The Fourth Star - Rewrite

VI

Xisuma was in bed, his room cramped and dark besides the eerie magic glow of his armor. He couldn't sleep, despite the feeling of exhaustion that overtook his body. He couldn't stop thinking about what he did to Ren and Doc, how he had used this newfound power against them.

He never wanted to hurt anyone! Especially not his friends!

But...Ancel and the Watchers say it's the only way. In order to save the server, he has to destroy it. He has to tear everyone apart. It didn't make X feel good, he hated the idea of making his friends upset. It left a sinking feeling of sickness in the pit of his stomach.

The door to his bedroom was slowly pushed open, causing light from the living room to spill into darkness. Grian looked sad as he stood in the doorway, Ancel wrapped around his wrist. "Xisuma, it's time for us to get to work." She hissed out the command, the snake flicking her tongue as she spoke.

"I-I don't know." He said with hesitation in his voice, sitting upright in bed. "I, uh, need a sick day. All the magic training is starting to catch up to me.."

"Come on, Ancel. Give him a break..." Grian tried to urge, though the snake hissed at him, causing the watcher's posture to essentially shrink.

"There will be no breaks." She said as Grian placed her onto the wooden floor, the snake beginning to slither towards Xisuma's bed. "You must train. The alignment of planets grows closer, and yet your server is nowhere near ready!"

"I don't want the Hermits to hate each other." Xisuma mumbled as he pulled himself out of the covers, sitting on the edge of his mattress. He reached his hand down, allowing Ancel to curl up his arm and slither her way around his neck.

"It is only temporary! Everyone will soon be united under the Watchers.." She cooed in his ear, her voice sleek and charming.

Grian frowned as he watched the glow of blue magic fill Xisuma's eyes. He mindlessly reached for the snake, his gloved fingers gently stroking along her scales. "I suppose...You're right.." X hummed as he blinked a few times, trying to pull himself back to the present.

"Alright, what's our plan?" Grian asked while crossing his arms, clearly displeased to be apart of things.

"Xisuma will be able to manipulate some Hermits, but you'll be helpful in starting off our little project." The snake flicked her tongue as she coiled tighter around X's neck. "The Watchers gifted you magic, just has they did to Xisuma. Use it to your advantage."

He looked uncomfortable, Grian glancing towards the palm of his hand. He summoned a relatively small purple flame, before closing his hand into a fist and shaking his head. "Y-you know I don't like using my magic. I don't like it."

"Then find other ways." She hissed, "You're friends with that Mumbo fellow, are you not? Grow closer to him. Use him to our advantage."

"Fine." Grian tightened his fists, the feathers on his wings puffing up a bit. "I'll do my part. But only if Cassiopeia and Cepheus leave me alone! I need time to work. Remember, I need the other Hermits to think I'm one of them."

"Alright. Though their patience is not limitless. Be quick in your work."

Grian didn't say anything, but he looked irritated as he turned away, before slamming the bedroom door. Xisuma looked down at Ancel in confusion. "Is he alright?"

"He and the Watchers have a difficult relationship. A past that is not mine to share, nor is it your concern. We have lots of work that needs to get done." The snake hissed, taking her place wrapped around the admin's neck. Xisuma let out a defeated sigh, though he reluctantly nodded his head.