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Many think that once you reach the height of power you can do whatever you want.
Once you are strong enough no one can even think of challenging you because you are so out of their league.
You become free, you can do whatever you want. Go wherever without the fear of being hunted or fought just because you fought someone stronger and lost. No one will see you as the easier version to them, and they will see you as either above them or an equal.
Whoever said that is a liar. I’ve had more people try and fight me in the past two days after winning against Flame than I ever have in the years I have been here.
It had been less than 48 hours since Wemmbu had fought Flame, he is currently ‘hiding’ out in some random cave. Trying to get away from all of the people that keep trying to challenge him to a fight.
It wasn’t that he thought he might lose, he fought and won against the man that was called the Immortal Demon for hell's sake. He could win against some chungies with some of the worst armor known to man, and couldn’t defend against a mace to literally save themselves.
Wemmbu’s problem wasn’t that people wanted to fight him, he enjoyed that. The adrenaline that he got from fighting was something that he chased like a kid chasing fireflies.
No, his problem was the fact that he was getting none of that from these fights. No one had good enough gear that they could withstand two hits from his mace.
No one was good enough to give him an entertaining fight. No one could live up to a fight with Flame, the pure feeling of if he could win or not. Sure he might talk big about how he could totally beat Flame any day of the week. They both knew that wasn’t the reason that they kept battling, they were both chasing the same feeling.
Well that was what Wemmbu hoped, since if that was only what he thought then he really needed to rethink this whole, ‘strongest’ title. Since as much as beating random people into a pulp is good entertainment, it's starting to get really boring.
Even more boring when he realizes that he is hiding from literal nobodies. Though the cold stone wall of the cave really does help him calm down.
Maybe I should visit Egg, he will probably have a solution for me. His eyes closed, making no movies to get up from the floor. His mace to his right, the swords right next to it. Both seeming to taunt him, like it was his fault that they weren't used against an opponent that was actually a challenge.
With one deep breath, and a heavy sigh, Wembu got up from the floor. Grabbing his weapons and placing them in their correct places, he steels himself to go visit his best friend.
Hopefully having a good idea for what he should do, or at least an idea for how to kill his boredom more effectively. Shaking off the last bits of depressing thoughts that he had, pretending that they are going to stay in this cave and never bug him again.
He, of course, knew that everything would still haunt him in the end. Though for now he could pretend as he started walking out that all the thoughts of boredom and less than would just stay out of his way.
•┈••✦☆✦••┈•
As Wemmbu made his way to one of the known strongholds so that he might see his 'all seeing eye' friend, too many thoughts kept coming to mind. Maybe Flame just thought I was annoying and only fights me because I get in his way.
Though those thoughts would be quickly pushed away by others just as dark thoughts.
Well not always, the first time we met it was due to us being both in Spoke’s old base, he only fought me because he thought I was a threat then. So maybe he fights me out of pity?
He shook his head, trying to dislodge those thoughts as they came to him. No, Flame doesn’t do pity. Maybe if he physically tried to stop them maybe they would just stop altogether. Then he would just go see Egg because he was his friend, and checking up on him is just what a good friend does.
Not that he would know too well, the only friend that he has been able to keep is Egg, and is he even his friend. Of course he is my friend, we have been through hell together so we have to be friends.
The closer he was getting to the portal the more and more things led him to think against it. Minute would be on the other side, he would allow him to see Egg and there all his worries would be dissolved. Once he saw his slightly disturbing friend he would no longer have to worry that their whole friendship was just because Egg feels obligated to be friends with him.
•┈••✦☆✦••┈•
Going through portals always left a bad taste in Wemmbu’s mouth, it felt like he was going to throw up, that every single cell in his body was screaming at him DANGER, yet he would just ignore it. Since on the other side he knew that there was someone that could give him advice.
If not at least he will be able to get a good laugh, Egg always knows what to say when I’m like this. Once the feeling of immediate danger subsided, Wemmbu opened his eyes to the small closed off room. With only a small window where a shadow-like figure stood. Unmoving like a statue, Sure so many new players think he’s some kind of enchanted armor set.
A voice emerged from the shadow-like figure, the only indication that there might be life was the two pure white eyes that showed through the black.
“What’s the purpose of your visit this time Wemmbu.” As always Minute was not here for small talk, always getting straight to the point.
So the worrier just shrugged his shoulders and said in the most not concerned voice, “You know why I’m here. He’s the only reason that I ever come to the end.” It was true, the only reason people come to the end is either for elytra—he has enough already—or chorus fruit which is kinda useless until you need to get out of somewhere that people trapped you in. Even then Wemmbu stayed away from it unless it was life or death. So the only time Wemmbu ever ends up here is to see Egg, that or he needs to discuss things with Minute and that is super rare for him since he just does what he feels like in the moment.
