Chapter Text
Grian didn’t remember anything. The Watchers took his memories with the same ease they took his humanity. He loathed the way he had no way of knowing who he was before, what his connections were.
He didn’t know about Mumbo.
Mumbo, who had been his everything. Who had been over the moon about him reappearing at last, and had patiently helped reintroduce him to the world. Who had borne it quietly when he realised, and was later told, that Grian had lost his memories. Who didn’t tell him out of terror that it would scare away the flighty ex-Watcher, then out of worry it was too late.
All Mumbo could do was be there for his old new husband friend.
So he was. He was there as much as he could be, always supporting, always loving. Always secretly yearning, howling on the inside. Not on the outside, of course. No one knew that Grian had been his, and he Grian’s. No one needed to.
“I know I tried to keep it on the down low, but you rascals somehow managed to find out that we will have a new member,” Xisuma said, as the meeting was drawing to a close. The Hermits all perked up.
“Oh I see, the gossip wakes you up,” X huffed lightly, shaking his head with a small smile to show that he wasn’t really annoyed. Mumbo didn’t think it was biologically possible for X to be genuinely frustrated, despite how far the other Hermits pushed him.
“There are actually two new Hermits,” Xisuma spilled, and a series of murmurs went around the table. Grian looked at Mumbo with his adorable excited glimmer in his eyes, and Mumbo couldn’t help but fondly smile back.
“Their names are PearlescentMoon and Geminitay, or Pearl and Gem. Both use she/her, I believe.”
Mumbo’s smile froze as Xisuma continued in the background, talking about hybrid types or something. Pearl. Pearl, who would most definitely recognise Grian. There was no chance of any mistakes; they’d practically been siblings. Pearl was going to be furious that Mumbo didn’t tell her.
He continued not-listening to the meeting until they were dismissed, and sent to pack a very few things that they needed to take with them, the sorts of things that held sentimental value rather than use.
Instead of doing this, however, Mumbo sat on his bed, scrolled through his communicator contacts, and sent a message to Pearl.
Mumbo Jumbo: Xisuma told us you’re joining Hermitcraft, is that true?
She responded a few seconds later.
PearlescentMoon: yup, it is!
He decided to start carefully.
Mumbo Jumbo: Excited?
PearlescentMoon: absolutely and a bit terrified lol
PearlescentMoon: you know its my first smp server since it happened
Ah. Yes, Mumbo knew exactly what ‘it’ was referring to.
Mumbo Jumbo: Right.
Mumbo Jumbo: That’s what I wanted to talk about actually.
Mumbo Jumbo: Are you free for a bit to talk in person? You can choose where.
PearlescentMoon: sure? im in hypixel rn, so u can come here ig, ill give coords when ur here
Mumbo Jumbo: Sounds good, I’ll get permission from X then I’ll be right there.
Xisuma had no questions, only requesting a time he be back by, so Mumbo gave one and left. He found Pearl before long, and they had a friendly, if a little awkward greeting.
“So, what did you want to talk to me about?” Pearl asked. “Spoilers?”
Mumbo laughed nervously. “Not exactly. Uh, you’re going to hate me for this, because I really should’ve told you…”
Pearl was not an idiot. But she didn’t let herself hope either, simply narrowing her eyes.
Mumbo steeled himself. “Hear me out, alright? There’s a good reason why I didn’t say anything.”
Pearl waited.
Mumbo swallowed.
“Grian’s alive.”
Her fists clenched.
“He’s on Hermitcraft,” Mumbo added, as if it wasn’t clear. “Please don’t punch me.”
“You’re on thin fucking ice.” She spoke through gritted teeth, clearly furious. “Exactly why did you feel the need to keep this from me?”
Mumbo hunched his shoulders. “I’m so sorry, I- I wasn’t sure if it’s better to think he’s dead.”
Pearl stared at him. “What the hell does that mean?”
He had to just get it out. “He’s- they took his memories. All of them. He doesn’t remember a thing before his life with the- the Watchers.”
Pearl’s face fell. All the tension was gone from her body, and she stared at the floor for a moment.
“So… he didn’t remember you? He won’t remember me?”
Mumbo shook his head. “I’m really sorry.”
“No, don’t- it isn’t your fault, obviously, and I can see why you didn’t want to tell me.”
Mumbo swallowed. “I haven’t- I didn’t tell him that I used to know him, before he was taken. It’s your choice whether you do or not, but please don’t tell him about me, it will be weird.”
She stared at him. “You were his husband! Surely he should know that!”
Okay, this part was almost harder than the previous reveal. Mumbo stared resolutely at a drainpipe behind her.
