Chapter Text
Ren couldn’t imagine a day where he wouldn’t smile. He was as happy as could be on the Hermitcraft server. Surrounded by his best friends. Ren was quite happy with his current home too. If there’s one thing Ren loves it’s story building, and gigacorp has done wonders.
Ren woke up like he did everyday. Filled with joy. He takes everyday one at a time and likes to enjoy it all. His morning routine is pretty standard. He showers, eats and brushes his teeth. With pep in his step he got dressed.
It was mid summer on Hermitcraft. Ren, now out of pajamas, was in his gigacorp suit and bright blue goggles. Rens suit was quite heavy but he has a lot of fur. This made him quite used to dealing with being hot.
Ren spends most of his days expanding his base and hanging out with friends. If Ren picked favorites he would say Cleo, Skizz, and False. Though most times Ren wouldn’t admit to picking favorites. He was too nice. He also had a smile that was always contagious. Everyone loved it. Not a single person could say something bad about Ren. If there was anyone who would run to help any other server member in need, it was Ren. He took pride in bringing the joy he had to everyone else.
Ren decided today was going to be used for shaping up the parts of his base that required honey. Ren now changed and ready for the day, headed to his storage system. His storage space wasn’t too extravagant, but it did the job. Ren enjoyed restocking it and keeping it as full as possible. His efforts didn’t help.
*sigh*
Ren was running low on Honey. His brain was wired to fix problems and with that came the urge to fix this one. It wasn’t a big problem, but it was going to require a trip to the shopping district. Finishing his short look through his materials, Ren opened his communicator.
Ren whispers to Joel: Hey is your shop open?
Joel: sure, come visit.
Ren: Thanks! :)
Joel wasn’t a man of too many words, but Ren got what he needed.
Ren went to his ender chest against the wall. From there he pulled out 10 diamonds and put them in his pocket.
Ren all peppy and ready to shop, left his storage room to set foot outside. He took out his elytra and put it on. With one quick run, Ren took off into the sky.
The shopping district wasn’t too far from where Ren was stationed. He could’ve chosen portal travel but he enjoys feeling the wind in his fur. Flying is one of the greatest privileges to Ren and he enjoys taking advantage of it.
Joel’s shop was one of the first to come in view. Joel always loved being over the top with his build and this shop was no different. It was smack dab in the middle, and well, it was a giant tree stump. Ren smiled at the view before him as he landed.
He was quick dusting himself off preparing to enter. The tree stump was an open design so there wasn’t really trouble finding a door. Even so, Ren wasn’t very observant. The obvious difference didn’t stick out to him at first. Flyers. There were tons of flyers put everywhere. Not much space for anything else. Whoever put them there wanted the world to see. Ren walked up to first flyer in view. Interested he started to read.
Volunteering help needed!! Come by to Cubfan135s place!! Offering Diamonds to those who help!
The words on the page were almost shoved in your face. Almost like a desperate last ditch effort. The flyer finished off with a small fine print at the bottom that said
Your safety is guaranteed
“Huh”
It wasn’t uncommon for stuff like this to come up. Hermits could always ask hermits for favors. Cub was also always experimenting so it was often he needed something from others. The only thing different about this was that it was written. Why didn’t Cub send out a chat message instead? Ren didn’t know. Nonetheless Ren prepared to pause his day to help. He considered Cub a friend and would consider his needs. Always putting others before himself. He wasn’t going to stop being that way now. Honey become his second task. Ren looked around for Joel. He wasn’t in sight. He figured he’d update Joel later. Ren shoved the flyer into his pocket. Turning, he made his way back into the sky. Hoping to not intrude, Ren quickly checked in while flying.
Ren: Cub! Still need help dude?
Cub: Yes actually! I would so appreciate it.
Ren: Can I come by now?
Cub: Please do! The sooner the better.
It seemed urgent to Cub. If this sort of thing mattered that much to Cub, then Ren wanted to lend a hand as fast as possible. Ren had become so trusting of the hermits he would do just about anything for them. It was naive but it was the way Ren functioned.
——
Cub and Ren are polar opposites. While Ren woke up everyday beaming with joy, Cub struggled to find something to be excited about. Cubs one pride and joy was science and he didn’t know when to stop. God damn it he should’ve stopped.
—-
When Cub started this season he was super excited. Last season was a hit to him and it made him want to reach sky high. He was going to have so much fun finally incorporating science into his base.