The shadow veiled man’s white eyes just peered into the man’s soul. If he didn’t know any better one might think that he was thinking if he should believe him or not. Wemmbu knew better of course, it was kind of the whole reason the entrance and exit to the end was so heavily guarded. Everyone knew that if something happened to Egg, there would be no one able to stop the carnage that would unfold from Wemmbu.
With a simple nod, Minute moved out of view of the tiny window, and just a few seconds later the door opened. It was quick and easy, and right as the man stepped out of the small room. The door closed once again, stopping any one that came through the portal to have to speak with the statue like a man.
“Thanks dude.” It was a small gesture. So small that some might think that it wouldn't mean anything. Though for someone that takes what he wants, and makes sure that his problems are no longer there to be problems. Small gestures of gratitude are all that anyone can really ask for.
Minute simply nods his head, the small white eyes disappearing for a short but noticeable time. He probably trusts me way too much to allow himself to be that vulnerable. Though before Wemmbu could dwell on the thought any longer, he walked toward the small staircase that led down to the library. Hearing the footsteps of Minute following him, he is probably just making sure that I’m going to Egg and not stealing all the elyras again.
Once they started to get a way down that staircase, there he could start seeing his friend come into view . There in the middle of a large bookshelf with a small desk in the middle. Sat his friend, in all his slightly disturbing new people ness, Egg.
When they were younger, and still serving the empire, his appearance was something that many people had commented on. A single floating blue eye that replaces where someone should have a head. There is no neck that connects it to the body, and while many think that would be more beneficial and no one could swing a sword to cause a harmful blow. Wemmbu knew better of course, he brought it up after one of the first times that Egg got held captive.
“Hey dude, I’ve been wondering something.”
Egg looked at him, without eyelids or eyebrows it was hard to know the emotions of the visually interesting man. “That’s always dangerous when it comes to you.”
Wemmbu simply looks at him dead in the eye, *where else would there be to look*, he waves his hand around trying to motion any preconceived notions. “It's about you, cause now that I look back I’ve never really asked stuff about,” A seemingly uncomfortable pause, “whatever you are.”
Egg simply shrugged, “Shoot.”
Not knowing how he should word this, Wemmbu just said the first thing that came to mine, like how he normally does things. “You're the eye, head thing, it's not really connected to your body. So I was curious if someone were to try and slice your neck. Obviously it wouldn’t kill you but would it, I don’t know, still hurt?”
There was a small silence, it wasn’t long just filled with thoughts. From both the men in the room, Wemmbu’s tail flicked from side to side. A nervous tick that he had yet to get under control, and the other man's eye looking up in thought, a hand coming to rest around his chin?? area, obviously engaged in thought.
Then after a slight nod—or a look down—from the one-eyed man, his voice rang out. “Yea, I won’t die but it does hurt. I can’t be sure but it's like I have a neck but it's not physical. There is definitely something there making sure my head doesn’t float off into space.” There was a slight pause, like he was still thinking about the question. “So, yes, if someone were to swing a weapon through the gap, it would hurt. For me it’s the feeling of someone touching a nerve on my eye. Like they’re hitting a string that is connecting me to my body”
And to many that might make no sense, but to the man with a literal tail and horns, it seemed understandable. Also since who was he to not understand a guy with an eye for a face.
“So what you’re saying is I can’t start hiding extra snacks in the place between the eye-head and body? That sucks.”
That earned him a hearty chuckle from his friend. Sure he had way more questions, but as long as he knew what would cause his friend pain, all the other weird questions could be left for softer days.
At the soft sound of Wemmbu, and Minute’s footsteps growing closer the pair of wings that came from the man’s head moved, as though they were listening to the sound. The golden band around his head, ear-wings, and the one around his no existence neck started to rotate slightly slower.
Wemmbu knew that meant that Egg was starting to pay attention to the unannounced guests. It was always nice to know that he was trying to pay attention to potential threats. Not that Wemmbu would ever intentionally harm his friend, though many on this server just think him walking into a place is a threat.
Wemmbu was never good at soothing people. He was a, ‘start fighting then asking questions’ guy. So when Minute started to talk, he was slightly jealous that he was not the one to calm his friend. Still he was grateful for the humorous commentary, “So, we’ve got the reader over here.”
At the familiar voice of the gate guardian, the bands started to go back to their normal pace. Fast enough that some might miss the small details of the dots on that band. The fact that they aren’t dots, but small eyes, that seem to always be looking everywhere in the whole room.
