Chapter Text
Nufuli walked across the plains, stepping on flowers in his wake.
He didn't care much. Not about anything below him. He had only stopped flying with elytra because he had ran out of fireworks.
He didn't know exactly what he was looking for, since Slushly was heading off to a friend who'd give them gear.
The sun was nice, but the only thing he could really think about was the City of Life.
What would he find in there?
Mugm sat down under a tree, sharpening his blades as the sun beamed through the leaves.
He was waiting for Galaxy to show up for his training session, so why not hone his blades while he waits?
He stayed under the tree, his void black skin attracted the heat from the sun, so under the shade it was at least somewhat tolerable.
He sighed quietly to himself, his eyes focusing around him as his hands continued to sharpen his blades the same way he'd done multiple times. He didn't need to see his hands to know what he's doing.
Nufuli groaned lowly, picking up his pace a bit, "This is so stupidddd, why am I acting like Dora the fucking explorer while he gets supplies?!
Nufuli didn't care how loud he spoke. Not like anybody could hear him out here.
He kicked a rock, skidding it across the long grass.
Mugm ears heard a sharp exclaim from father away. He tucks his sword at his side, picking himself up and hiding behind the tree to hear a little more of that voice.
Galaxy flew down silently where MugM was waiting, pausing as he watched Mugm peak around the corner. His hand hovered over an invisibility potion, needing to repot.
He knew he was late and okay sue him he overslept.
“Mugm?” Galaxy whispered under his breath.
Mugm gestured silently for Galaxy to join him behind the tree, pointing in a specific direction to where he heard the voice.
"Quiet." He mumbled.
Nufuli continued walking before he stopped in a random area not too far from the tree.
"Why am I even working with this kid, brooo." Nufuli grumbled, his fins twitching.
His horns caught the light, one jagged from Mugm.
He just wanted to get the stupid keys and get into the City. He shouldn't have even told Slushly about it.
He'd be better off solo.
Galaxy froze, realizing it was Nufuli, he was still very much confused about where Nufuli lay in Mugm's books. He seemed to want Galaxy to be like him but refused to give any details about where Nufuli stood about vanguard.
Galaxy knew he was tense, and he hated it, being this close to his mentor for the first time also made him uncomfortable.
Mugm waited, his eyes off to the side where he could barely see Nufuli's tail swishing. He was waiting for any abnormal movement, any indication that he knew they were there.
The voidling pointed to Galaxy's potion pouch, wanting him to drink his invis before the leviathan could spot them.
Nufuli leaned back on a tree.
What was he thinking? Slushly had helped him multiple times. But the kid (HES OLDER THEN YOU DUMBASS) was so naive. Why did he even work with Nufuli again after Nufuli betrayed him.
The leviathan leaned his head back, his horn catching on the bark until he caught the slightest bit of red behind him.
Mugm.
Galaxy chugged an invisibility potion making sure to down it quickly as he watched Mugm stiffen beside him.
Had Nufuli seen them?
Mugm slowly moved his hand to his waist, his diamond sword along with his netherite one attached to his hip.
He heard Nufuli move away from the tree, which only intrigued him. This could be his chance to try and recruit him again.
His hand made it to his hilt, quietly pulling out the blade and exposing himself into the sunlight, blade pointed at the leviathan.
Nufuli immediately pulled out his mace, ready for a fight.
Though he was very curious to who the invisible was, as he could now clearly see the invisible particles.
"So you're stalking me. Again."
Galaxy stayed still, Mugm hadn’t told him to move and if Mugm wanted to be civil with Nufuli then Galaxy couldn’t say anything.
After all he wasn’t allowed to talk when invis and with anyone besides Mugm. Which his voice always felt afterwards.
He kept a hand over his sword just in case.
"This was by coincidence this time." Mugm said with a very neutral, dull tone.
"Though the offer still stands. You'd be a great asset to Vanguard and you know it."
"Shut the fuck up, I'm really no in the mood for this."
