Possessed

Chapter 28: Underneath So Much

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This chapter is time-skip heavy, so be warned.

I'm sorry it's so late. My motivation decided to enjoy sky blue. Hopefully the length will help make up for that. This chapters the longest so far with 1,942 words

Cw: funerals, self-blame, survivor's guilt, death and mourning of friends, swearing

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Grian's pov

     After another day or so, Grian was ready to talk to the others. They offered their condolences, although they didn't have much emotional help to give. They were all mourning the loss of their friends.

     After another few days, the hermits were ready enough to begin preparing for the funeral. They collectively selected an island near the end of the Hermississipi.

     The hermits collected resources and began building the island. Grian built the bridge to the island. Once it was done, he stepped back and admired it. It was a lovely arching shape with leaves draping down the side and lanterns illuminating the jungle planks with a soft, yellow-orange glow. He was honestly a little proud of it. His lips curved up just slightly in the most minuscule of smiles, the first one he'd had since they'd walked into the fortress.

     The other hermits finished up their builds around the same time. The island was ready. A few of the hermits had brought the coffins over.

     The precession walked over the bridge. They walked through a bit of oak and birch forest, along a path carefully illuminated with candles and lanterns in the trees. The lights set out a gentle ring around the wispy mist that had gathered. You have heard a pin drop there. The only noises were the soft steps and the leaves and trees. Not a single animal dared to disturb the fog of sorrow that hung over the group. 

     The hermits reached the clearing where the graves had been dug. The gravestones were carefully engraved with intricate designs that represented each of the lost hermits. Behind them were armor stand statues of each of the hermits, appearing graceful, and content. 

     Those who were carrying the coffins gently placed them in their final resting places. Last words were whispered and teardrops soaked into the ground.

    "Thank you for being the best friends I could ever ask for," Grian said softly over the graves of Scar and Mumbo, kneeling down next to them, his voice trembling slightly, "And thank you all for trying to help me, and I'm sorry for failing you all," he whispered, standing up. The remaining people said their goodbyes. Together, they closed up the graves and left back over the bridge, a tangible melancholy hanging over them all.

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     It had been about two weeks since the funeral. The quiet was starting to lift. People started to return to their regular lives. But not Grian. Grian had helped Gem out with her mega base, but his heart wasn't in it.

    Problems had started to arise. The world was gradually glitching more and more. Without an admin, the code had begun to unravel.

    Grian flew over the starting area, pondering what he could do. His wing was finally healed enough for him to fly; only a small scar remained.

     He swooped over the river when he suddenly had a thought. Scar's library has all sorts of weird books. I could check there. He fluttered down and landed at the base of the tree.

     The red-sweatered avian swallowed down his emotions as he walked into the tree. He climbed up the stairs, wincing as his foot rebelled. It was technically healed, but Gem had said that it might be sore for longer.