Egg turned in his large wood chair, taking in the sight of his closest friend and the only constant in his entire time he has been around. “Can I not read, bro?” It was simple, light hearted, and just the thing that Wemmbu came here for. His closest friend talked like he was still in the overworld, like they still shared a small shack together trying not to upset Zam with their stupid actions.
“Bro, I’m pretty sure you just pretend to know how to read so that you seem more mysterious to the new people that come through here.”
Egg simply looked straight at Wemmbu, the band around his head moving slower than the rest, something that Wemmbu has come to know as the are you being so real right now bro? look. Coming to see Egg was the right choice.
Before all of them could start taking jabs at each other, The shadow man interrupted the stifled giggles. “I’ll leave you to be,” the white eyes of Minute looking right at Wemmbu “Try not to cause too much trouble for me.”
Wemmbu held up both his hands, “I make no solid promises, if somehow a magic enemy poofs into existence then I have to protect Mr. Studious.”
While Wemmbu couldn’t make out any details in Minute’s expression, he did hear the small sound of exhalation from the man. So he took it as him getting the joke, but still being fed up with his actions.
With that Minute went back up the stairs, presumably to go back to standing like a statue by the entrance. Being ready for anyone trying to cause trouble, so that he can stop them before they cause Wemmbu to enact even more chaos than his usual amount.
As the footsteps faded away, Wemmbu started to place down his shulker boxes. He wasn’t ready to admit why he was here quite yet. While he was the most comfortable around Egg, being willing to tell him almost anything and everything that was on his mind. He still had a hard time showing any kind of weakness, after everything that he trained for with Mane. It was easier if he just pretended that he was here for help in restocking his kits.
Egg knew him though, he knew everything from his fighting style to his nervous habits that others would just brush off or not put it to mind. So of course he had to say something about the fact that his friend was clearly bothered by something.
“Bro, I can tell that there is something on your mind. So you should just spill so you don’t keep doing that thing with your tail.”
Wemmbu just looked at him, and blinked, not even really noticing something that apparently he has been doing. I was sure that I stopped that stupid tic after training with Mane. Said thing was that he was wrapping his tail around the sheath of his sword, then unwrapping and doing it the other way. So he willed himself to stop doing it, consciously being aware of the movement of his tail.
A deep sigh, “So, I won my fight against Flame, and now I’m the strongest person.” He paused, his voice getting sadder, getting softer, “I defeated the Immortal Demon and I feel nothing. I got nothing, the only thing I got was nobody chungies trying to challenge me to a fight.”
Egg tilted his eye to the side, the wings on the side of his head moving with it, the only way one could see that he is tilting his head. “Don’t you enjoy fighting people bro. What’s so wrong about that then?”
Wemmbu stopped moving between the boxes, stopping filling things and just curled in on himself. “They aren’t strong so I’m not getting what I want out of the fight. I’m just– I don’t know how to put it into words.”
He hated this, he had no idea how to explain this, it was stupid he got what he wanted. He won, he was the strongest so why was he feeling like this. What was he feeling, because nothing is right and he doesn't know what to say.
“You don’t have to know what you're feeling, dude.” There seemed to be a shrug in his words, “Just want to know what's got you like this. Making sure you're okay and all that jazz.”
At that moment Wemmbu got it, it hit him, and sure maybe this was not the right word for this feeling. It might be a new feeling that no one has ever had before. Though the surface emotions are better to say than try and open the box of deeper thoughts that he has.
“Yo, I’m just, like, bored now. Like, I actually have nothing to do.” It was simple, that's what it was. He had nothing to give him the adrenaline that he wanted the most. He was missing the thing that pushed him into most of his fights. Yet deeper he wanted something more, something that didn’t involve him being seen as just a weapon. That’s what I am though, that's what I will always be.
Seeing that his friend was in his head more than usual, Egg always knew when he was supposed to lighten the mood. “I mean, you could just get, like, a real life. Like, you could actually go outside, you know?” That was what Wemmbu needed to get out of the depths of his mind, causing him to just blankly stare at the biblically accurate angel looking man. “No. Okay. Sorry.”
He took a moment to pause, thinking more, seriously trying to give his friend a real solution to his friend that probably might not even take to heart, “Um, why don’t you just like–” he paused, trying to get a full idea before he gives his unstable friend any more reason to cause chaos, “Why don’t you just like go under a false identity bro?”
Now wasn’t that something.
…
That was something.
Something that might just be the solution to his current feelings. Though he needed more, a fake identity idea was not enough, not yet.
“Like what.” He needed more, just a bit more and then he might be able to get rid of these stupid feelings.
It seemed that Egg understood what he wanted more. So he just walks to the bookshelf. Placing the one in his hands on the oak shelf. “I mean, like, what I’m saying is we couldn’t identify anyone in the invisible mafia. Like, why don’t you just go invisible and then like no one will know?” His hand ran over one of the spines of a dark purple book.
