#well i suppose grian and jevin are pretty visible but still

[solarockk]

all better now

kind of a sequel to this

[justletmeplayminecraft]

this is a mini-sequel to my last space outlaws fic, set the next night. it mostly serves as dialogue practice for mumbo & wels, so don’t expect a super compelling plot. i have however realised i’m struggling with mumbo’s voice because it’s pretty similar to mine. experiment success. 

usual psa: this fic is based in @martuzzio's space outlaws universe & may not be completely canon. we out here to have fun & i hope you have fun reading!

featuring: two tired boys have a Talk. an additional dollop of comfort to the last fic.

warnings: nightmare mention, self-sacrificial mentality, broken bones, discussion of the events of the previous fic. this fic won’t really make sense if u haven’t read it so please check the warnings on the link!

Mumbo rubs his eyes as he walks down the corridors of the ship. His feet echo the path without him needing to look. There's too much to think about besides where he's going. The thoughts in his head are like static. He couldn't sleep in his room with Grian and Iskall so peaceful beside him. He's not sure if he'll be able to sleep at all.

Upon reaching the nearest kitchenette, he pours himself a glass of water. It's cool as he sips, forcing himself to relax. Walking through to the common area, he's surprised to find a lamp already on. Someone's curled up at the edge of the sofa, settled against the cushions.

"Hello?" Mumbo calls, unsure if they want company. It might be better sitting out here with someone instead of just his thoughts. The head leans back slightly, shadowed by the lamp.

"Hey, Mumbo." Wels's voice greets him, the edges of his smile just visible. "Can't sleep either?" Wels swings his legs around so Mumbo can sit down. He places his glass on a side table, tucking his robes close to him.

"However could you guess?" Mumbo replies. He sounds more tired than he'd like to. He at least tries to arrange his hair so it looks presentable. "Wanted a change of scenery."

"And you didn't end up in your lab?" Wels asks.

"I don't-" He tries to return the teasing tone but falters. He's honestly not sure how he feels about returning to tinkering. After everything that's happened, knowing his skills were almost used by someone else he just- he needs to get over himself. The others will understand. Well, they will if he ever gets the courage to tell them. "Not this late, I'm not," he finally manages.

"Guess that's fair." Wels nods in understanding. "I'd be training my energy off but-" He gestures to his arm. Mumbo frowns for him.

"Had any updates on it?"

"Stress said she'd cast it tomorrow." It's snug and secure against his chest, carefully out of harm's way. "I mean, I'm going to hate it, don't get me wrong, but at least I can worry less once it's in the cast." Mumbo can't even tease him for it. He'd feel exactly the same. Wels has always been pretty physical in the crew. Hopefully he didn't have any missions coming up.

"It's a good chance to practice with your non-dominant hand?" He offers, which gets a gentle laugh from Wels.

"I have a suspicion Stress might lock me out of the training rooms."

"Can she actually do that?" Mumbo asks, curious. She's threatened Iskall with it before, yes, but he never found out if she did. Iskall valued his life enough to not push her further.

"I'm hoping I don't find out. D'ya think I can go stir crazy on a ship this big?"

"Ask Cub or someone, I'm sure he'll make it an experiment."

"I think I may annoy him too much." Wels sounds proud of it. "I'm not easy to observe."

Mumbo can't resist replying, "I can see you just fine." It gets a disappointed groan from Wels and a kick at Mumbo's leg. Mumbo finds himself smiling at how gentle it is after watching him fight.

"Who let you out anyway?" Wels questions, his eyes glinting in the low light. "Weren't Iskall and Grian staying with you?"

"I snuck out," Mumbo replies. Wels snorts. "Weren't Jevin and Beef with you?"

"I snuck out," Wels repeats Mumbo's words with a smirk. Then he pauses, eyes narrowing. "Actually, I think Jevin let me sneak out. There's no way he didn't notice." Mumbo nods. Jevin could feel a pin drop. Iskall is too observant not to hear Mumbo moving. They likely guessed they needed space. "I spoke to Biffa, though. That was nice."

