Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The specters wanted a fight. So be it. They didn’t have a choice. It was what they wanted. Grian and Scar walked up the sandy hills of their mountain. He could feel Them, see Them. Him and Scar set up their fighting arena. Cacti lined around them in a circle. Grian was working purely on autopilot. Stopping any emotions from flooding his system. He wanted to stay here with Scar. But it can’t be like that. They won’t let it be like that. 

Scar stared at him from the other side of the cactus ring. The sun behind him shined in a way that made the vex look like an angel. His blue wings made blue lighting on the sand beneath him. He looked gorgeous. But Grian would never be able to tell him that. He would never be able to tell Scar that loved him. 

It’s too late to turn back now. Grian had spent this game keeping Scar alive. Yet now Grian regrets everything. If he hadn’t been protecting Scar, Scar would be resting with Scott and Jimmy. It sounded bad. But Grian would much rather Scar be dead than have to fight him like this. 

3

2

1

A voice in the back of his mind counted them down. At the same time, both him and Scar jumped at each other. His fist connected with Scar’s face. The vex stumbled back and shoved him away. They traded punches. Grian was more so the one throwing the punches. While Scar just shoved. Why wasn’t he fighting back? 

“Fight back!” Grian yelled. 

No matter how much Grian yelled at Scar, it didn’t work. Scar ended up bleeding on the floor. Dark red stained the sand underneath them. Grian watched as Scar took in a choked bloody breath before going still. 

<GoodTimesWithScar was slain by Grian> 

The moment the death message popped up, Grian was hit with an onslaught of memories. Since this game started, no one had any memories besides their names. But with Scar’s death. The Watchers happily gave him every single missing memory back. He’s hurt his friends, his family. 

A sob escaped Grian as he held the cooling body close. He was the reason all of this happened. If he hadn’t escaped the Watchers then they wouldn’t have been thrown in this game. Jimmy, Ren, Etho, Scar, so many more were hurt. It’s his fault. 

Stumbling to his feet, Grian made his way over to the cliff’s edge. The sand below him was its normal yellow/white. Not blooded red. Everyone else died in a painful way. Why shouldn’t he? It was only fair. He should suffer more than they have. Tears upon tears flowed freely down his face. 

This was all his fault. 

“Please don’t cry.” A voice of a ghost whispered. “Please don’t cry, songbird.” 

“It’s all my fault.” Grian responded. 

“I forgive you.” The ghost wrapped its arms around him. “We all forgive you.” 

Grian shook his head. “You shouldn’t.” 

The voice went to say something else. Grian didn’t listen. Going against his instincts, Grian pulled his wings in and fell. A shout could be heard as he fell. Grian never looked up. If he did, he would have seen an alive vex, trying to stop him 

Chapter Text

Xander sat in his bedroom. His parents and a few Watchers were talking about him. About him. They were discussing his future, the prophecy that had just been formed about him. He was gifted with powers that no one has ever seen before. And the Watchers wanted to experiment with it. 

His name was called from downstairs. They were finished talking. Now they needed him down there. Without much of a choice, Xander got up from his bed and left the room. The door that led to his younger brother’s room opened up. His three year old brother peaked at him, and all Xander could do was smile and gently shove Xisuma back into his room. Then Xander turned to the stairs and walked down. 

Two Watchers were already Watching him by the time he stepped down. While his parents were smiling at him. Not a happy smile, no. But a sad smile. What did they decide for him? Why were his parents smiling like that? 

“Mama? Papa?” He questioned as he sat down on the couch. 

“We have decided that you will go with us.” A Watcher said to him. 

“Go?” Xander looked at his parents. “Go where?” 

“Watcher Domain love.” His mother smiled at him again. “You will go with them to learn how to use your powers.” 

“What?!” 

“Yes. We’re leaving in five minutes. Be ready, voidwalker.” 

They can’t be serious! Xander doesn’t want to leave. His family and friends are here. Xisuma is here. Do they think he can just leave his brother? No he can’t do that. Xisuma needs him. His brother needs him to help him make his breakfast, do his homework, walk him to school. 

Xander looked at his parents. “I can’t go.” 

“You’re going.” His father left no room for argument. “It’s what the prophecy said.” 

“Screw the prophecy-“ 

“VOIDWALKER!” Xander jumped as the Watcher shouted his name. “You do not get a choice. But if you leave willingly, then you may say goodbye.” 

“Go say goodbye to your brother.” His mother whispered. 

Does he really not get a say in his fate? Guess not. Xander all but stormed back upstairs and into his room. Making sure to slam his door so the Watcher’s knew he wasn’t happy about this. A moment ago he was okay with them deciding his fate for him. But that was before they said he was being taken away. 

How was he supposed to tell Xisuma this? Hey, I'm going to be leaving. There is a high chance I won’t see you for a few years. Maybe even never again. Sorry, not my fault. Alright, bye. See you maybe. 

There was a small knock on his door. Xander turned around to quietly and slowly open said door. Xisuma stood there, clad in his pajamas and holding his axolotl plushie. Opening his arms, Xisuma hugged him. He picked up his brother and placed the younger on his hip. Void, what was he gonna say? 