Cub to the other hermits was quiet and reserved. Still, a great person to have around. He works incredibly hard to make things worthwhile. Nothing Cub has made has ever gone wrong and because of this he pushes everything to its limits. He pushes..and pushes.
His bases mechanic this time round was based entirely on skulk. The most dangerous Substance known to Minecraft. Cub was willing to travel to the ends of the worlds to make new discoveries. In between season 9 and 10 something clicked. He wasn’t feeling the adrenaline rush he wanted. He was going to get what he wanted.
As Cubs ideas grew, so did the pile of notes. Thousands of scattered notes. Day after day, research and more research.
“Where do I go. What’ll give me what I want.” Cub knew.
Cub had found it. The spot for his base. Unknowing and excited he started to build. Next to him on the ground lay a note labeled Watchers Domain.
He wasn’t going to sleep for days. He was having to much fun. He had a bigger grin than ever.
—-
Skulk lesson 1: What is it?
Skulk is a dangerous blue substance found underground at a place known as the watchers domain. Skulk creates many different dangerous things. The first is traps. These traps can launch those who step on it into the sky so far. Far enough for death. Second is sensors. These are extremely dangerous and can wake up the watcher from its sleep. The watcher, also known as a Warden, can kill anyone with its sonic scream. It’s best to stay away from the watchers domain. For if you come in contact with skulk itself..don’t expect to make it out.
—-
Cubs base was built faster than anyone had ever seen. First his starter. He built a 3 layer building entirely made of different types of quartz. It wasn’t extremely pretty but Cub was in a rush, a pure adrenaline rush. As soon as the building was classified as stable he ran inside. It was an empty white box. Cub didn’t care. It wasn’t going to something safe, he didn’t need it to be safe. Underground is what had Cub beaming with joy. A brand new fresh lab was all that could sit in his mind. So, in a flash Cub put all but his pickaxe on the first floor prepared to dig down. He was on the top right corner of his new room as he started to go more and more under. Legit not exaggerating, Cub then spent 3 straight days building his lab. Not a care in the world about touching grass or seeing the sun. A true scientist if the world had ever seen one.
The lab was pretty big. The labs back and right wall were lined with tables with grey cabinets underneath. Above those cabinets were more cabinets attached to the wall.
In the middle of the room there was a giant table with you guessed it, more cabinets underneath. Imagine it like one of those giant lab tables you find in a highschool. To finish off the front wall close to the ladder back up was filled to the brim with technology. 3 large test tubes. So large in fact you could even fit an enderman. Cub wanted to prepare for any circumstance with a mob.
In between the two middle tubes there was a giant white board for Cub to use when needed. It was incredible. Faster than Cub had ever made anything and he was basically jumping for joy at the idea of using it.
So, cub didn’t waste any time.
Each tube had connections to the ground. Cubs goal in doing this was to extract everything he could from the ground. He knew this spot was perfect. A smile creeped up his face as he prepared to turn his brand new machines on.
— -
It has been two weeks since Cub built his starter base. He was so glad he did it. His research was continuing to grow. He made discoveries about things he never knew about. It was all so incredibly fascinating to him.
This is where the problem started. Not to Cub but everyone else. Nobody had seen Cub since he picked a spot to build. Cub had been so focused on everything else he forgot to take care of basic needs. For himself. For anyone. He might’ve been a little stinky too. Not exactly from just not showering, but the skulk too. Cub had been around the substance since the day he dug underground. It’s fumes enough to change everything.
It was at this point it finally started to affect Cub. His research had kept him safe on multiple occasions, but even with the right information, the skulk can alter the way you think.
—
Skulk lesson 2: Fumes
Skulk is the worst eaten. Second worst comes from the fumes skulk emits. It almost attaches to your brain the moment you walk into an area with it. It’s made too slow and deprive. This becomes the case in almost every way you function. You can find yourself becoming spastic. Different. This can come from about 5 minutes exposure. It’s rare to live past a couple of days.
—-
Cub let days pass as he continued to research. He couldn’t stop, he didn’t know why. He found his brain getting foggy. This is right. Cub felt it was right. Home. It was as if the skulk had a pull leading him back. As if.. it kept him..safe.
Cub made a huge mistake that day. He had convinced himself this was the answer. Skulk was the greatest thing to ever happen to him and he wasn’t going to let it go. He wanted it. This itch inside of him grew stronger.
His room had been infested with skulk for days and now Cub found enjoyment in the pain it brought. He wanted more. He couldn’t figure it out. How to get more. How to-
Bingo. Cub wanted to inject himself with skulk. He didn’t want to leave but he still wanted to advance. He was going to make himself advance.
