Take Flight

Iskall wasn’t even that far away. All Grian had to do was fly past Scar’s base and take a little bit of a left, not straight like he had a month prior. Grian’s eyes flickered everywhere, admiring Scar’s volcano and all his beautiful terraforming. It was hard to remember that he only just met these people. It feels like he’s known the Hermits all his life. He paused in the air however, once again noticing a figure on Scar’s volcano. Watching him. He went to land casually, messaging Iskall he’d be a few minutes. 

He tried to act casual, admiring Scar’s base closer up, but he kept his eye on the figure watching him. Grian knew it wasn’t Scar this time. Scar was much shorter, and at this angle wouldn’t be covered in darkness. He and the creature made eye contact, and the being was rushing towards him as Grian lifted his communicator to take a picture, just as he took it though, he was tackled down by a mass around twice his size, cold hands around his mouth and long, thin fingers prying his mouth open. 

Grian tried to scream, fight back as best he could, but a pill was popped into his mouth. With a swift hand slapped over him, and a punch to the gut, he was forced to swallow it. The mass disappeared as soon as it arrived, and Grian turned onto his hands and knees. He coughed and hacked up a lung, trying to get the pill out of his system. He quickly messaged Iskall, telling him to come over quickly and that he needed help. 

His body felt weak with his arms shaking as his vision blurred extremely.  A loud, repetitive thudding noise filled his head. His heartbeat maybe? He didn’t know. He coughed onto the floor, and in his hazy mind he saw red, and tasted iron on his tounge. 

“GRIAN!” he heard a voice yell. Everything soon went black, however. 

~~~

When he woke up he was in Scar’s base, in one of the little rooms inside the volcano. His head was fuzzy, and he groaned lowly. He heard a few pairs of footsteps rush up to him, and through his hazy vision he saw green, brown, and black. He blinked slowly, hearing a loud ringing in his ears. He could see their outlines now. Scar, Iskall, and Mumbo. See their mouths moving. But he couldn’t hear anything. He felt himself be picked up by strong hands, his upper half lifted off the bed and shaken wildly. He couldn’t move. The person’s grip was too tight. His mouth felt like cotton, and whenever he tried to form words his brain felt like it wanted to jump out of his skull. 

He coughed again, turning his head slightly. He felt blood leave his lips, or at least. He felt something drip down his lip. It sounded like a bomb had just gone off, leaving that high pitching ringing in his ears. He started to hear muffled sounds now, muffled voices talking. 

“Iskall!....hurting…. You need…. To be careful.” 

He slowly looked over at Scar as Iskall laid him down again. Grian tried to form some type of word, but it felt like he couldn’t even move his mouth. He twitched his hands, realizing he could feel his hands. As well as his arms now that Iskall let go of him. He held up three fingers, tapping his index finger against his mouth, before his hand moved down to his chest. With a flat hand and thumb pointing up, he made a circular motion. 

“Oh! Water! Okay!” Scar rushed off to go get the other hermit what he asked for, while the other two hermits blinked in shock. 

“Since… since when do you know ASL?” Mumbo asked, absolutely surprised. Grian didn’t have the energy to sign an immediate response. Iskall just smiled a bit, as best he could. Grian looked at the two. His two closest friends on this server so far. He could hear them better now at least, see them better. 

Grian extended a single finger, spinning it in a circle and leaving it at that. Mumbo just slowly nodded, not knowing what that meant. Scar came back with a glass of water, helping Grian sit up. The blond hermit gratefully took the water in one hand, his other putting his fingers against his lip and almost blowing a kiss. 

“You’re welcome!” Scar smiled. “But what happened?” Scar looked over Grian, the poor man looking an absolute wreck. Grian sighed, signing ‘one minute’ before chugging the glass of water that was in his hand. 

“I don’t know.” Grian said, his voice raspy. He coughed over his shoulder, sighing. He cleared his voice, “I was going towards Iskall’s when this… thing pinned me down and forced a pill into my mouth. And then vanished!” Grian sighed, looking over at Mumbo. “You always end up taking care of me huh?” He beamed, his smile wide but Mumbo couldn’t help but notice how upset he looked. 

“Are you okay- well. No. You aren’t okay you’ve been coughing and seizing for the past hour-” 

“I’ve wHAT-?” Grian squeaked. No wonder he felt like crap. Iskall winced, slapping at Mumbo’s arm. 

“Yea, we called Doc in to help but. He hasn’t shown. He probably thinks its a prank.” Iskall sighed, closing his eye as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “We need to get Xisuma. Someone’s probably on the server then, and they mean harm.” He said, going to do just that. 

“But, Grian? If you end up needing a translator I'm right here for you!” Scar offered, “Sometimes my body doesn’t like working either, so I've had to learn sign just incase.” He smiled gently, and Grian nodded. 

“Thanks Scar.” He smiled back, looking back up at the massive volcano above them. “Your base is… absolutely amazing by the way. I need to learn how you do this so easily.” 

“Do what?” 

“Terraform! This stuff is so hard!” Grian said, gesturing to above him. Scar laughed a bit, looking up before back down at Grian. 

“Yea it can be sometimes. But I’d recommend not moving around so much. I mean… You’ve had like two seizures in the span of an hour…” Scar said, and Mumbo nodded, sitting down beside Grian on the bed. 

“You had us worried Grian.” Mumbo sighed, and Grian looked at the mustached man. He was disheveled, with his hair a mess and his skin was a shade paler than Grian remembered it being. Grian couldn’t help the pang of guilt that ran throughout his chest. “We thought you were going to perma-die.” Mumbo’s voice shook ever so faintly, his wings ruffling out and covering most of his back. Grian’s eyes widened. 

“Yea man. It was terrifying. We couldn’t get you to wake up between seizures. I thought you just fell and hit you head too hard at first.” Iskall said, sitting down on the floor and reaching out. He grabbed Grian’s hand, the other placing the empty glass on the floor. “But then Scar suggested magic and. I freaked.” Iskall sighed, thumb rubbing lightly at Grian’s knuckles. 

“Iskall was about to kill Doc for not coming, had you not waken up.” Scar smiled, running a hand through his hair. “But i’m glad you’re back with us.” 

Grian tried to sit up, wanting to apologize for being so stupid, but Iskall pushed him down. “There is no way in nether i'm going to let you move around right now.” He said, “Don’t make me pin you.” He said, trying to threaten him lightly. But the response he got surprised him. 