Wemmbu knew better than anyone what that book held. It was the part of their lives that had to be filled with more fights and worry. Worry for their own life and the friends that had their lives placed in the hands of a man that could not be described as sound of mind.
Though, Wemmbu knew when he was also supposed to lighten up the mood. “Wait, is bro low key a genius?” It got him a small laugh from the man. His hand was removed from the book and was now looking at his friend.
“I would just make sure you always have invis up, and that you join a civilization that won’t have a problem with that. You could be their greatest warrior or something.” That makes sense, I could be free from people only wanting to fight because they see me as the easier replacement for Flame.
With his mind made up, Wemmbu was going to do this though he did still have some concerns. “Wait, that’s actually interesting, I guess. Okay, dude. Let’s make this fake identity.” Then he looked straight at Egg, this question that was forced to the front of his mind, “Wait, what would happen to Wemmbu, though?”
They were just looking at each other, trying to make sure that they were on the same page about this. “What do you mean? What would happen to the Wemmbu identity?”
Wemmbu nodded, starting to go back to filling up his boxes, as well as starting to move the filled shulkers to his ender chest.
Egg, having nothing else that he has to do, helped with the finishing up the gaining of more materials. “I don’t know, like tons of new people pass through here, so I could just kind of. I don’t know, I could just spread misinformation.”
At his words, Wemmbu started to giggle. It was something that he wasn’t expecting, having Egg admit that he would spread misinformation. It was set then.
“Alright Egg, let's make this fake identity.”
So they started, well they first needed to fix something that many could just pick Wemmbu out with. His armor, it was one thing for someone invisible and living in a random place on the server. It was something entirely else if said invisible player had netherite armor, since the nether was currently off limits, and to get that kind of armor would cause major suspicions.
So with some expressed trust, Wemmbu was never one to let himself be vulnerable. If he was, it was only due to him being taken prisoner even then he wasn’t stupid enough to give away everything that he had on him. So the process of taking off his armor was slow and cautious. To him it felt like he was placing a target on himself, that Flame or anyone that wanted him dead would show up at that moment and finish the job.
It was a silly thought of course, if anyone wanted to come into the end Minute had to let them in, and he was sure that no matter who it was he would steer them clear of wherever Wemmbu was, in fear that he might start a huge fight and cause mass amounts of destruction.
Though the slowness of him removing all of the wrist cufflets, the small binds with the chestplates and the shin guards cause even more distress. It felt like a few hours, what could have only been a few minutes and he was no longer covered in armor. All he was left with was the elegant ruffled shirt, and his movable pants that allowed him quick escape. It still felt wrong, even if he was going to put something else on, the feeling of not having anything stopping a sword being driven through his heart was unbearable.
Understanding his friend’s fragile state, Egg did what he did best.
Laugh at his friend's misfortune.
“You know bro, I don’t even think I remember the last time I saw you without all that armor.” Wemmbu looked at him, it was soft and scared like a frightened cat. He willed himself to look confident, even if it was for the guy that had seen him in every emotional state under the sun.
Wemmbu shrugged, it was a weird lightness to his movements. There wasn't anything that was weighing him down, it was just a light shirt, and even the crown on his head felt too light.
Still not trying to keep up a facade—one that was already broken when he came to see Egg—he still tried to keep up with the jokes that his friend had said to him. “Dude, last time I didn’t have armor on was when we both got taken hostage with the whole Jaden pirate thing.” There was a lightness to his voice but it was just a front to how uncomfortable he felt.
Egg knew that of course, even with Wemmbu consciously stopping his tail from moving or his hands from fidgeting with his sleeves. Egg knew when his friend was uncomfortable, though how he fixed that was always something that others would think would cause Wemmbu to go at your throat. “Well we gotta get you something more fashionable than all that dark armor.”
Joking about the style of armor when the person you were talking to quite literally has toppled nations just because it was a random Thursday was not something many would call a good idea. Of course Egg would be the one that calls armor ugly. “You’re one to talk bro, have you seen your armor?”
Egg pointed at the fashion choices he had chosen for himself. “I have you know when people come here, they tell me my fit is tough.”
Wemmbu giggled, “Yea. Sure they do bro” Without even noticing he was more out of the defensive position that he was taking. Well, it was still obvious that he was no longer wearing armor, but the promise that they could get replacements that wouldn’t draw attention was calming. So they both got on trying to build a new identity.
A backstory of past ties to the invisible mafia was simple enough to keep up, though it was always a gamble if the people he would talk to would take kindly to that. Since there were many people that had fallen due to the actions of their leader. Wemmbu wasn’t going to worry about that right now though. Since he still had one little problem that he has to fix.
