anything to the conversation, just shifting worriedly. His eyes were bloodshot and his gaze afar. He dug his nails into his forearms. 

"Cub?" the leader of the band asked.

Past Cub mumbled incoherently.

"Do you have anything to add?" the eldritch abomination demanded.

"I..." Past cub mumbled, the words seemingly having troubles with leaving his mouth, "I'm tired. I keep hearing things; voices, giggles. I just want to rest."

"We all do," the dragon masked player buried their face into their hands with an accompanying deep sigh. "I don't understand. I trust all of you."

"Unless it's not one of us," someone behind Cub suggested.

"Are you saying the server got infiltrated?"

"All I'm saying," the cat said, "is that if none of us is doing this, then it has to have been someone else."

The group glanced at one another in both shock and worry. The idea of an outsider invading their world wasn't something any seemed to like. Past Cub barely acknowledged them. The world was fading in and out, timed to Cub falling, awake, and then back to microdoses of sleep. He was a mess. Cub looked closer at his past self. Voices in his head, tired nights.... They were coming. And the Vex wouldn't be so nice to Cub. 

Why, out of all these unique, brilliant players, had they decided to take Cub? Cub wasn't anything special, not then, not now. Was it just convenience? Was it something else?

The world morphed again. This time, Cub caught a bit of a break in the Void before the next memory appeared. He was getting exhausted with this constant review, but was far from ready to tap out. When Ulraf popped into view, Cub was ready to respond saying just as much. Ulraf didn't waste a hello for this situation, "I'm going to be quick about this, we weren't able to restore the next memories quite so clearly. You might notice that they flicker. We don't want to alarm you, but there was nothing we could do."

"How many are left?" Cub asked.

"A fair few," Ulraf admitted, "but we're trying to only send the important ones."

"I know," Cub nodded, "I'm ready."

"I don't envy you Cub," Ulraf responded, "it doesn't get better. Good luck." With that well wish, Ulraf popped out of view. Cub didn't have time to collect his thoughts before the world began shifting again, this time to a much darker scene. Rain poured like a river from the sky, the light so dark that Cub couldn't tell if it was night or day. The group was huddled together, marching onward. Their torches somehow remained aflame despite the howling wind. Wherever they were going, Cub didn't know. He didn't have to wait long to find out.

"How much further?!" someone called out, though the voice was faint in the wind. 

"It can't be that much," Past Cub replied. He was in the front, leading the band of players. "I hear their voices getting louder."

"Are you sure this is a good idea," the player with woolen hair muttered.

"I trust them."

"They are voices in your head," they insisted.

"And they've never been wrong before. We've heard about worlds corrupting before. Should we really take our chances?" 

They didn't respond, but merely raised their hands, attempting to shield their eyes from the pounding wind. Cub blinked as the world sputtered, fading in and out. This was what Ulraf meant by flickers, wasn't it? Cub closed his eyes and covered his ears, the constant dissonant shifting of color and sound too much for him to take in that moment.

The world reformed, and they were out of the rain, curled inside of a shelter. Cub blinked. He recognized this. The walls were made of...

Dark oak. Cub breathed, in, out, slowly and carefully. He ignored the choice of wood, he ignored the red and white carpets, and he refused to acknowledge the style that marked it as of the Vex. It was just a simple cabin in the woods, it wasn't connected to his nightmares. He and his friends would be all right. 

What a liar Cub was, to himself and to others. He laughed at the absurdity of trying to persuade himself of something that had already happened. There was no changing this. They were trapped, caught in the web that the Vex had weaved for them, barely even knowing what was happening, they had just longed for shelter, and they certainly had received it. Cub moved down, spectating on the pile of bodies. Several seemed to be asleep, wet clothing had been removed and placed in a corner pile. Past Cub was wearing a simple robe that didn't provide much protection or warmth, but it was the only dry layer of his clothing. Cub recognized that garment as one of the two that he had worn on its own.

Past Cub was at the center of the pile, but he wasn't asleep. Cub supposed that that was how he could remember this moment, lying with his friends, the world all at rest, the calm before the storm as the gates of hell were about to open. They didn't know. No one here knew.

Cub shivered, and squeezed himself into a comforting ball. It was like waiting for the first drop of rainwater to slowly fall and disturb the ground, beginning the torrential downpour. Everything couldn't be peaceful forever, as much as Cub wished it was. He wished he could hug his past self, close his bloodshot eyes and reassure him that everything would be okay, that this torment would simply be temporary, that he would survive after everything. Would his past self have listened to the words, had he been able to hear? The man was still so foreign to Cub. 

Cub froze. The magic was shifting. The world was spinning. For a moment, Cub feared the Vex were attacking his mind, before he realized that it was simply in the memory. They had arrived, slowly filling the room with their magic. The pile fell apart as players steadied themselves, vocalizing words of confusion regarding what was happening and blaming Cub for bringing them there, "Where are we?!"

"I'm not sure!" Cub shouted back to the dragon mask. 

"You said that we'd be safe from the intruder here," one accused.

"I said that the voices told me to come here with you. I don't know what they want."

"You don't know? We walked all that way, for nothing?" the cat accused.

Oh, player.

You didn't want all that way for nothing.

You walked that way for us .

The giggles started, dissonant cacophony that chilled Cub, and the players of his memory, to the bone. One by one, the Vex appeared in their usual way, floating in circles around and around to confuse the captured players. One swopped down, starting the fun by slicing open the chest of the woolen haired player. They screamed as blood flowed freely from them, spilling out onto the ground. They seemed to try to hold it in with their hand, breathing in and out heavily as they collapsed to the floor.

All that, for one scratch?

You don't have what it takes to be a ConVex.

None of them do.

The Vex sounded so displeased with the group. The cat's tail twitched. They moved into a position, and with powerful hindlegs benefiting the serval, leapt to try and grab a Vex clean from the air. The Vex didn't bother to move as the cat jumped straight through them. Their quick reflexes failed as their hair stood on end from passing so close to the paralyzing Vex's energy, and they crash landed onto the ground. The Vex laughed even harder as the cat spat out blood and a tooth.

No, you clearly don't.

Not that we take groups. One is more than enough trouble.

And Cub is perfect, so easily deceived.

Past Cub froze in abject horror, the center of attention in the room. A Vex flew down, and gently, like a predator teasing its prey, rubbed Past Cub's face with the flat end of its sword. 

You did so well bringing us the group. We're going to have so much fun.

And no one will look for you after this. We are in charge now.

Now? Cub laughed. His eyes filled with tears as he kept laughing at the absurdity. They had always been in charge, from the moment they had chosen him to be the one to serve them. Why him? Why did it have to be him? Why couldn't it have been the cat, with their hunting instincts? Why couldn't it have been the eldritch abomination, a rare prize to add to the Vex's collection? Why not the player with woolen hair, or the dragon masked? It had to be Cub. They had chosen and the Vex worked in mysterious ways.

Speaking of the dragon masked player, they seemed to be pulling tnt from their inventory, stealthy, so that the Vex wouldn't notice what was happening, before placing it around them. 

Past Cub's eyes opened wide with even more fear than before. The Vex right in front of his face's eyes narrowed, before they spun around to follow Past Cub's gaze. Seeing the tnt, they chattered to the other Vex, pushing Past Cub onto the ground, where he stayed with growing horror. They had been trying to escape. It might even have worked, but Cub had given them away. How could he be such a failure that he couldn't even protect his friends from himself? He had brought them here, this was all his fault.

The other players had realized that. They had broken off from him immediately after realizing that, trying to hide, attack, or just sit, staring, at and from the Vex. In such a small mistake from a sleep deprived brain, Cub had ruined the lives of everyone. 

The Vex were currently focusing on jostling about the tnt'd dragon masked player. They were struggling against the magic, but their body could hardly move. Magic was terrifying because of this. there was no proper defense against it, one could drink milk to heal status effects from it, but they couldn't stop magic while it was actively being cast, like the Vex magic was. The dragon masked player had no defense against being tossed around like a crumpled up paper,  just waiting for a bin to appear so they could take their best shot. 

See if you can hit me! 

The Vex were playing games amongst themselves. They enjoyed amusing themselves with the pain of players. Past Cub was sobbing, begging for them to leave his friend along. The cat was preparing to jump and grab the dragon masked player, just for a Vex to swoop down and neatly slice open their hind legs. The cat hissed in pain, curling up in a ball and throwing themself around the floor in agony from their tendons being cut open. There was to be no rescue for the dragon masked player. They were screaming. Cub was in a state of shock, unable to even close his eyes, knowing what was about to happen...

The world froze, dissipated, and spun forward. It reappeared with a Vex prodding Past Cub awake once more. He must have passed out from the stress and fear. Cub's gaze searched the room, frantically looking for...

The corpse of his friend, neck separated from body, several feet away. The body was mangled, limbs jutting out in a variety of directions, and everything coated in a nice layer of blood. The eldritch horror was over the body, wailing with sorrow at the permadeath. The cat was still curled up in pain. It was the last player, or, well, the first that Cub had seen in these memories that went to Cub.

"How could you," the player stated. They wiped growing tears from their eyes. 

"I... I didn't- I," Past Cub choked.

The future ConVex did nothing.

We just wanted to amuse ourselves!

But that player was being rude.

It deserved it.

There is no escape from us.

"I won't back down," the player hissed. Cub admired their tenacity, even as dread at their actions continued to creep up in his stomach. 

Then, 

You will be fun to break.

No. Cub didn't want this. That was what happened to them. They must have killed them, each and every one in their own time, the amusement of themselves and the trauma of Cub. Then, when he had truly given up, all that he knew lost to the state of permanent demise, that was when they must have destroyed his memory of the events, leaving only the fear and the knowledge that there was no rebelling. The Vex were in control, for this was their domain.

As the memory faded, and the void returned to power for a moment, Cub wondered. His first reflection after all this was a question. How would he defeat the Vex?

Chapter Text

This memory was in a different room. It was windowless, like most Vex mansions, with a white carpet that was stained red with blood. Cub could guess it was the blood of the cat's, their hindleg was missing. Despite this, they paced around from the fireplace, to the tapestry depicting the Vex that lined the wall. The atmosphere of the area was gloomy, as each player tried to distract themselves from their imprisonment. Past Cub was in a corner, alone, shunned by the other members of the group. Cub wanted to give him a hug and reassure him that it was going to be okay.

The eldritch abomination was cuddling the other player. They were crying silently, refusing to acknowledge the kind words of their friend. Cub moved downwards, adding himself to the mix, pretending he was comforting the two. They were going to die here, scared, but together. Past Cub didn't have that luxury.

Would it have been better for him to die? Cub wasn't sure. If he had never existed, this group would still be alive. If he had never existed, however, the rest that the Vex had stolen wouldn't have ever had the chance of the developers fixing this. It was a strange consideration, though Cub doubted it redeemed the actions of his past self. He had been foolish, but he had also been hurt, at least in body, and Cub had no doubts that the Vex who had sleep deprived his body had affected his mind, even if, for reasons inexplicable to him, he wasn't quite about to connect to the mind of his past self.

He didn't really understand the reason that he was watching this all like it was in third person, a shadowy spectator to the affair. Logically, he should be viewing this like a recording, from the point of view of himself, not like a replay of what had happened to him. Then again, logic didn't always happen in the mindscape.

The cat tripped and fell, cursing under their breath.

"Are you okay?" the eldritch abomination asked.

"I'll live," the cat hissed back, "it'll regrow next time I respawn."

It wouldn't. Cub swallowed. Many wounds in their world healed quickly and without a trace. Limbs could be torn off, and the being would recover quickly. However, some ways existed to make injuries permanent. Doc had found that out, even if Cub wasn't privy to those details, and Cub certainly knew that beneath the clothes he wore, his body was marred by enough small scars it might be reminiscent of a modern painting. Scar had his even more visible. They had both received them, presumably, thanks to the 'good'will of the Vex who had taken it upon themselves to administer discipline, or who simply wished to amuse themselves. The limb that the cat now lost, even if they did manage to somehow escape the Vex, would never return.

This waiting was harder than Cub had anticipated. It was driving him slightly mad, waiting and waiting for the next horror to arrive. Something was bound to happen. Something was always bound to happen, and those things were bad. He just had to continue forward and deal with it, taking the memories and letting them come alive in his head. Only then could Cub truly say that he was keeping them, reliving the memories he had long forgotten.

A few Vex wandered into the room, flying between the walls like they were prone to do. The inhabitants froze in fear. Past Cub curled himself up, praying to himself that he wouldn't be seen by the awful mobs. They didn't deign to notice him, instead, choosing to prod the cat. They hissed and batted at the Vex, who kept poking them. They trashed around, trying to get away from the pesky Vex who seemed to enjoy making them their personal tormentable pet. They cried out when a poke landed too hard in just the right place.

Past Cub was sobbing. He didn't want this, and yet, he didn't know how he could stop it. More Vex flooded into the room, chittering and chattering as they enjoyed their playtime. The eldritch abomination covered their friend, trying to shield them from the encroaching Vex. The Vex barely seemed to notice them, and simply flew through to inhabit the body of the poor horned human. They screamed loudly, and the abomination leapt back in shock. The horned human froze midscream, not even the natural breathing of needing another breath, but that of the Vex channeling themselves through them. It was clearly painful, but effective in quieting the sound.

That's better.

Are you ready to play?

We're having so much fun with you.

It's not often we get to kill our players.

Remember, it was its fault that this happened...

The horned human was forced to turn and look at Past Cub. Cub found himself, in the present, lost in the memory, begging for forgiveness from the player. He hadn't know that this would happen. He hadn't known what was happening. He had just wanted to keep everyone safe, he never meant to hurt anyone, please.

Of course, no one in his memory could hear what he was saying. All he could do was watch the pokes, the prods, the touches in areas mentionable and not, and the players divided. The Vex had sown division amongst them, and thus, they had already won. There was little trust remaining in the group, the bonds more broken then the neck of the dragon masked player. 

Cub, in this present, had forgotten so much about them, but he knew this. He knew their fear of the Vex. He didn't know their names, he barely could recognize their faces, he didn't know their pronouns, but he knew their fear. Fear was such a base concept, and the Vex almost seemed to feed upon it. Maybe they did, somewhere in their glitched code. Cub wasn't privy to that knowledge. 

As the cat screeched and hissed, Cub had a growing realization that they would be the next victim. They were raised into the air against their struggles, but this time, they weren't tossed until their head broke. Instead, the Vex had a more graphic approach. They raised the still alive body over the duo, circling around. One grabbed Past Cub, and he barely so much as flinched as they threw him into the middle as well. No wonder the Vex had chosen him, of everyone, to channel their magic through. He was truly easily broken.

"What's happening?" the horned player hissed into Cub's ear.

"I... I don't... I'm sorry I'm sorry I didn't--" Past Cub sobbed.

The piercing screams of the cat quieted what Cub was trying to say. 

It was haunting. Cub felt sick, yet he couldn't tear his eyes away from the gorey scene. Blood dripped down like a shower, drizzling everything in its metallic redness. Blood looked like redstone, in this quantity, liquidated redstone that fell from the sky. Soon, it wasn't just blood and screams emitting from the cat, but fur and small chunks of flesh. The screams didn't stop. Cub wanted the screams to stop. 