"Is he doing alright?" Mumbo asks.

"As ever." There's a distant happiness in Wels's eyes at the thought. Mumbo knows the two used to go on missions with Jevin. Perhaps they shared experiences like this after. "I didn't tell him what happened," he admits, the smile disappearing. "I think he could tell something was up, though."

"You didn't tell us what happened," Mumbo points out. "Don't think I didn't notice that in the debrief." Wels steered away from the topic quickly and nobody questioned it, because Mumbo's situation was (as far as they knew) more dangerous.

"Do you want me to?" Wels sounds disbelieving that Mumbo would even ask. But Mumbo isn't going to back down so easily.

"I would. He wasn't going to do anything to you, right?" Wels shakes his head quickly.

"No, no." Wels is firm in dispelling Mumbo's fear. "He mostly told me what he planned to do with you," he explains, leaning back against the cushions. Mumbo finds himself unsure how to respond to that. Wels- what did he think all that time? The others have tiptoed around the topic since they got back. The ones who know, anyway. Mumbo can't think about it for too long without feeling like he can't breathe.

"The collar?" Mumbo asks, knowing he doesn't need to expand.

"Yep. All the details about what it does. What he'd do." Wels sighs. He looks into his lap, head falling to the side. "I felt so useless. I couldn't do anything. I was supposed to protect you and I couldn't even do that."

"It wasn't your fault," Mumbo tells him. He refuses to let Wels place any blame on himself. "The others wouldn't have got us in time without you."

"They nearly didn't." Wels takes a deep breath. "And you were nearly turned into some mindless work machine." Mumbo swallows at the reminder. A spike of pain alerts him to how hard he's digging his nails into his hand. He rubs his thumb over the spot to numb it. "Sorry, that was-"

Mumbo shakes his head with a tired sigh, "No. I can't just avoid thinking about it forever."

"I can't think of anything else." They fall into a silence, neither having the words to reply to their admissions. Wels pushes his foot against the armrest, dragging himself over until he can lie against Mumbo's shoulder. His blue eyes are as piercing as they are exhausted. Mumbo holds himself still.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He asks. He can't place where Wels is in his head. They seem to be at opposite ends of the same problem. Wels sighs, heavy against Mumbo's side.

"Do you want to?" Mumbo considers it. Iskall's great, but he's still treating Mumbo like heated glass ready to explode. Whilst Grian is in the dark about everything. He doesn't want to explain it to anyone else. If Xisuma thinks people need to know, he can tell them. Not Mumbo. But Wels was there. He gets it.

"I had a nightmare," Mumbo eventually says. His voice barely carries in the near-silent room. "Where I couldn't do anything or ask for help... Nothing. It was horrible. And I keep thinking if I ignore what happened it'll be okay but- I almost had my free will taken from me. How do I react to that?" Wels watches him, sat up to see better.

"I mean, it's not like you're gonna be quizzed on it." Wels's voice is gentle, but it's a reminder Mumbo needs. "You react to it just... However you react to it. You can be angry or upset or vengeful or whatever. Nobody's gonna judge you over this, Mumbo. And if they do you can point them my way."

"I wish I didn't have to," Mumbo admits.

"So do I," Wels agrees. "But we're all here for you. No matter what you feel."

"I know they wouldn't stop looking if something happened." Even if he was nearly impossible to trace, even if he couldn't help himself. "It just scares me how easily things could've changed." Wels hums.

"Maybe focus on that first part," he suggests. "We look after each other. That's what we do." Mumbo nods. He can manage that. When his thoughts spiral (because it is a when, rather than an if), he knows they've got his back. That's been proven over and over again. The worst can happen and it'll still be true.

"Okay." Mumbo smiles as Wels tries to stifle a yawn. He returns to his spot on Mumbo's shoulder. "Your turn."

"Haven't I already talked?" Wels complains, peering at him. Mumbo gives him a look. He's not very intimidating, but Wels breaks eye contact first. He sighs. "I've always felt the need to protect people," he starts, "to an unhealthy extent. You've probably heard X get on me about it before."