Nufuli had started to plan to leave. He didn't wanna be anywhere near Mugm, given the fact Vanguard 2 killed his best friend.
But he was still quite curious about the invisible player still hiding.
"Who's your buddy?"
Galaxy remained still. Guilt suddenly filling him.
Did Nufuli even remember him? Did he even care?
Galaxy was a tool. To be used. Nufuli used him, Sharpness used him, and now, even though Galaxy was finally gaining something, Mugm was using him.
The scars were there to prove it too.
"Why does that concern you." Mugm answered, the smallest hint of defensiveness leaking through, little enough for Nufuli to not notice, but enough for the demon hybrid to.
Galaxy, easy to tuck under his wing, to train and convince Vanguard was for the better. In some instances it is, but he needed to convince him to fully stay.
"Look, I told you that I could easily kick Stormz to the curb if you join us. You are stronger than him; what is holding you back?"
"The fact you killed my friend!" Nufuli snapped, his gills flaring open.
"And plus, I have actual friends I'd rather help."
Nufuli didn't mention names. If he did, he wouldn't be able too.
Loonac left him. He might hate the leviathan now.
Galaxy stiffened.
Well that was news. He hadn’t known Loonac was killed. Galaxy felt a wave of grief hit him. He liked Loonac. He had made him feel like he was human.
He looked at MugM nervously why would he kill Loonac? Why would he have killed Loonac and not told him?
"Well, if you won't join us, you know what we will have to do right?" Mugm relaxed his grip on his hilt, hitting his back into the tree.
"This is your time to shine. To prove yourself. I believe you are ready." The voidling looked back at Galaxy, his eyes deadpan.
"Thats it, youre gonna send your tiny little goon on me?"
Nufuli giggled. He'd rather just kill Mugm here. He should just kill Mugm here and go. He probably could.
Galaxy stepped out from the tree, his eyes on Mugm waiting nervously.
He didn’t want to fight Nufuli.
His own tail was dragging behind him, only Mugm could see his uneasy he was.
Mugm decided to offer the iron sword to the demon hybrid.
"This is for the betterment of the server. You know this. Plus, think of this a trial run before you find and fight him."
"Youre being serious? You too much of a coward to fight me that you send this... Kid on me?"
Nufuli glared at the invisible player. Who was this player to Mugm.
Somebody important, yes, but how important.
Could Nufuli get revenge for HD here?
Galaxy huffed indignantly.
He was not a kid!
Okay scratch that he’d kill this guy.
Galaxy moved forward to grab the sword from Mugm, tilting his head as a silent last question of if this was necessary.
I mean… to kill Sharpness…
Mugm made himself comfortable against the tree, cracking his knuckles, knowing his silence would only annoy Nufuli more.
"Last chance. You sure you don't want to join? You have a lot of potential."
"Mhmm," Nufuli drawled before windcharging up and macing the invisible player from upwards.
Galaxy moved out of the way, off handing the sword like Mugm had showed him, potting up quickly and already moving forward to fight.
He needed to keep an eye on his invis and not pop or he was fucked.
He could do this- he’d be useful- he’d help-
Mugm whistled, spinning the blade in his hand.
"Remember, he's changed. He's been attacking us, ruining our plan of keeping this server safe. He is a danger to that safety." He reminded Galaxy, sowing that sees of doubt further.
Nufuli glared at Mugm, "Excuse me, YOU AND SAFETY?! In the same sentence."
Nufuli laughed like something was funny.
Galaxy was confused now.
Who was safe who was reliable here?
Galaxy moved forward still swinging his blade but he was more uneasy now, unsure.
Mugm continued to watch Galaxy's unsure posture, his eyes analyzing the moves both of them made.
Nufuli's dive bombing Galaxy, the demon sidestepping and grabbing his leg once he windcharged up again, dragging him back down. He was impressed by the demon's moves now compared to the ones when they first met.