They were healing the cat as it happened, prolonging the inevitable. The cat writhed, but that only prompted the swords to go in deeper and deeper, taking out larger chunks of flesh. One fell on top of Past Cub. He barely even flinched, watching with growing horror, the scene of his friend literally being ripped to pieces. 

The others weren't in a better state. The abomination had curled in on themself,  but the horned player didn't appear to even notice the blood that was running down like a waterfall on their face, too transfixed by the sight of the player's carcass. How there was still meat on the bones, and air for the cat to breath as they screamed and screamed and screamed. How Cub would forever remember the screams. They were the most dreadful part of everything. They were the screams of a dying animal, knowing that they wouldn't live to see tomorrow, but letting it be known to the world that they were there, they were once alive and that they existed.

There was no one still alive to hear that had originally heard. Past Cub was gone, he was a deceased moment of Cub's life. The others would soon follow in permadeath. All that this cat, all that any of them had was Cub to remember that this had happened. This had happened and the Vex had murdered them. 

He gritted his teeth, and forced himself to continue watching bone be scraped clean. The cries were quieting, and the world was slowly beginning to fade as well as the emotions and trauma of the moment, the adrenaline that had presumably fueled Past Cub to etch this moment into his mind, slowly began to dissipate. The bones fell from the sky like hail, landing and covering the players in their blanket of death.

They were filthy in the red. The screams still rang in Cub's ear, even though they had stopped long ago. He could see his past self fading in and out, struggling to hold onto the pieces of sanity that he wanted to remain.

A Vex came close to his ear, snuggling close.

It's okay.

We won't hurt you.

They did not promise to not hurt the others. Even Past Cub realized this.

At least, not in any way it matters.

His mind didn't matter. Not to them. Not to them.

The last thing Cub heard before the void reappeared was a simple command.

Sleep .

.

The next memory came in faster, more intense. Past Cub was curled up with others, his feet red that spoke of having taken a beating. Cub didn't remember ever receiving a punishment like that from his last mansion. It made sense. Foot beatings hurt, yet didn't leave marks quite so easily. It allowed for Cub's body to remain unmarred and valuable to any particular buyers. Cub's mind, however, was fairgame. Past Cub was curled up with the abomination and the horned player. Did they make amends? Cub didn't find out, as the world faded and remorphed. 

The world was struggling to keep up, and it lagged significantly with every new scene that tried to appear. He saw flashes, tortures, more blood, plots that backfired and led to more pain, but it was all just an incoherent mess of emotions and feelings. It wasn't a true memory, and thus it had a harder time settling in the mindscape for Cub to view. In a few minutes of nothing but feeling, a few moments, whispers, Vex conversations flooded Cub's ears.

The last two will need to go soon. 

We found a buyer... 

It is broken already.

It isn't broken well enough.

It still needs to be transformed as well.

That's easy. 

It needs to be vulnerable.

It has a strong mind.

Even if it went crazy in a month .

They... they had spent a month breaking him in the Overworld, and Cub hadn't broken, not even now did they consider him fully broken. He almost sobbed with relief. It was such a small reason, it was so petty and irrelevant, but he took small victories. It hadn't been one sleepless night, it had been a month of personalized mindplay to force Cub into submission. It had been so bad, that even now, the memories of what had happened didn't quite stick in. The mental torture was always the hardest to piece together compared to the physical. Bodies could be mended, but code was trickier. 

What to do...

The world spun again. He saw the green mucus that spewed out of the skin of the abomination as the swords were driven into them. He smelt the foul stench of green sludge that filled the atmosphere. He felt the oozing of the slime as it poured over his skin, clinging slightly to the hairs as it made its way down his body. He tasted the rancidness of the corpse's fluid when it got onto his lips and subsequently his tongue, Cub wrenched and vomited, right on top of his friend right beside him. 

He might not have the most information of what had happened to end the abomination, but he certainly had the clearest image in his mind of the death of his friend. All that remained was Cub, and the horned player. They closed their eyes, inhaling softly, exhaling after a moment of holding.

"I'm going next, aren't I?" they whispered in their soft, high voice.

Past Cub could only whimper.

"It's going to be okay," they reassured, "whatever comes next, I forgive you. You deserve to live. You will find a way, someday." They sighed, "I wish you could understand me. I wish you could hear me, but… your mind is too far gone for that. I wish I knew why they decided to make you theirs."

A chuckle escaped from their lips, a hoarse sound that couldn't even begin to lighten the mood. 

"I'll try to die quickly. You don't need the trauma. Please, don't remember my death. Remember my life, and remember this. I love you, Cub," the player pet Cub's head, scritching it slightly, "and I always will."

When the world shifted again, Cub turned away. He heard the screams, but he didn't remember them, He focused on the words that he now engraved upon his heart. He would remember them, he would remember his old people. The dragon masked scientist and redstone enthusiast, the cat with the sleek fur and spots, the eldritch abomination, and finally, the beautiful horned player with woolen hair. He would remember them and he refused to allow himself to forget them, even as the void took over and granted him a reprieve from the endless screams and pain.

He was Cubfan135.

He knew them and he kept them alive.

And he would never allow for this to happen again.

Chapter Text

"Cub?"

He was drifting. Everything had been too much after that last memory. He had fallen, but not asleep, he couldn't be quite so lucky, but more into a state of peaceful bliss and unconsciousness. He wasn't tired in the traditional sense, where eyes refused to stay open until one was unable to be awakened until the morning light showed her face and crept to illuminate the fields of a world, he was more so tired in the sense that his limbs had decided to refuse any sort of movement signals his brain was still conscious enough to attempt to send, as well as his body deciding that staying relaxed and at peace, milking this moment and this state of mind to its fullest.

"Cub?"

The voices were growing louder. Cub didn't want to respond to them. It had been a hard time, sorting through his memories. He didn't want anymore, at least, not right now, in this moment. He already knew what happened next. The Vex had transformed his body into the perfect conduit of Vex magic, before selling the perfectly broken package to his owners. They had taken his mind and made it theirs. He had finally gotten the chance to take it back upon his terms. He was finally free, somehow.

"Cub, can you hear me?"

He could hear him. He assumed from the voice that it was Dinnerbone. The man had a nice accent to it. Cub wondered what his own accent might sound like. Where did accents even come from? The void of his vision was broken up by a blurry mess of a person upside-down, gently grabbing a hold of Cub and setting him up.

"You must be tired," Dinnerbone sympathized, "but it's okay. We're done. You can wake up now."

Cub didn't want to wake up. The world was so calm here.

"I get that, but you can't stay here forever."

Why not.

"Well, for one, you'd die of starvation eventually. Come on, we need to tell you all the exciting things we've done," Dinnerbone smiled.

To his mind?

"Yes to your mind. We've cleared out the Vex's influence and--" Dinnerbone paused, "Well, I should tell you this with Jeb and Ulraf present. They helped out a lot. We also had a few others take a peak, but Ulraf was a huge help. I'm very proud of him, he's come a long way."

Has he?

"He's still newer," Dinnerbone admitted, "but he's doing so well, and you can tell him I said that. It's not easy to learn how to change the code of a player, but he did remarkably."

What changes were made to him?

"Well, I can give you the complete changelog," Dinnerboen tugged on Cub's shirt, placing his feet in Cub's face, "as soon as you wake. Up." The last words were like a command, dragging Cub from his mindscape into slowly blinking open his eyes inside of the real world. Ulraf, the panda, was smiling very slightly, proud exhaustion on his face. Dinnerbone was blinking awake at the same time as Cub. Jeb was nowhere to be seen. Cub yawned audibly and forced himself to slowly move upwards. He moved to the side and sat on the bed. 

"Where's Jeb?"

As if by magic, or maybe it was magic, Cub could never tell with devs, Jeb materialized, holding several steaming mugs in his hand, "I brought some java. You'll want to drink some, it'll help wake you back up."

Jeb distributed the mugs around the room, everyone mumbling various thank yous to him. Ulraf almost looked afraid to take the mug from Jeb's hands. Cub could recognize that now. He wondered how long Ulraf had been at Mojang. How did developers get chosen.

"Oh, Cub," Ulraf stumbled over his words, "we can still hear your thoughts, if that's an issue?"

Cub shook his head, "You three have seen my memories. You probably know me better than I know myself at this point."

"You know yourself better than you think you do," Jeb's voice carried a hint of mystery as he took a long sip from his cup. Cub looked curiously down at the deep brown liquid that filled his own mug.

It smelled good, a rich, strong aroma that cleaned Cub's nose. He took a small, testing sip. The drink was bitter, but not in a bad way, and went down pleasantly, like a warm burst of energy into his stomach. He found himself slowly gulping down the entire mug, and feeling all the more energetic for it. He stretched again with less of a yawn, his eyes opening wider. 

The others took their time with their own drinks. Dinnerbone  held his in an awkward manner, positioning it upside-down to stop it from simply spilling onto the floor. Jeb opened his mouth, but Dinnerbone waved him off. 

The first to speak after the drink was Dinnerbone, unsurprisingly. "I assume you want to know what we found," Dinnerbone stated.

Cub could only nod in response, his mouth suddenly filled with a saliva he had to swallow down.

"We found a lot of corrupted code," Jeb began, "it was very clear that the Vex did not wish for some of these files to be found, though I doubt they understood that was what they were accomplishing. I restored backups of certain more critical functions, such as language, but others I simply wiped and reinstalled. You might find that you could have mood swings and irritability. This is normal after this extent of work.

"We also went through your memories, and, yes, saw many things. After the first few, I sent Dinnerbone to look after you and dealt with the remainder on my own. This was to protect both your privacy and the mental health of my developers. There wasn't much I could do about most of them, but you relived the most clear. When you are in a safespace, I recommend obtaining some therapy to help guide you before you begin to explore your mind once more. It will be a tough road to full recovery, but with the help of friends, such as Scar, you should find the road not unbearable."

"What about my magic?" Cub asked.

Jeb looked down at his mug and frowned. With the blink of an eye, it was refilled, although this time with a lovely green shade of tea. He took a long sip before answering. "We did our best to keep it as it was. However, the way that particular magic is coded in? You'd need a tie to a mansion in order to properly channel it."

"What do you mean?"

"Vex magic was designed for players to make a deal with the Vex. They are, after all, just a glitch that was based on tested code concepts," Jeb explained. "In order to keep up your full potential, you'd need to make a deal with a mansion after we properly implement the code. Until then, it would be best to limit the use of your Vex magic. We should be able to release a hotfix to remove the Vex in about a week, but anything major might wait until the next few updates."

Cub leaned back, forgetting that the bed had no backing. He fell onto the mattress with a slightly embarrassing 'oof'. He sighed deeply. "But," he asked, "I'm free. The Vex couldn't take me again?"

Jeb shook his head with a soft smile that rested mostly in his eyes, "You're free from them, and soon, so will any like you. Including Scar."

Scar would be free. They would all be free. Cub could sob at this idea. Freedom was such a foreign concept to attempt to understand. It was the idea that he, Cub, had self-worth, and that his reason to exist was what he chose, not what the Vex forced upon him. It was all him now, he was truly able to choose his own. Players were different then mobs in this respect. Players had free-will. The Vex had tried to take away that free-will, and they had failed . They would always fail, in the end. The developers controlled the universe.

"We do our best," Jeb said, "but don't call us gods. Even we're flawed individuals. Those of us who knew Notch knew this better than most."

Cub decided it would be rude, after everything, to ask him to elaborate. "So what now?"

"Preferably," Dinnerbone spoke, "it would be best to keep you here for bug testing. After everything, however, you probably want to go back to your friends."

"I do," Cub confirmed. Tango, Impulse, Doc, Scar… he was a bit surprised to find how much he missed them, after all this. He just wanted to return and give them all a massive hug, and reassurance that it was going to be okay, that he was safe. He knew that they would have worried about him in his absence. They were like that, so caring and thoughtful to him. He was fortunate to have such amazing friends in them. They had helped him on this journey so much, he didn't even know where he might be if they hadn't been there for him. Certainly not here.

"Ulraf can take you back to the cafe I picked you up at. I'll send Doc a message letting them know," Dinnerbone said. He turned to leave and follow Jeb out the door, when Ulraf's voice interrupted.

"Do you mind if I stay with Cub, until he's safely back?" Ulraf asked. The panda looked up with wide-eyes, "I'll code twice as fast to get my work down by deadline."

"I'll do it," Jeb assured, "enjoy your time with your friend."

Ulraf's jaw dropped, "I- Jeb, I thank you. "

"And before we forget," Dinnerbone fished through his pocket, grabbing a hold of a metal device. He placed it beside Cub, "I believe I promised you one of these. I enabled admin abilities, if you ever get the chance to learn them."

Cub picked it up. It was lightweight, with a screen showing various options upon it. The device was a silver color and mildly reflective of the light in the room. It was cool to the touch, and responded with prompt ease of work. An engraving on the corner proclaimed the user it belonged to. Cubfan135.  

"Thank you, Dinnerbone, Jeb," Cub nodded at the two, "and you Ulraf. For everything. I can't thank you and Mojang enough for all this work you do.

Jeb simply smiled and nodded in acknowledgement, finally walking out the door. Dinnerbone did the same. Only Ulraf and Cub were left behind in the room. Cub rubbed his eyes. 

"Are you ready to try teleporting?" Ulraf giggled.

Cub didn't smile with his mouth, but his eyes betrayed his excitement regardless. He reached out a hand to Ulraf, and the panda took it, squeezing it tightly in a comforting paw.

"1, 2," they vanished without a three.

.

The sensation of teleportation was unique in the fact that there was no sensation. There was no feeling of nausea like a Nether portal, no every present chill like when one leapt into the End. There was no journey through the code like when one worldhopped, and there was no real acknowledgement that anything happened at all. Cub's communicator buzzed afterwards, but he was too busy fixated on the fact that, in a blink of an eye, the world had gone from a room in Mojang, to the redstone powered diner that he had been taken from before this entire ordeal.

The place was emptier now. About three tables had players sitting on them, all in groups of about four. Their chit-chat filled the quiet space with a raucous. Ulraf glanced around, and, once satisfied that this was, in fact, the place that they had been directed to go, took a seat at the very same table that the group had originally inhabited. Tango, Impulse, Scar, and Doc weren't there, but Cub didn't expect them to be. It would take time to travel from wherever they had been staying to the diner again. "How long were we gone?"

"I think it was about three days in your player time," Ulraf replied distantly, "though I can't be entirely certain."

Three days. It had felt much shorter to Cub, but he supposed that made sense. The journey must have taken some time, and some of the memories could have gone on longer than he had realized, reliving them in the moment. "Did Dinnerbone give us an ETA of when they would arrive."

Ulraf shook his head, "Unfortunately not, but I have some diamonds if you want any food. I want to see how that contraption works again!"

Cub wasn't feeling particularly hungry, but he supposed he could nibble on something. "Go right ahead. Get whatever you would like."

Ulraf beamed, hopping up and skipping to the machine. The developer was always so enthusiastic, and he seemed like an unwound spring now that he wasn't around Dinnerbone and Jeb. He had seemed so much more mysterious before this, but Cub could see him for who he was now. A panda who simply wanted to learn and grow while building the world that they inhabited. Cub could frankly say that Ulraf was one of the most interesting people that he knew.