“Remember that one week I was at that camp?” Xander walked out of his room and into Xisuma’s. 

Xisuma nodded. “Yeah, and I missed you.” 

“Well I'm going to another camp in a few minutes.” Xander gently kicked some toys out of the way so he could get to the bed. 

“So you’re saying bye bye?” Xisuma questioned as he was tucked into bed. 

“Yes.” Xander pulled the blanket over his brother. “Now go to sleep.” 

“When will you be back?” 

When will he be back? “Soon. I promise.” 

That promise was a lie. Xander knew it. Voidwalkers who went with the Watchers never came back. But if they did, they were never the same. Pressing a kiss onto his brother’s forehead, Xander gave his love to the younger before leaving. 

Possibly forever. 

Chapter Text

Ren deserved to be alone. He’s a rabid dog after all. Who in their right mind would ever want to be around him. He’s big, he’s scary, he’s dangerous. It would be better if he just left everyone alone. They wouldn’t have to deal with him anymore. If he’s gone, so many people would be happy. 

He was under his bed, hidden away from the world. Somewhere in his base was Doc. The goat-creeper was calling out to him, looking for him. Ren didn’t want to come out. He didn’t want to hurt anyone anymore. And if Doc finds him, he’ll be forced to come out. And if he is forced to come out- 

“Ren?” A voice crouched down by his bed. “Why are you under your bed?” 

No answer came from Ren. Instead he pulled his ears flat against his head and curled up further into the ball he was in. Doc called out to him a second time. But Ren didn’t respond. A hand found its way into his hair then his ears. Endorphins flooded through his body but Ren didn’t dare relax because of them. He has no right to take part in the pleasure of having his ears scratched. He’s just going to hurt everyone in his vicinity. 

“Ren,” Doc gently said. “Can you come out please?” 

Ren shook his head. 

“Why not?” 

Ren didn’t answer again. 

“Ren please.” Ren tried to ignore the slight description in Doc’s voice. 

Finally, Ren answered. “Im just going to hurt you.” 

“Ren, no.” He heard Doc shift so he was laying on the floor. “You’re not going to hurt me.” 

“I hurt so many people Doc.” Ren pulled away from Doc’s hand. “I made people suffer.” 

“The Watchers took and manipulated all of you.” Doc laid his hand on his back. “Nobody blames you for Red Winter.” 

“They hate me-” 

“No they don’t.” 

Why didn’t Doc understand?! Ren remembers the looks of fear, of hatred. Either people were scared of him, or they hated him. As they should. He just needs to hide away. Hide away from the fear and the hatred. Tears Ren had long since dried out started falling as his chest decided to get tight. All of this was his fault. He was the reason everyone hates him. And even that, so much blood was spilled because of him. He deserves to hurt, to bleed. Like he made everyone in Third Life. 

“Ren.” Doc’s hand went back to his ears. “Please don’t make me get Xisuma.” 

“Please don’t.” Ren forced Doc’s hand away again. “Just leave me alone.” 

“No-” 

“Doc,” Ren knew that Doc could hear the tears in his voice. “Please just go.” 

Doc didn’t respond to him for a long moment. “Are you sure?” 

All Ren could do was nod. “Please go.” 

Thankfully, Doc finally left. Possibly to get Xisuma, possibly to get someone else. It didn’t really matter. As long as people were away from him, they would be safe. If he was alone forever then everyone would be safe forever. No one would have to suffer because of him. 

Chapter Text

Scar pushed himself against a dirty wall in some forgotten alleyway. Blood rushed from the arrow that had struck him in his left side, nearly hitting his lungs. The world unfocused for a moment and Scar was the ground.  Hot white pain stretches from just under his arm pit to the knee of his leg. He got shot by Cuteguy! He was the top freaking hero and he got shot by some vigilante who thought themselves better. Anger made itself known as the pain died down just a bit. Scar needs to stop Cuteguy, they can’t keep running around like this. 

Forcing himself off the ground, Scar rushed out of the alley, his own bow ready. But there was no Cuteguy to be seen. No winged pink/black winged avian high in the bright blue cloudy sky could be seen. If there was Cuteguy, there was no reason to be here…Scar could go home, maybe get Cub to help. Cub would be furious, now that Scar thinks about that. Grian maybe? No, Grian about buildings he would know nothing about arrows stuck in someone’s side. The Agency? They would be upset that Scar didn’t capture Cuteguy. 

The coward realized he was there. Scar only knew this because of the cameras he could see flashing. The public shouldn’t see him like this, injured and bloody. What would the Agency say! They would be even more furious if Scar got injured plus if he didn’t get Cuteguy. Nope, he needs to get out of here and he needs to get out of here now. Shooting his grappling hook, Scar got away from the coward in record time. He needs somewhere to go…Cub’s lab would be his best bet. He would much rather get yelled at by Cub than spook his boyfriend. 

By the time Scar managed to stumble his way into Cub’s lab, the pain had turned into nothing but an annoying buzzing sensation. Cub was already at the door when Scar practically collapsed into his arms. The world faded out for a split second before Scar realized he was sitting on a table, Cub fretting over his injury. Scar felt slightly bad for Cub, he was much more of a redstone guy then an arrow stuck in the side kinda guy. He was always dragging his poor brother into these kinds of messes. 