"Once or twice." Mumbo remembers well when Xisuma coolly forbid Wels from going on missions until he stopped needlessly risking his life. It's hard to forget. He avoided Xisuma for about a week afterwards.

Wels scoffs, "Yeah. Right. I have an issue, sue me. See, I even admitted it." Mumbo laughs gently until Wels continues. "It really is what I said before, though. I just felt useless. I came to protect you and I couldn't even do that. If I just paid more attention, moved faster, whatever. I feel like I should've been able to do something."

"But you know it's not your fault?" Mumbo checks.

It takes Wels a moment, but he replies, "Yeah. I did what I could. Sometimes that won't be enough and I have to accept that." Mumbo smiles, leaning his own head onto Wels. It's not the comfiest but some contact won't hurt either of them. His eyelids are feeling heavier, too.

"Imagine how bad it could've been without you there. I only stayed so calm because of you."

"You need to give yourself more credit." Wels pokes Mumbo's leg. "You did great."

"So did you," Mumbo replies. "We both did the best we could. How about we agree on that?"

"You strike a hard bargain." Wels holds his uninjured arm out. "Sure." It's a bit awkward shaking hands with the two of them so close. But it makes them both smile, and that's the point. The silence is more peaceful this time. Until Wels asks, "Could you give me that pitch?"

"The pitch?"

"The one you were going to give. Or explain one of your inventions." Wels shifts against his side, burrowing into the cushions more. "Full disclosure, I think I'll fall asleep easier if someone's talking. So..." Mumbo laughs. Both of them separate to get more comfortable, keeping contact points between them.

"Want me to explain the jetpack?" Mumbo suggests.

Wels smiles, "That'll go completely over my head. It's perfect." Mumbo smiles, taking in the sight of him. Legs crossed, arm bound, a robe thrown over his undersuit (Mumbo doesn't envy Stress having to get that off tomorrow.) His hair is falling out from behind his ears. Mumbo's going to miss that if he cuts it again.

In total, it takes around fifteen minutes of Mumbo explaining before Wels's breathing falls into a perfect rhythm. He doesn't wake when Mumbo shifts into a sleeping position, only falls closer against him.

With the hum of the ship and Wels's gentle breaths, it takes Mumbo five minutes to fall asleep from there.

When Xisuma finds them, having his suspicions about the light left on, he smiles. He tucks a blanket around the pair, and resolves to make sure the others avoid this room for the morning.

[rendiggitydog]

In which Evil X isn’t very evil:

"Ugh, I need a vacation," Evil Xisuma sighed and leaned against his rock. The cave was quite nice, since Ex had lived there for quite some time. The floor had been swept that morning, and the walls were warmly lit with small torches. "Where could I go on a vacation?"

He dug his old, yellowing map out of a box, and smoothed it across the floor. The map displayed the area above his cave in faded greens and browns. There was a forest, some hilly mountains, and a bay opening into the ocean.

"I loved the mountains last time I went out, but it's been quite a while. Maybe I'll go back and see if it's changed." He sang to himself as he packed a small box of food and armor, and a make-shift sleeping sack. "Let's go!"

—

Stress hummed a tune as she strolled through the shopping district. The sun was shining, and the birds chirped, covering the valley in a muted blanket of peace.

"Oh my days!"

Stress heard Xisuma shouting from the base of the mountain, under the Sahara Project. She quickly ran over, and peeked down the slope, spotting an armored figure at the banks of the river. The sunlight glinted off his armor, but she could have sworn the armor appeared red. "Oi! X! Are you alright?"

He turned to her, but didn't seem to recognize her. "Hello! Who are you?"

"Why I'm Stressmonsta! Are you not Xisuma?"

The man scoffed as he hopped across the river, making his way up the hill towards her. "Don't call me that name! I'm Evil Xisuma!" He stood proudly beside her, giving a clear view of his outfit. It was nearly identical to Xisuma's suit, except red, with a black cape draped over his shoulders.