The panda returned soon after, with a plate of pork chops cut into bite sized pieces. "Didn't cut your hand this time, I hope?" Cub joked.

"Nah," Ulraf said, "only my dignity."

"You won't learn how it works by injuring your hand," Cub exclaimed, shaking his head.

"On the contrary," Ulraf smirked, "I have learned much regarding how sharp its blade is."

Cub sighed, "It must be so unique being able to heal just like that. You don't have to do anything, just change the code and bam, you're healed."

"It is nice," Ulraf admitted, "I remember being a player."

"You were a player?" Cub was shocked.

"All of us devs were. We were chosen by Jeb and the others for various reasons, but we're united by a passion for the game."

Cub blinked.

"Yes," Ulraf giggled, "I'm always like this; it's not some weird developer thing."

Cub smiled, "I guess so."

"Yeah," Ulraf responded, after a moment's pause, "we're just normal players, doing our best. A lot of us got closed off when some bad players started being rude to us, but I want us to be open, someday, somehow. Maybe you could help?"

"How could I help?" Cub asked.

"Just… maybe we could talk to players more, interact with the community. I'm not sure how, but you are so smart, it's amazing!" Ulraf exclaimed, "Wait, can I see your communicator for a moment?"

It was a monument to the trust Cub had in Ulraf that he allowed him to take it. Ulraf hummed, typing frantically away at the screen. 

"There," Ulraf nodded, giving it back to Cub, "I added myself as a friend. You'll be able to dm me from anywhere, since I have a developer communicator. Usually crossworld communication is disabled except in worldhubs, for privacy reasons."

"That… makes sense," Cub nodded. 

"It does?" Ulraf sighed, relieved, "that's good. I'm worried about not making sense. I try my best to speak, but it doesn't always come out and sometimes I get- Wait! The foods getting cold."

Cub watched on in amusement as the panda happily plucked a porkchop from the tray and popped it into his mouth, chewing and swallowing before repeating the action. Cub reached out and grabbed a piece before Ulraf took all of the food.  "I thought pandas eat bamboo."

"We're also opportunistic carnivores," Ulraf defended between bites. "Sides, I can enjoy the taste even if I can't digest it fully. I'm not a creeper."

"Speaking of creepers, whatever happened between Dinnerbone and Doc?" 

Ulraf paused, "What do you mean?"

"Dinnerbone took Doc's arm, but the two are still friends. I'm just wondering if there is a story behind that," Cub dropped casually.

Ulraf shrugged, "I'm not particularly close with Dinnerbone; I'm usually more with some of the other devs. That's why it was so special to me that he let me join in today. I still can't believe I worked alongside Jeb !" Ulraf positively squealed out the last bit.

"Jeb's the head of Mojang, right?" Cub confirmed.

"He worked alongside the original founders to develop playercode. He's the closest we have to a benevolent creator, considering Notch."

"What did Notch do?" Cub asked.

Ulraf huffed with anger, "He was rude to some of the playerbase when they started going against what he considered to be their correct path. He also harassed poor Herobrine. We haven't seen that player in a while, I hope he’s doing alright."

"Herobrine?"

"He's Steve's... evil twin?" Ulraf shook his head, "I don't know the right word, but he pops up occasionally. It's a tradition to jokingly remove him, but he's nice. He has all the powers of developers, but he doesn't really use them nor does he work for Mojang."

"If you quit, do you lose your powers?" Cub asked.

Ulraf nodded, "It keeps things safe. We don't want a dozen rogue devs wrecking havoc."

That made enough logic to Cub. He stretched and yawned, wondering when Scar was going to arrive. "Yeah."

"Oh!" Ulraf exclaimed, "Are you tired?"

"A little bit," Cub admitted.

"Do you," Ulraf leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper, "want me to spawn you a bed? It'll look like you're just sitting there, and I can wake you when they arrive. I don't want you worn out and it's been hard for you."

"That... sounds like it would be excellent," Cub nodded. He continued with the hint of a smirk on his cheeks, "think you can pull it off?"

"Is that a challenge, Mr. Cubfan?"

"Is it Mr. Ulraf?" Cub bantered back.

Ulraf grinned, and closed his eyes for a fraction of a second. He danced his fingers around, and the world shifted around Cub's body. He found the very place he was sitting transformed into a chickendown bed, with a thick comforter. He looked around to see if anyone had noticed the obvious transformation, but the rest of the tenders seemed oblivious to what had just happened. Cub felt the pillow, it was cool. Just the way he liked it.

Forget being able to alter the universe's laws, Cub wanted the power to make his pillow always cold. 

Ulraf snorted at him though, "Challenge complete?"

Cub nodded, "You win this time. Do you need to rest?"

"A dev never sleeps!" Ulraf laughed, "I just altered my code. I'll be good for another week or so, however long I'm on the clock taking care of you."

"Trust me, I am a full time job," Cub replied.

Ulraf shook his head, "Just go to bed, Cub."

Cub obliged.

.

Twelve hours later, after a refreshing nap, they still had yet to arrive. The demographic of the patrons had shifted again, now, older players were hanging out, dancing to outdated music. A group of self-introduced ‘dev pesterers’ had spotted Ulraf and made some conversation with him while Cub was asleep. Ulraf had chuckled when describing their suggestions, which ranged from the possible to the absurd, to the downright crazy, but at least he seemed to have enjoyed the time they spent talking. It was a welcome distraction from the absence of Cub’s friends.

“Do you think they got captured?” Cub worried. 

Dinnerbone shook his head, “They had Doc with them, and Tango’s too well-known to just be grabbed. Plenty of lesser known, just as talented creators.”

“Then why aren’t they here?” 

“I’m just as worried about them as you are,” Ulraf reassured, “I messaged Dinnerbone to let him know; No,” Ulraf answered before Cub could vocalize the question, “he hasn’t responded yet.”

“This is really strange.”

“It is,” Ulraf agreed, “but we can’t do anything about it except wait for them. They could be barging through that door any minute-”

The door slammed open. Tango, Impulse, and Doc marched into the room, their gazes afar and their clothes torn. They looked exhausted, TAngo’s glowing red eyes fading from bright to off. Impulse was jittering. Doc was still, but his body expressions carried an expression of anger through his firm stance and scrouched mouth. CUb leapt to his feet, excited at the arrival of his friends, “Tango! Impulse! Doc! Wait,” Cub blinked. It was obvious what was wrong. It was so painfully obvious that Cub wished he could smack his past self. He shouldn’t have left. He shouldn’t have left without… “Where’s Scar?”

Tango looked his face away in shame. His voice had lost its artificially generated inflection, Cub wondered when he had last recharged, but despite this, he managed to whisper, “He left.”

“What do you mean he left? ” Cub hissed, panic silverfish building in his stomach. 

“I… it’s…” Impulse looked like he wanted to cry. Cub reached out, slowly, offering him a hug via his body language. Impulse sobbed and reciprocated. The man was so fragile compared to the last time that Cub had seen him.

“It’s hard to explain,” Doc sighed, “we should take a seat. Tango hasn’t recharged in several days, and Impulse is a mess. I’ll tell the story.”

Tango seemed to attempt a protest, but all that left his speakers were crackled noises, forcing him to conceed before the fight had even begun. Cub was even more worried now then when he had first began. He took a deep breath in, holding it, letting it out, he was Cubfan135. He could hear this story. He will rescue Scar. First, however, he needed to learn this enemy.

Ulraf scooted out of the booth so Tango could plug into the available outlet on the side of the wall. Impulse curled with Cub, while Doc sat beside Ulraf, right across from Cub’s eyes. They sat there, awkwardly scooting around. Cub refused to let them. “So, Doc,” he spat with a rising anger, “Where. Is. Scar.”

Chapter Text

After Cub had left, the group hadn’t know what to do. They couldn’t leave the worldhub, after all, they didn’t want to lose track of time and thusly lose track of Cub, but they weren’t sure of anything to do in the worldhub. Tango had eventually suggested the idea of exploring more of the shopping area that Cub had seen. The rest had agreed, with Scar being particularly excited to see more of the blocks he had never seen before. There was so much to explore and so many new and exciting things for him to see, smell, taste, touch, that the initial steps were somewhat overwhelming without a clearly defined direction to explore. Eventually, Doc had pointed the group into the direction of textiles, and Scar had enjoyed exploring and making note of the colors and deep shapes of the various clothes.

Things were going well. They had moved onto the food area next, and sampled a baffling variety of cuisines from around playerkind, from modded to not. Pizzas and jambalaya, pad thais and chowders, all served in portions to enjoy. Scar and the others had practically feasted on small, sample sized bits and pieces of food. Everything was going well (this statement was stuttered out twice by Doc). When they had elected to move onto the next section, a place to barter for rarer goods such as dragon eggs, Doc had warned everyone to keep an eye out. While the section was mostly bening, it was starting to get on the verge of where player kidnappers lurked to try and find an easy score. Doc had doubted that they would go after the group, but they could never be too careful. 

None of them had any mind of staying together. They were safer and enjoyed being in a group. Thus, they had happily poked at curiosities, natural and playermade, from around the servers. Doc had been examining a villagermade tapestry that depicted a creeper when he had noticed Scar staring at a particular stall. Scar had asked Doc to go with him over there. He had seemed nervous, so Doc agreed to go. Tango and Impulse had been looking somewhere else. This, Doc explained, was why he took responsibility for what had happened. If he had been more careful, if he had made a different choice, maybe if he had waited for Tango and Impulse, Scar would still be with their group (“It wasn’t your fault Doc--” “FSHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”).

It turned out, this particular stall had somehow managed to capture, off all things, a real, living, Vex . The Vex was trapped in a cage, and as much as it fluttered around in indignant anger and hatred towards the players, there was no escaping without outside help. Scar, seeing the piteous creature, had drawn back in shock. Doc had asked him what it was, and Scar had explained, quickly and flippantly, that it was a Vex. Doc asked if Scar needed to step away, but Scar refused. He stared at the Vex, his eyes shifting towards a bluer green. Doc, uncertain of what had been happening, stood down and allowed this. Now, after the fact, he had a theory for what had happened.

The Vex probably recognized Scar first. He wouldn't have been on the lookout for the creatures, and thus been unprepared for the voice in his mind (“That’s how they talked to you, right?”) that had followed and beckoned him. He had brought Doc with him because he was scared of the Vex. Even contained as it was, it was still one of Scar’s tormentors. The Vex must have used the influence it had over Scar’s mind (“We removed that influence from Cub’s mind. It must’ve been scary to see it inaction, it twists all your code to be dedicated to doing as the commander says, even if you still have some freewill in how you carry about their scheme”) to sway Scar’s decision to free it.

If he had told Doc what was happening, Doc would have offered to purchase the Vex. At the very least, let it free somewhere beyond the shopping district. Everything he knew about them from Cub and Scar had told him they were powerful creatures, and not ones to be taken lightly. Scar hadn’t thought of that, or, perhaps the Vex didn’t let him think of a better plan, in its own scheme to escape. He had walked over, like he was intending to observe the Vex from a closer angle. The shopkeep was beginning to open up their mouth and offer a deal to Scar, when he flipped over the cage and smashed it to pieces, freeing the power that was inside.

The Vex was terrifying . Such a little creature should have been less powerful then it had turned out to be. The crowd of onlookers found themselves trapped in a bubble, unable to escape. The shopkeep was raised high above the crowd, the Vex presumably saying something to them, though Doc didn’t know what, before having their body relieved of its limbs, the dangling corpse allowed to unceremoniously drop to the floor and continue their horrifying screams.

The crowd had panicked. Doc had raised his voice loud in his commanding way, but the chaos and fear from the Vex was overwhelming. The Vex seemed to agree even as it feasted upon the emotion that the crowd released. Doc had, somehow, stumbled into Tango and Impulse who had been trapped as well. Together, they tried to search for Scar. 

Doc had found him kneeling before the Vex, his veins glowing blue. The Vex and ConVex were sharing themselves, and despite the twitches of his body that suggested Scar was struggling, the Vex spirited the two away, before dissolving the bubble, leaving but a corpse and shattered cage behind to show that it had ever been there. Doc had fallen onto his knees in shock. Impulse had taken it harder. Tango began scanning the area, but was forced to concede. Scar was gone. 

How they could have changed it, how Doc wished they had done something to save him. They didn’t, and now Scar was somewhere in the universe, and they had no way of locating him. 

“I don’t know what we are going to do,” Doc admitted, “but I promise you this. We will do something. The Vex cannot have Scar, he is ours .”

“I think I know what we can do,” Ulraf stated mysteriously.

. 

Of course Devs could track the world a player was in. Of course they could. Why wouldn they be able to? Cub could almost laugh at the notion. It would take some time for the communicator to search the database, but they could wait, as much as it loathed Cub to want to wait. 

“In a week or so,” Ulraf said, “there will be a hotfix removing the Vex. Technically, we could just wait till then, and Scar will be free. Knowing us,” Ulraf glanced around the table, “we’re not planning on waiting.”

Tango shook his head as Impulse answered, “They took Scar, we’re taking them down personally.”

“We’ll need more manpower,” Doc said. “We can’t defeat an enemy this powerful on our own.”

“I don’t want to drag more players into this mess,” Cub sighed, “it’s bad enough that y’all have to deal, what’s so funny?”

Impulse smiled, but the laughter he had been emitting was still seen on his face, “I’m sorry, I just… I haven’t ever heard you say y’all before.”

“Is that a bad thing--”

“--No! Of course not,” Impulse shook his head, “it’s just… you’ve changed.”

Cub had changed. It was up to him to make sure that this change was for the better. 

“Python is good at this,” Doc reassured, “I’d trust him with my life.”

“Where can we find Python?” Cub asked.

It turned out, at the SMP section. Cub walked around, amazing at all the world signup forms and requests both to join and for others to join their latest server. It was chaotic in a way that previous ones weren’t, with bustling of people chattering to one another. Python, a bright red creeper in a business suit with a friendly smile, turned out to be with two other players, a blue eyed man with a blue shirt and knapsack slung on his back, and a green shirted player, who appeared to have a prosthetic diamond eye. They both had strong, but friendly faces, and were handing out fliers with an advertisement for a server they called ‘Kingdomcraft’ upon it. 

Cub looked at one of the fliers. It noted who they were looking for and what types of players they wished to join their new SMP. It looked like an interesting concept, contract workers for Kingdoms building up cities and places from the ground, with a shared resource system. It almost seemed like what Cub would have wanted to join had he ever gotten around to it. Cub played with the communicator that he often forgot was even there. He could do that, now. He had that option of joining, with or without Scar. He could hardly believe it, that simple idea that, in a different time, he could be asking to join this SMP.

“Python!” Doc greeted warmly as the group approached the kingdomcrafters. Python looked up from where he had been talking to the player in the green shirt, turning around. His expression broke out into an infectious joy. 

“Doc! Long time no see,” Python greeted, “how’s my favorite green creeper doing?”

“Good, and you?”

“Likewise,” Python smiled. “I see some new faces, and some old. Good to see you Tango, Impulse,” he stuck out a hand and the two both took and shook it. “Now, may I get your names, Mr. Panda and Mr. Human?”

“I’m not human,” Cub automatically stated, “or at least, I don’t consider myself to be. My name is Cub.”