“Please? You’re warm.” Grian mumbled, face a light pink. More embarrassed than flustered it seemed. Iskall just smiled, shooing the other two hermits before placing a bed down beside Grian, just plopping onto it and extending his long wing over the small hermit. He didn’t mind this at all, in fact, it was actually adorable. 

“You two want hugs too?” Iskall asked as a joke. Scar jumped at the opportunity, however, making the trio laugh as the tiny hermit plopped onto Iskall’s chest. Iskall just held an arm out to Mumbo. “You might as well dude. You look like you’re about to cry and I wont allow that.” Iskall said. And Mumbo sighed, placing another bed down and kicking off his shoes. 

“Heathens, all of you. Not taking off your shoes before laying in bed.” Mumbo muttered fondly. Iskall laughed, kicking them off whilst Scar did the same (although he did struggle a bit. Iskall looked over to Grian, the other hermit barely poking out from under his wing, curled up with his eyes closed, arms wrapped around his pillow with his cheek pressed against it. 

“He’s so cute when he’s not the definition of a chaotic neutral bar- woah Mumbo are you okay-?” Iskall had too cut himself off when he heard a sob leave the second tallest hermit. He turned his head, seeing Mumbo hiding his face in his hands. Mumbo’s shoulders and chest heaved with soft sobs. 

“Fuck... That... I.” Mumbo tried to get the words out of his mouth, but they kept getting interrupted by tears. “He scared the shit out of me.” Mumbo ran his hands through his hair, trying not to be loud and wake up Grian. Iskall sighed, grabbing Mumbo’s arm and bringing the other to him. 

“I know Mumbo… He scared all of us pretty bad.” Iskall said gently, and Mumbo turned onto his side and wrapped his arms around Iskall’s, hiding his face like a child in their mothers arms. Iskall just let him, shushing him with gentle words while Scar moved to be behind Mumbo, hugging the tall hermit as a very awkward big spoon. Scar pressed his forehead gently into the small of Mumbo’s back, humming a gentle song. 

After about 20 minutes, both Scar and Mumbo had fallen asleep, and Iskall just accepted his role as “group pillow”. His currently VERY numb wing thats resting under him. He couldn’t even lift his chest to extend his wing, as Mumbo and Scar were right there. He looked over to Grian, and smiled softly.  He slowly pulled his communicator off of his wrist, his arm still trapped by a snoring Mumbo. He took a picture with it, sending it to their group chat. 

Iskall85 has sent an image

Stressmonster101: oh my void thats adorable. 

Iskall85: its been 85 years since i last felt my right wing… 

Docm77: Same

Iskall85: wait what

Iskall85: dOC-! 

Iskall held a hand over his mouth, trying not to laugh. He couldn’t help a few giggles that left him, the wide grin on his lips, or the tears in the corners of his eyes as he held back his full blown laughter. He let out a sigh as he calmed down, not bothering to read the others responses as he stared up into the top of Scar’s volcano. 

His mind wandered. Danced over possible ideas and theories as to what was going on. He thought about the Watchers. Grian’s sudden appearance here without Xisuma’s clearance. Green, tired eyes looked at Grian, his curled up state having not moved an inch. 

‘What if Grian is lying to us?’ 

The thought crossed his mind before he could stop it. But… It was a plausible idea. Iskall himself wasn’t so… open with his past when he first came here either. But its not like he was a danger to the server right? It’s not like hes started a civil war or anything-

Oh. 

Iskall shook his head. No. Grian was their friend. He’s never killed anyone, never greifed (on purpose), and sure he’s practically a god at impractical jokes but those are just that! Jokes! He let his only good eye close, his other creating a soft green glow. He willed those thoughts to go away, and he let out a few slow breaths to calm his breathing. To hopefully relax. But something felt so unbelievably wrong that his training wouldn’t allow him to sleep. 

“Thanks mate.” He said with a soft chuckle. Mumbo’s eyes widened and he smacked the sick man’s arm. 

“That’s not what I meant and you know it!” He huffed. Grian looked around. Oh, when did he get into Mumbo’s base? He could hardly remember anything. He tilted his head away from Mumbo before sneezing into his arm. 

“Why...Why am I here?” He asked, “And not my own base?” 

“So I can work on mine and make sure you’re okay at the same time. Scar’s working with lava and he didn’t want someone with a fever to be near hot objects for too long. You got here after you passed out on us for a second time. So I picked you up and brought you here.” Mumbo said, standing above the newest hermit. His arms were crossed over his chest and his hip was jutted out. The position drew a giggle from Grian’s lips when he saw it, and he sighed gently. 

“So… I essentially have Mumbo Jumbo as my maid?” 

“Well. No. I’m not wearing a maids dress for you.” 

“Awww come ooon!!! It would really make me feel better.” Grian said cheekily. Mumbo sighed. 

“Positive?” 

Grian couldn’t believe his ears. This felt like Christmas and his birthday mixed into one! He had to school his shocked expression, before nodding. “Absolutely!” He said, before coughing into his elbow. “I can send you the outfit.” He said. And Mumbo was slightly confused and VERY interested why Grian had a maid’s dress on hand. He saw the sudden notification pop up on his communicator. He sighed, but when to go make his new best friend happy. 

Grian was grinning ear to ear, his eyes were glowing with chaos as he tried not to laugh hysterically. He watched Mumbo walk of into the little room behind his spawner, and laid down with his eyes facing the ceiling to let the other get dressed in peace. He could hear the mustached man complaining loudly, yelling about how he couldn’t even get the damn thing on. He covered his mouth as he listened to this, only having to wait another 15 minutes before Mumbo walked out of the little side room. 

It was short on him. Definitely so. But it was a classic esque black and white maids dress, with a very poofy skirt and a little cat head cut out into the chest, of which Mumbo had exposed. Mumbo’s black wings complimented everything nicely, the iridescent color showing in the torch light. Grian grinned widely, his eyes trailing down the others long ass legs. “D...Do you shave-?” He asked with a small chuckle, sitting up. 

Grian almost instantly fell back down again, his head spinning and his body feeling weak. “Woah there!” Mumbo ran over, the dress bouncing with his movements, “Don’t sit up okay? You might not have enough water in your system.” Mumbo said, digging in his inventory and pulling out a few water bottles and bread. “Eat and drink something okay?” 

Grian looked up and down Mumbo, grinning widely. “Yes maid~” He teased lightly. Mumbo rolled his eyes as his face went bright red. 