“I think it’s better this way, if I’m not here to tie him down. He’s perfectly happy staying friends, so maybe this is a blessing in disguise. So he wouldn’t have to tell me he doesn’t love me.”
Pearl stepped forward, forcing his attention to her. “That, Mumbo Jumbo, is bullshit. Everyone could see he adored you before, there’s no reason for that to change.”
“Years apart might do the trick,” Mumbo shrugged.
“No, I don’t believe that. You don’t have any proof that he doesn’t like you, do you? So don’t-”
“He’s in love with someone else,” Mumbo interrupted quietly.
Pearl stopped. “What?”
“He’s in love with someone else. My friend, Scar. They’re a perfect match.” Mumbo swallowed again. “I don’t want either of them knowing about… this.” He pulled his necklace out from under his shirt where it always hung, the two wedding bands clinking together.
Pearl stared at it sadly. “Mumbo, this is hurting yourself.”
“But if I told him, it would hurt Grian. And Scar. So, um, yeah. Please don’t tell them, don’t tell anyone I used to know Grian at all.”
Pearl’s shoulders sagged. “Of course I won’t, if you don’t permit it, but I disapprove. Do you think I should tell Grian about me, then? Or does he want to move on?”
“He wishes he knew what his life was like before,” Mumbo replied. “That’s why I’ve felt so guilty- if you want to tell him, do it. He’d love to know.”
Pearl nodded. “Okay. Can- what about Jimmy and Martyn and BigB? They’re the ones I’m still in contact with, should I tell them?”
Mumbo shrugged. “I don’t know. Do you think they’d rather know, and would they tell Grian?”
Pearl nodded. “Yes for both, I think.”
“I’ll tell you what.” An idea had come to Mumbo. “Grian’s about to make a minigame server, I think it’s a spin-off of a hunger games kind of thing? He was asking about people to add, we could see if we can get those three in if they wanted.”
Pearl nodded. “I’ll ask them, you message me details. I need to get back before it gets dark, but- thank you for telling me.”
Mumbo half smiled. “Thanks for not murdering me.”
She gave a smirk. “Oh, I will, but when we get onto your perma-respawn server.”
Mumbo chuckled. “Yeah, fair game. Bye, Pearl.”
“Bye Mumbo.”
“MUMBO MUMBO MUMBO MUMBO MUMBO MUMBO MUMBO MUMBO MUMBOOOOOO!”
Grian twisted in the air, still yelling ecstatically, and crash-landed to sprawl on the grass in front of said moustached man, who smiled fondly.
“Hello. Did you say my name?” Grian scrambled to his feet. “You won’t believe this! Pearl messaged me – you know, one of the new members – and she knew me from the past! And she has friends who do as well, and they’re going to be in Third Life with me!”
Mumbo’s smile wasn’t sure whether to falter or grow with this news. “That’s wonderful, G,” he managed.
Grian paused. “You don’t seem as happy as I thought you’d be.”
“I am happy, I’m very happy for you, I promise. Just a little tired right now, so my emotions are dampened. If you want a better reaction, I expect Scar would give,” Mumbo told him.
“Oh, I already told him, he picked me up and swung me round,” Grian giggled.
Mumbo smiled as his heart burned. “That’s sweet.”
Grian squinted at him. “You better not start too.”
Mumbo silently raised an eyebrow.
Grian huffed. “You know. Me and Scar.”
“I didn’t imply anything, you picked that up from nothing. Which basically tells me you like him.”
Grian turned bright red. “Literally shut up.”
Mumbo ruffled his hair as he walked past.
In the in-between of seasons, whilst X got the world set up, the Hermits were staying in a hotel in Hypixel. This was traditional, they stayed in the same place every time, and usually had the same roommates; since season six, Mumbo had always shared with Grian and Scar. However, they had also only had two beds, so one had to take the floor, which, last time, was Mumbo, because Grian was new and it would be more painful for Scar.
This year, however, Mumbo was alone in their hotel room, waiting on Grian and Scar to return from their final session of Third Life.
When they finally did arrive, he could tell something had changed.
Both had sore eyes, and Grian was trembling, slipping inside quietly without looking up and sitting on the floor, behind the bed.
Mumbo looked at them both, then put the kettle on.
Scar sat on the bed, the one opposite Mumbo’s, and pulled his knees to his chest, staring at the wall.
Silence.
Except the kettle. Which was, of course, obscenely loud.
Mumbo swallowed, having absolutely no idea what to do.
After a moment he surreptitiously pulled his comm out of his pocket and messaged Cleo.
Mumbo Jumbo: hey Cleo um random question but did something happen between Scar and Grian? Tensions are high and I’ve no clue what’s going on lol
After another moment, they responded.