Nufuli fell, taking a second to move. He was still tired from the Cat Game, so he wasn't in the mood to exactly fight.
But he luckily did move out the way with a wind charge moving back.
Galaxy watched Nufuli, waiting for the other to move before placing a cobweb where he would be.
Galaxy was getting sluggish but he ate a golden apple tiredly.
Did Mugm expect HIM to kill Nufuli?
Even if the other used him, Galaxy still cared about Nufuli.
Mugm eyed Galaxy's uncertainty with some annoyance and nervousness slipping through his gaze.
"Focus. This has to be done."
His hand migrated to his hilt, ready to pull his blade if Galaxy couldn't land a fatal blow.
Nufuli struggled.
This was the worse time to have HIS FUCKING WATER BUCKET IN HIS ENDER CHEST.
Galaxy stood in front of Nufuli, his sword in hand staring silently at Nufuli.
Is this where he did it?
Galaxy looked back at Mugm slightly as he pulled out another invis potion, drinking it.
Did he truly want him to kill Nufuli?
"Look Nufuli, I truly don't understand why you wouldn't join us. We are working to make it a better place, aren't we?" He peered over at Galaxy.
"Can you guess who my student is, leviathan?"
Nufuli stayed quiet. He didn't know who. He didn't care. But if Mugm was willingly to show them, or at least, tease about showing his student, they could be somebody Nufuli knew.
"... No, I can't." Nufuli muttered the spikes at his back shuddering alongside his fins.
Galaxy looked at him, nerves hitting him, why would he be baiting his identity?
Galaxy nodded timidly.
What… what was going on? He was getting antsy.
He wanted to go back to Finlo now.
"...have you been looking for someone recently? Maybe.. a old friend? Maybe.. one you haven't seen in a while? He's was in the City of Life." Mugm took out his blade, pushing himself off the tree.
"One life I believe. He must be in the lower levels then. You want to visit him?"
It slowly dawned on Nufuli.
Galaxy.
Nufuli stiffened. If Mugm had Galaxy captured. Fuck. Fuck. What could Nufuli do? If he fought Mugm, there's no way he'd be able to find Galaxy.
He'd only be able to find the demon hybrid if he went with Nufuli.
"Where is he."
Galaxy stepped back, fear filling him.
No. No. No. He couldn’t know- no!
Galaxy felt like he was going to be sick, he couldn’t do this.
Why? What the hell is Mugm doing?!
A small smile cracks through his features.
"He's not too far away."
Mugm slowly made his way to Galaxy, being inconspicuous.
Galaxy stood still staring at Nufuli, what was going on.
Nufuli was deeply confused. Maybe Galaxy wasn't in the City of Life. But he didn't matter much. He wasn't fighting as much as he was earlier.
Mugm grabbed the back of Galaxy's collar, grabbing his sword and slicing it through his side all in the matter of seconds. His face remained neutral, focused on Nufuli's expression.
Galaxy screamed, his totem popping and his hands immediately scrambled to his side, moving his shirt up and staring at the partly healed wound pain etched in his face he wheezed, his head down as he trembled.
Nufuli stared at the now revealed player. Mugm's student was... Galaxy?!
"What the- GALAXY?!" Nufuli yelled, barely even caring about Galaxy being hurt.
Galaxy was working for Mugm.
Galaxy was working for Mugm.
His eyes were slits, barely even visible, the white almost consuming them.
The voidling pulled Galaxy up and lifted his netherite sword to his neck.
He watched Nufuli's slit eyes intently, holding his student in his arm.
"I'm sure you still care for him, leviathan. Do you want to consider my proposal now?"
Galaxy breathed through pained gasps, his eyes lidded as he tried to kick his feet, dangling in Mugm's grip.
“Stop-“
"You wouldn't really— you wouldn't kill him, right?" Nufuli's voice had a bit of a whiny hilt.
He didn't wanna show he cared for Galaxy, so he kept hai face natural, "He's your student for a reason, h-he must be important."
