Hels Rebellion

Chapter 19: A Visiting Admin (Part 4)

Xisuma felt uncomfortably tense when he left Tango's base with Scar. They hadn't gone far, only stopping by to see TFC again - since the man's base was so close by - and it hardly gave him any time for his anxiety to settle.   

He was reading when they arrived - and didn't hesitate to offer both men tea... well,  cocoa for Scar. The three chatted, and it did help relive some of the tension that X had built up over the past few hours. 

That was until the man let something slip, right after Scar had said something TFC was quick to follow, "Well, when a player dies, it can be-" 

"Excuse me?" Scar sounded horribly offended, his expression darkened. "What? You think he's dead too?" 

TFC frowned, giving the younger man a sympathetic stare, "I've never seen something quite like this," he spoke carefully, "but I've seen players die to the void before and never return. If they aren't back after three days..." he looked to his tea with a sigh. 

"I think the kid is gone." 

That had pushed Scar just bit too far. He yelled an insult too harsh for an old man and bailed. It had happened quickly, and Xisuma tried to stop him but the man was gone before he could do much. He didn't know where the hermit was going - but he already missed having someone else to help him check on the hermits. 

"I'm so sorry," the admin apologized, but TFC simply raised his hands. 

Everyone has a different way of coping. 

That was what Xisuma kept telling himself as he went to Joe's farm. He tried to keep his head high as he launched rocket after rocket away from the shopping district. He hadn't expected Scar to leave so quickly - and the sun was starting to set. 

It was getting exhausting. 

Joe's farm came into view, and he spotted both him and Cleo sitting out in the field, surrounded by sweet berry bushes. The admin tilted down his elytra, falling into a glide towards the duo. They were both sitting on mats, and it seemed as though they were doing some sort of stretches... possibly even yoga. 

They didn't bother opening their eyes as Xisuma landed next to them, just sitting quietly in a meditative pose. X didn't bother to interupt, just standing quietly for a few seconds before Joe raised his just slightly, giving the universal sign for "one moment, please." 

Then, Joe let out a long exhale and Cleo copied him. X crossed his arms and raised a brow, leaning to one side curiously. 

The other hermits opened their eyes, and Joe looked to his companion, "Do you feel any better? Did that help?" 

Cleo hesitated for a few moments, before shrugging, "A little. I do feel less tense... I think?" 

She glanced behind Joe and noticed Xisuma standing behind. She blinked, "Wait what? How did- how long have you been standing there?" 

Xisuma chuckled, "Only a minute or so, what are you two up to?" 

Joe smiled and Cleo rolled her eyes, "Meditation," they answered together. 

The admin smiled, "Really? Not really what I expected from either of you, especially you, Cleo." 

The zombie shrugged, "It's still not, but I've been so stupidly anxious since everything happened - I'm just trying to relax and Joe's helping me." 

Joe nodded, "We've tried a lot of other methods before this," he shuffled, pulling a list from his pocket, "Removing coffee, drinking more teas, talking out our feelings, breathing exercises, and even soothing music. If this doesn't work, we're trying aroma therapy and essential oils." 

Cleo scoffed, leaning on her hand, "And then crystal therapy - we know Scar's got all that." 

Xisuma cocked his head, "And none of that has worked?" 

Both shook their head and Joe frowned, "Not yet, I think the wounds may be too fresh, per say." 

"Ah, I see. I wish I could offer more advice but... it seems you've tried all I could recommend and then some."

Cleo made a noise of agreement, "Yeah, drinking tea and talking about feelings can only do so  much." 

"Well," the admin hesitated, "How are you two doing otherwise?" 

Cleo frowned, "Aw, what, has Stress given up on visiting us?" 

Xisuma chuckled, "No, no, she's resting. Besides, is it so bad for me to visit?" 

"Hah, no, it's good to see you, X. Stress just always brings me those special health potions that help me relax - y'know not the ones you guys drink that make me feel like my insides are burning." 

"Cause the whole zombie thing," Joe informed the admin.

"Cause the whole zombie thing," Cleo confirmed. 

Xisuma blinked, "Wait- I actually think," he unloaded one of the shulkers stress had left him and as he dug through the contents he spotted the bottle he was looking for. It looked similar to a health potion, and almost followed the same labeling pattern. 

However, on the label was a bright red warning - "Not for Player consumption! UNDEAD ONLY!"

That sounded right!

He picked out the two bottles in the box and stepped over to the zombie handing them to her. She smiled, looking at the label. "Oh, sweet! Stress comes through again!" 

Joe stuck his tongue out in an exaggerated gag, "Eugh, spicy health potions. Do you have any regular regen-lite?" The American asked. 

Xisuma tsked fondly and grabbed one of the potions, handing it to the man, "That'll be 10 diamonds," he jested. 

Joe took the potion with a lopsided smile, "I can do a song about it if you like, I'm a little low on the diamond front you know." 

The two hermits chuckled as Cleo finished downing the "spicy"  health potion. 

"Well," the admin finally relented, "I suppose I should get going. It's getting dark and I still have to check on Bdubs and make it across the server to the Jungle crew." 

Cleo made a sound of understanding and the hermits said their goodbyes, wishing X both luck and speed on his journey.

"Come by if you need to talk about anything," Joe chirped as Xisuma pulled out his rockets, "we're very in touch with out emotions nowadays." 

The admin smiled, "I will. Thanks, guys."