“Good to meet you Cub,” Python nodded, repeating the handshake with Cub. Python had gentle, fuzzy hands with calloused paw pads on them. 

“Ulraf,” Ulraf introduced, taking the hand as well.

“And you are a panda?”

“Yes,” Ulraf giggled, “I am a panda. It’s good to meet you Python, and…?”

“I’m Kryllyk,” the player in the blue shirt introduced. His beard was well trimmed close to his face, and his hair was in a similar trimmed fashion. He appeared well-put together, and wrinkles gave his face a happy, well lived in look.

“Iskall,” the player with the cybernetic eye answered. Their hair was more wild and their face more jovial. Their green shirt and vest was perfect for their heavy, but strong build. Somehow, their accent brought to mind how the developers sounded. “Hallo!”

“Good to meet you,” Cub greeted, sparking a chain of the phrase all around. Introductions now out of the way, Python and Doc took a step forward to talk business.

“So, what can I do for you today?” Python asked.

Doc sighed, “One of our friends got taken.”

“Well,” Iskall said after a beat, “that’s not good.”

“Who took them?” Kryllyk spat, his face flushing red with anger beneath his bear, “those bastards should be run through with a sword and banned by Notch.”

“Notch was a jerk,” Ulraf piped up, “but we’re working on it. You see, it’s not so simple as banning a player. The beings who took Scar?”

“Who’s Scar?” Iskall asked.

“Our friend,” Tango replied curtly.

“Wait,” Python said, motioning with his hands. Every word he said seemed to be punctuated by some form of hand or tail swish, “you said beings. Who took your friend?”

“It’s… a very long story,” Cub admitted, “without much happiness in it. They’re called the Vex, and they took Scar. We have  the beginning of a plan, but we need more power to do anything.”

“Count me in,” Kryllyk nodded fiercely.

“Hold up,” Doc cut in, “It’s not so simple. One of these creatures can tear a player apart, limb by limb.”

“That’s not all they can do,” Cub muttered. “They can get inside your head, they can manipulate your mind, change your memories, and there is no escaping it if they choose you as their target. If you agreed to this, it would be dangerous. I can’t ask that of strangers without you knowing the risks.”

“I don’t know you, Cub, and I don’t know your friend Scar,” Python began, “but I do know you Doc. You wouldn’t go to me for help if this wasn’t something serious. I’m just wondering why you aren’t going to your Mindcrack buddies.”

“It’s not that they aren’t powerful,” Doc acknowledged, “but Mindcrack has been under a lot of stress recently, and I know that they tend to care less about their own mental health then you do. I’ve witnessed the Vex firsthand, and that’s the stuff that might leave a mark on your psyche,” Doc snorted, “if you make it out of there in one piece.”

"The Vex can permakill," Cub whispered. Iskall's eye opened wide. 

"But!" Ulraf cut in, "that won't be as much of an issue, thanks to I."

"How?" Iskall's voice cracked.

"I'm a developer."

"Wait, what ?" Python exclaimed. He turned to Doc with surprise in his eyes, "You've been running with developers and glitches?"

"It's been an exciting few days," Doc answered drily. 

"The important thing is," Impulse said, "we're ready. You don't have to come, but we could use your help."

The group was silent as they considered the prospects. Cub couldn't blame them, and he wondered what he would do if someone had come to him for help. Would he have, back then? He swore he would now and from now on. These brave players, willing to stand by his side to rescue his friend, even to permadeath. How sweet and awful was the taste that left in his mouth. If they agreed, he would be leading them to uncertainty and a trial. Ulraf might be able to bring them back should the worst happen, but they didn't know. Not knowing something, yet pursuing it anyway, must be the bravest thing in the world.

"Well," Kryllyk was the first to speak, "I stand with my previous answer. I've seen enough friends fall to deny you in your time of need, Cub."

Python looked at Iskall. He must have already made his choice, based upon his toughening face. Iskall, however, seemed indecisive. They swallowed, keeping their head down, before mumbling, "I wanted to get away from that life when I helped out with making this," they said. Iskall straightened up, matching Cub's steady gaze, "But if I can save the life of one person, I will gladly return to my fighting roots."

"Then it's settled," Python nodded, "I've been to hell and back for lesser things, what's one more adventure?" 

The mood in the air transformed like a spider when the light grew dim. From the slightest, the faintest spark, hope seemed to grow when the Kingdomcrafters agreed to help. Cub too felt his hope expand. He would rescue Scar now. He couldn't wait for an update to 'fix' the ConVex, Scar was in danger now . 

"When are we leaving?" Kryllyk asked.

"And where exactly are we going?" Iskall added on.

"We're leaving as soon as," a loud ding emitted from Ulraf's communicator. The panda broke into a larger grin, "We've found him. He's in an abandoned world a bit off the path, in the Vex's dimension."

"They have a whole dimension?" Tango asked.

"Is that a problem?" Doc shot back.

"If there isn't sun," Tango replied, "I wouldn't be able to recharge in an emergency."

"Then," Python said, "we'll have to make sure that there isn't one."

"We'll need a plan, beyond just rescue Scar," Iskall said, "do we know anything about this place, guards, time of patrols, where they keep their prisoners?"

"Cub's the Vex mansion expert," Impulse said. 

Cub felt small as several sets of eyes fell upon him. "Well," Cub began, "the mansion will be big. They like to trick you with their hallways, and it's not easy to navigate. I lived in my mansion for years and I never learned much about how to get to other places. Scar, however, he memorized the layout in a day," Cub smiled fondly, before his expression took on a  more serious note, "assuming Scar is coherent, he'll be able to lead us out."

"And what if he isn't?" Ulraf asked.

Cub bit his lip, "Then... we'll have to find another way. We're on the Vex's hometurf, but we all just have to survive for a week if anything goes wrong, and by then they'll probably have patched the glitch that allowed for this to happen."

"Okay," Iskall nodded, "weaknesses. What can we use about the Vex to our advantage?"

Cub considered the question. His first instinct was to say none, and imply that their mission was hopeless, but that couldn't be right. The Vex, in the end, were just lines of code.... "They're not players," Cub answered, "they don't have freewill, and once they're dead, there is no respawn. Vex enjoy playing, especially violent games. If you make a show of getting hurt by something, they'll probably keep pursuing it to see how far they can push. If you're lucky, they'll heal you and stop before it gets too late, if you're unlucky...?"

"You're dead," Tango finished.

"I might know how to heal permadeath," Ulraf brought up, "but it would take a lot out of me, and I can't guarantee it, but I do know how."

"What do they teach you in developer school?" Kryllyk asked incredulously.

Ulraf smiled, "Useful things."

"Hubris would be the downfall of the Vex," Iskall considered, processing the information in ways that Cub didn't quite understand, considering it was all cybernetics. He assumed that, from the fans blowing loudly, Iskall was thinking hard enough to begin to overheight his brain. Cub almost spoke up with his concerns, but fortunately Iskall began moving before he could do that. "The best plan I have would be for us to match hubris with hubris. Go in, raise a distraction, Cub slips in beneath our fighting, rescues Scar, and we get the hell out of dodge."

"That… is a terrible plan," Tango shook his head.

"Do you have any better?" Iskall challenged.

"I- that's not important. We need to use stealth ," Tango insisted.

"Say the clunky robot," Impulse muttered.

"Excuse me, who's side are you on?" 

"I," Doc interrupted, "am on the side of who wins. We'll combine your 'plans'. Stealth for as long as we can, split up and divide. I assume they are more powerful as a group?"

Cub waved his hand in a noncommittal gesture, "Maybe. A single Vex displays more individual power because they are the one who calls all the shots. Even mansions squabble with each other. If they can't decide what to do with us, we'd outlast."

"Outplan, outlast," Kryllyk muttered.

"What about distractions?" Impulse suggested. 'What if we threw… food.. .at them…."

Doc snorted, "You think those powerful Vex are going to be distracted by--" 

"--Actually, he has a point," Cub said. "They love diamonds. It's… possible you could distract them."

"Diamonds?" Iskall asked incredulously. 

"Diamonds carry Vex Magic within them, inherently. We draw our power from it," Cub explained.

"Of course you do," Doc sighed. 

"So, all else fails, throw diamonds and run like hell," Tango's laugh grew more unhinged, before quieting down into basic chuckles.

The group fell quiet for a moment, each player lost in their thoughts.

Python was the first to speak up, "Well," he said, "when do you think we're going to get going?"

"Every minute we stay here, is a minute longer the Vex have their hands on Scar," Cub said.

"Then we should go now!" Kryllyk declared. The gruff man looked around the group, "I see seven strong players, ready to lay down their life to help the eighth. I see we are ready to fight , and I don't know about you but I'm not going to let some scruffy Vex hurt anyone again. Are you with me?"

"We all are Kryllyk," Iskall cheered. 

"Then," Python broke forward, "Ulraf, the developer?"

"Yes?" Ulraf asked, tilting his head.

"Can you teleport us to Scar?"

Ulraf hummed, "Not to him, but I can take us to the portal that will take us to the Vex's dimension."

"And from there?" Tango asked.

"We fight," Cub said simply, "like our lives depend on it." He stared into the eyes of his colleagues and friends, refusing to let his gaze down, "Because they will."

When swords were sheathed and bows sling to backs, then the group felt ready to depart the world hub. Cub carried no weapons, his fight wouldn't be with a blade, but with the mind. He only knew what it was like to be the target of a Vex's mental assault, and he knew that he wouldn't ever force that feeling upon anyone if he could help it. They had hurt him, but now, he had nothing left to fear. Any sort of fear had long since left him, but not was replaced by a cautious sense of bravery and a thirst for victory.

Doc had a sword, large and sharpened, but still lithe enough to deliver quick blows to flying Vex. Iskall had favored a bow, ready to knock them from the sky. Kryllyk carried an axe, Tango and Cub a sword, and Ulraf carried but a small knife and his knowledge of code. He had permission from Dinnerbone to do what he could to break the glitch and free Scar. Ulraf had promised the others no less.

Cub had his friends, his family beside him. He could never ask for a better group to journey into the unknown with. Even the ones he had met mere hours ago felt like the closest band of siblings he had ever had. With a tear in the eye of Impulse (they had said goodbye to Zedaph. None of them knew if they would return) the group was ready to face the unknown. Well, they had long since been ready, but now they were, truly, fully prepared to continue on this journey that had set before them. As hard as it might have been and as strenuous as he knew it would be, together, Cub would not let them fail.

Bring it on, Vex .

Chapter Text

Teleportation never got less strange. Maybe Cub could get used to it if there was some warning, or at least a feeling beyond the world suddenly changing from a worldhub to a stronghold in a blink of an eye. Ulraf had barely even had to glance at his communicator to do it. In seconds, they had gone from the middle of a worldhub to the darkest dungeon, pissed off and ready to fight. The ones who hadn't been teleported yet were in various states of confusion over what exactly had happened. However, the group was quickly recovering, shaking their heads, refocusing to get back into the dangerous game that they were about to embark on. When failure meant permadeath, even the silliest grew serious. 

"Ulraf," Cub asked, a sudden epiphany reaching him, "can you teleport us out of the Vex mansion?"

"Maybe, maybe not," Ulraf admitted. He paused in his facial expressions, "Well, let me phrase it this way. I couldn't teleport us into the mansion. I can't guarantee an out until we get to the Overworld."

"Wait," Python broke in, "we're going to the End?"

Ulraf nodded, "It seems that's where these Vex mansions make their homes, a corrupted End Dimension. Fortunately, that means that End Portals should take us straight to their lair."

"Well, Doc," Python chuckled, "you should have grabbed Xisuma void for this job."

Doc shook his head, "I know the Hermits less well, plus, I trust you more."

"Really?" Python asked, taken aback.

"I might trust the individual hermits, but on the whole, the group aren't pvp masters. Your group includes two trained killers, one of which is the best damn assassin around."

"I suppose that's true," Python relented.

"Wait," Kryllyk cut in, "I haven't done it in a long time. I don't want you thinking I'm better than I am."

"You're better than you think you are," Iskall chimed in, "you'll be okay." Iskall reached out and squeezed Kryllyk's hand reassuringly, a smile on their face, "We're going to do this. I promise."

"Don't make promises you can't ow!" Tango exclaimed at Impulse's slap. Impulse shook his head vehemently to Tango's words.

Cub swallowed, feeling a bit less confident in his group now. They didn't seem to be treating this as seriously as it was. However, upon reflection, Cub realized that this was a good thing. This, this could be a strategy.

"Look," Cub broke in, "we all work better in pairs, and we don't want to split up when we jump in that portal. If we do have to, Impulse, Tango?" the mentioned looked towards Cub, "stick together. Watch each others back. The same goes for you, Kryllyk and Iskall, Python and Doc. I'll try to stick with Ulraf."

"Wouldn't it be better to have the strong fighters go with a weaker fighter?" Doc suggested.

"Actually, Cub has a point," Ulraf said, "the Vex rely on mind trickery. If you stick with the person you are close to to help sort out any mind mishaps, it might affect you less."

Doc considered, before conceding the point. 

"Look," Kryllyk said, "we're never going to have a perfect plan. We just need to jump in, and finish this. Now."

Cub nodded, "Everyone ready?"

The group shared a glance. Kryllyk and Iskall held up their swords, and the rest their respective weapons as well. Reactions from anger to excitement were on faces, as well as a good dash of fear for the uncertainty of the situation that was about to befall them. They were ready, however. To prove this, Iskall marched to the top of the stairs, looking downwards at the already lit end portal. It swirled with the stars and galaxies of the Void, the dazzling display almost hypnotizing its watcher and sparking a deep fear of the world in one. Iskall looked back at the group, "Are we all ready?"

While not in unison, it was a resounding cry that greeted Iskall back as various words of agreement were flung to the stage. Kryllyk pushed past the rest, holding the hand of his partner closely, squeezing it tightly. "You ready, Iskall?"

"Let's do this," Iskall replied, and, without much obvious fanfare, the duo leapt into the portal. Iskall laughed moments before touching the cold embrace.

Tango and Impulse followed, racing each other to leap through and into whatever was to be to otherside. Next came Doc and Python, the red and the green creepers walking in with the most dignity of all so far. 

Cub turned to Ulraf, the panda developer. His ears were flat and his breath uneven, "Nervous?"

"I... I'm one for adventure, but," Ulraf inhaled, "I guess I am."

"You don't have to go if you don't want to," Cub reassured.

Ulraf walked past Cub and to the portal, "I'm going. Are you coming?"

Cub smiled at Ulraf's courage, pushing past despite his fear into the void. Cub walked up, taking and squeezing Ulraf's hand as they both walked into the portal.

They fell through the void together, its cold expanse ignored by Cub as he focused on reassuring Ulraf. The panda was in fear, looking everywhere. He was the more powerful of the two, the Void and the Developers. The Void obeyed them in the end, everything was just code. Still, Ulraf was afraid and Cub knew that fear didn't have to make sense or be rational, sometimes it just was. He ignored the galaxies and temptations of the cold world behind him as he whispered nothings of love and courage into Ulraf's ear, ignored the ever present chill that was seeping deeper and deeper into his bones. The Void was so cold, too cold for anything but endermen. His muscles felt solid, and his very breath crystalized each time he breathed out. How the oxygen had yet to turn into a liquid yet was beyond him, but Cub refused to complain about that. His muscles were on fire from the cold, but Cub refused to complain. The Void was judging him with agony, but Cub wasn't going to play their games at the moment. He had a Scar to rescue.