Mugm eyed Galaxy's gasping figure, uncomfortable feeling filling his gut.
Why was he feeling uneasy? He's just his student. He can use him to get the leviathan on his side.
*He knocked him in the neck, Galaxy slumping in his hands. He let him fall to the ground, discarding his comfortability. He lowered his sword to his neck, keeping his eyes on Nufuli.
Nufuli stared at fallen figure.
He couldn't cry. No. No. He could call Slushly for help.
He started to reach for him comms while still staring.
He just wanted out of here.
Mugm inched his sword closer to Galaxy's neck.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
"Mugm, generally, please, don't hurt him, this is the only think I ask you..."
Nufuli walked closer, but still kept a distance, scared to get close to Mugm, scared that he provoke the voidling to kill Galaxy.
"Stop moving." Mugm said coldly, his other open hand moving to the diamond sword on the other side of his hip.
Nufuli immediately stopped.
He was panicking, very clearly at the rapid fluttering of his fins and twitching of his tail.
"What do you want from me?!" Nufuli finally snapped, sweat dripping down his head.
"You know what I want. To join us. You'd be a great asset to the team. And if so, I'll keep him alive. If not.." Mugm inched the blade closer, intently watching the leviathan for a reaction.
Nufuli didn't want to join Vanguard. With all his heart he hated this team.
The name being mentioned made his blood spoil.
But... It was for a friend. He couldn't save HD, maybe he could save Galaxy.
But he didn't answer immediately, his eyes slowly going normal as he looked away.
“You’d be saving his life. Isn’t that what you want? You’d have the gear to last a lifetime, get into as many fights as you want.” he said lowly, analyzing the emotions radiating from his gaze. His netherite sword hovered just shy of Galaxy’s skin.
“You wouldn’t have to be cooped up anymore in this false sense of heroism. We both know you were never meant to be a hero."
Nufuli sighed, soft, probably as calm as he'll ever be around Mugm as he took of his helmet.
"Alright, I'll join," Nufuli knew Mugm's smartass self would tell him to drop his armor anyway, so he took each piece off.
But he held onto his mace staring at the T I D E etched up to down.
“You can keep that. But if you try anything.. even leaving..” he taunts Nufuli’s emotions by lightly slicing his arm.
“He will die.”
"Okay, fine, fine... So, where are we going..." Nufuli shifted uncomfortably.
He hated being exposed without armor like this, especially since he willingly gave it up.
Tide was the only thing grounding him, if he didn't have this he would've already broken.
Mugm grabbed a healing potion for the rest of the healing on Galaxy's side, giving Galaxy a small sip.
"You can follow me." He said, lifting the demon up to carry him.
Nufuli thought of just macing Mugm now. But he fought against the urge.
He could just kill Mugm later, theres no way he could REALLY keep him there.
"Fine..." Nufuli fell in step behind Mugm. He was thinking about running.
Mugm could see the urge to run written on the leviathan's face.
"You want to run?"
He stared at Nufuli's horns.
"Do you.. want to lose one of those? Or for Galaxy to lose one?"
"I will take that mace from you if I have to."
"Don't come NEAR my horns you fucking bitch." Nufuli snapped.
He walked beside Mugm the fear of losing one of his horns deep and sour.
Mugm grabbed the horn he already chipped and tugged at it.
"Then. Follow."
He let go soon after, sheathing his blades, holding Galaxy in his hands, his eyes focused on Nufuli.
"Walk. In front of me."
"Yes, sir," Nufuli said mockingly, but he did listen, going in front of the voiding.
He hated this. He hated how TERRIFIED he felt in this moment. Why was he so scared? He could fight Mugm.
"Oh and before we go any further. Comms. Out." He gestured for the leviathan to throw them on the ground in front of the voidling.
Nufuli growled lowly, but obeyed, throwing his comms slightly aggressively to the floor.
"fuck you," Nufuli muttered under his breath, still staring at Galaxy.