“What? You want me to call you master now?” He joked, and Grian laughed loudly. Or tried too, before coughing violently into his arm and groaning. Mumbo sighed, pressing a hand to Grian’s head. “Oh dear, you’re still burning up. I’ll call Iskall over to bring some ice okay?” He said, his voice gentle and full of concern. Grian nodded, turning onto his side and stretching out his wings. Mumbo looked down at the brilliant red color, and absentmindedly pet the shooter limb. He jolted when he felt Grian shudder. 

“Oh-! Sorry I should’ve asked.” He said, looking away. He knew it was rude to do it. So why did he?? Grian just laughed softly, exhaustion getting the better of him. 

“Oh no. Don’t worry. Actually… um… Can you maybe… keep going-?” He mumbled, unsure of how to phrase himself. Mumbo chuckled, sitting down on his legs. Grian folded his wings against his back again, and hummed softly as Mumbo started to gently pet them. 

Oh god, when was the last time he had such a… calm, domestic moment?? He couldn’t remember. Grian sighed, his eyes pulling to a close as his body tried to drag him into sleep. “Ah ah ah.” Mumbo’s voice cut through the serine moment. “No sleeping until you at least finish one bottle of water.” He said. Grian whined, taking a bottle and downing its contents. He heard Mumbo chuckle. 

“If you forced me into a maids dress I can force you to drink water.” Mumbo rested his head against the bed, mindlessly petting Grian’s wings whilst thinking of redstone creations he could make this season. He had an idea for a shop, but it was vague. He only knew he wasn’t it to be huge, and sell everything. Looking down at his communicator he hummed, messaging Iskall to ask if he could get some ice to help calm down Grian’s fever. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking in the calm atmosphere. He felt connected to Grian, in an odd way. As if they met before in a past life, or some odd romantic crap like that. 

He shook out his thoughts, looking over to Grian. The smaller hermit snored in his sleep, and he chuckled. “Goodnight Grian.” He said softly, standing up. He walked over to a mirror, looking at himself in the glass. 

“Huh. I’m not too shabby now am i?” He asked no one, twirling his hips and watching the dress bounce and spin with his movements. It was honestly a little… short, on him. It went to about mid thigh on him. But he couldn’t help but think how absolutely adorable Grian would look in this. Then his mind wandered. “Wait… why does Grian have this anyways?” He asked, looking down at it. “Ya know… I don’t wanna know.” He said softly, looking back to Grian. “But at least it made him smile.” He sighed, running a hand through his slicked back hair. “At the cost of my dignity.” He chuckled, turning around and walking back over to the sleeping man. He took the bed and water off the bed, putting them back into his bag before he sighed, sitting down next to him- crossing his legs of course he’s no heathen. 

Mumbo climbed out of his starter base to start working on his mega base, just completely chill in working with a dress on. What? It was comfortable. It let his legs breathe more. He paused after around an hour of work, hearing loud coughing from underground. He quickly flew down to check on Grian, shooting Iskall another message asking for ice. He got down and saw Grian was sitting up, coughing into his elbow. The sort of barking cough that leaves your throat sore. 

“Grian lay down, I’ll get you some healing potions.” Mumbo said, Grian shook his head. 

“Mumbo… I wanna work on my base.” He said, clearing his throat and going to stand up. His legs shook under his own weight, and Mumbo walked over and picked him up, plopping him onto the bed again. 

“Not until you’re better.” He said, and Grian just stubbornly went to stand back up again. Mumbo- absolutely not thinking about his actions- just pushed Grian back down and sat on top of him. His legs on either side of Grian and forcing him to stay down. The red winged hermit grunted at the weight, whining. 

“Uhh what do we have here-?” The two squeaked and looked behind Mumbo, seeing Iskall holding a shulker box with the a bright red, flustered face, and a slightly amused smile. Mumbo looked down at the situation just as Grian looked up, the two yelping as Mumbo scrambled to get off Grian. 

“NOTHING!” The two shouted, their faces bright red and Mumbo hiding himself with his wings. Iskall laughed loudly at the scene in front of him, head thrown back and arms around his stomach sort of laugh. The other two couldn’t help but join in. They were only interrupted when Grian erupted into a harsh coughing fit again. 

Iskall rushed over, placing down the shulker box and pulling out some towels, wrapping the ice up and pressing it against Grian’s head. The two watched as Grian relaxed, his eyes closing. “Oh that’s nice.” Grian mumbled, not even realizing he was talking. Mumbo chuckled slightly. 

“Now you better stay in bed Grian! You’re gonna pass out if you stand up again.” Mumbo fretted. Iskall glanced at him. 

“He’s been trying to do stuff?” He asked, being able to feel the heat radiating off of Grian. Mumbo just nodded with a sigh. “Alright. How about you change out of that ridiculous outfit, and I make sure Grian stays in bed.”

“I’m right here you know.” Grian huffed, but made no effort to move his head away from the cold Iskall was bringing him. God it really did feel nice. Iskall laughed, and Mumbo just rushed off in embarrassment to change out of the outfit Grian had given him. 

“Soo.. You’re into maids huh?” Iskall asked, opening his huge brown and white wings. Grian could just barely see a bit of a golden tint to them as well. He stretched out the huge things, and Grian could hardly answer his question, just mesmerized by the beautiful appendages. “Grian?” Iskall looked at him, and Grian snapped out of it. 

“Oh! Uh, no, No i’m not. I just thought it be funny. Which it was.” He chuckled, grinning widely. Iskall laughed and nodded, turning around and leaning his side against the bed. He maneuvered his wings so one of them laid over Grian; effectively keeping him down. Grian started down at the feathers. 

“Yes you can.” 

Iskall’s voice made him jump again, but he nodded, moving his arm out from under Iskall’s wing and running his hand over the smooth, fluff filled feathers. Iskall folded his arms on the bed, leaning his head against them and just closing his one eye. Mumbo came back and gasped at the sight. 

“How come I didn’t  think of that!” He asked. Iskall laughed. 

“Cause you’re an absolute spoon.”

~~~

Scar climbed down the ladder into Mumbo’s base. “Hey Mumbo how’s Grian doing?” He asked, not getting an immediate response. He turned around, and his heart practically melted. 