“Are you sure you know what you're doing?” Scar question, words slurring as the adrenaline faded. 

“Don’t be scared.” Cub pulled on some gloves. “I’ve done this before.” 

“You’ve done what-!?” Scar went to sit up, but the flaring pain reminded him that he was still very much injured. “When?!” 

All Cub did was shrug. “I have hobbies.” 

“Hobbies? What hobbies?!” 

Cub gave him a classic dead panned look. “Taking care of you.” 

“Oh…” That did make sense. 

Cub began to question him, about the fight, about the injury, about anything. Scar half heartily responded to all of the questions. The thoughts inside of Scar’s head were over powering Cub’s voice. He was the top hero, and he got shot. Everyone must see him as a failure now. They probably should. Scar has failed again and again and again to protect the people of the city. They should all be angry with him, that’s what makes sense. Does Cub dislike him? Scar wouldn’t be surprised. The eldest of the two is constantly looking over him, even if Scar is the hero. 

“Scar!” Cub’s voice cut through what was beginning to become a spiral. 

“Sorry.” Scar chose to stare at the ground rather than look at his brother. 

“Scar, look at me.” Scar didn’t listen so Cub guided his eyes towards him. “Look at me.” 

“I’m sorry.” Was all what Scar could say. 

That seemed to confuse the older one. “Why?” 

“I’m a terrible hero, and a terrible brother for making you constantly have to heal me up when I screw up. I’m probably a terrible boyfriend to Grian, I’m never around because I’m the top hero. Void…he doesn’t even know who I am. What kinda person does that make me if I keep this big of a secret from him? Besides, I can’t even capture Cuteguy.” 

“Scar.” Cub stopped him from further rambling. “Breathe.” 

Again, Scar looked at the tiles on the ground. His vision was blurry from the tears that had begun to fall, soaking into his uniform. Cub should go back to his work, and Scar told him just that. To which his brother denied him. Why wouldn’t he leave! Scar should be able to take care of himself. There was some mumbling coming from Cub before the older one of the two pulled him from the table and into the room where Cub always seemed to crash for those late nights. 

Try as he might, Scar tried to pull away from his brother, who didn’t seem to care. Scar was forced down onto the bed with orders to take his uniform off, which was the only thing Scar happily agreed to do. He wanted out of his bloody sweaty uniform. Cub helped him pull off the bracers that kept him running around in the day. Once those were off, Cub threw a spear change of pajamas for him to change into. Scar got changed right in front of his brother, who has seen him in worse cases than getting changed. The moment they were both changed, Cub made him lay down so he could cuddle with him. 

“Wanna tell me what’s going on in that thick head of your’s?” Cub question after a moment or two of silence. 

“I’m not…” Scar had to start and stop a few times. “I’m not a good hero.” 

“Why? You keep the city safe, I’d say you're a good hero.” 

“The Agency-and Cuteguy-” 

“Shouldn’t matter.” Cub cut him off. “It doesn’t matter what either of them do or say, as long as you believe you're a good hero, you're a good hero.” 

Why did Cub think that? “It doesn’t work like that.” 

“Do I need to put False on you? Get you back into therapy with her?” 

“No-” 

“Then stop thinking that and go to sleep.” Cub snuggled into him. “The pain meds should be making you sleepy by now.” 

“What-how do-” 

“Taking care of you, side hobby.” Cub shrugged. “I can figure out how long it takes for the pain meds to kick in for you.” 

“I-” 

“Shhh!” Cub hissed. “Sleep.” 

Scar reluctantly relaxed into his brother’s hold. At least here he was safe. Safe from the Agency, safe from Cuteguy, safe from the world. Scar could almost pretend him and Cub were back in their hometown. A little place filled with nothing but wilderness surrounding them. They two would play for hours until the sun would start to change the sky from blue to pink and orange, then they would have to head home before the sun would fully sink below the ground. But they weren’t there anymore, that place was long gone. But it was nice to pretend. It was also nice that Cub didn’t yell at him this time for getting injured. 

Chapter Text

Xisuma was lying on the floor inside of his starter base. The moon was due to crash into the server in less than two weeks. All of his players were rightfully scared out of their minds. To which Xisuma couldn’t comfort them, protect them. There was nothing he could do but watch his server tear itself apart at the seams. Evil X had run off about a week ago, leaving Xisuma without someone who had the power to help him. His brother most likely knew how to handle all of this. 

His com was buzzing constantly nowadays. Panic was desperately trying to claw its way into his mind and body. The only thing keeping it down was lying on his floor and dissociating until the sun long went down. No emotions could reach him if the world went blurry and his thoughts went silent. No panic was good. 

Hours ticked by but Xisuma never registered those hours. Somewhere in his dissociated brian, Xisuma knew he needed to get up, help his server. But dissociating felt so good. No thoughts, no emotions, just pure numbnesses. Someone came into his base, but Xisuma never heard it. They were calling out to him, but again, Xisuma never heard. The person shook his shoulders, but Xisuma didn’t respond. So whoever the player was, dumped an entire bucket of water onto him. Which finally snapped Xisuma out of his spell of dissociation. 