So, that’s just what he did. He walked over to the middle table. There lay his needles for injection. He started off using them for small animals, and kept them on his main table. It was then he grabbed the biggest needle and syringe available to him. Skulk was all over the walls of his lab. He didn’t have to hunt to find some to inject.
Cub was fine with grabbing some off the table in front of him. It was a small little blue and black glowy ball.
Cub didn’t hesitate to jam the skulk inside. Something in his body was almost electrified at this awesome plan of his. He lifted his arm up..
*STAB*
Cub had laid his left wrist on the table. With syringe in right hand he looked for a vain and stabbed with full force. Cubs eyes basically rolled into the back of his head. In a weird way Cub felt relief. Pulling the syringe out he laid it back down on the table.
The skulk did exactly was it was supposed to. It pulled him in like some drug to get addicted to.
Cub was just standing in place for a while with his head down. He had a huge grin on his face. At the same time, Cub had tears roll down his face. Of happiness or joy? He didn’t know.
All he knew was that he wanted to do it again.
—-
The plan for Cub was different everyday. His skulk infested base needed to be taken care of and now his brain was unable to keep up.
Cub was located in his lab per usual. Over the past few months since the start of the season it became seemingly more messy. Today Cub hoped for something new. With that, Cub had to ready himself for interaction.
Cub went to his usual table in the middle to rummage through and find his syringe. It was time to take his medicine. It slowly takes the pain away he told himself.
Cub made flyers about 4 days ago. He was willing to give up diamonds just to get some of the busy work off his back. His once awesome idea turned into a based he resented working on. He enjoys the hermits but with the struggles he gives himself they’re more like a small headache. He needed help but almost didn’t want it. His mental health was at a low.
—-
Ren was excited for whatever was in store. By time Cubs fancy experiments were open for others to help every spot was taken before Ren had the chance. Ren believed the skulk at Cubs base to be mesmerizing and loved all the pretty blues. As Cubs base finally came into view Ren started shouting for him.
“Cuuub!! Cub buddy you around??”
No response. Ren knew Cub said coming was ok but something felt off.
Everyday the slulk took its course on Cub. The happy excited man he was became a gloomy drag. Cub knew he shouldn’t let Ren in like this. Cub knew he wasn’t right.
Cub had experience this season having the hermits around the skulk safely. Ren should be no different. Ren.. should be no different.
With every day passing, this urge inside Cub grew. Cub shouldn’t have messed with skulk. With the Watchers Domain.
Ren kept walking inside.
“Cub? Cub dude?”
Cubs original quartz home was much bigger than when it started. It was nice and furnished. Even so, it didn’t look too nice inside. The bright white wall has many blue stains.
“Hi Ren.”
“EEP” Cub was slowly coming up the ladder to meet Ren. “CUB YOU SCARED ME DUDE-“
“Sorry.” Cub didn’t really have an expression on his face.
“It’s ok dude… anyways.. how can I help?” The tension in the room was becoming thick very fast.
Cubs true motivation? He didn’t even know anymore. His addiction to whatever monstrosity of a disease infested him, wanted more. Inner Cub felt trapped. As if he was dissolving away to never be found again.
—-
Two weeks ago:
Cub lifted his head off the table. He fell asleep in his lab again. The room was pitch black other than the skulks glow. Cubs limbs felt heavy and his head was pounding. His vision was blurry as he tried to steady himself and stand up. Cub immediately felt nauseous. He continued to try and stand and his leg fought back. Cub buckled. With his back against the table in the middle, he doubled over, throwing up.
In an attempt to hide it, he practically puked right in his hands. Blue. It glowed while sticking to his hands.
Everything was sideways for Cub as he began to lay on the ground in extreme pain.
Cub laid in the same spot for about 10 minutes in pain. Once his vision decided to steady at least a little, he reached up with his right hand to place it on the table.
Cubs hand stuck to one of his notes on the table. Slipping, Cub fell back to the ground again.
His puke shouldn’t be that sticky, but it was. Entirely unnatural.
“GET OFF YOU STUPID-“ Cub was frantically shaking his hand. Nothing. Nothing at all.
Cub decided to stop. He was weak and delirious. Sitting on the ground the note before him became clear.
It was dated from months ago. Cubs head wasn’t clear enough to read the tiny text, but the title was clear.
Skulk removal
Cub suddenly remembered. He wrote this last ditch effort months ago incase it all went wrong.
There was one problem. His freedom was going to cost another..