The Void dumped them on top of Impulse and Tango, Cub suppressing a cry as he landed face first onto the metallic body. He rolled off, a bruise already beginning to form on his cheeks, "Tango!"

"I fell on him too," Doc grunted. His fur was ruffled from the fall.

Cub looked down worried, hoping that nothing in the robot had broken before they even started, "Tango?"

"I- I'm fine," Tango gasped, "just... Got squashed. A bit."

"Oh!" Ulraf exclaimed, "this is the perfect time for me to test out my code skills. One second please..." Ulraf frowned in concentration. Tango groaned in happiness as his joints were moved back into place, undoing the damage that had befallen them. 

"I need to become a developer," Tango groaned, standing up, brushing himself off, before hobbling over to Impulse. Each step was taken with renewed strength.

"Trust me," Ulraf giggled, "it's a lot harder then I make it look."

"Sorry to but in, but," Iskall breathed, "we should get moving. We have a lot of mansions to search."

"Stick to the right side of the hallways," Python advised, "we should be able to work out way back here if we do that."

"Maybe we'll even find a map that leads to Scar," Tango joked. His voice was a lot less strained. Cub was satisfied.

"That's a good plan Python. Do you want to lead the way?" Cub asked.

"I," Doc butted in, "and Python will lead the way. Assassins, take the tail. Keep your eyes peeled for the Vex. This is going to get messy soon."

"We'll have to go behind Python and Doc," Cub said to Ulraf, "I might recognize something that could help us." 

Ulraf nodded, accepting Cub's plan to the latter's relief. The ragtag group of would-be heroes assembled, forming their formation, and preparing to sneak their way through the mansion of the Vex. It was going to be hard, but it was what they would do. Each step taken was with a baited breath, waiting for the inevitable Vex scare as they traveled through the halls. Cub found dread growing past every empty room that they found.

The first room had been plain. The second had been lightly furnished. The third had been opulent, but with a twinge of blood all around the area that all agreed was deeply unnerving to see. One thing Cub observed about the group is that none of them were exactly stealthy, per say. Hardly a step went by without a comment coming out of someone's mouth, easing the tension.

"What a room for a butcher."

"Where do they get the mushrooms for all that red dye?"

"No Scar here either…"

While he had expected to find them grading, Cub didn't mind the comments as much as he had thought. They lightened the mood, yes, but the group was able to settle down when they went to the next door. It was a way to cope with the fact that they were in the den of the lion now. He wondered how they had managed to avoid spying a Vex for so long. While he could hear the relief of the panda beside him, it simply served to make Cub more nervous. Where were they? They had to know that the group was here by now, so why were they hiding?

He worried about Scar, somewhere lost in the mansion's halls, with the Vex doing who-knows-what to him. Whatever Scar was going through, it couldn't be anything good. What if that was why the Vex weren't patrolling and lurking in the halls of their mansion? What if they had all decided to attend whatever depraved festivities Scar was being forced to be the main entertainment of? 

Would Scar still be Scar when they found him?

Cub pushed away that darker thought as they peered into the next empty room, and the next. The attempts at lightheartedness slowly died with each door. The air seemed to grow lighter and easier to breath, though he could hear Doc and Python taking much more labored breaths then the group. Cub wondered if creepers had trouble breathing the end's atmosphere. That must be what this was, then. If the mansion was located in the end, however, where was the dragon, or did the Vex simply replace her as the boss mob in the game. Or did they kill her. Or was Cub being paranoid yet again, trying to distract himself from the true underlying fear that embellished the air. 

He was in a Vex mansion again. He was, according to any sensible ConVex, home. These empty halls, with spots of red staining the dark oak, large tapestries devoted to the worship of the Vex, this was where he had spent years of his life. He had lived in a mansion and he had been happy. The next room was a bedroom, much smaller than some of the other rooms that Cub had seen in this mansion. He blinked, recognizing something. He took a step towards the room, the few members of the group that had already moved on and discounted the bedroom took a step back as Cub wandered in.

The bed was obviously worn, the shape of a player imprinted into it. He could smell the slight tange that spoke of it being rarely, if ever, washed. The corner had a sink and water. Cub took a step forward. Beneath the very faint coat of dust was still visible watermarks. This wasn't just for show, this room had been occupied by someone, and for a very long time, though they obviously hadn't been home. 

"Cub?" Impulse squeaked. Cub turned his head. Impulse, Tango, and Iskall were looking beside the bed on a table. Tango was holding up a small picture frame, a trace of shock on his face. Cub hurried over to see what was the matter, glancing over Iskall's shoulder to see a simple picture that filled him with the deepest dread and shock.

It was Scar.

A Vex was beside him as he looked seriously at whomever was taking the picture. He looked so much younger, less scars, a youthful face oozing with adoration for the creature that was beside him. Cub almost laughed. It was so statistically improbable that Scar had been found and captured by, of all things, the Vex who had first taken him away from his home to serve as their ConVex. Such a stroke of dumb luck, it completely changed the way Cub envisioned Scar in the shopping centre.

It hadn't just been a simple Vex who had been captured to end up in a position where he could persuade Scar, it had been one of Scar's mansion. Scar could be so stubborn, rebel against other mansions, but all he had ever had when he talked about his own was flattery and awe over them. Scar would have barely needed persuading. Maybe even now, he had already chosen to go with the Vex, and was taking whatever punishment for his capture they would bestow upon him with a willing and pure heart, like a good ConVex.

All he ever wanted was to be a good ConVex, but the Vex were wicked straight to their core. No matter how nice they were to him, well. Cub had seen more blood splatters then he ever wanted to see. It wasn't true. It was just another lie flooded into his head. Scar was trapped and he wasn't going to be able to get out on his own. 

"He's here," Cub said steadfastly, "if his old mansion is half the way he thought it was, he probably isn't that hurt, not physically," Cub added the last part almost as an afterthought. 

"There was a lot more blood around for a good mansion then I am comfortable with," Tango stated incredulously.

"He just thought it was," Kryllyk said, "they could have removed his memories of it, or they could have just made him assume that this was acceptable."

"He told me that it wasn't though," Cub said.

"Then," Kyrllyk shrugged, "he persuaded himself it wasn't as bad if his Vex did it. They didn't mean to, he deserved it. He didn't think he deserved it from yours."

"Probably because he sees them as his owners, and yours were a thief taking him away from them," Python jumped in, "I've... I've seen it... happen... before..."

Doc offered a comforting embrace to Python, who almost seemed to be on the verge of tears. 

"Whatever it is," Iskall pushed themself to the front, "we need to keep moving. We might not have seen any Vex, but they must be here. We'll probably see more the closer we get to Scar."

"Be on our guard," Tango nodded. Ulraf shuddered beside Cub. 

"Come on," Cub took Ulraf's hand, squeezing it as he led the group out of the room. This time, he took the lead instead, subconsciously letting them follow him through the halls. They were so vaguely familiar, he could almost guess where to step. He passed by a door that obviously was just a closet, it was too well disguised. Doc tapped his shoulder in confusion.

"Shouldn't we check everything?"

"It's just a closet. The Vex wouldn't keep anything of importance in there. They are vain."

Doc nodded, drawing back, "You're the expert. Just make sure you know what you are doing."

"If I didn't know what I was doing," Cub said drily, "I wouldn't be the expert."

Someone snorted at that comment. Cub assumed it was more the stress then any sort of humor that might emerge from the situation.

The next door that was checked was empty, though not to Cub's surprise. The tapestries were getting more elaborate with each one they passed, depicting intricate Vex designs that swayed and glowed with the magic they had been weaved by. The closer they got to the central chambers, the greater the flatulence that should be on display. He vocalized this thought to a crowd that seemed to understand his words. It was refreshed.

The next door was empty.

The next door contained a Vex.

Several members gasped at the small creature, floating in space with wings that looked more decorative than anything. It was carrying a sword and swooping around, its movements impatient and upset. Cub assumed they must've been denied something, potentially as a form of punishment for being a weaker member of the vex mind, put on duty guarding this room, where some wealth was displayed in the form of diamonds and golden chairs, instead of engaging in whatever ordinary activities that might be occurring. The group hid outside the door, each looking towards each other, wondering what to do. 

Cub inhaled and exhaled. He slid the side of his hand across his neck, but shook his head, then formed a capture motion with his fingers dancing upon each other like he was caging the air..

Iskall narrowed their eyes and nodded. Kryllyk opened his mouth, but swallowed back whatever words he was planning to say. His face was etched with worry as Iskall moved forward, their feet unnoticeable even to a good ear. That wasn't what Cub was afraid of, however. He closed his eyes, inhaled, exhaled, moving the magic he knew was inside him forward. He wanted to support Iskall, he wanted their thoughts to stay quiet. He created a bubble of protection around them, invisible if one didn't expect it, and the Vex obviously didn't. Iskall lunged into the air, blade drawn, and neatly sliced the wings off. Without any warning, the Vex didn't have time to go incorporeal, and thus fell out of the air, landing on the ground with an ear-splitting scream. 

Cub raced inside, not bothering to see if anyone was racing after him. He grabbed the Vex in his hands, flinging their weapon across the room. When removed, the weapon shifted back into a larger size, fit for a player's hands. The Vex bit his finger, but Cub didn't so much as flinch at the small twinge of pain. They screamed and they twisted, but Cub's grip was firm, and beyond that, even if it did escape, he had brought a legion of players to take him out. The Vex seemed to, slowly, realize this, instead choosing to stubbornly stay still. 

Cub could hear his own pulse racing as he used his magic once more in a much… darker capacity. He searched inside of the Vex, a being of pure magic in the end could easily be affected by magic, and found the thin blue line that connected this Vex to the central heart of the hivemind, a massive orb composed of everything that gave the Vex their power. He would have minutes after severing this tie, but it should be enough.

With a slice, it was done.

The Vex screamed and wailed louder. Cub almost felt sorry for the creature, it couldn't help what they were born into. The reminder that this small, innocent looking imp had been at the least complacent and more likely encouraging to those who had hurt Scar hardened Cub's heart.

Where is the ConVex? Cub spat. 

The Vex merely laughed, You're a ConVex, so I say right here.

They didn't laugh for long as Cub squeezed the entity until it cried again. I may be a ConVex, but I am more powerful than you. Tell me where he is, and I might let you live.

That is a bad deal , even a singular Vex could observe that.

Yes, Cub agreed, but you don't have another choice. Where is he?

The Vex hesitated. If they answered, they could be ostracized and cast out, left to die. If they didn't answer, they would die anyway as their magic burned out. Cub was grateful this Vex had a shred of devotion towards themself, They're in the central chambers. If you take a left at the next hall, continue straight and you will find the ConVex. 

Is he hurt? Cub couldn't refrain from asking.

The Vex shrugged, I do not know what players like you might consider a hurt. To serve the Vex should be a blessing, no matter what happens.

That, Cub thought, is where you are wrong. But Cub didn't retort. He asked Tango for a diamond and bequeathed it, and a shred of freedom to the Vex. They regenerated a pair of wings promptly, and flew up happily, utilizing the diamond's power. Yet, when they stretched out to form a new tether to the hivemind, they found that they were blocked from accessing it. The Vex turned red with anger.

"It wears off in a day," Cub dismissed, "and by then, we will be gone."

I hate you, traitor of the Vex, the Vex hissed.

Cub smiled at the compliment, before turning around and addressing the group. "Scar's close. There will be more Vex that appear. We can kill them, but it will be harder. While this Vex," Cub nodded at the floating entity of hate, "can't warn them, we won't have that advantage for long."

"Well," Iskall piped in. They had been deathly quiet after almost killing that Vex, "we can still have surprise. Split up, two is more stealthy, and distract while you and Ulraf get to the middle."

"That's not a half-bad plan," Tango praised.

Iskall narrowed their eyes, displeased at Tango's lighthearted expression, "This is serious. We need to focus ."

Python stepped forward, "Shh, shhh," the creeper hissed and soothed. Iskall froze, an expression of fear and pain on their face, "It's going to be okay," Python reassured, "you're okay

"I'm okay," Iskall muttered to themself. | They looked up, ashamed, at Python, "Sorry, I'm just…"

"It's okay," Python replied, "we're all stressed out."

"Can they continue," Cub butted in, "or--"

"I'll be fine," Iskall promised.

Cub's gaze shone with concern, "Are you sure? You don't know Scar. You don't have to come if you don't want to. No one will be mad, or disappointed. I just want what's best for you. "

Iskall blinked, their diamond eye changing shape as their mind processed Cub's words. They inhaled, and said, "I want to continue. But thank you for asking me. I--" Iskall swallowed, "not everyone who used my services in the past asked that."

"Are you good to continue?" Cub asked.

Iskall nodded, "Let's kill those demons."

"Vex," Krylyk piped in.

"Same thing."

Doc shushed the group. He looked over at Cub. Cub could tell by the shake of his head and the nod that he was asking if Cub wished to take the lead. Cub nodded back and walked, Ulraf scurrying beside him, to the front of the group, slowly leading the way out of the room to continue onwards through the mansion. He prayed to... he wasn't sure who to. After all, even the developers were just people and he certainly wouldn't pray to any Vex, but he prayed to any being listening who could answer that the Vex had been honest. That he wasn't leading his friends into a trap.

The mansions were a trap. He had been stuck in one for so long that it barely even felt like one to him. He found the hallway that the Vex had mentioned. The corridor was long, illuminated by torches that hung from the sides, attached to the walls by iron. While Cub couldn't see any Vex, he could feel their magic growing stronger in the air. One, more likely several, were close. A singular Vex, taken by surprise, was child's play compared to these. Cub whispered in the ear of the panda beside him, "Can your magic shield us from the Vex's eye?"

Ulraf scrunched his face, closing his eyes in concentration, "Yes," he whispered back, "but I don't know what code to change. If I change the wrong part, I could delete all our skin files and make us incorporeal forever."

Cub had a realization regarding developer magic. It was powerful, but it was too powerful. It went code deep, not skin deep like Vex magic or mods or texture packs. If Ulraf messed up his magic, he could ruin the world. If Cub messed up his Vex magic, well... he would only ruin this one. Chaos, but contained. "Okay," Cub spoke, "let's save that for emergencies."

He led the group to creep down the hallways. He wished that they had had a potion of invisibility, something to make sure they could keep the surprise on the Vex, anything to keep an extra edge. All they had was themselves and the weapons they carried. It would have to be enough.

Cub elected against opening any doors. It would be loud, and the Vex could be alerted to their presence sooner. Instead, he waited with baited breath, flinching at the smallest creak of a floorboard, impossible to have noticed before weight was put upon it, wondering if it truly was just a floorboard, or if a Vex had found them, wondering if it was time to run.

He was most concerned for Ulraf. The panda wasn't the best at combat. Mistakes he made under pressure... It was like having an ender dragon on one's team. The dragon was powerful, but she could also destroy the world through simply existing nearby it. The panda could do the same.