ZombieCleo: uh oh
ZombieCleo: I’ll try to give a summary, do you know what happened in the other sessions?
Mumbo Jumbo: yeah
ZombieCleo: okay well this was basically the final battle kinda thing and by the end it got to Scar Grian and Bdubs. Grian the only yellow. Scar said whoever picked up some paper wouldn’t be killed, and Bdubs got it so Scar killed Grian, and I think G was mad cause he came back red and killed Bdubs and tried to kill Scar but he gave up so G didn’t wanna. Then G was saying something about wanting a winner? I’m not rly sure, but they went back to monopoly mountain and fought to the death without gear, just bare hands. G won but felt terrible and jumped off the cliff. It’s not great, I’m not surprised they’re struggling :/ I think they’d also started dating or something they kissed in the pond before the last fight
Mumbo read the whole thing a few times, trying to quell his emotional torment.
Mumbo Jumbo: wow okay tysm for updating me
Mumbo Jumbo: that’s a lot.
He put his comm down and turned to the boiled kettle, sliding his legs out of bed and sitting on the edge.
The tray the kettle sat on also held mugs and teabags, with small packets of sugar. There was probably milk in the mini fridge, but Mumbo was honestly too nervous about the tension in the room to move all the way over there.
His hands were shaking, he realised as he took a cup and tore the teabag packet open, dropping it in and turning to the kettle.
But of course, his nerves made the hot water spill, splashing onto the back of his hand. Mumbo couldn’t help the hiss that escaped his lips as it burnt, tensing. Scar looked over, but Mumbo just stared at the kettle, trying again.
This time he managed, and the water went into the mug. Mumbo swirled the teabag, his burnt hand by his side. Already it was red.
Scar stood up abruptly, stepping over and staring at his hand.
“Did it burn you?” He asked, echoing in the absence of noise from before.
“No,” Mumbo lied blatantly, and Scar huffed, rolling his eyes.
“Come on.”
Mumbo hesitantly followed him into the ensuite, and Scar stuck his hand under the cold tap. Mumbo managed to not make any noise, but it stung agonisingly.
“Sorry,” Scar muttered. “Hold it under there for a bit.”
“Isn’t that wasting water?” Mumbo asked absently.
“Nope, because it’s for a purpose,” Scar answered. “How’d you burn yourself, anyway? Just a hand slip?”
“Yeah.” Mumbo swallowed. “Scar, what- uh, you and Grian…”
Scar winced. “It’s complicated.”
“I can tell that. Are you mad at him, or is he mad at you? Or both?”
Scar hesitated. “I… I don’t know. I’m not mad at him, but I think I hurt him- I did hurt him, I- I killed him.”
“That’s not why I’m upset.”
Grian’s voice, small, came as he peeked around the bathroom door.
“I’m upset because I killed you.”
Scar softened. “Grian, sweetheart, I don’t care. I was fine with the fight, I didn’t mind who won.”
“You clearly did, or you would’ve fought back properly,” Grian murmured. “Why’d you pull your punches?”
Scar winced. “I hoped you wouldn’t notice that. You would’ve beaten me anyway, we both know that. I didn’t want to hurt you more.”
Grian sagged. “Physical health can be repaired by a respawn, though, it takes seconds.“
Mental health went unsaid.
Quietly, Mumbo turned the tap off and reached for a towel.
“I’m really sorry, Grian,” Scar whispered.
“I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t’ve gotten so invested in that stupid game,” Grian sighed.
“I think we all did,” Scar hummed. “I am not ready to face Ren yet, that’s gonna be… an experience. I forgive you, by the way. For anything you did in the games. That goes without saying, I don’t think I physically can hold a grudge against you, of all people.”
A very small smile graced Grian’s lips. “Yeah. I forgive you as well. I’m- I really love you, Scar.”
Scar blinked. “What? You do?”
“Was it not obvious when we kissed in the lake?” Grian asked with a nervous laugh.
“I suppose it should’ve been, I just- hm.” Mumbo watched out of the corner of his eye as Scar stepped forward to cradle Grian’s face in his hands. “I love you too, G. Can we- not start over, but- y’know…”
“Yeah,” Grian breathed.
Mumbo did not cry. But he stared very hard at the wall as his heart crumbled just a little more.
The Hermits tumbled through the portal, giggling chaotically as they spread out to take in the new world. Mumbo followed Xisuma, who was laughing at his Hermits’ antics but making his way over to a crevice in the middle of the village.
As Mumbo approached, he spotted the two new members: Pearl and a sweet-looking redhead who must be Gem. Xisuma was crouched over the edge, talking to them.