Galaxy let out a weak groan, his face scrunched in pain, almost like he was waking up soon.
the voidling stomped on the comms, crushing the small parts before nudging the leviathan forward.
Galaxy let out another pained sound and his eyes opened slightly, glassy and slightly lucid.
"Alright! I'm going..." Nufuli started to walk again, keeping his eyes forward.
He couldn't wait to kill Mugm. He was going to kill Mugm. Soon.
VANGUARD TOWER
Mugm dropped Galaxy lightly on his couch, the room a darkened colour, question marks lining the walls. Gear stations lined the back of the room, the netherite glinting in the dim lighting.
"Welcome."
Galaxy immediately shifted on the couch, his body automatically adjusting to the familiar room and his eyes remained partly open, vaguely aware of who was there.
Nufuli didn't say anything. He didn't want to speak to the voidling.
The leviathan just kept tugging at his clothing, his bloodied and ripped clothing.
"Let's get you situated shall we?" Mugm pulls out a shulker he'd prepared a while ago, holding it in front of him.
"First, there's something I need to give you. Here is a new pair of comms, slightly modified to play some.. high pitch frequencies if you don't listen. Fish are sensitive to that kind of thing, aren't they?" Mugm handed him the small pair of comms to fit in Nufuli's ears.
Nufuli's eye twitched, "Such a fucking bitch..." Though muttering this, he put the comms in, because there was still multiple things Mugm had threatened to do and all of them Mugm would most definitely do.
"They'll lock to your ears until I believe it's good to take them off." Mugm opened the shulker, hearing Galaxy stir on the couch.
"Here's your new gear. Your room will be set up once I demote Stormz."
Galaxy opened his eyes fully hands moving to his side, he had no idea what was going on.
“Mugm?” Galaxy called, he needed help he needed someone’s help and who better to do it then someone he trusted.
"Ain't Stormz gonna fight this? Considering he's also an egotistical bastard like the rest of you."
Nufuli felt at the earpiece, attempting to pull it out.
Mugm placed his hand on Galaxy's shoulder, stand up slightly. He watched Nufuli play with the earpiece, the small gadget in his hand beeping, telling him it was being messed with.
He pressed the button, holding it for a few seconds before releasing it.
"Don't touch it."
"OW, YOU BITCH!" Nufuli snapped, moving his hand away.
Nufuli let his arms fall to his sides, hand still twitching.
"Stormz will take it because I outrank him. He might be pissed at you, but he knows he can't do anything to me." Mugm let a small smirk appear in his features before disappearing.
He passed Nufuli the shulker of his new gear to take.
Nufuli grabbed the shulker with a sour face.
He opened it, to already find a new shield with a 3 on it, some armor with Vanguard trims, another mace, and some other random stuff he didn't pay mind too.
He glanced at the number 3 shield, then at his barrier shield.
Nufuli grabbed the armor, yet left the shield. As he started to get the armor on, he grumbled,* "I'm not using that."
Galaxy moved to sit up, he needed to figure out what was going on.
Why everything was the way it was. Who could he trust? Who could he not trust?
He just wanted to see Finlo now.
“Mugm..?”
"You have to, and you will." Mugm teased coldly, holding the gadget in his hand.
"It's okay Galaxy, just give me a minute." He told the demon hybrid, keeping his eyes on Nufuli.
Nufuli scrunched his nose, then muttered, "Can I at least take a fucking shower?"
If Nufuli was being honest, he just wanted to sit in some water and not deal with the voidling.
Galaxy watched the two silently. He had nothing to say, he kept his hands on his side ignoring the occasional shaking of nerves.
Mugm waves him over to the right corner in the room.
"Go ahead."
Nufuli first grabbed a ender chest and grabbed clothes from it (don't ask), then walked over to the door at the right.
Galaxy watched him leave, saying nothing.
His eyes stayed on the older as he walked to the bathroom.
Mugm plopped himself on the couch, pinching the bridge of his nose.