The three hermits were either on or leaning against the bed, the three of them asleep. Iskall and Mumbo had a wing draped over Grian, with the blond hermit asleep. His forehead was covered in a soaking wet towel, and the three of them snored softly in their sleep. Scar chuckled, quietly walking over and around Iskall. He took the cold wet towel off Grian’s head, pulling one out of his inventory and wiping off the water from Grian’s head. He opened the shulker box next to Iskall, and nodded when he saw it was completely insulated on the inside, and the ice was still perfectly frozen. 

“Oh you three, you there are definitely gonna be something huh?” He asked with a soft chuckle. He put down a shulker box of carrots he brought from the shopping district, wrote a note telling the three to eat when they woke up, and climbed back out of the underground base. 

~~~

“The avian’s are all there?” 

The beings voice echoed gently. The being in question was tall, slim, and elegant. Their voice matched this perfectly, although having a slight venom in it. The word ‘avian’ was spat out of their mouth as if it were a slur. 

“Yes you’re Watchfulness.” A man bowed before the great being, not daring to make eye contact with them. 

“STOP! PLEASE! YOU CAN’T DO THIS!” Another voice from across the room sobbed. It was a man, clad in purple and gold robes, with dark brown skin, blond hair, and baby blue eyes. He was locked in a cage, a cage specifically meant to keep him trapped. “HES MY SON I-”

“SILENCE!” The being roared, and the celled man winced, but kept his grip on the bars in front of him. “Builder. You know as well as I do that the avians need to be eradicated. Emotional attachment or not.” 

“But why?! Just because their smarter than the average human?! I-” The celled man, Builder, asked. Tears were slipping down his face. He didn’t want his son to die. 

“Really Mumbo? What is this? An anti-Grian Machine?” He laughed, before quickly going over to Mumbo. He poked the man, seeing him just sitting down on the ground, eyes closed and in a deep meditative state. He giggled mischievously, looking around the area for the certain spot he knew would lead to the other side of the mob farm. He mined through a few blocks, putting them back as he walked through the small hallway. He wasn’t sure how Mumbo could get through these tight hallways with his huge wings. Even with his smaller ones this was difficult and tight. The hallway opened up to a slightly larger room, and he quickly made he way over to the ravine. He had already planned out the area he was going to use for this idea, and his inventory was filled with everything he’d need.

About an hour later he was done, the gravel ‘accent wall’ done and a lever by his own chair. He grinned excitedly, opening his inventory and pulling out a nice red suit he had made himself with wool. He pulled off his red shirt, stretching out his wings to make the process easier. He looked down at himself. He wasn’t anything to sneeze at, but not some sort of model either. He was slim, having recently gained much more of a swimmers body than anything. He glanced behind his shoulder, where his wings attached to his upper back.

The red coloration of his wings molded down seamlessly into his back. He grabbed the white dress shirt he had gotten off of Scar (the two were rather similar body type wise), throwing it over his back and letting his wings slot into the opened section in the back. It was nice to be able to have others help him with clothing. Back home it was hard, given he’d always need help cutting out patterns in his shirts that allowed his wings to come through. But Scar helped him out big time, giving him a patterns to use to make shirts and whatnot. He buttoned up the white shirt, stretching out his shoulders. It was definitely a tight fit. But honestly?? It didn’t look half bad on him. He took the red suit jacket, and slipped that on as well. He had to reach behind him to zip up the area around his wings, so it fit better and looked a lot more professional.

He just lazily pulled the red dress pants over his gray slacks, and then groaned as he realized the green tie. He unbuttoned the jacket, and struggled to tie the tie around his neck. He privately messaged Scar.

Grian: hey dude. How do you tie a tie?

GoodTimesWithScar: Oh my goodness. Your hopeless.

Grian: I knooooww.

Grian laughed a bit, but Scar told him he was busy right now, and he took that answer and just tried to pull up a video on his communicator. He took about ten or so minutes trying before he finally got it, and just then it came up on his communicator that Mumbo had stopped being AFK. He grinned, rushing up to the little window he had made behind Mumbo’s spawner. He heard Mumbo laugh at seeing him, walking up to the mirror.

“What are you doing?” He asked, and Grian just beamed.

“I am here to propose the deal of the century!” He said, his smile wide.

“Get over here.” Mumbo said, smiling tiredly at the energetic body. Grian walked through the small hallway, beaming. “What are you wearing?” He laughed.

“I’m Here to give You! The deal of a life time.” Grian said. “Also! What is this?!” Grian held up the tag, and Mumbo laughed. Grian just sighed. “Follow me! We mustn’t waste time.” Grian grabbed Mumbo’s hand, dragging him through the tiny hallway once again.

“This isn’t really a professional entrance.”

“Well it’s what I had to work with.” Grian laughed, getting into the ravine and climbing up the stairs, just dodging mobs and arrows.

“Not very safe either.” Mumbo laughs, taking his sword and killing a skeleton attacking Grian. Said dirty blonde laughed, getting to the room before the meeting room.

“This is where my secretary works. If i had one.” He joked, and Mumbo laughed a little. He still had a grip on Grian’s hand, a part of him not wanting to let go of it. Grian was just. So excitable. His little giggles were adorable and it sent Mumbo into another plain when he managed to get the little gremlin to laugh. He didn’t romantically love the man, no. He wasn’t gay after all. But he loved the man platonically, despite only knowing him for a few days. Grian somehow had that effect of the other hermits. It felt like they all knew Grian all their lives already.

“So, Mumbo.” Grian said, letting go of Mumbo’s hand to sit down at the chair he had made. Mumbo sat in the chair beside him, looking over to him. “As you know, most of the hermits have these little groups of theirs. ConCorp, New Hermit Order, excetera. I want to propose a new group between us! You’re the only hermit i really know so far, so i wanted to make a partnership. So if i need redstone help you’d be able to help me, and vise versa!” Grian smiled, reaching towards the lever. “And the name of this partnership??” He pulled the lever. “BUILDSTONE!” The gravel fell to reveal the name, besides one stack of gravel.

“Wow Grian.”

“See?? This is exactly why I need your help!” He laughed. Mumbo couldn’t help the little laugh that left him as he watched Grian shovel the gravel away. He looked at the logo Grian had on the wall.

“I see. Well, Grian. I’d love to have a partnership with you! I really do need the building help.” He smiled. Grian gaped at him.

“With that deathstar of your’s i doubt you do!” He said. Mumbo laughed again.

“No seriously I suck when it comes to building.” Mumbo smiled shyly. Grian just laughed.

“Well! I’m glad to have you as a partner Mumbo! And the name is totally up for debate. I just kinda threw this together.” Grian added.