Egg brought it up as a good point, he has too unique of a fighting style. Sure it was one thing to still want to fight, but fighting with his mace was another thing entirely. Since he was one of the only known people to know how to fight like that. As well as is good enough to win fights with such a technique.
“That means that I’m going to re-envent the whole way that I fight” He was thinking over everything that he was taught, he knew that his sword fighting skills were good. He could beat most players easily, though it was not that he could beat them, it was the fighting style that allowed him to win against a man known as a demon that he didn’t want to give up.
Hearing the clank of armor caused Wemmbu’s hair to stand on end, he quickly moved, his hands moving to grab the sword that was still sheathed at his side. A white knuckle grip on the hilt, the thoughts of how to win a fight without gaining injury due to not having any armor protection. Though looking at the sound, he found his close friend holding new armor, it was shiny and knew, as though it had yet to go through all the hardships of battle.
Symbolic, now knowing what was causing the sound of the imaginary threat, his hands relax. His sword moved back to this place, even moving to remove it so that the dawning of new armor was easier. Faster than the removal of his hardened shell, it was easy for Wemmbu to calm himself when he was doing a repetitive task. The simple placing and tying of armor pieces was simple and so calming. The addition of replacing his protection, it was so much more comfort than anything else.
After all of that he simply looked at his friend, finishing up tying his sword back to its rightful place. “What do we think, is this enough to tick people into thinking I am a different person?”
Eggs voice came through more like he was chewing on his mouth, “While the invis will cover up anything that would be very you there might be a few things I would change.”
Wemmbu turned his head to the side, “Like what, because I think this will be good enough.” He started to look down at himself, maybe I could change the shirt and pants, but I might be less suspicious if I don’t wear the clothes I went missing in.
While he was trying to decide if he could change the layer under his armor, Egg was moving around looking for something that he knew was in one of his drawers. Once he found it, he turned back to his friend and started to walk up to him. While Wemmbu was used to Egg coming close to him, there he held out what he retrieved from the old oak dresser in the corner of the room.
It was made of a see through lace, not so transparent that you could see all the detail, but it was still able to block out the more identifying details of one's face if you were to use it as a veil. Looking closer at it, Wemmbu thought that it might have been made just for him with how one could use the beaded strings to place them around horns on one’s head.
Looking into his bestfriend’s eye, “Dude, did you have this because you thought that I was going to try and hide my identity?”
Egg simply shrugged as the veil was taken from his hand, “I just thought that it might be up to your extravagant taste.” He just kept looking at the other man as he put the veil into place, No longer could one see the fine details of Wemmbu’s face, making it harder for those who have never seen him up close to point him out. The scar on his face was no longer visible, neither were the soft freckles on his cheeks and nose. His eyes were obscure, the only way one could make out any detail was if they were standing nose to nose.
It was simple and added to the whole mysterious person, who was definitely not the guy that dropped a nuke on Capital City. It didn’t scream that this was the guy that beat the Immortal Demon in a fight and then wanted to just live life like a normal person. That was the hope at least, Egg simply nodded as it was secured around the crown of Wemmbu’s head. Taking in all the details of the soon to be invisible man.
Said man, who even if this was someone who he has known since before being hunted by the same empire that he helped save, was getting uncomfortable being looked at like he was an exhibit at a museum. Sure it was fine since he had just accepted that it may look like Egg is looking at him—when in reality he was just daydreaming—but this was different. Since Egg was looking at him to decide if he could pass off as not him. And maybe that caused that stupid nervous habit to come back full force, with a little more subtlety than last time.
Not subtle enough to divert the attention of the biblically accurate angel looking man. Instead of calling it out, again, he opted to point out something else. “I think that your hair might also be a problem.”
Wembbu looked over his shoulder, trying to see what his friend was talking about, sure his hair was long, but that was the point. After the whole Prince Zam forced him to cut off his hair after destroying his colony in an act of humiliation. He never liked cutting his hair, even when Mane told him that he should cut it to signify that he was growing both as a person and a fighter, he hesitated.
Not like it mattered since it got cut off in one of our sparring matches, so his hair was a touchy subject. “What about it?”
Egg looked in the general direction of his eyes, since the veil was now covering it. “Well, I feel that it might get in the way. Even if they can’t see you, someone might try and grab at anything to stop you from getting away.” He was about to interrupt him, saying that he is good enough not to make a mature mistake like that.
Seeming to read his mind, Egg put a hand up, “I know that you have it down, but dude, you can’t see it if you’re invisible.” He moved a hand around, thinking of how he was to phrase this, knowing of his friend’s attachment to his hair as well as his dislike for anything that involved shortening it. “You could always braid it.”