“Hey Shisywammy.” Keralis smiled at him and sat down on the carpet. “How are you doing?” 

Xisuma moved to sit up, his entire left side was numb after lying down for however many hours he was lying down. “My panic’s at the ceiling, but I’m face down on the carpet.” 

Keralis placed his head on his shoulder. “We’re here to help, you don’t have to do everything on your own.” 

“I’m the admin, that's my job.” 

“We want to help.” Keralis grabbed his hand. “Let us help.” 

Xisuma went to respond, but Keralis cut him off. “No, we’re going to help whether you like it or not.” 

***

Xisuma stared down at his admin panel, Boatem was still missing. It was like they almost didn’t exist at all. Error codes upon error codes popped up on his panel anytime he typed in his player’s nametags. Where were they? Why couldn’t he find them? Were they gone? Did Xisuma fail them so badly they were gone forever. He’s failed…he was supposed to protect them, keep harm’s clutches far away from any of them. 

“Shisywammy.” Keralis pulled the panel out of the tight hold that he was holding it. “We’ll find them.” 

“I can’t find them.” Xisuma didn’t like how close he sounded to tears. 

Keralis gently tossed the panel onto the ground and wrapped him into a hug. “I know, but I promise. We WILL find them.”

Chapter Text

Things weren’t going as planned, far from it. They were surrounded by Dogwarts and explosions shaked the world around them. Scott was crouched down on the floor, his side up against a wall, shooting arrows at the Dogwarts dogs. There was something that went flying past his face, then there was a hiss of pain behind him. That hiss of pain came from Jimmy, his canary. Wasting no time, Scott spun around and watched as red blood dripped down from Jimmy’s shoulder. 

“Scott-” 

Scott rushed over to his bleeding husband. He made sure to grab the practically empty med kit. They needed to get the blood flow under control. Jimmy can’t bleed out. He’s on red life, his final life. Once he’s gone, he’s gone. Forever. And Scott will be all alone. No-no. Jimmy can’t go. 

Jimmy tried to say something to him, but Scott wasn’t listening. Instead, he pulled the arrow from Jimmy’s shoulder and began to wrap the wound. He was desperately trying to keep the fear of losing Jimmy down. There was another person trying to call out his name. 

“Hey.” Jimmy gently placed his hand under his chin to push him up, “Look at me. What’s wrong?” 

Scott cut the last of the bandages away. “Your red life. I can’t lose you.” 

“You won’t lose-” 

“You can’t promise that.” Another explosion went off. 

Jimmy placed a kiss to his forehead. “Then I love you.” 

There was a call from Grian to go back to fighting and quit yapping. “Just tell me you're okay, and I’ll be fine.” 

“I’m okay.” Jimmy gave him a kiss on the lips this time. “I promise.” 

With that reassurance from his husband, Scott went back against the wall. Grian nodded at him as they began to fire more arrows. Somewhere off to the side, a side where no one could see them from. A player approached them. All Scout could see was an arrow flying, and Jimmy’s body falling. Two shouts could be heard, one from Grian, one from Scott. He was over to Jimmy’s body before Grian. 

“I’m sorry.” Jimmy choked out as blood poured the arrow in his forehead. “I already broke your promise.” 

No, no, no, no, no, no! Jimmy can’t die. His husband can’t be gone. Grian clearly felt the same about his dying brother. What’s gonna happen once his Poppy is gone? His dear Poppy sounded like he was in pain. Of course he was! There was an arrow sticking out of his forehead. Both him and Jimmy were crying, one in pain and one in sadness. 

“Don’t be sorry.” Scott went to run a hand through Jimmy’s hair. “I love you.” 

“I’m sorry.” Jimmy repeated before going silent. 

Scott wasn’t all there for the rest of the battle. Try as he might, Scott couldn’t focus on anything but his lover’s death. Scar tried to talk to him, but it didn’t work. If Scott died at this point it would be okay. If he dies then he will be with Jimmy, and that’s okay with him.

Chapter Text

The only way out of here had to be death. Right? Right? That means all he had to do was get enough damage, his hearts down enough to get out. Go home. See everyone once again. Go home, that's all Scar wants to do. Just go home. 

There were so many different ways Scar had chosen to end his final life. Fall damage broke every single one of his bones. Drowning until his body felt like he was a water mob. Hunger, until he was shaking on the floor. Mobs just ripped his body apart. Lava and fire, his skin still felt like it was burning. 

No matter how many times Scar did something, he remained at half a heart. The Secret Keeper refused to let him die. Scar tried desperately not to show the desperation at him not dying. But hours turned into days, days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, months turned into years. Scar remained alone in Secret Life, all by himself beside the bodies of his friends. 

***

It was towards the end of season nine. Scar had long since been rescued from his trapped Secret Life server. He hasn’t been alone for more than an hour since then. Being alone constantly raises his anxiety to the point where the world would blur and a panic attack would set in. The Hermits have been making sure he wasn’t alone for that long. 

But he was alone right now. All of the Hermits were out finishing up the end of the season business. He was all alone once again. Again and again and again. All alone, all alone. By himself. Forever and ever and ever and ever and ever and ever. 

