I wish you weren't my friend (but so much more)

Chapter 5

The day the pamphlets to Scarland's great reopening spread around the Empires, was the day the entire server agreed. They had to be there. Multiple messages appeared from several people asking others if they wanted to go. The sheriff and leader of Chromia did as well.

[SolidarityGaming whispered to Smajor1995: Hey, want to go to that reopening of Scarland?]

[Smajor1995 whispered to SolidarityGaming: Want to go to Scarland together?]

Both were stunned by the fact they had managed to message each other at the exact same time. They then proceeded to plan out a time and place to meet up.

It was a great thing Grian had managed to reopen the portal that connected Hermitcraft and Empires. It had taken a long time and a lot of hard work on Grian's side. He did everything in his power to re-establish the connection and make it stay. Now the Hermits and Emperors were able to visit each other and each other's lands.

Jimmy remembered the day Grian had succeeded as if it was yesterday. He had received a message from the little menace he considered family, asking him to meet him at the Rift. The Sheriff had done so, dutifully alerting the other Emperors of their new attempt. The Rift had regained its purple colours, humming loudly as Jimmy stood before it.

Not long after, a figure appeared among the particles. Grian popped out, stumbling slightly. "I did it!" he shouted, his face alight with excitement. "You did it," Jimmy smiled fondly. He did notice the dark circles under Grian's eyes and his tussled hair. Right as he began to wonder how much energy Grian had put into all the work, Grian's smile fell.

"I-I did it..." he sighed and stumbled. Luckily for him Jimmy's reflexes were quick as he caught the other as he fainted. "Oh, Grian," he muttered as he gathered the smaller in his arms. He shot a quick message to Pixlriffs and flew towards his base. Once there, Pix checked Grian's health and came to the conclusion that he was exhausted and a little dehydrated. Jimmy could feel Grian squirm a bit when he came to. As the smaller nuzzled into Jimmy's chest, Jimmy's hold tightened.

"Hey there sleepyhead," he said softly. Pix stayed quiet as he watched the two. "Hnng," Grian groaned as he blinked. He blinked some more as he began to realise what had happened. "Timmy?" he asked, unsure if he was dreaming or not. Jimmy gave him a smile. "I... did it?" Jimmy shook his head fondly, before his expression turned serious. "You did it," he confirmed," But you've got to promise me you won't overwork yourself again like this." Grian looked like he wanted to disagree. "No buts!" Grian shut his mouth and nodded.

Pix had left the two alone to get a glass of water and returned to hand it to Grian. "Jimmy's right," he said," You need to hydrate better and take plenty of rest. Now and when you work on big projects." Grian almost squirmed under Pix's gaze. "Next time, I promise not to exhaust myself," he sighed with a pout. "Good," Jimmy and Pix said simultaneously.

After that, and getting a clear from make-shift doctor Pixlriffs, Jimmy took Grian to his home. He made sure the other got plenty of rest, water and food in his stomach. Scott came by, actually looking for a trade with the Sheriff, but stuck around to hear Grian explain Project Re-open Rift. Jimmy sends a message in the general chat, letting all Emperors know there was now an open connection to Hermitcraft. All replies were joyous and congratulating Grian on his achievement.

Then came the questions when they could visit the Hermits they had gotten close to over time. Jimmy and Grian both agreed that they should take it slow, as to not disturb the fragile balance of the Rift. Once Grian had recovered, they send him back home where he informed the Hermits. In the following month they allowed only one visitor a day to pass through, but once it became clear the connection was stable enough, it got used like any normal portal.