Wemmbu looked at him through the white veil, it did slightly obscure his vision, not enough to hinder me if I got into a fight. Well it's more like *when* not *if* I got into a fight. His hands moved to comb through his ponytail, “Dude you know that I suck and braid my own hair. Remember last time I tried to do anything like that. I got dirt, flowers, and somehow, sea weed when we were miles away from any sea.”
There was a small moment of silence, seeming to come before a confession. “I could always do it for you. Can’t guarantee that it will look good but it’s not like anyone will really see it.”
Wemmbu blinked, and had to take a moment, since so much information was just chucked at him without a warning.
So he walked up to his friend, grabbed his shoulders and stared right into his best friend’s floating eyeball and gave him a look that could pierce through the cloudy veil. “Egg, I’mma need you to be so real with me.” His grip became stronger, not enough to hurt but there was a friendly threat. “Have you been able to braid hair all the way to before the whole Prince Zam empire debocale?”
Wemmbu will always be so surprised how expressive his friend is even with only one eye, some floating bands, and wings that are connected to nothing. Though in this moment it doesn’t miss either of them that that is 100% due to the fact that they have known each other for what must now be years. At this moment the man that makes a double take if you see him in passing looks like he was just caught eating glue straight out of the tube. If it wasn’t for how serious Wemmbu was about his question he might have thought of witty banter, that Egg looks like someone just caught him holding a mace that was definitely not his.
Egg, to his credit, did answer with a level voice. If you ignore of course the tightness in it, “Not well enough to offer to actually do it on anyone. Also, bro, when was I supposed to practice. After the whole imprisonment and the Mafia there was little time for me to practice branding and actually offering.” The grip on his shoulders was loosened, not completely dropped yet, so it was a little work for him to shrug his shoulders. “I always thought that you were pretty chill with just keeping your hair in a pony tail. Never really heard you complain about it.”
He’s got me there, finally releasing the hold on the now wrinkled suit jacket, “I guess you’re not wrong. But now that I know I will be asking you to do it for me whenever I want.”
Egg held up his hands in surrender, “If that has to be my punishment, then I will not put up a fight. Since I’m sure you could kill me if you wanted to.”
Wemmbu just dismissively waved off his friend, it was objectively true that he could kill Egg. At this rate after defeating the best of the best he could totally take anyone that tried to stand in his way. The difference between those random pathetic people trying to take the title and Egg, is that Wemmbu could NOT be asked to care any less than he already does for anyone.
Anyone, that does not include Egg, because he was sure that everyone—exept the said friend—knows that if anything bad happened to Egg, that there would be no one or thing that could stop Wemmbu from killing off the entire server.
So Wemmbu walked to the closest seat and plopped himself down. “Well as long as I don’t end up with grass in my hair again for the next year then do whatever you think will fit the new identity.” Maybe I should think of something to call myself when I do become anonymous.
Before that thought could go too far, he felt two cool hands start to take off his crown and let out the long ponytail that his hair never really leaves unless it's to redo it.
“Dude, Imma be so real, I think you have better hair than Loppezz. She might get jealous when she sees how nice it is.” His words reach the closed eyes and alert ears of the sitting man. Who simply takes in a deep breath and just shrugs his shoulders. That is if she even wants to see me after I couldn’t get her civilization back. Pushing thoughts like that away he decided that he was going to relax a bit while his hair was getting braided.
Forever and always he will feel the most at ease when he is closest to his Egg. When there is contact, that contact tells him that. ‘Egg is safe’ and ‘Egg within arms reach’ and there is no one that is going to rip him away without Wemmbuu putting up a close fight.
As the slow, comforting moments as Egg moves his hands through the vibrant purple locks. The feeling of strands being twisted and gathering into two braids, making some sort of small crown. It was hard to tell what was happening since Wemmbu really couldn’t see what was happening, since he had his eyes closed, and well the obvious that the braiding was being done behind his head.
The light scratch of fingernails on the scalp, the soft tug of gathering more hair to keep that braid laying flat on the head. It was methodical, it was slow, and god was it causing Wemmbu to lose his guard. He was no longer on edge, he was content with just existing in the room with his best friend.
He no longer was worried that someone was to attack them.
No longer felt that deep feeling of boredom, and that still undefined emotion that kept sitting on his heart.
The whole world no longer felt like it was against him, instead he felt that he was just another person with his best friend hanging out. With no expectations of his strength, or of his title.
He was just allowed to exist.
Then the moment was broken, it was broken softly, but broken none the less. It was something simple that interrupted the small bubble of comfort. It was the feeling of a small bun being made on the back of his head, it was soft but enough to cause Wemmbu to open his eyes. “You done now?”