Pain sprouted from his arms as blood began to drip from the wound that were caused by his nails digging into his skin. The pain was good. The pain meant that he was here. That at least he was grounded from something. Pain was good…pain was good. He needs more pain. More pain would be better. 

“Hey, hey.” Someone pulled his hands off of his arm. “Don’t do that.” 

Whoever was here pulled him into a hug. “I’m here now. You're not alone.” 

“I’m sorry.” Scar mumbled into the hug. 

“It’s okay.” Grian pulled him closer. “You're not there anymore.” 

“I know. I’m okay.” Scar said even though they both knew it was a lie.

Chapter Text

He was hideous. Completely and absolutely hideous. Deep purple wings were spread out as his eyes glowed purple for every player out there to see. His magic was gone as everyone logged onto Past Life for the first time. No magic meant everyone would see how hideous he truly was. 

Even though he already had a plan for this season, Grian ran off to go hide before anyone could take a full look at him. There were a few people calling out to him, but Grian didn’t listen to any of those calls. The further he got from anyone the better. 

Try as he might, Grian couldn’t get that far away. After all, the border on this server was incredibly small compared to a normal server. Sooner or later Scar was the one who found him deep in the caves. Scar was one of the only players outside of Mumbo and Xisuma knew what he looked like. 

“Grian?” Scar went to grab his hands, but Grian pulled away. 

“Don’t touch me!” He shouted. 

“Why not Songbird?” 

“I’m hideous.” Grian confused. 

Scar looked shocked. “What?” Scar grabbed his hands even though Grian tried to pull away again. “Who told you that?” 

“Look at me!” Grian yanked his hands out of Scar’s grasp. “And tell me I’m not hideous.” 

Scar walked around him, taking all of him in. Grian could swear that Scar’s eyes were beginning to burn into his silently purple skin. A hand lightly grazed the hand of one of his wings. Grian had to try not to flinch at the touch. But that didn’t stop him from jumping when a small kiss was placed in between his wings. 

“You're beautiful.” Scar fixed an out of place arrow. 

Grian knew that the touches Scar was giving him was supposed to be comforting. But each touch came with a mini burn. He hated it, every touch. Scar didn’t seem to notice how tense Grian was beginning to become. 

“Stop. Stop!” Grian backed away from Scar. 

“Grian-what-?” 

Scar looked betrayed. And that only made Grian feel guilty for pulling away. The vex tried to say something, but Grian turned to walk out of the cave. He needed to get out of this cave and away from the burning touches. Right now, he needs to focus on getting his magic cover back up so he is no longer hideous.

Chapter Text

“Scar.” 

“Scar.” 

“Scar.” 

“Scar!” 

“Scar!” 

“SCAR.” 

“SCAR!” 

“What do you want!?” Scar looked up at the glitchy sky. 

Right now, Scar was sitting right in front of the success button. He had been sitting here for the last couple of hours. His hunger bar had reached just one bar. Scar needs to eat, get up, do something. Anything. What’s the point though? 

“Get up.” 

“No.” 

“Why?” 

“You won’t let me go home.” 

Scar has been trapped on this stupid server for the Watcher’s only know long. And they did know, they were the ones who trapped him here after his win. It didn’t matter how many times he pressed the success button. They wouldn’t let him leave, so why in void’s name would they want him now? 

“No can do little player.” 

“Let me make a deal at least?” 

He wants to be out of here, out of this server. He wants to go home, back to Hermitcraft and everyone else. They were all gone, all dead…well not dead…but back on Hermitcraft. Safe and sound. But not him, no, he’s stuck here. Alone, by himself. 

“What deal is that?” 

“I want to go home.” At this point, Scar would do anything to go back home. 

The Watcher stayed silent up in the sky for a long time. “We’ll make a deal-” 

“Wait-” Scar sat up. “Actually?!” 

“Yes. We will let you go, but you will lose all your memories of these games.” 

“Yes. Yes, absolutely. Anything to get out of here.” 

“Deal.” 

*** 

Scar was in the middle of talking to Grian, it was in the middle of the night and honestly, both of them should be asleep. He offered Grian a gift of partnership. To which Grian just stared at him for a moment. That made Scar think that maybe Grian didn’t want this partnership. 

Finally Grian looked up with a small smile on his face. “Just like Third Life.” 

Scar knew there was something called Third Life, but he didn’t know what happened in that game. “What happened in Third Life?” 

Grian stared at him. “You…no…” 

Scar frowned. “No, what?” 

“You didn’t.” Grian’s smile was gone, replaced with a look that was close to tears. “Please Scar, please don’t tell me you went through with it.” 

“Went through with what?” What was Grian on about? 

He never got an answer, Grian turned and took off running back to the Spanner’s base. He had no idea what Grian was talking about? Scar has done a lot of things, too many to figure out. All Scar could do was shrug and back up the mountain and to his team. 

Chapter Text

“Hey.” Ren softly said to Doc as he sat down. 

Doc didn’t say anything as he took the bowl of noodles Ren offered him. The sun was setting down on another day on Hermitcraft. And Ren spent the majority of the last part of the day trying to find Doc. With everything that’s been going on with Doc and Grian, the server had been separated on the best course of action. 

