I Am The Truth II

Chapter XIV: The Other World

Author's Note: Once the Piglins are introduced, there may be some interactions between them and Val that may seem a little bit unsettling. You are completely welcome to skip that section if you so wish.

Hubris remained in his chair, his eyes closed and his hands folded underneath his head. It was the one brief moment he got to relax for a bit. The rocking chair swayed gently on the terrace of his home. It was wide enough for two people, but he mostly enjoyed it alone. He briefly opened his eyes to gaze upon the glorious sunset in the west before closing his eyes again, a breeze coming his way.

All was peaceful.

"Hubris."

His eyes shot open to see a pair of gorgeous lavender ones staring right back.

"WHAT?!" He shrieked, shuddering with a start that sent the rocking chair tumbling backwards with a resounding crash.

He was on the floor, suddenly sweating. He sat up after a few minutes and scowled. Val was doubled over, wheezing with laughter. The Nestoris looked grumpy enough that his one moment of peace was now ruined. 

"I hate you," He grumbled as Val placed the chair upright again and helped him up.

"All I did was say your name," She answered, still smiling. "You have the reflexes of a cat."

"Very funny. I do not plan on breaking more bones anytime soon."

He stumbled back into his chair, even as Val continued to giggle.

"I will get you back good and proper," Hubris said. "I promise you that."

"That's the spirit," Val replied. "I'll be waiting."

The Nestoris exhaled. He could just resume his much-need nap, but it was hard knowing that someone was just there watching him.

"Anyways, you seem exhausted," Val commented, leaning over Hubris on the chair's backside and looking down at him.

"I was there with Achillean in the tunnel," Hubris said. "The two of us have been managing its construction throughout the day."

"Is it that hard to tell other people what to do?" She asked, poking him on the nose.

"Yes, because there is always someone who forgets within five minutes."

"You know where the tunnel is supposed to go though," She said.

"Yeah, but it does bother me what will be on the other side," Hubris answered. "If this is not done right, then Ataraxia will be made vulnerable."

The two went quiet. Hubris looked directly up at her face.

"What about you then?" He asked. "Why the sudden visit?"

"I'm going to be leaving in an hour," She began, and Hubris immediately looked at her in surprise. "I figured this would be the last time the two of us would see each other in person for a little bit."

"Leaving?" He repeated. "Leaving to where?"

"The Nether, apparently," She answered. "Not like I have never been there before, right?"

"Judging by what Ria had told you in our last meeting, I would assume she does not know about this," Hubris said, already guessing the truth.

"... yeah."

The Nestoris looked at the floor, somewhat crestfallen.

"You know," Hubris began. "What Ria does, it is always for a reason. You do not have to go."