----

Grian was sitting on the platform of his base, looking up at the sky and thinking of what to do next. Mumbo said yes to his proposal, He now had the tag, AND he couldn’t even go tag someone else! He huffed, going through the days footage and just starting to edit as he laid on the floor. A brief thought crossed his mind. He should go and find this world’s borders. He nodded to himself, standing up and saving the video as it was for now. He’d finish editing it later.

He yawned, looking up at the sun as it was starting to set. “Better go quickly.” He muttered, taking off and flying up past the rim of his base so far. He just headed towards Scar’s base, just starting to fly without any real purpose of motive. He flew past the volcano that Scar was building, whistling to himself. “That man is a terraforming God.” He muttered to himself. He saw a outline of a person on top of the volcano, but paid it no mind. He just figured it was Scar.

He hummed, just feeling the wind in his hair and wings. He allowed his mind to wander for a moment, his eyes closing. He wondered what he should do next for his base, who he should try to get in contact with next. Grian dipped down closer to the water, letting the waves crash against his hand as he flew. He knew that there was mostly ocean for a few kilometers, but he didn’t really care. It would still be a nice and relaxing fly.

‘Why did the watchers let me go?’

The thought appeared in his head, sudden and quickly. He let that thought fester and stay. One thought grew into 2. Then 3. And before he could control it his mind was filled with negative thoughts and feelings. He felt fear gripping at his core, its ice cold hands restraining him. There was no where to land. His chest was heaving and he felt tears falling down his cheeks and the thoughts of him not being good enough roared through his head. The thoughts telling him he was a cruel monster. He wasn’t normal. Wasn’t okay.

Grian just flew into the ocean, letting the bitter cold water wash over him the soaked his wings and made it impossible for him to fly. But he didn’t care. He floated on the ocean surface, wings spread out as heaving sobs left his body. “Why would they miss me?” He heard himself say. He gasped for air, hands pulling at his hair. He knew this was a panic attack. He was prone to them. Taurtis usually helped him calm down. But he was out here, alone with only the ocean to comfort him.

He noticed water dripping onto him, and his eyes opened for a moment. Harsh stormclouds were forming above him, and he gasped. Oh fuck. The light dripping turned into a harsh and rapid rain, the ocean starting to twist and turn. He dived underwater to avoid being knocked unconscious, swimming back towards Scar’s island. Why couldn’t he see it anymore? How far had he actually gone??

Was he lost??

He poked his head above the water to look around, only to get knocked under by a huge wave. Panic once again settled into his bones, the need to breathe burning at his lungs. He swam back onto the water’s surface, his wings just dragging behind him and weighing him down. Oh god why couldn’t he just get out of the water?? Why couldn’t he fly?? Another wave crashed into him, and it drove him deep underwater. Grian just started ti swim desperately, using his wings to propel him under the water the best he could. He needed to get to dry land, to breathe. He swam towards the surface a final time, his head spinning and everything moving far too fast.

“GRIAN!” He heard a voice call out, and he felt a warm hand grab his. He was pulled out of the water and into someones arms. He could feel leather, but that was about it. His eyes closed and he gasped uselessly for air. “Its okay buddy. We’re gonna get you help. I promise.” Grian kept his eyes closed as the person re-adjusted their hold on him, and he was officially knocked out.

__

“What do you mean he was flying to the border?!”

“I don’t know! I just saw him fly past and i noticed the storm clouds! I don’t know what else he would be doing!”

Grian came too to hearing the two bickering voices. His lungs felt heavy, and before he knew it, he threw himself over the side of the bed, dry heaving and coughing up water and salt.

“GRIAN!” two voices yelled in unison. He just groaned in response, and he felt someone push him back into bed.

“Oh my god man, you scared us to death!” Grian’s eyes focused, and he noticed that mustache he was so fond of.

“Mum...bo?” He rasped, his voice sore from inhaling salt water.

“Yes its me, you absolute spoon.” Mumbo brushed some hair from Grian’s face. “Are you okay? Actually don’t answer that I know you’re not.” He said. Scar was standing behind him, a towel thrown over the water now on the floor.

“Yea man. You took quite a beating.” Scar fretted, having taken off his jacket at some point in time. Grian put his hands on his face, grounding himself. He felt leather move around his arms. Oh, so that’s where the jacket went. He just groaned, closing his eyes again. “Grian?”

“I. I had a panic attack out at sea. Came randomly.” He muttered, as Mumbo handed him some water to help soothe his throat. Mumbo frowned.

“Why didn’t you message one of us to help you?”

“Didn’t wanna bother you guys.” He said, sighing. Mumbo just nodded, helping Grian sit up. “And i was too far out. You wouldn’t have found me before the storm.”

“Grian, you’re lucky i saw you from my little island.” Scar said, sitting on the bed and touching Grian’s forehead. “And you’re burning up!” He fretted. Grian just pushed his hand away.

“I’ll be okay Scar.” He smiled, slowly going to stand up.

“Oh no you’re not.” Mumbo said, pushing him back down. “You’re sick.”

“And you have a mustache. Are we done stating the obvious?” Grian shot back before he could control himself. He covered his mouth with his hand quickly. “Oh my god i’m so sorry I didn’t mean for it to come out like that!” He said, watching Mumbo for any signs of anger. He only got a light hearted laugh back.

“So they were… essentially the gods of your world?” He asked, Grian nodded.

“Essentially yea. They watched over us and made sure we got through updates at the pace they wanted us too. Everyone on the server told me my wings were because of them, that I should be happy, and that I might be like them. But I don’t wanna be. It seems so boring. You build the same pillars, the same towers, without any change. You don’t seem to have any worldly ties. It seems… lonely. Besides, with my nature I’m pretty sure they hate me.” Grian curled up into himself a bit, his voice trailing off into a mumble.

“You’re nature? You mean your playful and silly attitude? You mean your work ethic and your willingness to try new things and learn?” Mumbo asked, a small and comforting smile pulling onto his face. Grian looked up at him, almost confused by what he said. “Do you not believe me?”

“No, yes- i mean-! I don’t know. I’m not used to all this. Everyone back home kinda just ignored me until I decided to blow up their base or steal diamonds. When they needed me to rebuild or replace stuff. People usually didn’t call me over to just have a chat.” Grian said, sighing as he shifted to face Mumbo. “But what about you? What about everyone else here? Why do you all have wings?”