“How’s Grian…?” Doc mumbled, picking at the noodles. “Given everything.” 

“He’s…doing better. Mambo and Scar are helping him.” 

“That’s good…that’s good…” Doc placed the bowl down on his desk. “At least he has someone.” 

They sat in silence for a good while, just watching the sun go down. Ren was the only one to finish his noodles. He left Doc in his office to go clean the mess that Ren had made while making dinner. The dishes didn’t take that long for him to do, but before Ren left the kitchen, he made sure to grab some water for Doc. He’s 90 percent sure Doc hasn’t had any water all day. 

“Drink.” Ren set the cup down next to the bowl. 

Doc shook his head. “I don’t need that much water-” 

“Because you're half machine.” Ren picked up the cup to place it in Doc's hand. “I know.” 

“Grian’s been drinking water even though he doesn’t need to for four seasons.” Doc mumbled. 

“He didn’t know he was a robot-” 

“And he didn’t know I made him.” 

“You didn’t know either until your former boss scanned him for the chip.” Ren defended the lack of knowledge. “It’s not your fault.” 

Doc shook his head. “There’s nothing you can say, nothing you can do to make it better.” 

“I know.” Ren frowned. “I’m sorry.” 

“Me too.”

Chapter Text

Feet slammed onto the ground as Scar took off running across the roof tops of the buildings. Xelqua was currently flying above him, away from him. This time Scar promised himself he would catch the hybrid. After months of months of trying to catch him, Scar would finally arrest the villain. Xelqua landed on a building just as Scar jumped onto said building. 

“This ends now.” Scar had a smile on his face as he took out his bow. 

Xelqua mirrored him to take out his own two guns. “For you maybe.” 

“No one has to get hurt.” Scar moved to circle the hybrid. “All you have to do is surrender.” 

“And give up my freedom? Get sent back to the under-city?” Xelqua scoffed. “Not happening.” 

Scar frowned, as much as he didn’t want to, if Xelqua didn’t come with him then Scar was going to have to kill him. Both of them knew that was the case. Xelqua had already told him multiple times that he would much rather die than ever go back to the undercity. 

“I’m going to have to kill you.” Scar pulled out his arrow yipped with poison. 

Xelqua…lowered his weapons. “I’m okay with that.” 

Scar didn’t understand. “How? Why?” 

All Xelqua did was walk right up to him, two feet from his bow. “I would much rather become a corpus than an experiment for the Agency.” 

The com in his ear lit up. Cub’s voice wasn’t on the other side, he was off for the night. No, instead he was met with whomever they put him on. Scar didn’t care. But they were ordering him to fire, to kill, to rid the city of the hybrid. Taking a deep breath, Scar did what he was told and fired. 

It took only a few seconds for the arrow to hit its target. A strangled noise escaped Xelqua as he collapsed to the ground, blood and poison rushing from the wound. The glamor that Xelqua used to cover identity faded. Black and pink wings faded to red, yellow, and blue as the mask faded. 

Scar knew those wings…that face…no…no. It can’t be. It can’t be Grian. Grian isn’t a hybrid. Grains’ just a normal human, like him. It can’t be Grian. 

Yet it was. 

Scar’s boyfriend, the light of his life, was lying on the ground. Painfully gasping for each breath as his life quickly escaped his grasp. Scar did this. Grian was dying right in front of him, because of him. And there was nothing he could do to stop it.

Chapter Text

“Oh Hawkeye.” Xelqua sang as he walked on the cat walk over the warehouse. 

Somewhere in this warehouse held the beloved hero, and Xelqua was going to end his pitiful life. With the main hero dead, it will be so much easier to take over the Agency, the city. People will bow down to the Watchers and Xelqua will rise to power. There was a crush to the south side of the warehouse. Clumsy hero, always giving himself away. Taking off, Xelqua flew over to the hero as he pulled out his guns. 

“Come out, come out wherever you-” 

Xelqua never got to finish his sentence, in a moment Hawkeye slammed him into the concrete ground. Pain shot up through his entire body as Xelqua landed on his wig. He was going to kill the hero. Jumping up, Xelqua punched the hero in the nose, hearing a nice crack. Good, he was hurt. With the hero dazed for the moment, Xelqua fired his guns. He could hear the pained cries from Hawkeye as the hero took off. Xelqua didn’t follow him, the hero was most likely going to bleed out in a few minutes. Taking off again, Xelqua flew up to the cat walk as a crush came once again. 

“I hear you’re alive.” He called down as he aimed his gun to Hawkeye’s head. “How disappointing." Xelqua fired his gun. “Bye bye hero.” 

*** 

“You did it mate!” Jimmy called as Grian landed on the roof. 

A smile spread across his face as he hugged his younger brother. “Hawkeyes’ dead and soon the Agency will be too.” 

“And so is your boyfriend.” Pearl was also on the roof, with a frown and a tablet. 

“What are you talking about?” Grian pulled away from the hug he was in. “Scar wasn’t anywhere near that warehouse. He doesn’t know I’m Xelqua.” 

“He’ll never know now.” Pearl handed him the tablet that was opened to the news. 

