A Glitch In The System

Just a Prank (Iskall POV)

Iskall frowned. His thoughts raced. No way to get home? Did that mean that these strangers would have to stay here? For how long?

Though he didn't want to say anything, he found the newcomers quite unpleasant. They carried a chaotic energy, but not the same type of chaos as the Hermits. A more uncontrollable, warlike energy, and to Iskall, it smelled of trouble.

"No way to get home?" the boy called Tubbo asked tentatively. He seemed to be the shyest of the newcomers. Dream nodded, exhaling.

Philza stepped forward, wings brushing the boy's shoulders. Addressing the group, he spoke with a calm, steady voice. "But we're going to figure out a way to get home, yes?"

Iskall watched Grian scamper forward, seemingly less scared of the newcomers than he had originally been. "We can help you get home," the small blonde offered.

Iskall bit back a scowl. He shot Grian a look, hoping his meaning was clear. What are you thinking? We don't know these people.

Grian glared back at him. His eyes seemed to say Be nice, Iskall.

Mumbo, having witnessed the interaction, coughed. He shrugged at the pair as if to say If we help them, they can leave faster.

Iskall sighed. His friends were right, but he didn't like the warlike way these strangers carried themselves. They would cause trouble, he was sure of it.

Instead of voicing these thoughts, he turned back to the strangers and forced a smile. They looked confused at the silent conversation they had just bore witness to, and Iskall smirked slightly.

"Yes," Iskall said. "We'd like to offer our assistance in helping you get home." He heard Grian and Mumbo breath a sigh of relief.

The one called Dream, who seemed to be the leader of the group, raised his hand. "Thank you for your offer. We accept your help."

Iskall narrowed his eyes as the pig-hybrid growled. "Why are you trusting these people, Dream? You don't know what they want."

Dream ran his hand over the mask that hung looped around his belt, broken. "Do we have another option, Techno?"
Iskall was momentarily shocked at the rather open display of distrust. "Excuse me," he butted in. "We don't like you being here any more than you do. Do you want to get home or not?"

Technoblade glowered at him. Iskall, though he knew the pig man could easily beat him up, didn't back down, glaring right back. Mumbo hurriedly stepped between them. "Guys, stop it. We're going to figure this out, but we can't fight."

Turning to Iskall, he murmured through gritted teeth "What is wrong with you?"

Iskall shrugged, casting a glance at the strangers. "Don't like them."
"Why?" Mumbo questioned, turning himself and Iskall away from the newcomers so that their conversation was private.

"They're trouble, I can feel it," Iskall said. "Up until today, things ran smoothly in this land. Now, not only does a 'glitch' appear, but a group of war-hardened strangers appear through it and can't get home!" His voice rose in volume, and Mumbo hushed him.

"Iskall, we will get them home. It's in everyone's best interests. But you have to not provoke them, ok?" Iskall nodded. "Thank you," Mumbo said.

"But what do we do?" Iskall asked.

"I think there's only one person who might know what to do," Mumbo said, clearly deep in thought. Understanding, Iskall nodded.

When they rejoined the group, Tommy, Grian, and Tubbo were chatting easily. Tommy seemed to be poking fun at the blonde, who was just laughing in return. His refusal to get mad seemed to encourage the teenagers more. Philza, Dream, and Technoblade were discussing Dream's gauntlet quietly.