"Oh," She thought for a moment. "Didn't you nearly blow up all of our Season Five homes?"

"Well, yes, but then I was banished. Do you know where I am now? Because last I thought I was leaving my base to head to the mountains!"

"Hm. Well, this is our Season Six shopping district, and you just came out of that hole!" She motioned to the hole in the side of the mountain.

"What!? Are you telling me you moved Hermitcraft right on top of my cave?" Ex looked around in disbelief.

"I suppose so! Would you like a tour?"

Ex blinked in surprise. "...I don't see why not!"

—

"What is that?" Ex stared as two hermits soared overhead.

Stress laughed. "That's Grian and Iskall!"

"But- they're in the sky!"

"Well, yeah! They're using their elytra to fly! Have you neva seen an elytra?"

Ex paused. "Maybe...? I was in my cave for a long time.."

"Well, this cant stand!" Stress found an ender chest and rummaged through it, triumphantly pulling out a spare elytra. "Let's teach you to fly!"

"Ah, I'm not sure.. I'm more confident on the ground..." Ex stepped back, eyeing the elytra.

"That's because you've never tried it! Cmon!"

—

After a long, painful process, the two were in the sky, gliding (somewhat) gracefully over the ocean.

"See, flying's not bad!" Stress laughed.

"I suppose." Ex laughed nervously. "Where are we going?"

"I figured we could stop by Mumbo's base. It's real pretty!" Stress motioned to the giant sphere appearing out of the fog.

Stress landed gracefully on the catwalk, and helped Ex land without taking too much damage. He could only stare, jaw dropped, at the bright, futuristic base.

Just then, Mumbo strolled around the beam in the center, shrugging on his suit coat. He smiled when he noticed Stress, but jumped a mile when he spotted Ex. "E- Evil Xisuma!" Mumbo squeaked. He shuddered, fumbling for his sword, which dropped with a clang.

"It's okay Mumbo, he's a friend!" Stress threw her arms around Ex, who stood awkwardly.

"But- But- Last season he ruined my redstone!"

"That was a long time ago! He's better now, right Ex?" She looked expectantly at him.

Ex shuffled his feet. "Yes, I'm doing much better now."

Mumbo visibly relaxed. "Oh good! How are you two doing then?"

"I'm fantastic! I'm taking Ex on a tour, and it's really fun, right Ex?"

"Flying is... different."

"I totally understand." Mumbo laughed. "Well I was just grabbing some observers, so I'd better head back to work!"

Ex perked up. "Observer? What does that do?"

"Ah ha, I- I suppose it's difficult to explain! Can I show you?"

"Yes please!"

Mumbo taught Ex and Stress about redstone, both entranced by the unique element. After a while, Ex developed a headache, and decided it was time to go.

"Thanks Mum! Good luck!" Stress waved as she and Ex flew off.

"There's so much I didn't know about redstone..." Ex sighed, holding his head.

"Me nieva! It's really difficult, but Mumbo's a helpful fella. I'm much better at buildin!" She swooped in front of Ex, proudly displaying her ice castle.

"Wow..." He breathed. "You're really good!"

Stress giggled. "Thanks love! I'm fond of the stone bricks with the ice!"

"Stone... bricks?" Ex curiously followed Stress to the base of the castle.

Stress stifled a laugh. "You don't even know stone bricks? You've been in that cave a while!"

"I'm sure I've seen them, it's just been a while!" He defended. "How did you make these out of cobble?" He ran his fingers over the uniform bricks.

"Not cobble, silly! Stone! You have to use silk touch!"

Ex's blank expression said it all.

"You've really forgotten everything, huh? Cmon, let me show you."

-----

"Thank you for the wonderful day, Stress! It was so nice to meet you!" Ex thanked Stress as they strolled arm in arm down the lane.

"I forgot we only just met today! I hope you'll come visit again soon!"

"Who's visiting?" Grian zoomed past, soaring straight up in the air before drifting back down. "Who's this?"