“Well… I shouldn’t tell everyone’s stories. Some are a bit personal. But I believe most of them come from a glitch. Something happened and we were spawned in with them. We don’t really question it.” Mumbo shrugged, “But people like Doc and Cleo have a bit more of a troubled history with their glitched parts. Not to mention they were already player hybrids to start. But hey, those sorts of things are in the past, and they make us look bloody cool don’t it?” Mumbo grinned, listening to Grian’s high pitched laugh as his head was thrown back.

“Right. Now… just cause i’m curious. How fast can you go?” Grian asked, trying to change the topic. Mumbo perked up proudly.

“I’d say a solid 50 blocks per hour.” He said, the feathers of his wings ruffling a bit. Grian just laughed.

“Only 50? I can get to a solid 100 without breaking a sweat!” Grian challenged. Mumbo stood up.

“You wanna test that mate?” he asked. Grian stood up as well.

“First one to the fantasy district and back wins?”

“Deal.” The two shook hands, readying themselves at the top of Mumbo’s base, hands firm against the white concrete, legs bent and ready to snap at a moments notice. Their wings were open, Mumbo’s only slightly so he didn’t slam Grian into the ground on take off.

“Three…” Grian started, a grin pulling at his face.

“Two…” Mumbo glanced over to the dirty blond, not liking the look on his face. Chaos was aflame in his eyes, and it was almost unnerving.

“ONEGO!” Grian yelled, his feet pushing against the concrete as he launched himself into the air. He sped off, leaving Mumbo screaming in the distance. “EAT MY TAIL FEATHERS MUMBO JUMBOLIO!” Grian yelled behind himself, before looking straight ahead. He expertly dodged mountains and tall trees, hands out in front of him and helmet secured tightly to his head.

Wind whipped passed him, and he had to yell an apology to Scar for nearly crashing into him, but the two narrowly avoided each other. Grian smiled widely as the smell of the ocean faded into grass and trees, then back into that salt like scent. He saw the starting of False’s base, the start of the fantasy district. “HEY FALSE!” Grian called out to the building blond. He landed on top of her little mountain, grinning widely. He couldn’t even see Mumbo.

“Oh! Hey Grian what’s up?” False flew over to him.

“Oh I’m just beating Mumbo in a race. I’m waiting to see him before i bolt back.”

“You cheeky sod.” False laughed, and Grian joined in. “Oh I see him now!” False pointed out, and Grian just waved to Mumbo happily.

“See ya!” Grian laughed, taking off once more and blasting past Mumbo.

“You little bas-!” Grian didn’t hear the rest of Mumbo’s sentence, laughing hysterically has he flew onto Biffa’s mountain. He landed carefully.

Or tried too.

He screamed as he was flying far too fast, collide face first with the ground.

Grian experienced kinetic energy

Docm77: gg

MumboJumbo: hA

MumboJumbo: OHNO

MumboJumbo experienced kinetic energy

Grian respawned inside of his shipwreck, laughing wildly. He held his stomach and laughed until he fell out of bed.

Docm77: GG

Falsesymmetry: Omg i caught that on camera.

Grian clutched his stomach, his head thrown back in wild laughter. “Oh my god. That’s too perfect!” He stood up slowly, rushing over to Mumbo’s base. He swam up onto his platform and took off. He was still laughing by the time he got there, Mumbo standing frazzled by his bed. “Oh my god that was too funny.” Grian wheezed, landing on the little treehouse Mumbo had made. Mumbo just burst out laughing as he realized what exactly just happened.

“Oh my- Oh my god. That was perfect. I should’ve been recording!” Mumbo laughed, the two just sitting on the platform and taking deep breaths to calm themselves down. “Soo i totally won that.” Mumbo grinned, yelping as he was hit on the shoulder.

“No you did not! If we hadn’t died I totally would’ve won!” Grian protested. He stood up. “Come on lets go get our stuff back.” He took off quickly once more, never seeming too loose his energy. Mumbo smiled at the new hermit as he flew off, sighing softly. Just another day in the Hermitcraft world.

Grian landed on top of the mountain, quickly collecting his things as the sun went down. He pulled on his armor, held his sword in his hands and went back to his base after he messaged Mumbo that he’d be going to bed. He dived down into the ocean, using his wings to propel him underwater. His wings were sleek and rather small, nothing compared to people like TFC and Doc. His wings were built for speed and agility. He swam in through the neck of the bottle, popping out into his cramped base. He pulled a nametag out of one of his chests, and quickly took out a marker, writing ‘TAG’ in large and bold letters over it.

He pulled out his camera again, starting it up and going to record. He explained the rules of his new game, writing them down in a book as he did so. He was grinning like mad, a fire in his eyes he didn’t even know his soon to be chaos was fueling. Grian was giggling to himself as he wrote everything down, quickly flying out of his base and onto the little platform. He shook out his clothes and wings once more, taking flight and rushing over to Mumbo’s base. He looked onto his communicator, finding Mumbo’s gamertag and noticing he had went afk for a while. He groaned loudly, just for now hiding in a corner and watching the chickens that had suspiciously filled Mumbo’s base.

Grian ended up perching himself onto Mumbo’s enchantment station, one knee to his chest while his other leg dangled off the bookshelves. He kept throwing eggs everywhere, the occasional chicken spawning in. He hummed softly to himself, and was rather surprised that he had the patience to wait for Mumbo instead of just flying off to get someone else.

Docm77: Does anyone have a few books to spare? I only need l 3.

MumboJumbo: Oh yea! Just come into my base and snag them.

Grian pressed himself against the wall, hiding out of Mumbo’s sight just in case. He went to peak around the wall, only to find he was still afk!

Being afk was a sleeplike state that was induced after a few minutes of standing completely still. For some people it allowed them to retreat into a mind space, for others it was just like meditation. But it allowed mobs to spawn near a player, or for machines to continue working. It was bad edicate to do anything to people while they were afk.

Grian sighed, deciding to go for Doc instead, hiding next to Mumbo’s ladder and sitting there, waiting for the player hybrid to climb down the ladder into the place. He groaned loudly, walking over to Mumbo and poking at him.

“Mumbo jumbo you are afk.” He sang boredly, “I’m gonna take your mustache away-” He puffed out his cheeks as he got no response. God. He felt like a needy girlfriend. But he was so bored! You can’t blame him!