Beloved Hero Hotguy (Hawkeye) Found Dead: Identity, Scar Goodtimes 

Grian looked up at Pearl as guilt exploded inside of him. “No…”

Chapter Text

Jimmy sat on the edge of the Beard Bridge, the server was in the middle of one of their breaks. Like always, Jimmy was doing absolutely horrible. He was going to be the first one out again, he was going to be made fun of again. Honestly, Jimmy doesn’t know if he can handle that again. It’s been EVERY SINGLE game. Every time, no matter what, he gets made fun of for being first out. 

His com buzzed, Grian started the next round. 

He wasn’t…good enough for this. Once he dies, everyone else starts quickly dying right after him. Try as he might, Jimmy can’t keep himself alive. His teammates probably hate him. They SHOULD hate him. All he does is drag people down. He’s not good enough for this game. He should just quit. 

“Hey Tim!” Grian happily plopped down next to him. “Are you okay?” 

No response came out of Jimmy. If he opens his mouth, he’ll probably say something dumb and stupid. Grian was going to make fun of him. Why does everyone always make fun of him? He’s the laughing stock of the Lifers. They don’t need him. Nobody needs him. They all just laugh at him. 

“Jim?” 

Jimmy glanced down at the time on his forearm, he had the lowest time. Tears blurred his vision. He can’t handle the ridicule again. Please not again. Anything but the ridicule that comes with first out. Grian tried to call out to him, but Jimmy didn’t hear. If Grian saw him crying he would send it out to the whole server, and they would only make fun of him even more. 

Grian tried to say something again. This time Jimmy stood and walked away from the other bad boy. He passed by Joel on his way on the bread bridge. He needs to get out of here, anyway from anyone. As long as he’s nowhere near anybody, no one can make fun of him. 

A skeleton began to start shooting at him, Jimmy didn’t care. If his days are numbered, why would he keep counting? There is no point in trying to survive. All he is, is the laughing stroke of his friends; he was just good enough to be laughed out.

Chapter Text

Grian pushed himself up against the wall of the bathroom. He was trying to teach Pearl how to fly when he didn’t stick the landing and landed hard on his side. His sister wanted to know if he was okay, to which he lied and said he was. They spent another hour outside, trying to fly, before Grian couldn’t handle the pain anymore and called it quits for the night. 

That night, Grian couldn’t lay on his left side without bringing tears to his eyes. Jimmy had insisted that he spend the night curled up right next to his wound. As much as Grian wanted to shove his baby brother away, he couldn’t. The youngest couldn’t sleep by himself unless Grian wanted to deal with nightmares. No next to him Jimmy slept. 

That just meant Grian would be in too much pain to sleep. 

But that was okay, if Jimmy and Pearl were happy, then he was happy. In pain or not, Grian would look after his younger siblings. They meant everything to him. Their sadness meant Grian was sad. And he really didn’t want to be sad on top of the pain. 

When morning arrived, Grian got up from the bed to make breakfast so he could send Jimmy and Pearl off to school. He had to drop out of college when his parents left his two much younger siblings in his care. Plus sometimes he had to look after his silently younger cousin Joel, who was supposed to come after school today. 

Did they have enough food? Grian turned to look in the fridge, turned the wrong way mind you, and folded in pain. Fiery white hot pain sparked across his entire body. He did his best not to let the pain show as Pearl came in for breakfast. No, they didn’t have enough food for Grian to eat both breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Looks like another day with no food for him again. Thinking back…when was the last time he had a full meal, or at least more than one meal a day? Months ago most likely. 

With the thought of food, Grian’s stomach demanded something. Grian shoved the cries from his body. Jimmy, Pearl, and Joel come first. Once they have enough food for them, then Grian can eat. Not now, no. Maybe next week…after rent…and groceries…and gas…and anything else that comes up for this week.

Chapter Text

He was so close to getting them out of the void. Months of searching for his players only to find them trapped deep in the void, all unconscious. But they were all alive, and that was all Xisuma really cared about. His players were safe. Asleep, but alive. He was going to get them out. Damn the Watchers and not letting him into the void. Those were his players and he was going to get them back. 

“||𝙹⚍'ꖎꖎ リᒷ⍊ᒷ∷ ʖᒷ ᔑʖꖎᒷ ℸ ̣ 𝙹 ᓭᔑ⍊ᒷ ℸ ̣ ⍑ᒷᒲ.” 

Xisuma was back on the season 8 server. At the moment, he was in the end that Grian had defeated only so many months ago. His admin panel sat in his lap as the Hermitcraft admin sat on the ledge of the main end island. He was just mere minutes away, a few more code commands, away from his players. He WAS going to get them back. 

“𝙹⍑ ꖎ╎ℸ ̣ ℸ ̣ ꖎᒷ ᔑ↸ᒲ╎リ. ||𝙹⚍∷ ᔑꖎ∷ᒷᔑ↸|| ℸ ̣ 𝙹𝙹 ꖎᔑℸ ̣ ᒷ.”