There was a small adjustment to the bun, soon followed by the soft words of his friend, “I mean it's not the best but, yeah I’m done.”
So he stretched his limbs out, allowing himself to be brought back to everything that was weighing on him. It wasn’t like the world was now crashing down on him, it felt more like he was given a remote, that soon he was able to push the pause button to make all his plaguing thoughts take a back seat.
Maybe this time he could believe it, this time he could say that all those thoughts of not enough or just a Flame Frags replacement. He thinks that he really is just like Mane said, a lost cause. With this new identity, he would not have to bear these burdens, since those are Wemmbu’s burdens. Now it was the invisible player, a normal player.
A normal player, Wemmbu smiled to himself, it was light, and nothing like the unhinged ones he had been dishing out recently.
So with a last shake of his limbs, he turned to his friend, “So how do I look?”
Egg looked him up and down, “Well it's kinda weird seeing you without the long hair.” He looked at Wemmbu’s face, “Don’t cut your hair.”
Rolling his eyes, “Bro, I don’t think I ever will. That’s not what I’m asking though, I’m asking you if I look like Wemmbu.”
“You look like Wemmbu that just got robbed of all his gear and people are about to start clowning on you.”
“Dude.”
Egg just shrugged his shoulders, “You asked, and plus I can still tell it's you. You haven’t potted invis yet.”
He wasn't wrong, the soon to be invisible man looked down at himself, you could still see some parts of his lilac skin. Even with his hair up in a braid, he could still see the vibrant purple locks of hair that framed his face. Okay I guess he’s not wrong but he could have been nicer about it.
To fix the very visible issue, he opened up one of his shulker boxes that was filled to the top with the same potions. The way potions looked was always something so interesting to him. There was something so mesmerizing that every time that he was given that chance to look at it, he hesitates when throwing the liquid to the ground where he needs it.
The soft cloud looking substance was enticing, it was like it was talking to Wemmbu. Saying, Once you let me help, all your problems will go away, come on. Just throw me on the ground already.
And who was he to not listen to the random voice in his head. So with a single deep breath, with a slow hand he dropped the bottle at his feet.
And right at that moment, the pestering feelings that had no name. Faded.
As the potion started to take effect, the disappearance of limbs, it was like everything fell into place. There and then, it was finally done.
Wemmbu was dead, and now there was an invisible player walking around. He looked back to the shulker box and closed it. Needing it for later, then he grabbed the helmet that he placed down just before. Finally the last piece was put into place, and now he was finally able to do something that had been in his mind since the Zam Empire.
No more appearances so hold up. With that Wemmu stealed himself, looking at his friend. Who, to no one surprise, was back in his chair looking at his book, and seeming to start a new one.
Not wanting to open up that whole can of worms, Wemmbu simply grabbed the rest of his stuff and started to leave. It's kinda weird not having the ponytail, definitely gonna have to get used to that. Though he paused at the door, right before he was able to step out of the large room. A new thought taking the place of the old ones, this one could be placed into words.
“So what are you gonna tell people what happened to me?” It was simple enough, since not many would truly think that Wemmbu just jumped into the void. There needed to be something to catalyst his disappearance.
Without looking up from his book, or stopping his work, Egg answered him with little hesitation, “I’ll just tell em you died. I’ll just be like ‘Yeah, I defeated him.’”
“Wow, why you?” Voice dripping with a joking hurt, but turning more to a light fond tone, “I’ll just let you genuinely spread some misinformation.” At those words the ‘lore keeper’ let out a small giggle, it wasn’t something mocking it was more just understanding from years of being friends.
Having more pep in his step the purple man clicked his heels, “Well Imma go off and have a whimsical, mystical adventure.” Slightly waving his hand around. “And also enchant my shield and find a way to get a reusable supply of invisibility potions.
“All right, see ya.” It might have seemed mean, but Egg knew that Wemmbu no longer enjoys staying in the same place for too long. Something about what Zam made him do with the whole colony thing that happened and being easier to find and kill if he stays in one place.
“All right.” Trying to find something funnier to end their conversation with. “Good luck, studying? or I don’t know bro.”
And he was too far to hear what his friend said, but what was more important was finally being able to go and be a normal player. I just need to get through the portal, and then I am free.
Walking down the familiar path, each step taking him to the place that he was hoping for. Where he will no longer have to keep fighting people, where he will be able to just exist. Finally getting to the close door, he looked toward the shadow man that stood next to the door that he was trying to exit from.
“Hello bro. Can I please be let out of the end now.” It wasn’t his confidence that he was known for. To anyone it might have been taken as not caring. That wasn’t the case this time, it was nerves creeping into his voice. If asked he would deny—of course—and play it off as trying out something to fit his new identity. He needs to be less Wemmbu and more ____, someone else.
