Creation Of Cremations - Mumscarian Superhero AU

Chapter 16 - ETHO!

Bdubs was worried.

"I haven't heard from Etho in a few days," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with concern, as he carefully sliced off the edges of a print using a guillotine.

Ren, looking equally worried, nodded in agreement.

"I've been trying to reach him too," he sighed. "But no response."

"That's not like Etho," Scar chimed in with a thoughtful expression. "I mean, sometimes he might decline a call if he doesn't feel like talking, but he's usually quick to respond with a text to continue the conversation that way."

As they continued preparing the paper for printing at Ren's house, a sense of unease settled over the room. The absence of Etho's usual responsiveness was weighing heavily on their minds, raising questions about his well-being and leaving them eager for any news that might offer reassurance.

"I'm worried something really bad happened to him." Bdubs admitted shakily. "The last we heard from him, he was taking up the issue with Xisuma."

"Xisuma isn't a stranger to orchestrating 'sudden disappearances'," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of anger. "Just look at what happened to CuteGuy."

"Actually," Scar interjected, correcting Ren's statement, "that wasn't Xisuma, it was DeviousMan. But you're right, Etho may not be in safe hands."

"Well, Etho is a rational person," Ren reasoned. "At least, I hope he is. Even though Xisuma knows how to provoke others, I believe Etho has a strong enough mindset to resist cracking under pressure."

"I'm sure Etho wouldn't easily succumb," Bdubs declared, his determination trying to overpower his fears. "But... I just don't know."

Scar fell into a heavy silence, his mind swirling with worry for everyone involved. Grian's shocking revelation from the previous night had left him on edge, amplifying his concerns about Etho's potential danger. To make matters worse, they no longer had a hall where they could gather, discuss, and support each other. The weight of it all felt unbearable.

"Scar?" Ren's voice broke through the silence, concern lacing his words.

"Xisuma will find a way." Scar seethed. "It's just who he is."

"But he's going to be okay, right?" Bdubs, his voice heavy with weariness, couldn't help but voice his deepest fear.

Scar turned to face his brother, a mixture of anguish and hope in his eyes. He reached out to place a comforting hand on Bdubs' shoulder.

"Bdubs," he began, his voice filled with a raw vulnerability. "I hope so. Good God, I really hope so."

The weight of uncertainty hung in the air, leaving them all clinging to the fragile hope that Etho would emerge unscathed from whatever peril he may be facing. Bdubs starred at Scar, his face twisted with sadness and fear.

"Are you okay, Scar?" Ren asked hesitantly. "It's not like you to be pessimistic."

Scar let out a heavy sigh, his voice tinged with a mix of resignation and vulnerability. "I'm fine, Ren. Really," he replied, trying to reassure them both. "It's just... I know firsthand what Xisuma is capable of. He isn't hesitant when it comes to... murder."

Ren's complexion paled, shock coursing through his veins.

"What are you talking about?" he whispered, his voice filled with disbelief and fear.

"He's no stranger to threats and blackmail either." Scars words ran away with him before he could stop himself.

Bdubs, his eyes widened with confusion, couldn't help but inquire, "How do you know all of this?" His curiosity tinged with a sense of unease.