Another squeak. Cub froze, putting up his hand to signal to the others to stop. That one hadn't sounded like a creaky floorboard to him. His suspicions were confirmed when, from a wall, three Vex swooped overhead, out of the reach of the players below.

Or so they thought. With a sudden cry, Iskall's knife flew true and hit one of the Vex. The Vex, surprised, fell from the sky, only recovering with it remembered to turn back into its ghost-like form. The Vex hissed.

You are not supposed to be here.

Who are you?

"Who are we?" Cub snarled, "we're players, here to kill you."

The Vex laughed.

Players are our enjoyment.

You're here for the ConVex?

ConVex were once players...

You won't get it. Once a ConVex, always a ConVex.

The Vex chuckled in accord at that statement. Cub laughed too, silencing their amusement with confusion. Doc took the moment to leap and slice at the injured one. With a puff of smoke, it died. The Vex stared downward, in shock at the sudden loss of one of their members from their hivemind.

You wouldn't...

"I am Cubfan135, ConVex," Cub declared. He took a stance, challenging a fight, "And you two are nothing."

The Vex snarled. They flew, faster than a player could run, aiming their swords both at Cub. Cub drew his weapon, slashing at them when they turned solid to make their hit. They screamed louder. Vex began appearing from the wooden walls like they had been waiting for this moment. They poured from all sides, surrounding and taunting and slashing. But Cub wasn't defenseless anymore.

The group formed a circle, back to back, they faced the Vex. Cub pressed next to Ulraf, leaning on Doc who was next to Python, who was next to Iskall, who was next to Kryllyk, who was beside Tango, who was with Impulse, who was on Cub's other side. They were so close, there was no angle to attack them without one attacking them. The Vex howled at this realization. The group pressed in, ready for the first attacks to come.

These Vex were brutes. They hadn't trained in mind magic, though they were certainly capable of it. Thus, only minor illusions and pain came. When Cub swore he had hit the one digging its sword into his stomach, his hand merely passed through. Another hit, wildly veering into the wild, sliced a Vex clean out of the air. Cub panted with adrenaline as he sliced, unwilling to dodge and break the line. Dozens of Vex, all aiming at the group. He refused to be the one to ruin it.

In the end, Ulraf, the weakest at combat, was the first to fall. He collapsed, roaring with pain at a particularly lucky Vex wound. He closed his eyes, the wound closing with hurried desperation. By then, the Vex had already found the weak chain, and flooded Ulraf, slicing and cutting him. Cub jumped onto the panda, protecting him with his body and slicing away the Vex that tried to hurt him. There were too many, there were so many Vex. It was only with help that their numbers began to die down.

"You have to run," Kryllyk said in his ear, "you need to get to Scar. Iskall and I can hold them off, you need to go."

"But, what about you," Cub gasped, hurrying the panda to his feet. Iskall beside Kryllyk smiled coldly.

"We're going to do what we do best. Kill things. HEY! Demons!" Iskall roared, "I bet you can't dodge my knife !"

Iskall flung a knife, neatly slicing a Vex in two. They, at once, turned to Iskall, seemingly deeming him the biggest threat to their power now that the line had been broken. Tango and Impulse leaned upon Doc, he had them both in his arms as Python guided the three through the mansion. They panted as they raced away. Cub hoped that Kryllyk and Iskall would be okay. They were strong players, and no matter what happened next, Cub was glad he had the chance to know them.

"Hurry," Cub urged on, encouraging Doc. His head was bowed in exhaustion, but his powerful legs kept him going. There was only so much a player's body could take, but they continued on, slowing from a frantic run to a more leisurely trot. Cub spied a room and passed off Ulraf to Python so that he could quickly open the door and urge them inside of the small corner room. Cub's pulse rushed as his eyes frantically dashed around the dark oak walls, praying that he hadn't led them into another trap. To his relief, they were safe. He collapsed on the floor as his blood caught up to his heart, the adrenaline fading, but not completely going away. There was an odd sense of numbness to his body. He and Python laid Ulraf down gently upon a woolen carpet. 

Cub knew Ulraf would be okay when he first saw the signs of his wounds closing up, unnaturally fast. Beginning with the most serious ones, the seemingly unconscious panda's gashes were sewn together and joined like by an invisible sewing needle, sewing invisible thread throughout the wound creating a seam somehow invisible to the naked eye. Developer magic, that was what it was, swarmed around Ulraf. Cub could feel it, recognizing the soft churning of code that he had felt before, when the admins had been inside of his mind. Doc was pacing, Tango and Impulse watching from the floor, and Python was gently holding onto Ulraf's arm, watching with as much, though more than likely more fascination and wonder as Cub had. 

"He's healing," Python murmured. The red creeper's eyes were wide with disbelief.

"He's using his admin magic to heal himself," Cub answered, "I've... I've seen it before."

"Is he going to be alright?" Python asked, his voice rough with emotion. Cub could almost make out tears from the eyes of the creeper, threatening to spill down and make a scene. The creeper was holding back his fear and emotions as successfully as he could. 

Cub offered a worry-filled smile, "Yes," Cub promised, taking Python's hand, "so long as he can heal, he can survive anything. He is an admin, after all."

"How long will it be?" came the voice of Tango, almost unrecognizable for the beeps and whirrs that masked it. Impulse was slowly reworking wiring that emitted from Tango's disheveled figure. 

"That's up to Ulraf," Cub replied, "but I've seen him heal his hand in a matter of moments. It's just taking a bit longer this time."

"He will be alright then?" Doc asked. His tail was wagging in frustration and every fur that was still attached to his body pulled back. While the aroma of creeper sap was still thickening the air, Doc didn't seem to so much as notice the gooey fluid from where it emitted.

"Yes," Cub answered again. He loved how the players all were concerned for one another. He loved being able to feel that emotion of relief, of fear, of other natural things. He'd give anything in the world to be safe with Scar to experience them together as normal. He didn't have the world, but he did have Doc, Tango, Impulse, Python, Ulraf, Isk-... 

They would be alright. He would believe that.

"What's our plan?" Impulse asked. "We'll need to move as soon as Ulraf can, and after I patch Tango up a bit more."

"Don't worry about me," came three Tango's speaking in distorted unison.

"Hm," Impulse frowned, "did I mess up some wires. I wish Zed was here, he's always good at fixing you."

"I'm glad he isn't," Tango replied simply. The light from his eyes was flickering on and off. Doc sighed deeply.

"Do you know anything about fixing robotic parts?" Doc asked, his voice conveying every bit of annoyance he must have felt at Impulse's blundering.

"Well," Impulse tried a false smile on, "usually Zed maintains Tango, but he's taught me a lot and-"

"Move aside please," Doc neatly stepped over Ulraf, "let the professionals handle this."

"Wait," Impulse protested, "how do I know you know what you are doing."

Doc scowled. He ripped open a casing on his cybernetic arm, displaying the intricate wiring to the world. Gears, levers, all manner of components that Cub could and couldn't wrap his head around, "Does this answer your question?"

Impulse flushed and looked away in embarrassment, moving to the side to allow Doc easy access to Tango. Cub watched in fascination as Doc rooted through the robot's parts, expertly examining the structure. From the dance of his hands to the look of concentration, if Doc had claimed to be an expert right then and there, Cub would easily have believed him. Before he went any further, Doc looked over at Tango, "Can you hear me, or did Impulse mess up your ear receptacles too?"

"I cAN HEaR yoU," Tango's voice was robotic and stiff, changing volume rather than inflection. Doc frowned, taking a look inside of Tango's throat.

"Do you mind if I work on you then?"

"gO aheaD," Tango responded.

"Would you prefer I knock you out?"

"NO!" Tango's voice was loud and screechy. 

"He hates being knocked out. He'd rather bear the pain," Impulse helpfully supplied.

"Is that true?" Doc asked Tango.

"yEs fact-crITIcal SYSTEMS ERROR," Tango gasped out with final breaths.

"Where?"

"in-in-in-in i-i-i-i-ii--i-ii--i-i-------"

"I'm guessing the chest cavity?"

"-----------"

"I'm opening your chest cavice," Doc announced. He played with a screw, removing it, before opening up and revealing the insides of Tango to the world. Gears, redstone, wires, all working together to create a player. In the middle, it was obvious what had gone wrong. Right where a human heart would have gone was a smoking wreck of an organ. If it had been one of the others, they would have certainly died from a blow like that. Doc emitted a low, "Fuck."

"-f-f-f-f-fiX?"

"I'm going to do my best Tango," Doc reassured. He turned to Impulse, "Does he have any spare parts?"

Impulse shook his head, "I didn't bring the toolkit, which was so stupid of me."

Impulse's growing frustration was evident in every breath he took that came twice as fast as the previous one. "Calm down," Doc reassured, "it's going to be okay. I've fixed worse. Let me see your knife."

Impulse blinked in confusion at the request, but handed it over. Doc inspected the blade for a moment. He looked over the panels of his own arm. Cub eyes widened. Doc pried out a component from his own arm, a green and red contraption that Cub couldn't even guess the name of. It certainly wasn't a component of vanilla redstone. Neither was robotics, but he didn't think cybernetics was too far out of the ordinary for most players.

"What is that?"  Python asked from afar.

"This," Doc lifted the part up, "is what I use to provide extra power for my own arm. It's where I get the extra strength on it. Unfortunately," Doc's face dropped, "removing it means that I lose that. I believe that it was Tango's secondary power that was damaged. This is why he could talk ordinarily at first, but grew worse." 

Doc's explanation was clinical, but easy for Cub to digest. He wondered if the man had been a medic in a previous life. 

"On the good news," Doc said with a smile, an attempt to cheer up the worried faces around him, "you can go back to worrying over the panda. Even without the replacement, only Tango's ability to speak, fine motor control, and several other less critical functions will be downgraded."

"That's still a lot," Impulse replied. He stared at the ground and sighed. "I wish we were home."

"We've come too far now," Python whispered, "we're going to get to the end of the line. For better or worse. Iskall, Ulraf, I? We had a dream and I'm not giving up that dream just because some monsters kidnapped my friend!"

"He's not your friend," Cub replied, "you never met him."

"He is my friend anyway," Python replied, opening his mouth to display sharp fangs, an implicit threat to any who tried to claim otherwise. 

Ulraf coughed, and Cub's world refocused. In a matter of seconds, from worry over Tango to worry over Ulraf. Cub hurried over and knelt beside Ulraf. "Are you doing okay panda?"

Ulraf coughed again. Blood was pooling at his lips. Cub's eyes widened in fear. 

"Python," Cub said hurriedly, "help me push him on his side, he needs to cough out his blood."

"Gravity!" Doc yowled, cursing loudly as he was shocked by the wiring.

It took all their combined strength, but Python and Cub managed to push the panda to his side. From Ulraf's mouth, blood flowed freely, staining the carpet. The Vex would hardly even notice the change, Cub thought grimly. 

"C-Cub?" Ulraf said in between coughs. The panda tiredly looked up, with a gaze that spoke of more than just confusion and tiredness.

"You're safe," Cub replied, offering a hug that Ulraf accepted.

"I'm awful at PvP," Ulraf giggled. He was crying. Cub didn't know if it was just the patches around his eyes, or if he was bleeding blood.

"This is PvE," Cub corrected.

"I'm just awful!" Ulraf grinned, attempting to mask the fear and sorrow etched upon his face. The panda's broken look broke Cub's heart. The next thing to break was Ulraf, into a fit of coughing, more blood being thrown from his lungs to the floor. 

"Hang in there Ulraf," Cub said, patting Ulraf's back. The soft linens of his suit felt padded from the fur coat underneath.

"I'm," Ulraf hacked up more blood, "I'll be okay. I've always been good at healing."

"Because you've gotten hurt a lot."

"Well of course," Ulraf replied with a smile, "how else will I know if the mobs are too powerful if I don't jump in and help fight them? I just don't usually fight twenty Vex at once."

"But you'll be okay?" Python asked.

"Like I said, I'm good at healing."

"Can you heal Tango?" Impulse asked suddenly.

Doc protested, "Hey, I'm doing perfectly fine here, thank you--"

"Sure," Ulraf nodded, "robots are easier than humans. I can affect their code a lot easier, if you give me some space?"

Doc's ears were pulled back as he stepped aside, giving Ulraf a look of suspicion as he pulled up weird screens, almost as if from thin air. They were blue and in a language Cub understood, but could not read. Tango blinked in shock as his body reshaped around summoned parts, brought in from nowhere anyone could see. It was as if Ulraf had simply managed to create them from the air itself. 

The parts moved themselves into place as Ulraf typed faster and faster. He opened up a screen that resembled the pages of a book. It was fascinating, watching him do his work. The panda had the aura of an expert. 

"Just... insert... and slash give Tango..." Ulraf's mouth ran with nonsense, but whatever nonsense it was was helping.

"I could have done that," Doc grumbled beside Python. Python smacked Doc in the arm. 

"What, it's true!"

"Gerryrigged components aren't as effective," Impulse replied.

"Says the person who cross wired tone and volume--"

"Guys, fighting will only divide us," Cub warned. "We need to stay unified from now on. We can't let them win."

"What does this have to do with the Vex?" Doc grunted in confusion. The creeper's red eye was but a slit.

"The Vex sow division between us. We have to work past it to rescue Scar."

"Done!" Ulraf called, "Tango will be perfect after a reboot."

Doc's jaw dropped in amazement. Cub felt shocked too, the robot's chest cavity and rest of his body appeared brand new, like it had completely been replaced and cleaned. His ordinarily glowing red eyes were dim, but flashed between shades. Cub couldn't even guess what had gone into Tango. 

Nor, did it seem, could Doc, "How... how did you do that?"

"Oh!" Ulraf's face brightened, not a trace of his earlier scars and pain could be seen, "it was really simple! I just had to give myself the correct components using commands and then--"

Doc held up a paw, "Actually, I don't want to know. Save your weird developer stuff for the snapshots."

Ulraf's face fell slightly. He turned around with a huff, observing Tango's apparent reboot. Cub watched onwards with curiosity. Tango's body looked empty, impossibly still, powered off. The only semblance of the life that was Tango inhabiting the chalice was the eyes, slowly moving between colors. A sound came, a series of whoops that made a simple musical tune Cub couldn't quite describe beyond 'electronic.' 

"Starting system TANGO," emitted a voice from Tango's speakers. It wasn't Tango himself. The voice was void of emotion or any attempt at inflection, entirely a computer. 

Cub could have cried when Tango's eyes blinked, once, twice, before the robot began moving his head, slouching slightly, his face returning to his normal mischievous resting face. Tango looked around at the group, in various states of relief and awe, "Well," Tango said, "what are we waiting for. We have a Scar to save."

Impulse cried out and squeezed Tango into a big hug, "I love you Tango," he cried over Tango's shoulder, "I'm so glad you're alright."

"You're acting like Zed, Impulse," Tango chuckled nervously. He didn't refuse the hug, instead embracing the embrace, pushing himself in further. He patted Impulse's back, "I missed you too." He pulled back, "But I'm serious. I've delayed us too long. We have a Scar to save."

Cub smiled and nodded, "They'll find us eventually. Iskall and Kryllyk can't hold them off forever. We need to hurry."

"What if we sent someone back to reinforce them?" Python suggested.

Doc shot the idea down, "I'd love to do that, but we don't have the manpower. If we went back, we might all be slaughtered."