“Are those the new people?”
Scar’s voice, by Mumbo’s shoulder, made him jump.
“Yeah, I think the brunette is Pearl, according to Tim,” Grian said, from Scar’s other side, glancing at Mumbo. “Shall we investigate?”
“We’ll probably be called to calm down in a moment and introduced,” Mumbo pointed out, but they went over anyway.
Pearl grinned at Mumbo, then her gaze slid to Grian and turned uncertain, nervous, pained.
Grian waved cautiously.
Xisuma was watching between them curiously.
“Do you two know each other?” He asked.
“I know him,” Pearl answered. “He doesn’t know me.”
Xisuma paused. “I see. Would you two like a moment to catch up before we all gather?”
Pearl shrugged, glancing at Grian. “There’s no need to hold everyone up, we can talk later, I assume.”
Grian nodded.
“Okay then.” Xisuma turned to the group. “Now I just need to get this lot rounded up.”
Half an hour later, they were crowded around the crevice, peering down at the new members. And, for some reason, Mumbo had been put up to introducing whatever was going on.
Once that was out of the way, Pearl went off with a group, but Grian had an odd expression. Scar was- somewhere, not here anyway — so Mumbo followed him.
“Something on your mind?” He asked casually, beginning to cut down a tree beside Grian.
Grian huffed, sparing him a glance. “I don’t get how you can read me so well, of all people.”
Mumbo made a vaguely affronted noise, but let silence drift between them until Grian answered.
“I’m a bit worried about how much this weirdness — me forgetting everything — will affect Pearl. I’ve been a bit selfish and hadn’t thought about how much it hurts people who used to be close to me, to find out I’ve just forgotten them, wiped slate.” He raised his eyes to Mumbo, who’d stopped cutting the tree. “Do you think it would’ve been better off if they all still thought I was dead?”
Mumbo allowed himself a moment to think.
“With your logic, I believe that could be considered selfish too. To not tell you anything about your life before. But I don’t think you’re being selfish at all, it just hadn’t occurred to you. And for the record, isn’t it worth it to rebuild your friendships with these people? They’ve proven to love you enough that they continue to spend time with you, even though it may hurt at first, so they can eventually make enough new memories to not feel the pain of losing the old ones so much.”
Grian stared at him.
“…What?” Mumbo felt rather self-conscious.
“How much thought have you put into this, dude?”
Mumbo gave a small, embarrassed smile, just relieved that he wasn’t exposed. “You’re my best friend, mate, your life is entirely my business whether you like it or not.”
Grian chuckled. “Can’t say I mind, if you’re gonna be smart like this occasionally.”
“Thank you.” Mumbo paused. “Wait, what do you mean, occasionally?”
Grian giggled and danced away, and Mumbo only spared a moment to replant the sapling before following, indulging.
After the odd initiation of Boatem, Scar and Impulse wandered off to begin planning areas for their starter bases, but Grian and Pearl were quietly conversing, in the shadow of the pole.
Mumbo watched them silently for a moment, contemplating, then turned towards the spruce forest to gather wood.
He chopped for a few minutes, until quiet footfalls alerted him to another person’s arrival. He glanced over at Pearl when he’d finished the tree, and smiled.
“Hello. How’d it go?”
She shrugged. “It’s weird. A bit heartbreaking, yeah, but mostly just- weird, that all our past is gone.”
“Yeah.” Mumbo exhaled slowly. “It dwindles over time.”
“He also mentioned that he’s dating Scar, now,” Pearl said carefully.
Mumbo’s hand automatically drifted to his necklace of rings.
“Yeah,” he said, quiet. “I know. And I’m fine with it, you don’t need to bother yourself about my- about them. My opinion doesn’t really matter any more, anyway.”
Pearl was still watching him, concerned. “You aren’t angry at Scar?”
Mumbo let out a huff, almost a laugh. “Void, no. I love Scar, he’s been one of my closest friends almost since I joined Hermitcraft. I’m glad Grian has him.”
“Your tolerance for heartbreak like this is astounding, Mumbo Jumbo, but one day you will be ruined,” Pearl warned.
“That sounds like a threat,” Scar remarked, and Mumbo jumped.
“Scar, mate, you gave me a heart attack.”
Scar smiled. “My speciality.” His eyes drifted to Pearl. “Now, what was this about breaking?”
“Your dear friend sacrificing his happiness,” Pearl muttered, and Mumbo stiffened.
“Don’t, Pearl,” he said quietly, and she glanced at the ground with a muttered apology.
