Creation Of Cremations - Mumscarian Superhero AU

Chapter 17 - SCAR!

>Lizzie: Etho's safe. He's at mine and Joels.<

>Scott: Oh thank goodness!<

>Lizzie: We're arranging a non-official meeting to discuss what to do next.<

>Lizzie: this is for Etho's safety as well as the general future of the group.<

>Grian: Sounds good.<

The members of the craft club arrived one by one at Lizzie and Joel's house. Owen, having received vouches from Grian, Jimmy, and Scott, joined them, providing reassurance that he was a safe person to be around. As the group settled in, Joel began spreading cushions around the living room to accommodate everyone when they ran out of chairs.

"Thanks for coming, everyone." Lizzie took charge of the meeting. "And thank you for being supportive of Etho. It's very appreciative."

The room filled with murmurs of agreement, affirming their shared sentiment.

"In light of recent events," Lizzie continued, her voice carrying a mix of concern and determination, "we have decided to offer shelter to Etho here. And we want to extend that invitation to Ren and Bdubs as well, as they were also present at the scene and might be at risk."

Scar held his breath, fighting the urge to say anything which would indicate he was there too.

"I want to stay with Etho." Bdubs mumbled. "Is that okay?"

"Absolutely," Lizzie nodded, understanding Bdubs' desire to be by Etho's side. "Ren?"

"I'll be fine, Lizzie." Ren nodded appreciatively.

As the tension in the room eased slightly, Lizzie took a deep breath, feeling Joel's hand holding hers for support. She knew it was time to reveal her own secret.

"While we're gathered here, I have a confession to make," Lizzie began, her voice filled with a mix of vulnerability and determination. "I'm a hybrid too."

The room fell into a hushed silence as everyone exchanged surprised glances, their murmurs slowly fading.

"I'm a mermaid hybrid," Lizzie explained, her voice steady but filled with a hint of sadness. "My hybrid form only reveals itself when I come into contact with water. The acceptance of hybrids has been diminishing over time, and we're facing increasingly challenging times."

Joel spoke solemnly, his voice tinged with frustration, "Xisuma has been waiting for an opportunity to showcase how 'dangerous' hybrids are. That's why we're offering this safe haven to any other hybrids who might be here with us."

The room remained quiet, each person absorbing the weight of the revelation. Suddenly, Etho's breathing grew heavy, and his distress became palpable.

"I'm so sorry," Etho mumbled, his voice filled with guilt. "I'm so sorry I put everyone in danger."

Bdubs immediately shook his head, wrapping his arms around Etho, refusing to let him blame himself. "It's not your fault," Bdubs whispered, his voice filled with unwavering support.

"But it is!" Etho insisted, his tears now flowing, dark and inky, down his cheeks. "I couldn't protect all of you properly, and now we're in an even worse situation."

"Don't say that," Bdubs pleaded, holding Etho tightly, comforting him as best he could. "You did nothing wrong. We're here for each other, no matter what."

Overwhelmed by the intensity of the emotions in the room, Grian abruptly left his chair and hobbled out into the corridor, his injured leg causing him to limp. Scar, sensing his distress, followed him closely.