No one wanted to admit Doc was right. 

"Look," Doc sighed, "let's get going. If the Vex attack, I'll stay behind and fend them off while you go ahead. Scar can't be that far. Don't you two have a mystical Vex connection thing?"

"Why would you think we have that?" Cub asked in confusion.

"Well it seems like something two Vex would have," Doc retorted.

Cub sighed.

"For, what it's worth Doc," Python spoke up, "if you had to stay behind to defend us, I'm staying with you. We're a team."

"Team Creepers?" Doc asked.

Python smiled, "Team Creepers."

Cub opened the door, revealing a silent hallway. Ulraf pressed beside him, silently providing comfort. Cub lead the way out of the room and further up the hallway. It was quiet, too quiet now as the group ressed onwards through empty halls. The world felt empty, and Cub didn't like it. Each step was making his head ache. The lighting was too bright and his head hurt. Cub paused, testing the air. Vex magic. The others wouldn't have been so sensitive to it, but it was hurting Cub. He closed his eyes and gathered up enough magic to make a simple shield to defend his own mind from it. Delving deep, he quickly found the cause. The magic was upset at his shields, they were trying to dig their insidious claws into his mind. 

And they would be doing the same with the others. Cub reached out and grabbed Ulraf's paw, squeezing it tight and refusing to let go. "They know we're here," Cub announced, "grab your partner. Don't let yourself get seperated, no matter what happens to your mind."

Tango and Impulse, and Doc and Python quickly grabbed ahold of one another's hands and claws. They exchanged worried glances. Cub massaged his forehead, trying to relieve the pressing migraine he felt. It meant they were close, if the Vex's pure aura was causing this much trouble. Every heavy step forward was a step closer to Scar. He inhaled and exhaled forcefully. A Vex's chatter was barely audible in the distance. 

"Kryllyk?" Python said. Cub froze, turning around to find the creeper staring off into space. Doc stared at his partner in confusion.

"Python, there's no one there, we left Kryllyk behind, remember?" Doc prompted.

"Doc's real," Python answered, "I can feel him." Python's face flickered between emotions, "I'm not letting him go."

"It's an illusion," Cub identified, "the Vex are making him see things. Don't let go of him. You need to be a tether."

"How do you know ?" Doc hissed in fear. The creeper's eyes were wide and every hair of his was raised. Cub could smell the stench of the heavy air emitted with every panicked breath.

"Just trust me Doc," Cub urged.

Doc closed his eyes, relaxing and refocusing. "Python, you're safe, I'm here."

"I can hear him," Python mumbled. His arms moved, but Doc's tight grip kept Python steady. "He's here."

"Get out of his head, Vex, " Doc growled, "face us like a real soldier and not the cowards you are." 

The Vex didn't deign to answer. Cub turned to Ulraf, "Watch things for me, I'm going to try and fight them."

Ulraf nodded. He raised his voice towards Doc, "You can do it, Doc!"

Tango and Impulse joined in with encouragement, but Cub had already slipped away. He faded further into the magic surrounding and connecting the world, searching with glowing eyes for the source of the magic that was manipulating Python. It was almost like a bright light, shining past walls and the world. He focused on the source of the magic that was around Python, and found himself gliding like he was in spectator mode, gliding towards the light. There were two Vex, one supporting the other's powers. One glanced over at Cub, but didn't seem to see a threat. Cub blinked, but accepted this opportunity.

The Vex didn't suspect a thing when he viciously dug into their mind, ripping them out of their bond with the hivemind. The Vex screeched, but could barely struggle as its connection broke. It lunged for Cub with a sword that Cub swiftly dodged. The other Vex was shocked out of attacking Python, turning its magic to Cub.

He ran.

The Vex were on his tail as Cub scurried back into his body. Along the way, he glanced by a mirror. He looked identical to a Vex, save for a white lab coat, reminiscent of what he was wearing, that almost seemed to be made of stardust. It was a Vex form that he hadn't even known he could take. Con Vex .

Leaping back into his body, he was surprised to find he was lying on his back, a worried Ulraf overtop of him, squeezing his hand for dear life. He leapt to his feet, surprising Ulraf. "They're coming here. Get ready," Cub gasped, pulling up his weapon. 

Python's whimper caught Cub off-guard. It was the sound of a man close to breaking. 

"Python," Cub whispered to the side, "you and Doc should go."

"No," Python refused, "I need to face them. You should go."

"What?" Doc sounded surprised.

"They're mind manipulators," Python said, "you need to get to Scar. If… if they are--" Python swallowed. He straightened his back, "You need to rescue Scar."

“Python,” Cub whispered hoarsely. Python turned around, ignoring Cub. 

“I’ll protect him,” Doc promised. They both knew he had no way to assure it was kept.

“Ready to run?” Cub asked Ulraf.

The panda smiled, “Need a speedboost?”

Chapter Text

Cub didn’t know what he had expected, but suddenly, his every movement seemed to fly with and unnatural speed. His first attempt to answer Ulraf came out so fast that even Cub couldn’t understand what he was saying. Cub swallowed, and, his words moving slowly and clearly, told the others to follow. Potions were always strange effects, but whatever developer magic Ulraf had pulled out of his sleeve was stranger. The hallway doors whistled past as they jogged through the hallway. They weren’t even sprinting and the world was a blur. Cub prayed they wouldn’t, devs forbid, pass Scar in their haste. 

He bid a word of warning to Ulraf asking for him to guide his body  as he plunged back into the world of magic. He searched the world for Scar’s aura. It was straight ahead, far, but with the magic of Ulraf’s powers quickening their stride, he guessed it would be but five minutes to make it. 

Waking back up into the world of players, Cub groaned as a wave of pain washed over his face . It felt like he had been dragged across carpet for miles, his skin burned. Ulraf was beside him, and it took a few moments for Cub to reorient himself as laying upon his stomach. Had it not been for his now scruffed up clothing, he suppose the trick he had pulled would have hurt substantially more. As it stood, his friends looked naught but worried. Ulraf seemed less so, for as soon as Cub awoke, Ulraf was encouraging him back upon his feet, “You tripped,” Ulraf explained, “but we’re so close!”

Cub nodded, breathing heavily. Tango strode forward, one step carrying him halfway to the next corridor. “Ready to run?”

“Scar’s close,” Cub said, “I saw his presence.”

“Did you see any Vex?” Impulse asked.

Cub shook his head, “They might be hiding their aura, they know we’re here.”

“So, any stealth is basically gone?” Tango asked.

Cub laughed, “We’re sitting ducks. The most we can do is run like hell.”

“Then,” Ulraf responded, “let’s do so.”

That's what they did, faster and faster. They were close. Cub could feel the Vex presence beat in his mind and heart, their aura and magic swirling around, connecting, forcing its chaotic arm and will on the world as it bumped against Cub's mind. He grit his teeth and told his legs to move ever so slightly faster. He gasped as the air turned solid in front of him, tripping the four and collapsing them into a pile on the floor. Impulse groaned at Tango's metal body digging into his shoulder.

"What was- oh, " Impusle gasped, Vex flying through the walls and pouring over top of them. They didn't attack, too focused on their own personal amusement they found in the situation.

Players think they can win.

Silly players.

Sillier ConVex, guiding these players to us.

Good ConVex, bringing us toys.

Cub flinched at the accusation. Before he could say anything, Tango was already pushing Cub and Ulraf forward, "You're close. We'll fend them off."

Cub's eyes had tears in them. He simply nodded before he ran again. The Vex let them leave, to his relief. They were too fixated on Impulse and Tango's taunts and jeers, them raising their voices to direct the Vex to them. The halls were dark, but Cub's eyes were used to the light by now. His head rushed with every door he frantically opened. "Scar's here, " he insisted to Ulraf.

"I know," Ulraf replied, "I trust you."

One door, after the other. Scar's presence was so bright , even not in his spectator form, he could practically see it. Finally, he stumbled upon an ornate door, carved and decorated with symbols of the Vex, squares within diamonds. It burst with its own magic, and the magic that fled from the room inside of it. when Cub was silent, he could hear the slight screams of a being inside, screams he was all too familiar with. Scar.

He opened the door. The room was empty. 

"Another dud," Ulraf sighed, already preparing to continue with their search.

"Wait," Cub said. He closed his eyes, and reached.

The room exploded with magic, dancing around. It began to pull everything in, like the draw of a Nether portal slowly sucking in players, but more powerful. Ulraf took a step back, digging his claws into the floorboard. It screeched as they were sucked into the vortex of magic that was the room. Cub grappled Ulraf, hugging the panda close to his body. Ulraf struggled at first in surprise, but quickly realized what was happening. He wrapped and held Cub tightly. Then, he let go of the floorboard.

Cub almost felt like he had passed out, with how silent the room was in the middle. Had it not been for his ability to feel the fur of Ulraf, he would have thought they had been separated. As it stood, the room was so dark he couldn't see Ulraf.

No, Cub took a second glance. It wasn't darkness. It was magic. But magic had its own limitations. Being close as he was to Ulraf, he could still feel the panda, if he couldn't see him. They were together, and they would stick together so long as Cub had anything to say about it. The magic rippled with displeasure at his thoughts. They could pick up his surface thoughts, he was inundated in their magic, but Cub knew that they couldn't reach deeper. 

He prayed that Ulraf had the same protection.

ConVex.

The Vex were displeased. 

ConVex don't rebel. 

You lead our own to rebel.

He wanted to go to you. He asked to leave.

Cub blinked in shock. Scar had wanted to go with him. Scar had wanted to go with him.

We, the Vex continued, were intrigued.

Who are you, Cub, that our ConVex would betray us for you?

Cub had another shock. The Vex felt so similar, but so different. Cub doubted their words and intentions, he doubted they had any real merit behind them, but they sounded like they, somehow, were kinder. They sounded like a parent, motherly inflection carried with when they spoke of Scar. It was down to the very pronouns they used, the ones Scar prefered instead of treating him like an object. Yet, underneath that coat of paint, was a rotten center. 

"Scar's his own player," Cub spat, "he makes his own choices."

He is not a player, the Vex snarled, he is our ConVex.

"Scar is no one's. He free ," Cub spat back.

Freedom is found in us .

Cub laughed, "If you valued freedom, you'd give Scar the choice."

He should know the truth. You do not understand.

"You're nothing but mobs, you can’t understand freedom," Cub replied darkly. He looked around. While the room was still dark, Ulraf’s fur grounded him. He needed to figure out how to break the magic and thus the barrier. Scar was in this room. He just needed to find him. A Vex flew up to him. Its mad cackling filled the room and the air. Cub braced in pain at the horrid noise. It was too much for his brain to handle, it echoed through the room, reverbing unnaturally with its highs and lows. He didn't let it distract him.

But Ulraf did. 

The body of his furred friend disappeared as Ulraf let go . All that Cub had left was the furs he had pulled off in his grip. Cub gasped and thrust his hand out. "Ulraf!" he screamed.

Your friend has seen our truth .

"No...."

You are ours as well. Every player you've brought will fall. 

We've learnt so much about these 'developers' already.

They cannot erase us. We are the Vex. 

Cub dropped to his knees. He kept feeling around. Ulraf couldn't have- he was strong. He couldn't, he couldn't. 

If the Vex had the powers of a developer on their side, what could anyone do? Ulraf didn't use the full extent of his power, for fear of damaging the worlds, but the Vex had no such fear. He had to be safe. Ulraf must've just teleported away. Maybe Dinnerbone was watching and rescued his fellow Dev. 

For Cub, no one held that much kindness. He was just a player, he was just a ConVex. He was worthless.

You are .

Without us, you are worthless.

We can give you worth .

Only we can give you worth.

Cub shivered. It was so empty. It was so pressingly empty. His mind was foggy, like something was--

Cub blinked and narrowed his eye. He lashed out with magic, dispensing the fog. He shouted at the empty room, "You can't trick me that easily!" 

The Vex hissed. They didn't enjoy Cub breaking out of their spell so easily. He had been weak before, but now, he was stronger than them. He was here. He was in a room. Ulraf was somewhere in the room. He couldn't see it, but the Vex couldn't create space where there was none, and the room could not be that large. He just needed to feel. He ignored the darkness and the magic. He kicked off his shoes to allow his feet to rub against the wooden flooring he knew so well. It was rough, yet also had a degree of smoothness in that it was rarely stepped upon. He didn't know if he could trust his nose, but he smelt the soft odor of a panda. Not enough to pinpoint.

The Vex were screaming in his ear. It hurt. He stumbled, so he crawled. He could feel the floor easier with his hands anyway. Where was Ulraf? Where was Scar? The Vex didn't like him continuing onwards, but with his mind closed to them, and his eyes closed as well, all they had was auditory tricks. Cub blocked out as much as he could, but he still found himself falling prey to some sounds. Scar begging for help. Scar screaming in pain. Ulraf swearing allegiance to the Vex. Scar encouraging Cub to rejoin them. He had paused at that last one.

"It's so much nicer with them, Cub. We had a plan, we had a future. Why wouldn't you want this?" Scar had said. \

"If you are Scar, touch me ," Cub begged. The illusion had vanished as simple as that. The scars had always been made with real knives and swords. The Vex could fake pain, but they couldn't make a wound just appear. They had to attack physically. It… Cub didn't know how he hadn't made the connection sooner. 

He pressed on. The Vex had swapped to physical threats now. He was close. A knife sliced his labcoat open. He found a claw mark. Ulraf.  

He followed the scrapes in the wood. He pushed past the pain, adrenaline flooding his mind and body, forcing him to continue onwards. It wasn't his choice, it was a compulsion to keep going, even if all hope is lost he just had to keep going . He was Cubfan of the ConVex. He would find Ulraf.

You'll never find them.

You're weak.

You are one of us. You should act like one of us.

They couldn't attack him directly. They couldn't do anything to him. Cub was starlet when his hand his a leg. It was hairy, not furry. The leg kicked out, but Cub kept ahold. He held on tight to the leg. How long had it been? It must have been minutes, but it had felt like hours. "Sca-Scar?"

The being paused. Cub made sure he could still feel the leg as he felt up the body. The being was tied to the chair, but struggling weakly. Cub froze when he received a response, "Cub?"

Cub was so foolish. He hadn't prepared himself. He hadn't been ready, and the Vex took as inch and made a mile. Cub opened his eyes. 

He screamed.

Blood oozed from every orifice of Scar's face. He looked like a zombie, but he was grinning maniacally like a Vex. Scar wasn't bound, he had just been holding a rope. He stood up, towering above Cub. Cub reached out a hand. He felt Scar's arm. 

No.

"Hello, Cub," Scar purred . A thousand Vex spoke with his every word as Scar stepped closer to Cub. He backed up, slowly, but each step oozed the fear he felt. The world shivered with darkness, light flashing with each of Scar's words. "What," Scar grinned, "aren't you happy to see me?"

"Not like this, Scar," Cub whispered, "never like this."

Scar pierced his lip, "How… unfortunate. I thought you liked him."

"I love him," Cub replied, blinking away the tears that attempted to fill the hollow void in his chest, "I don't know who you are."

"I am only a Vex showing Scar the way," the creature possessing Scar said, "you can call me BadTimes, if you would prefer."

"I would prefer," Cub grit his teeth, "for you to leave."