A sound that was akin to nether portal filled the end. Flashes of bright purple light began to spark in front of him. The Watcher symbol appeared, expanded, only to collapse in on itself mirroring the collapsing of a star. Under any circumstances, under any other symbol, the mimicking of the star would have been beautiful. Yet this symbol always carries the dreaded small of death. Not today, all of his players are alive. 

“⋮⚍ᓭℸ ̣  ꖌᒷᒷ!¡ ꖎ||╎リ⊣ ℸ ̣ 𝙹 ||𝙹⚍∷ᓭᒷꖎ⎓.”

All five of his players fell from the newly formed Watcher portal, onto the end stone. Xisuma rushed forward, admin panel falling to the ground, forgotten. His players were alive, they’re okay. All fine. All alive. 

“∴⍑ᒷリ ∴╎ꖎꖎ ||𝙹⚍ ∷ᒷᔑꖎ╎⨅ᒷ ℸ ̣ ⍑╎ᓭ ╎ᓭ ||𝙹⚍∷ ⎓ᔑ⚍ꖎℸ.”

Ask him if any of them have a pulse. He would say yes in a heartbeat. Because they were all alive. They didn’t die in the void. He got to them in time. All of them were okay, well, alive. They had to be. Xisuma didn’t fail missably at being an admin. No he didn’t. Xisuma was a good admin. All of his players were alive.

Chapter Text

HOW? Actually, how? 

How did he miss this? Miss all the signs! Cuteguy acted just like Cuteguy. A little more harsh and blunt, yes. But same personality, same hair, same voice. And yet Scar missed every single sign that was staring him right in the face. 

Grian loved him though. Cuteguy hated him. 

“What’s up with you?” Cub pointed his fork full of mac and cheese at him. 

“I’ve had the rug pulled beneath my feet.” All Scar did was pick at his own food, never actually bringing the fork to his mouth. 

Cub set down his fork and let out a long sigh. “What happened?” 

“Grian is Cuteguy-” 

“And you love Grian.” 

“-But I love Grian.” 

“But Cuteguy hates you.” 

“-And Cuteguy hates me.” 

What is he meant to do! How would Grian react if he ever found out? Grian would most likely hate him and never want to be near him again. That means he will lose Grian. The light of his life, his everything. Maybe it's better if he just leaves Grian…do what the Agency says and completely give up being a civilian to be a better hero. That easy Grian can never hurt or be mad at him. 

A perfect plan. 

A flawless plan.

Chapter Text

Scar stared down at the button, it was asking for another press. Nothing was going to happen if he presses the button. All he would get is another task scroll, another book. Again and again and again. Nothing was ever going to happen. How much of a disappointment is he? He can win a game, yet he cannot get out of the server that has trapped him. 

Who would want to get him out? He had become the villain, there was probably no person who wanted him here out of here? No one, absolutely no one. He was such an evil person no one wanted him. 

He looked up at the Secret Keeper. “Tell me there’s hope for me.” 

It was no surprise when he got no response. Guess there was no hope. All he is, is just a villain.

Chapter Text

Bdubs walked through the ruins of the server. Three months ago seem like years and years ago. Everything fell apart three months ago when the sculk fully invaded Cub’s mind and body and invaded the server. So much has been turned into ruins in barely any time. 

All of them were almost dead. Bdubs was one of the only four left. Xisuma, Hels, and Joe were the only ones still going through. They’ve all tried to get off the destroyed server, but they were trapped. At some point the log off part of their comms vanished. 

<JoeHills: Just found Hels…sculk got to him> 

<Xisumavoid: Okay. We’ll hold something for him tomorrow> 

<Xisumavoid: Bdubs how are you holding up?> 

Bdubs stared at his com for a moment. <Bduobleo100: Yeah I’m fine? 

That was a lie. Bdubs was not fine, no one has been since the server ended. Everyone was dead except three of them. No coms, no players, no nothing. Just sculk murdering all of them. It was only a matter of time before they all died too.

Chapter Text

Some lousy hero he was. People probably hated him. Scar would too. Just because he looked the part doesn’t mean he was a great hero. So many civilians have died because of how lousy he was. 

“Hot?” 

Scar slammed a fake smile and turned around. “No, I’m cold.” 

The vigilante smiled and shook their head. “It’s eighty-five. I’m pretty sure you're not cold.” 

Xelqua sat down on the ledge of the roof before laying down. Black boots hanging over the edge. The vigilante stared up at him for a good amount of time. Scar didn’t like the piercing purple eyes staring up at him, into his sole. Not wanting to be stared at any longer, Scar joined the vigilante on the ledge, choosing to remain sitting. 

<Scar? You there> 

What did Cub need him for? Getting up, Scar excused himself to go talk to his brother. Who was patently waiting on the other end of his com. Before he did end up answering, Scar had to make sure Xelqua wasn’t listening. 

“Hey, what’s up.” 

<We figured out the leader of the Watcher’s-> 

“Who?!” Scar cut his brother off. “Do you have them in custody?” 

<No, but you know them…and you’re probably right next to him.> 

Scar took a glance at Xelqua, “What…?” 

<Grian is Xelqua…and Grian is the leader of the Watchers.> 

“No.” No, no no. 

Not his Grian. Anyone but his Grian. Please not his Grian. 

<Scar? You okay?> 

“Hot? You okay?”