A loud squeak rang past his lips as he heard a accented voice complaining faintly, the sound hovering above him. He quickly rushed back to his spot, practically bouncing up and down as chickens walked around the whole place. He heard a loud explosion, before a death message popped up. Shit. Grian quickly climbed up the ladder of Mumbo’s base, quickly getting Doc’s scattered things and rushing to put them in a chest before everything despawned.

It was normal practice for him, as it had been mostly ingrained into his head that because of his speed he needed to help others with when they inevitably died. He sighed softly, making a sign and putting it on the chest, giving Doc directions to Mumbo’s base. He quickly slipped back into Mumbos base, and waited another ten or so minutes before he heard Doc’s grumbling as he climbed down the ladder. He pressed his wings into the wall behind him, seeing the creeper hybrid walking towards Mumbo. He rushed him quickly.

Grian reached out a fist, punching Doc in the shoulder, threw him both the tag and the book, before bolting back up the ladder. “I GOT YOU!” Grian yelled in victory, laughing hysterically as he quickly climbed. Doc didn’t even manage to get a word in before Grian left, but he started laughing as well, rubbing his shoulder.

“What the hell?” He asked, looking at the book that had been thrown at him. “A tag game hm? Interesting.” His voice drawled menacingly, and he looked over at Mumbo. He took the items he originally came for, and left. Hey, he might be an evil genius but he’ll play by the rules.

Grian landed on his platform, laughing hysterically. He let out a small sigh to calm himself down, fluttering his wings a bit to let out some pent up energy. He plopped down onto the cobblestone ground, looking up at the sky with a wide grin. So far he wasn't getting any typing in the chat from Doc. So he knew the other wasn’t angry at him for being hit.

“No way.” Grian covered his mouth as he looked at the sign. “I’m in a new world! Oh my god. The watchers let me go?? No they couldn’t have.” He mumbled, and jolted as the communicator on his wrist started to buzz.

Grian has joined the game

Falsesymmetry: Grian?? Who the heck is Grian??

Ijevin : I have… no idea.

Stressmonster : I can go find out!! Im really close to spawn!!

Grian looked around, and just quickly took off. His red and black wings quickly lifting him into the air as he zoomed off into a random direction. Usually he wouldn’t be so… shy. But he didn’t want to be thrown into conversations with people he really didn’t know, especially with his wings. They had been gifted to him from the Watchers, and he wasn’t sure how people outside of Evo would react to that. He felt his wrist buzz again.

Stressmonster: No one’s here. Hey Grian!! Come back to spawn! We wanna meet you!

We?? Grian turned off his communicator, flying to the top of a mountain and looking over the ocean. His eyes widened as he actually looked into it. What were those things in it? The oceans weren’t supposed to have life in them besides just blue fish. And those you couldn’t even see! He checked his inventory, only to see a piece of paper and his recording equipment.  He pulled out the paper and read over it, his eyes widening.

‘Welcome to your new home, Grian.’ The paper read, and it gave a quick run down on some of the things he had never seen before. There was new mobs now, Drowned, Dolphins, Fish, and even temples and ruins! He hadn’t ever heard of the watchers being this generous. Not to him at least. They hated him. Grian yelped as he heard an explosion, looking around and seeing three people flying. He saw the wings on their back, and his eyes widened, but for some stupid reason he quickly flew underwater. He looked around this underwater landscape, and he grinned as he saw what the paper had called a shipwreck. He swam over to it to investigate.

Grian quickly swam into the ship, cautious of his air. He found a chest and pulled it open, grinning at the iron and lapis it held. He quickly swam back up, putting the valuables in his inventory before suddenly taking damage. He yelped, looking around and seeing the Drowned mob the paper warned him about, quickly swimming to shore. He scrambled up the mountain, watching tridents being hurled at him. He laughed excitedly.

“Oh my god. I can’t believe this! This. This is going to be awesome!!” He looked around the world, at the block generation. “Okay. Okay. Don’t get too over your head here.” Grian ran a hand through his hair, but he couldn’t stop the excited smile that pulled over his face. “Grian. You need to collect resources. Wool, wood, and weapons. You have to start mining.”

“Ah i see. Another guy who talks to himself.” Grian screamed and fell back into the ocean, gagging as salty water filled his mouth. “Oh heavens-!” He heard, before he was being pulled out of the ocean by a man with a glorious mustache. Grian quickly took in the mans appearance. Black hair and pale skin, wearing a suit, with gorgeous iridescent wings keeping them in the air. “Seems like the drowned are proper after you mate.” He flew them back on top of the small mountain. “So, You must be Grian then right?” He asked. Grian let out the breath he didn’t know he was holding.

“Yea! That's me, Grian!” He smiled, holding out a hand to him. The man in front of him chuckled.

“I’m Mumbo, nice to meet you. False and Stress and real curious about you mate.” He smiled still, the expression nothing but warm and welcoming, “We should message the rest of the Hermits, tell them about you.” He said, more to himself than anything as he pulled up his communicator screen.

Mumbo: Found him, He’s one of us.

Docm77: One of us!

Falsesymmetry: One of us!

Stressmonster: One of us!

“Oh dear.” He sighed, looking up at Grian who was just curiously looking at everything. “Your… not used to this stuff aren’t you?” He asked. Grian nodded.

“Yea, the world i was in is still in 1.7.” He said, Mumbo’s eyes widened.

“This is 1.14!” He said, and Grian laughed.

“No.”

“Yea.” Mumbo grinned, and looked him over. “We need to call a Hermit meeting. You comfortable with that? All the hermits are just like us. I promise.” Mumbo smiled again, and Grian couldn’t help but say yes to him. He shook out his wings, drying them off as the two took flight. Mumbo started typing again as they flew. “We just started this world, your in luck! Hermitcraft is a thing we came up with. Its essentially a group of misfits, we all make videos of our travels and post them. A lot of people really like what we do.” Mumbo said, his voice oozing with pride.

“Oh really? I do videos too! This seems like fun!” He said, listening as Mumbo described the sections this world was in, explaining that they’d be different building styles and whatnot. Grian couldn’t help the surge of excitement that flowed through his finger tips. He was a builder at heart after all, and he was over the moon in learning all this. They were just flying to the shopping district. A few buildings were already in the works, and Grian felt a surge of energy he just hadn’t had in Evo. This was all new, exciting. And he was going to have so much fun.

Grian watched as others quickly flew towards them, each and every one of them having wings. It filled his heart with relief. He wasn’t an odd one out anymore. Of course, there was someone carrying another person. Grian frowned in concern, seeing her wings were rotting and thus unable to fly.