"You want this, Cub," Scar- BadTimes said, his sickeningly familiar voice curled the hairs Cub had left. How had this happened so fast? It felt like minutes ago that he had became aware that Scar was gone, and now he was in the middle of a Vex mansion, his friends were all gone. He felt alone like he hadn’t for a very long time. Ulraf, somewhere trapped in this room, the panda was probably in his own personal hell. Tango, Impulse, they had done so much for him and he couldn’t save them. Doc, Python, Kyllyk, and Iskall, he barely knew them and they were helping him.

That was what players did, he guessed. They helped each other. They would even help beings they didn’t have a reason to, animals. It was like they had an innate desire to do good. Maybe that wsa what made him different from the Vex. He didn’t find himself craving any particular amount of power, he just wanted to save everyone. Not for his glory, but because he loved them. 

“I want Scar to be safe and happy. I don’t want him to be nothing more then a shell for you,” Cub answered. The Vex inhabiting Scar’s body growled. There was a moment where all Cub could see was blood rushing around him.

BadTimes lunged. Cub couldn’t scurry away in time, and foound himself held on the floor by a knife. He kicked upwards, forcing Scar off of him. He winced when Scar crashed, hard, hoping he hadn’t injured the body too bad. Scar was still in there, at least, Cub hoped. 

The idea that there was no more Scar was not one he allowed himself to consider. Not when he was leaping towards Scar. He didn’t know how he could get Scar out of there. The Vex seemed to be using physical assaults, and the damage was to Scar’s mind. 

CUb wondered if they were avoiding menal attacks. If Scar was uncooperative, it would take a lot of willpower to suppress him. Cub could pretend he was seeing Scar in every punch he managed to dodge, when a knife slash just barely missed. It clearly frustrated BadTimes, the Vex cursing with every breath. Or maybe they were just out of practice with inhabiting a physical channel. 

Cub swiped. 

BadTImes stabbed.

Cub grappled.

BadTimes struggled against Cub’s weight. He had been gaining some weight, clearly evident in how much more his body weighed Scar down. Scar was struggling, but Cub refused to let go. He closed his eyes when the room become strobing with light, a weak attempt at distraction. It only made him grab harder. He poked at Scar’s mind. 

He gasped as his mind was assaulted on all sides by magic. The Vex’s control over mind magic was aweful and awful. Cub regretted the attempt as he was reminded that he wasn’t as strong as a mansion of Vex. 

Weak. 

The Vex taunted him, their words echoing in his head.

Just submit. Finish this.

No.

You want to, don’t you?

He didn’t.

You’re a silly ConVex, a bad ConVex, but you know the truth. You just want to serve us.

That’s all you’ve wanted, ConVex. Its what you were born to do.

He screeched, lashing out and tearing the nearest Vex’s voice to shreds as it laughed, so painfully laughed. He was panicking, wondering about the lack of response from his eyes. Did he close them, or did he gouge them out? He wished he could do the same to his ears. The world was too much . Scar struggling, and now,  in his voice, his beautiful voice, he was begging.

“Just let me go Cub,” Scar sobbed, “just give in and we can be together.”

He was in a stalemate, his mind siezing up. He didn’t know what to do. He had no plan, no ability. All he had was some magic, and the knowledge that his friends were out there, dead or alive, somewhere. 

What was Death? It was just a way to spawn and respawn, a warning that you were about to be whisked away. Away to where? Had the Vex set Scar’s spawn? Where would he go if he died?

How could Cub even be thinking of killing Scar to be an option. It was so revolting, but he was running out of ideas and he had long since run out of time. He could just lay here forever until the Vex broke through and he gave in, until the developers got around to removing the Vex and him, and he could die, alone, but with Scar. The Vex didn’t have respawn. If they died, they died. He wished he could question Ulraf regarding the code. Would more Vex rise like the zombies at night? 

It was a battle that Cub didn’t even know how to fight, like the author of his history, stuck on the final pages of a novel, uncertain of how to continue, and so they just stopped, staring at a blank page in despair. Cub was that blank page.

Then let us write on you .

Let’s continue your story, as a ConVex.

As our ConVex.

You would be with Scar.

For the briefest moment, Cub was sorely tempted. 

For the briefest moment, he saw a future like that. He, in the mansion, with Scar. They would go about their worthless tasks, happy little being the Vex oft forgot existed, until they felt in need of entertainment. The could comfort each other through the highs and lows. Everything would be normal.  

But how could he pretend that was normal? It wasn’t. It had just been pointless dravel, intended to control, to satisfy the Vex’s urge for power, their need to destory and teardown. 

They were mobs. He suspected it was in their code. He wasn’t Ulraf, so he wouldn’t know. He just knew that this wouldn’t work. He wouldn’t be a Vex’s plaything. And he wouldn’t let Scar….

Forgive me.

He stood up. The world was blurry. It almost was flashing in and out of reality, pulsing between the crippling blackness, and the far too ordinary dark oak walls of a mansion. A Vex flew down. He bowed his head in submission. The pleased murmurs that followed made him flinch. A Vex flew down, grinning at him. It squealed with Cub snatched  its sword. The small sword somehow expanded in size when Cub held it. He turned to Scar.

He wondered if he had imagined the small nod of approval performed. 

He certainly didn’t imagine the screams when he thrust the sword into him.

Nor did he imagine the sickening laughter that followed.

Cub collapsed. He fell upon his knees, feet away from Scar, waiting for the body to dissipate. The convulsing body, the screams, they broke Cub’s heart as he numbly wondered what he had just done. The darkness had disappeared, and he was left in a plain room. He could see Ulraf. The pandas body lay almost motionless on the floor. It wasn’t without pain in his heart that he dragged himself to Scar instead. He grabbed Scar, embracing the gasping body. 

“You… you kill-” Scar mumbled. 

“Shh,” Cub quieted, “you need to rest.”

“I won’t respawn,” Scar said.

“You will,” Cub assured, conviction within his voice. 

“No,” Scar whispered, “you stabbed me with the Vex’s own sword. I won’t respawn. But I don’t want to.”

“What do you mean Scar,” Cub blinked away tears that raised with the rising panic he felt within him. His body was quivering. “You have to be okay.”

“I don’t want to,” Scar sighed. “I’m tired of Vex and what they want. I want to die.”

“I don’t want you to die,” Cub replied.

“I don’t think I can live without them Cub,” Scar answered, “everything is so empty…”

“You won’t know unless you try,” Cub said, “we’ll get through this. And then we can have fun together, on a world somewhere with everyone.”

“I think I’d like that,” Scar mumbled.

“I think you would.”

Scar didn’t respond.

Cub hugged Scar. The body didn’t disappear. It just hung there, loose and limp within Cub’s arms. It took no breaths and made no semblance of movements. Cub found his own breathing occurring faster and faster, a rushed panic rising in him. There was nothing he could do. Scar was dead.

Chapter Text

How did the world choose who and how to drop the final curtain? How did someone cope with the loss of someone dear? Death departs so quickly and leaves too big a stain, it's too much of a strain for him to take. The lifeless eyes, staring blankly out. He wished the eyes were closed. He wished that he wasn't staring at them and their emptiness. They almost looked dry and judgemental. If he had listened to the Vex, Scar wouldn't have… but he didn't. He hadn't and he could have and he felt like it was his fault. He'd seen darkness before, but not like this. He felt so cold, he felt like an empty numbness had spread over his entire body, overtaking him and surrounding him in the embrace of the Void. He wished, in that moment, that he could succumb to it. Leave his body behind and go into the void and never see anything again. 

How could he live in a universe that didn't include Scar? Even if they hadn't been together, Scar would have still been there. It wasn't fair. Scar hadn't done anything, He had murdered Scar. He had killed his friend. Cub was a monster. A vile monster that had killed his victims and if he had just remembered this wouldn't have happened. Now he would never… 

Never. He hated that word. He hated it. He hated it, he hated it, he hated never. 

Unnoticed by Cub, tears had dripped from his eyes, running down his cheeks and onto the floor. They were a stream, a marking showing his grief. He blinked as they flowed, more and more and more and more and more…

He closed his eyes and exhaled.

What could he do?

If a mile was too long, could he not just choose to take a step? What was the next step he could take to make them pay for this. It wasn't his fault. It wasn't his fault. The Vex… it was always them.  

Right?

Cub stood up, his entire body was trembling. He didn't even know how he was still clutching onto the sword. A Vex pushed him, nudging him towards Ulraf. Cub complied, barely even registering the panda. He knelt down. Ulraf was still, his white fur stained red. He wasn't dead, his breaths rose and fell in a comforting pattern of life. Cub knelt down to the panda. He leaned in and shook the body awake. Ulraf blinked, confused. 

"C-cub?" Ulraf exhaled steadily.

"Scar's dead. We need to leave," Cub stated steadily, no trace or inflection in his voice.

"What-no. No," Ulraf sounded almost unnaturally angry. His eyes flashed with a hidden rage that almost made Cub second guess himself, "I can," Ulraf coughed, "I can help him. I just need to--"

"He's dead ," Cub whispered hoarsely, "you can't do anything."

" You can't."

"I-"

Just kill him already.  

Cub flinched.

Yes, just kill him.

You killed the other.

Just kill it.

KILL IT.

"No!" Cub screeched. He leapt to his feet, stumbling as he held up the sword to protect the body of Ulraf. 

Then, we will.

The Vex spoke in a terrifying unison as hundreds appeared at once.

"You'll have to get through me," Cub snarled.  

Then, the Vex grinned, we will.

Like a horde of angry wasps, they descended upon Cub. Each slice of the sword came with a scream, and a Vex falling from the sky. There was no way to pause or stop the flood, more and more kept poring out, appearing and disappearing. Cub found it easier to close his eyes and concentrate on simply swinging his sword. He spat out blood.

They kept coming, but Cub found his muscles growing. Instead of feeling tired, or roped up in adrenaline, Cub foudn himself feeling stronger, unusually strong. Each slice knocked a Vex out of the sky. Each stab pierced several, dropping them like the flies they were.

"Ulraf?" Cub called, unable to even spy the panda when he opened his eyes. His speed quickened. Somehow, one strike became ten like he was struck with an unnatural haste. Cub slashed and struck , barely breaking a sweat in each slice of the blade. It cut through the Vex as easy as cutting through air, and Cub had to second guess if he was actually cutting through anything at all.

But he was. Somehow, he was winning. Ulraf was typing something, Cub noticed in the corner of his eye past the rushing adrenaline. It was as if…He could thank Ulraf later. He was so close. The Vex were floating back, out of his reach. They watched him with cautious eyes, an expression of fear, in their faces.

Stop.  

The voices weren't quite so many.

Please, they begged, stop.

The Vex had finally encountered a force they couldn't win against. A developer with power , and a ConVex to channel said power against them. It wasn't his mansion, but it felt… nice to have some odd semblance of revenge. Cub was panting and sweaty, but his muscles did not ache. Everything felt… hollow.

He had gone so far and he had fought so hard and now, he had won. He should be cheering in victory, he should be dancing with joy, shouldn't he? Why was he kneeling on the ground, staring at the floor as though his body was suddenly too weak to move? It could not be that, despite everything, he had still lost when Scar's breath stopped. He hadn't won.

Ulraf was beside Scar's body, laying down beside him. 

"I might know how to heal permadeath," Ulraf brought up, "but it would take a lot out of me, and I can't guarantee it, but I do know how."

Cub refused to think it might be possible. It was too unlikely. Ulraf was a developer and he could do some powerful things, but it was permadeath. How could he do it? Yet, Cub was still watching as Ulraf murmured words too softly for Cub to hear. He inhaled. He could see the magic.

Dancing like a cloud around Scar, Ulraf's magic came. It was gentle and almost reminded Cub of a mournful song ringing in his ear, an instrument ringing out. It was a purple fog that whisked through the air, though the simple word of purple did not do justice to the majestic color. It was a purple but somehow more purple. It was violent, lavender, amaranthine, glowing lights of shifting purple hues that created a brilliant ballad of color and power. This cloud descended upon Scar, enwrapping him in its embrace. 

The cloud warped when Scar breathed.

And Cub took a step forward. Ulraf didn't seem to notice him, the panda was lying down, mostly motionless, but still breathing. He had a trace of a smile upon his face, but Cub didn't see. He was too focused on the painfully slow blinking of Scar.

"Scar?" Cub breathed.

Scar's every motion was so slow. It was like Cub was in a trance watching his every movement. From the twitch of his fingers to the rise and fall of his chest, it was like- no, he was alive. Cub wanted to hug him, comfort him, feel him, but found his hands glued to his sides.

Scar's lips opened. His throat shuddered as he pushed out a garbled word. "How?"

"I had a little help from someone," Cub smiled, the tears dripping onto Scar's leather coat. "Can I hug you?"

"Why?"

"I need to feel you're alive."

Scar blinked, but gave a small nod.

Cub wrapped his arms around him. He felt Scar breathing in his arms. He could feel the slight thump of his heartbeat. He could smell the sourness of his breath that was now all the more sweet. He could see Scar's slight shivering . The wound that had slain him, the wound Cub had placed in him, was closed. All that was left was the scent and sight of drying blood. 

"Who's that?" Scar mumbled. Cub tore his gaze away from Scar to see Ulraf on the floor. 

"Ulraf," Cub answered, "he's the developer who healed you."

"They can do that?" Scar asked, eyes wide.

"Apparently," Cub answered. "The devs… they're going to fix this."

"They are?" Scar asked.

"They are," Cub squeezed Scar tightly. He would never let him go again.

"We're free," Scar mumbled, amazement evident in his tightening voice.

"We all are."

.

The Vex had stopped fighting. They had almost turned into passive mobs as Cub dragged Ulraf through the halls of the mansion, Scar following slowly behind. All the Vex had stopped, simply staring down from a safe place at the trio. Cub was dreading what the state of the others might be. The winding corridors of the mansion were a maze, and Cub found himself going down three dead-ends before Scar chose to take the lead, unwinding their footsteps and tracing their path back to the main hallway. Both maintained a comforting silence between the two. Neither particularly yearned to make conversation. They just wanted to find their friends and go home.

Home, what an odd idea to Cub. Home implied someplace he could stay, someplace safe and warm and comfortable. Did he have that? 

They first stumbled upon Tango and Impulse, together. They were panting, staring off into space, their hands joined by tangled fingers. They looked tired, worn out. Tango had a long gash in his metal, exposing his circuitry, and his arm hung limp by his side. His hair was in rags, like it had been sliced off and matted. His eyes were dull and nearly lifeless, the robot unable to do much beyond basic functions. His lack of breath almost scared Cub before he remembered the special circumstances of his body. It still made him nervous to see the robot so… lifeless. His joints creaked loudly when they moved, and fine motor skills seemed to be beyond his ability. 

Impulse didn't seem to have faired much better. He snuggled close to Tango, Cub wondered how comfortable the robot could be until he had a thought that it wasn't that the robot was comfortable or warm, but he was there and that mattered. Impulse was bleeding, deep facial lacerations. From his head down to his shirt that was now in blood-soaked rags. Still, Impulse looked up when the group approached, smiling softly even as his gaze grew dimmer. Cub knelt down beside Impulse. The human fell into Cub's embrace in a quick, tight squeeze. It was obvious. They had won.