Hermitcraft/Empires oneshots/drabbles

The Tyrant (Pride month special) Pt 5

The former avian collapsed, unable to withstand the changes. And suddenly... There was a flash in the middle of the room.

Xisuma. He had made it in, despite the bunker doors still being sealed shut. In one hand, he had his axe. In the other, his admin screens. Pocketing the device, he swept Grian behind him.

'How?' The Tyrant demanded, fixing one terrified eye on the door, as if expecting the remaining Hermits to come flooding in.

'I am not scared to use my powers.' The admin replied, hefting his weapon. Under his mask, his eyes were flat and cold. 'We've suffered long enough under your rule. Your reign ends today.'

'I am not that easy to kill.' The Tyrant was lying prone one second, and in action the next; drawing dagger from his armour, he flung it in Xisuma's direction. The blade clanged off his armour, and he lunged forward to meet the Tyrant, axe flashing.

But the king didn't resist. A maniacal grin spread across his face, and drew a second dagger. As Xisuma swung his axe, ripping open the Tyrant's torso, he thrusted his knife forward.

________

The Hermit army had reached the blast doors, having left a trail of death begind them. They probably had to kill every guard in the castle to get here, but with no Hermit losses. They had been lucky. Now, they were alternating turns to try and break down the sealed iron doors, with no luck. Scar's explosive arrows left nothing but scorch marks, Pearl's horses just dented the metal when they tried to kick it.

They were about to suggest that Jevin attempt to slime under- A manuvere that would leave him vulnerable for a few minutes- When the doors opened. The Hermits were all still invisible, so a very confused Bdubs saw nothing but empty air as he looked out.

'Guys?' He called. He could see tiny ripples, and quiet shuffling, from Pearl's animals. But he still saw none of his friends, until Keralis materialised in front of him and ran forward, snarching him into a hug. 'Bubbles! You're alright!' Then he noticed the gashes along Bdubs's shoulder, where the Tyrant had throw his potion. 'You're alright, right?'

'Of course.' Bdubs melted into Keralis's warm embrace. But the moment was interrupted by a frantic yell behind them.

'Xanthos!'

Bdubs turned as Grian hurried out of the bunker, Stress hobbling after him, dragging the Tyrant's limp corpse. Grian was still in Watcher form, but he was crying. Because in his arms...

Was Xisuma's body.

Xanthos stared at his brother's corpse for a second. A scream started to build in his lungs, only to jam in his throat. 'Xisuma?' Slowly, dreamlike, he made his was to Grian. 'No, no, no, no...' Tears blurred his eyes, and he couldn't remove his helmet. 'He- He's not-'

'I'm sorry, Xanthos.' Stress was crying, too. 'I tried my best.'

That settled it. Stress would never abondon a patient until they were dead. The bleeding wound over Xisuma's chest did puncture his heart. His eyes, under the visor, were cold and unseeing. Nobody cared about the Tyrant's body- All eyes were on Xisuma.

'Shashwhammy!' Keralis howled, and Hels came forward to put a hand on Xanthos's shoulder. A memory assulted him.

'If anybody dies,' Xisuma's eyes were narrowed, his voice cold and haunting, 'I blame you.'

'Its my fault.' He choked out. Scar and Pearl hugged Grian, who was slowly reverting from Watcher to normal, the purple retreating from his limbs. False and Cleo gently dabbed at Stress's bleeding face with their sleeves, and Bdubs was comforting Keralis. In the middle of it all, Xanthos was in another world altogether, still unable to process his brother's loss. The fact that he would never hear Xisuma scolding them for being stupid, or watch him drink enough coffee to down an elephant, or shapeshift from turtle to human to strider to human again.

Maybe one day, it would sink in. As he clutched Hels's hand, he only had one thought bouncing around his head.

Was this worth it?

...

:]

Thats it for my Pride special!

Yes, this was all a jab at society, and how some people treat the LQBTQ+ community. Sorry if you wanted some kind of really fluffy, happy oneshot where everybody has a gathering together- I just didn't have any ideas for that, really! But if you would like to request something, go for it!

Sorry not sorry about the angsty ending, but I just love angst- I couldn't resist. I just really liked the idea, that every plan, every victory, had its drawbacks. Every win has a sacrifice to achieve it. If the heroes just walked into town and won everything, it would just be a cliché movie- So I spiced it up a bit!

Also shamless plug- I started writing a new book! Go check it out!

Its also the one year anniversary of Technoblade's death. I can't believe its been a year. Long live the blood god.

Before I finish this, heres a little extra bit...

The aftermath

It was a year after the killing of the Tyrant. 12 months after Xisuma's death.

The Hermits had, for the most part, recovered. After a funeral for Xisuma, where they buried him in one of the prettier palace gardens, most of the Hermits had still been broken over it. Ex was hit by periodic flashbacks, where he turned to look for his brother, calling his name. Or sometimes, when the Hermits were doing stupid things, he'd wait for Xisuma to come scold them. Only to remember... He was gone.

But the months went by, slowly adding up to a year. Ex and the others kept themselves busy, tidying up their little village and the Tyrant's castle. Chasing out the remaining guards. Making the whole place theirs.

And, as time went by, the Hermits were growing used to the idea that they didn't have to hide anymore. They could date each other, show affection in public, without the threat of the Tyrant over their heads like a dark cloud. Holding hands, hugging, kissing, all allowed. Nobody would punish them. Nobody would judge them... Just laugh, crack jokes, and plan each other's marriages for them. All in good favour.

They draped pride flags everywhere- On walls, sides of buildings, lampposts, off windows. The once bleak streets of their village and the imposing castle were soon bright and vibrant with colour.

Despite the pain from a year ago, they recovered.

A family.

Together.

Happy.

Now thats truly it. Happy Pride Month!