The change in his attire was not unnoticed by the guard. His white eyes, looking more and more confused as he tries to piece the new stunt that the man was trying to pull. “What happened to your armor?” He stepped closer to the man that he welcomed a few moments ago. “Why are you invisible?”
While the answer to those questions could have been answered with what he said to Egg. Him and Minute weren’t as close as the man he explored the vastness of the whole server with. So a simple answer was all he was going to get, “Uh, we’re going to do a little trolling here.”
“What’s your plan here?” Just a throw away answer was not going to be enough for the guard. Not when he had seen what Wemmbu is capable of.
Still not trying to go as deep as before, having too many emotions in one day is very exhausting. “Uh, you know, just a bit of a fresh start on the server, I guess.” His hands started to fidget, and for the first time in a while, he didn’t try and stop his tail wrapping around his foot.
Tilting his head, “Fresh start?” It was mocking, like someone couldn’t want something different. “Are you hiding from something?” Now wasn’t that a question, was he? Is that why he jumped at the first mention of no longer having to carry the burden of his name?
This was getting too close to spilling all his emotions so he just deflected. “Well, I’m not hiding from something, but like.” Okay, maybe it's a little hard to think up a reason on the spot. “When I’m on the server, people constantly want to fight me and are mad that I blew up their builds.” Gesturing to himself, “So. If I’m invisible, then they don’t know that.”
That seemed to satisfy the curiosity of the shadow, “Okay.” For a second there was joy that Wemmbu didn’t have to worry about explaining all the feelings he has had since he won his fight. “Have you ever considered just, a sorry maybe. Every now and then?”
Wemmbu wanted to scoff, sure he had considered sorry. He’s said sorry many times, but has anyone let him live peacefully after that, no. So what was the use of a word that no one accepts. “That just kinda seems like a waste of time. I’m just bored bro.” Motioning to the door, “Can I be let through here please?”
Shrudding, “Okay, hold on. I gotta warn you about something.” There was a shift in his voice, seeming to get more serious. “I’ve already had people come through here talking about your fight with Flame.”
That was interesting, sure it was a hot topic and no one has won against the demon but Wemmbu didn’t think it would reach the end for another few weeks. “How?”
Minute gave him a look, a look that read as are you stupid or just dense. “Stuff spreads fast, and Flame.” It seemed that he was trying to think of words that if they made it to the man it wouldn’t cause the mentioned man to appear and attack him. “He’s not an ordinary player. He doesn’t end on a loss.”
Guess we have one thing in common. It was well known that Flame was not someone to lose and if he did there was always a way he could turn the tides in his favor. But it seemed that when being attacked by orbital cannons and mace attacks he seem to lose his head. That was not something Wemmbu had to concern himself with anymore, because he wasn’t Wemmbu anymore.
“Well, he’s just going to have to, I guess.”
With a deep sigh, one that moved Minutes whole body. Like the dismissal of being hunted by one of the most deadliest people wasn’t something that anyone had to put worry on. Shaking his head, “Well, I definitely warned you. Just be careful out there.”
Wemmbu just shrugged, the armor clinking in an unfamiliar way. Like there was something wrong with the weight, and the musical sound. It was not what it was supposed to sound like, the feeling was all wrong but he was going to have to get used to it fast.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine.” His voice tried to mask the fact he was nervous. Everything seemed to finally fall into place, there was nothing that could stop him from trying to get rid of this stupid feeling that he was less than. It was just a few steps away, the answer to it all. A new life as a new player, he can finally do something that he has never had the liberty to do since he got here.
Be something more than just a weapon, more than just a puppet. I can be just like everyone else, no more being held hostage, no more being challenged just because I beat Flame. No longer a lost cause.
Tuning away from the door, and in turn the invisible man. Minute’s voice broke him out of his deep thoughts, “All right, I’ll let you through.”
As he was off, before he was gone to the controls a thought occurred to him. Maybe he should start his new identity now, try something that he doesn’t do so much. “Thank you.”
It felt both wrong and right at the same time, it wasn’t something that he would say a lot. It was always to Egg when he did say anything polite, and even then it was always under duress. The difference now is that he was no longer Wemmbu, he was the invisible player that is new to everywhere on the server. No one will have to know.
Right then the door opened, letting him walk to the portal room. The stars swirl, calling to him to jump in. This was the final step to his new life, where Wemmbu would be dead. Where he would be free to go wherever he wanted without having to get jumped for his title.
Capital city probably has the best place to buy potions and the best place for a new start.
With that last thought, the now invisible man took the last step into the void like portal. That feeling of danger no longer consumed him as he was transported.
This was it.
This was what he was looking for. His missing piece.
The keys to open up his shackles.