“So Mumbo! This is the new guy?” He turned at hearing a heavily accented voice, seeing a larger man with a beard, and a visor over his eye. His wings were large and a darker brown, and yet seemed incredibly fluffy.

“Hey! I’m Grian.” He introduced.

“I’m Iskall! Nice to meet you! Your wings are amazing by the way.” He said, and Grian couldn’t help the flush that came onto his face. He wasn’t quite used to being complimented.

“You too!” He beamed. He turned as the others gathered, seeing many faces and many wings.

“How did you even get here?” A women asked. Grian looked at her. She was the one with the rotting wings. Her skin was a blue-ish gray, patched together. She looked like a zombie, the only thing bright about her was her bright orange hair.

“Uhh nice to meet you too?” Grian’s smile turned nervous as he looked the women up and down.

“Oh! My bad! I’m Cleo, Zombie Cleo!” She smiled, and Grian nodded a bit. The others introduced themselves, Grian trying to memorize names to faces. But he knew it was a fruitless endeavor.

“So mate, how did you get here?” Mumbo asked, sitting down on a rock as the others just sat on the ground.

“Yea!! Story time!!” Scar grinned as he plopped down next to Cub. Grian chuckled.

“Well. I was in my old world, we called it Evolution, or Evo for short. I was building my little town of farms and whatnot, and i heard a void. I saw this obsidian piller and thought if was the Watchers, who kind of overlook our world and make sure we’re ‘playing nice’ or whatever. I followed the pillars and the voice, when i got to this boarder wall or whatever. Sooo I… Blew it up. And walked through. Next thing I know, I wake up on your spawn island.” Grian explained calmly. He looked at the others, some who already had diamond armor. But why was it glowing like that?

“You said your world was stuck in 1.7 right?” Mumbo asked and Grian nodded, earning a few gasps from the others.

“Oh lord I’d hate being stuck in that! No beacons? No efficacy five? Awful.” Iskall sighed, and Grian stared at him.

“Wait wait what?” He asked, and a few of the Hermits jumped up, eager to brag about their loot. Grian was shown tridents, told what enchantments were, beacons, everything. His eyes were wide as he listened to everything, Doc even handing him a trident and saying to try and throw it.

Grian quickly took that opportunity, aiming high and throwing hard. Doc whistled lowly as he watched it fly. “Damn, good arm Grian.” He said, his lips pulling into an amused smile. He took off to go find it, and Grian watched the mechanical wing the man had seemingly built himself. Grian yelled a thanks at him as he flew off, and the other hermits were kind of dispersing. But a blonde women- he had learned that was Falsesymmetry-walked up to him, smiling.

“So Grian! It’s nice to finally have a new guy on the server! If you ever want a healthy match of PVP, feel free to message the queen of hearts and body parts.” He grinned with a laugh, taking off. Her wings were sleek, and yet seemed robust. The others said their goodbyes, a few giving Grian some basic starter materials of food, and some iron gear.

Grian looked over at Mumbo and Iskall, that last two standing there with him. The two smiled. “And if you want some redstone help, just give us a call! And feel free to drop by anytime. Okay?” Mumbo said, and Grian nodded.

“Yea man! Thanks!” He smiled, and the two took off. Grian quickly rushed to get resources, having already formulated a plan in his mind.

___

Grian’s plan… lead him to die many times by Drowned, thankfully he had built a little platform over the water with a bed to respawn in, but it was done. He had made a shipwreck in a bottle! And frankly, he was quite proud of himself. Grian had recorded the whole thing, even going back to the spawn so he could explain in a video what was going on. He swam into his starterbase, already planning on a megabase for this futuristic district.

He had dumped resources into his many chests, trying half hazardly to be organized with everything. But deep down he knew it would end up just like Evo; with chest monsters everywhere. He glanced down to his communicator, starting to type. He needed to figure out what the hell a conduit actually did, and had a plan to build one, but he needed a little bit of help. And one of the only people who were online were Xisuma. He sent him a quick message, going down to his farms and just collecting more food and eggs (those he was saving for Mumbo later).

Xisumavoid: Yea sure i can help you out! Just come on over.

Grian had quickly learned who his neighbors were. Mumbo, Biffa, Scar, and Xisuma. He rushed over to Mumbo’s base via the strip mine, that being the easiest way to get onto land to fly. As he ran, his mind briefly went to Taurtis. To Netty and the others. Did they miss him? Did they even realize he was gone?

“Probably not.”  Grian thought to himself, climbing up the stairs and shaking off his wings before taking off. He’d be the first to admit he was happy to be here. He could fly around without feeling like he was cheating, or that others were mad at him. The people in this world were so nice and accepting, they loved talking to one another and cracking jokes. This was the kind of environment his personality type thrived in. Fun, fast, and chaotic situations that one needed to adapt too quickly. In fact, that gave him an idea for a game they could all play.

He landed at Xisuma’s base, looking around at how organized everything seemed. Especially in comparison to his own base. But it didn’t really matter to him. He was having fun again, meeting new people and starting on new adventures. Surely the Evo gang wouldn’t mind him being gone if it meant he was having the time of his life. Right?

---

Grian finished recording, sighing as he just uploaded the footage onto his communicator to edit later. For now, Mumbo invited him over to relax for a bit (and probably to gloat about his base) and he wasn’t about to say no to something like that. He took off from his small cobblestone platform and flew the few hundred yards over to Mumbos base. He saw the raven haired man sitting on top of the structure, and he quickly landed next to him.

“Hey Mumbo!” Grian smiled, plopping down and rubbing his neck. His throat was starting to hurt again, and he had been thinking that he might have been too loud in his recording. His throat was murdering him.

“Hey Grian, you doin alright?”

“Oh yea! My throats just been a little sore for the past few days.” Grian smiled, leaning back and looking over the ocean. “But what’s up?”

“Nothing really.” Mumbo said, his voice trailing off and into a bit of an awkward silence, before the redstoner exploded, “Whatarethewatchers-?” He asked quickly, and Grian was slightly taken aback.

“What?” He laughed a bit, coughing into his arm.

“When you first came here a couple of weeks ago, you said you thought this was the fault of ‘the Watchers’. What exactly are they?” Mumbo asked, reaching into his inventory and pulling out a bottle of water, handing it to the other.

“Well… It’s a little bit of a long story.”