The End of MindCrack

Chapter 20: Etho

 "Hey, guys. Sorry for the scare about leaving youtube. It was kind of under duress. But I'm back now. Mostly, anyway. I've been really grateful to the other MindCrackers for accepting me back. I guess I should bring you all up to speed now that we can all talk about it. I know Kurt, Vechs, and Jordan have all made videos already. I guess it's about time," Etho said as he grabbed the materials he needed for his latest MindCrack project.

 He leaned forward slightly, splitting his concentration between the game and his commentary. "The short version of the story is that Kurt and Vechs' disappearances were actually kidnapping and I was threatened. If I didn't cut off contact, I was told, I would be made completely miserable. I snuck away to MineCon to try and get help, which actually worked.

 "I was helped by, well, you know who you are. The trouble is that in the whole course of everything, I developed what's called retrograde amnesia. That's the stereotypical amnesia where you forget stuff that's already happened. In my case, I forgot most of the last three years or so. In other words, my youtubing career."

 Etho paused, leaned back and just concentrated on his building for a second, muttering softly to himself.

 "That included the MindCrackers. It's been... a long process getting ready to record this. The MindCrackers have been very supportive over the past couple of weeks, telling me stories, suggesting certain videos that might help, doing their best. The memories still haven't really come back, but I figured it was time."

 This was more personal information that Etho ever normally shared and it felt strange to him to be telling the world about something he didn't even really remember.

 "The doctors are hopeful that the memories will come back eventually. I'm still not sure what to think. But this seems to be something I really enjoyed and one thing the doctors have suggested it picking up old hobbies. So I've decided not to wait for them to come back before I come back to youtube."

 Etho moved his comentary on to other topics, explaining the build he was working on and ideas he had for future plans. When he finished recording, he opened up skype. The MindCrackers were having their monthly meeting tonight.

 Guude started up the call and after everyone had got through saying hello and talking about the latest pranks and general craziness, they got down to business. Guude had a few topics, including inviting a guest for the next podcast.

 "Anyone have anything else to discuss?" Guude asked.

 "Welcome back, Etho," Seth said. "No one's offically said it yet, but we're all so glad you're okay."

 Etho grinned, surpressed it and said, "Speaking of which, I'd like to propose a new MindCracker."

 "Let me guess," Blame said. "Xavier."

 "Etho, I know he's a hero and all, but..." Guude replied.

 "He's a youtuber," Beef interrupted, "if that's what you're going to say. I talked to him at MineCon before everything exploded. And he's actually a half-way decent let's player. Not always the most professional, but a lot of fun to watch."

 "Hey, we MindCrackers are always one hundred percent professional," Bdubs interjected. "Who says we're not?"

 "Well, let's put it to a vote, then. As you all know, it's got to be unanimous."

 Etho smiled again behind his computer. He had felt he owed it to Xavier to suggest it. And he could think of at least five MindCrackers who would side with him.

~~~

 Xavier watched the video Etho had put up before opening his own copy of Minecraft to record. Austin had asked him why Guude hadn't offered him a spot on the MindCrack server when Xavier had told his friend the story. Xavier had replied that he honestly didn't mind. He'd had enough excitement. It was time for life to go back to normal.

 Well, as normal as it ever got.

 Little did he know that the MindCrackers were thinking the same thing. Everyone was tired of live simulations and accidents and kidnappings. Maybe it was time to just deal with the normal problems for a while. They could all only hope.

 He opened up his computer and checked his email, not expecting to see anything. Instead there was a short message from Guude.

 Or maybe not so normal after all.