The room felt much cooler than outside, but now he had to figure out what to tell Galaxy. If he wasn't running away in terror by now, something's probably screwed with his memories.
Galaxy sat there quietly, his hand stained red from his wound and clearly thinking elsewhere.
After Nufuli had washed up, he just sat there. Just to pass time.
And maybe piss off Mugm.
"What's up Galaxy." Mugm asked with a low tone, taking the blades off his hip, but keeping them in arms length.
Galaxy looked up.
“My side hurts. And my neck.”
Galaxy's voice shook slightly.. confused.
“Why.. how did we get here?”
The voidling hands him a healing potion.
"I had to carry you back." He started. He had to think of his next words carefully.
Galaxy took it, opening it carefully and drinking.
“Oh. Sorry.”
"Don't worry about it. You did well. Nufuli managed to slice your side, but it should be okay now." He told half the truth.
Galaxy nodded, his eyes still slightly confused.
“Nufuli..? Did you kill him..?”
Galaxy's voice was shaky
“I can’t remember anything!” Galaxy forced out, nerves tugging at him.
"No I didn't kill him. I brought him back-speaking of Nufuli-" he lifted his small gadget.
“What.. what does that do?”
Galaxy blinked.
“My head hurts.”
"Don't worry about it." He pressed the button for a few seconds before letting go again.
"Just get some rest."
“I don’t think I can rest..” Galaxy moved his knees to his chest resting his head on his knees.
“My ears are ringing.”
"You shouldn't-" Mugm looked down at the gadget before peering back at the bathroom door.
"CAN A MAN NOT TAKE A FUCKING SHOWER!" Nufuli snapped. He was out now, just drying himself off.
His ears were starting to hurt with the noise. If he listened quicker it would be over quicker.
Why was he thinking like that?!
Galaxy winced, his hands flew up to his ears, he was hearing things.
“Mugm what the hell is happening?!” There was a bit of panic in his voice.
Mugm stuffed the gadget in his jacket pocket, turning towards Galaxy.
"Nothing. Just... Calm down. Go for a walk. You know the exit."
“I don’t- what about Nufuli?"
Galaxy didn’t want to he alone sue him.
"Just, step outside. Get some fresh air. I'll be right here."
Galaxy stood, his legs shaky.
“Alright.. alright I’ll go..? Do you want me to grab anything?”
"I don't think so. If you can think of anything, grab it for yourself.." Mugm stared at the bathroom door, waiting for the leviathan to step out.
“Alright… okay.. uhm I’ll- I’ll be back?”
Galaxy sounded super unsure of himself.
Mugm nodded slowly, attaching his netherite sword to his hip.
“Okay. Bye Mugm I’ll be back soon.”
Galaxy moved, grabbing his communicator off of the table. He only grabbed it when he went to Finlo.
Soon after Galaxy left, Nufuli opened the door.
The leviathan was pale and slightly trembling. He glared at Mugm, looking like he was going to collapse.
"Go fuck yourself."
"I wouldn't be so hostile. It seems that Galaxy can hear those frequencies too. So.."
"If you don't follow orders it seems he will get hurt as well. Not my intention when making this--" he pulled out the small gadget again.
"I don't care at this fucking point! I'm going to be aggressive when you're fucking treating me like I'm some— like some dog!" Nufuli's voice raised, his horns shining on the light. He wasn't in the right mind right now.
He would've probably stopped if he understood entirely that Galaxy was also being hurt by this.
Mugm sighed, pushing the button for longer this time.
"You should just cut it out and listen to me. Makes things easier for you and Galaxy."
Nufuli's hands flew to his head.
His mind screamed at him to fight back, to oppress, to yell, ANYTHING.
"Fine! Alright..."
"Good. Now, are you officially ready?" Mugm pushed the shulker of stuff over to him again.
Nufuli didn't answer with words. He instead dropped to the floor and grabbed the shield. He stared at his barrier shield.
...
Then dropped it into the shulker, standing up, "I guess I am."