—-
Ren was such a happy soul. He could smile over just about everything. Cub didn’t like it. Something about his happier demeanor pissed Cub off. Actually, it didn’t matter who was there. Ren was a victim falling for whatever Cub had in store. Cub knew that and he hasn’t even done anything.
It was awkward but Ren continued to smile at Cub. The smile burned brightly in front of him. Cubs bad mood was like extinguisher ready to put Rens smile out.
“Come on. I have what I need help with in my main lab.” Cubs expression still blank.
The skulk had infested every fiber of Cubs being. His feet began moving faster than he could think.
“Ok! Happy to help.” Ren didn’t falter his smile. Cub then gestured towards the ladder he just came up from and started to move. Ren followed close behind.
Ren could smell the skulk a mile away. It was extremely weird. A first time exposure made the Skulk extremely pungent.
“Welcome to my lab Ren.”
The sight to someone who didn’t know, was astounding. Ren was in awe with the amount of technology used to run the lab. Ren could very much see the mess but wasn’t going to mention it. If Cub didn’t care, neither did he.
“Um. Cub? Can I ask about the smell?” Ren was too curious for his own good.
Both were now fully in the Lab. Cub leaned on the table encouraging Ren to do the same.
Ren was a large man. He was around 6’0 and one of the taller members of the server. On the other hand Cub was the opposite. Cub was around 5’4 and one of the shorter hermits. The only thing Cub had going for him was the skulk weakening Ren with every second that passed. With every spec swarming his lungs. Ren was starting to feel it.
“The smell? Just skulk doing its work.”
Ominous, very ominous. Ren pushed down the icky feeling he was having.
“I don’t know how to explain this to you Ren.” Cub was over waiting.
“Oh? Experiment giving you troubles?” Ren reaches his hand towards Cub facing him on the other side of the table. Cub smacks it away.
“Don’t.” Cubs insides have been needing out since he made this decision. He wasn’t going to change it now. Cub was on the verge of ripping himself to shreds.
“Cub. If you want to talk. We can do that instead.” Ren was too caring for his own good. Ren. Was caring. Too much.
Cub needed to scratch the itch in brain. His eyes stared at Ren. Cub clenched his first. His eyes began to dilate as a sudden anger washed over him.
Cub walks over to Ren. Now both on the same side of the table, the air grew stagnant. Stagnant enough for Cub to take action.
Ren didn’t think he’d ever have to defend himself. So he didn’t.
Cub Punched Ren straight in the gut. Cubs size wasn’t enough to knock Ren over, but with full power Ren still stumbled. Taking a couple steps back, hand on table Ren let out a couple grunts.
“OW! WHAT THE HELL DUDE.” Cub didn’t want Ren to speak. He wanted to get this whole thing done and over with.
Ren had lost some air with that punch. He was basically panting. “Cu-“
*WHACK*
Cub went a little higher this time. Closer to Rens ribs. Cub wasn’t extremely experienced in fighting, but he had studied where to hit. Punching the ribs was going to get Ren gasping for air.
It was calculated. Cub knew the more Ren breathed in the skulk, the easier it would be to beat the man. It was working.
Ren started to have dark spots fill his vision. There was an immediate stabbing pain in his side. It was when Ren took his hand on the table and reached to his stomach that this fight ended.
*WHACK*
Cub had punched the right side of Rens ribs, and now the left. Ren finally fell down. The mix of missing air and pain knocked him out. Cub finally smiled.
He looked down at Ren on the floor. He didn’t feel anything. He wasn’t sad, he wasn’t happy. The only thing he knew was that he wasn’t done.
When Ren fell he went back, leaving his feet close to Cub. The hard part was over, but dragging Ren was still going to be hard.
Cub got started. He grabbed the 6’0 man and propped him up against the table. Cub then walked over to the first of his 3 large tubes and opened the door. He let out a sigh as he went back to where he propped up Ren.
Cub grabbed Rens shoulders and started to drag him towards the tube to his best ability. It probably looked awkward and stupid but nobody was there to see it.
Cub huffed with all his might, shoving ren awkwardly in the tube. Ren was still passed out but Cub had no idea how long it was going to last. He needed to act fast.
*screeeech*
Cub had to shove a little hard to get the door to stay with how big Ren was, but closing it was doable.
Cub felt content. Tomorrow was going to be different because he was going to make it different.
With the door now closed Cub looked at Ren.
“My heart will bleed through you.” Cub whispered. He hadn’t felt this excited in a while.