"This is Exy! Exy, this is Grian, our newest member!"

Ex went in for a handshake, but Grian, beaming, pulled him into a tight hug. "So cool to meet someone new! Speaking of which, are you a hermit? I've never met you, but here you are!"

"I, uh..." Ex rubbed his neck. "Well..."

Just then Jevin glided in, waving to the small group. "Hey Grian, have you seen Mum-" He froze. "Uh, what's goin on here?" He looked between Stress and Grian's cheerful grins and Ex's anxious stare. "I- I'm not even gonna ask.." He shook his head, flying off.

"Well he was rude! He didn't even say hi!" Grian folded his arms.

"I know why..."

Suddenly, Xisuma strolled around the corner, pulling his helmet off and shaking his hair out. Ex tensed, clenching and unclenching his fists.

"I better go..." Ex murmured to Stress, eyes darting to find a good direction to run.

"How did you get here? I thought we left you in Season 5?" X's commanding voice cemented Ex's feet to the ground.

"Left him? Last season? What are you on about X?" Grian unconsciously took a step forward, blocking Ex from view.

"Do you know who this is Grian? Or why he looks and sounds just like me?" X stepped forward, making Ex flinch.

Grian couldn't read X's tone, and now he was conflicted. Why was he defending a stranger that X clearly knew better than he did anyway? Why were they so similar?

Grian's hesitation allowed X to step around him, approaching Ex, who squeezed his eyes shut.

"...just ban me already..." Ex muttered.

"Ban you? Now why would I do that?"

"It wouldn't be the first time." He gritted his teeth, awaiting the dreaded feeling of his body dissolving into the void.

X's laugh cut through the tense air like a knife. "And never get to see my favorite brother again? Never!" X threw his arms around Ex, who seemed paralyzed with fear and confusion.

Stress seemed just as confused, as she made a little squeak noise.

"What just happened?" Grian rubbed his head in confusion.

X stepped away from the hug, but kept one arm around Ex. "This is my brother, Exy!"

Ex finally came to his senses and shoved X away. "You are not my brother! I'm your evil clone!"

X shrugged, not phased. "You've always been around, and we used to get along just fine! Have you decided you actually want to be evil now?"

Ex froze. "Wait, no. I'm not evil." The gears turned in his brain. "But if I'm not evil, then what's my name? I can't just be Xisuma Two!"

"You're right!" The small crew contemplated the strange situation for a moment.

"Harold?" Stress offered. Ex stuck his tongue out.

"How about Poultry Man?" Grian suggested with a chuckle, earning him playful glares.

"I've always just called you Exy, I can't imagine anything else!" X ran his fingers through his hair.

"I like Exy, it's kinda cute! And it still sounds a little like Xisuma." Stress smiled.

Ex shook his head. "Fine, but it's cool, not cute."

"Whatever you say. Now, how on earth did you get here?"

Ex showed Xisuma the cave he had made in the hillside, and recounted his experience that morning.

"Huh! I must have banished you here, and then subconsciously used the same seed for our new world! Well, welcome to the hermit family, I suppose!"

"Welcome yes, family no. I'd rather hang out in my cave over you guys. Except maybe Stress." He threw her a bashful glance, and she instantly wrapped him in a tight hug.

"Anytime you wanna hang out, text me! And don't forget to polish your armor, it looks much better that way. Oh, and take some cookies I made, they're really good-!"

Ex smiled as Stress fussed over him. "I'll be fine. I'll text you, I promise."

Stress held him at arms length. "Love you hun. Come back soon."

"I will, I promise! I've got to go now, bye Stress!" Ex glanced at Grian and X, who were giving the friends some space. He gave a wave and a short smile, and returned to the safety of his cave.

"I hope he'll be okay.." Stress wrung her hands.

"He'll be fine, he's very independent." X put his arm around her shoulder.

Grian raised an eyebrow, pulling out his magnifying glass with a grin. "Now, about those cookies you gave him..?"