But it was too late. Scar’s eyes had narrowed. “What do you mean by that?” He rounded on Mumbo. “Sacrificing your happiness? How so?”
“It’s nothing, nonsense,” Mumbo replied hastily. “I wouldn’t do that, you know me.”
“I do know you, and that’s why I know you’d absolutely do that,” Scar said simply. “Though I’m still not sure what exactly the situation is.”
“There isn’t a situation,” Mumbo told him, turning to another tree.
Scar and Pearl glanced at each other.
That evening, as he was organising the chests in his new minivan, Scar poked his head in.
“This is cute,” he remarked.
“Thank you,” Mumbo said, standing up from the barrel he’d been arm deep inside.
“So…” Scar perched on the counter, laying his cane against his knee.
Mumbo sighed. That tone meant he wanted something.
“I had a chat with Pearl, getting to know the new members and all.”
Mumbo stiffened. “Oh,” he said, turning back to the barrel.
“She said she wasn’t at liberty to say anything.”
“Good. That’s true.”
Scar tilted his head. “But she knows secrets about you. I’m surprised, we’ve only known her a day. Unless you’ve known her longer.”
There was a prominently curious infliction to his voice.
Mumbo flushed. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“How long have you known her?”
Mumbo sighed, sitting back on his heels on the quartz floor. “A while. She- when I found out she was coming to Hermitcraft I visited her to let her know Grian was here.”
Scar frowned. “Why didn’t you tell her before?”
Mumbo bit his lip nervously. “I… I wasn’t sure if it was better to let her think he was dead. It’s a big thing, you know, having your best friend not know who you are. I can’t imagine what it’s like for Pearl.”
There was silence for a moment as Scar took this in.
“So… you didn’t tell her that her best friend wasn’t dead?”
Accidentally, Mumbo flinched. “Don’t put it like that. And don’t tell Grian, please.”
Scar stared at him. “Why not? You basically kept his life a secret from him for years! Wait, did you used to know him?”
Mumbo shook his head violently. “No, different times. But please don’t tell him. He’s one of my best friends, Scar, please don’t take him away.”
Scar frowned. “I- I’m not taking him away. But he deserves to know the truth.”
“He-” Mumbo swallowed, gripping the edge of the barrel to steady his trembling hands. “I know he deserves to. I know I’m being a bad person for still keeping this from him, but-”
“But what?” Scar slipped off the counter, crouching down in front of Mumbo. “What excuse do you have?”
Oh, he was angry. Mumbo lowered his eyes.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“Say that to Grian.” Scar glanced up, out the window, to where Grian’s crafting table and furnace set-up sat. “As soon as he comes back from the dragon, I’m telling him.”
Mumbo hunched up. “Okay,” he breathed, doing his best not to cry.
“Don’t make me feel guilty, Mumbo, you know better than that,” Scar sighed. “You know he deserves the truth.”
Mumbo stayed silent, but Pearl answered instead, from halfway through the door.
“That isn’t the truth.”
Scar looked up. “How long have you been listening?”
“Not long, but your reaction proves he’s still lying, for your sake. Yours and Grian’s.”
Mumbo’s hands clawed the wood. “Pearl, please.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not letting you do this even more.” She sat on the floor beside them, not as cramped as it should be, in such a small van.
Scar turned to her. “What’s the truth, then?”
Pearl didn’t meet Mumbo’s eyes. “They did know each other. Grian and Mumbo, I mean. They were incredibly close, knew each other better than anyone else.”
Scar’s eyes widened, and he looked back at Mumbo with a new insight.
“Is this true?”
Mumbo nodded forlornly. “I- yeah.“
“So… you… what does that mean?”
Mumbo swallowed. “It means nothing. Just- don’t tell him, please. It would be weird to tell him now, I don’t want to break his trust.”
“Why didn’t you say something from the start, though?” Scar asked, baffled.
“I-” Mumbo swallowed. “I guess- at first I didn’t want to scare him. Then it felt dishonest to own up after so long, and it just keeps getting worse.”
“That was dumb,” Scar said.
Mumbo bowed his head. “I know.”
“Tell him now,” Scar said. “It will never get better.”
Mumbo grimaced. Pearl sighed.
“That’s not the whole truth, is it?” Scar was oddly perceptive.
Mumbo subconsciously reached a hand up to his shirt, rubbing his fingers against the chain where the wedding rings hung.
“No,” he breathed. “It isn’t.”
For a moment, a heavy silence lingered over them like a bad omen.
“Will you tell me the truth? Can you?” Scar practically begged.
Mumbo leaned forward, hunching his shoulders, not answering.
It was Pearl who finally spoke up. “Do you want me to leave, Mumbo?”
Mumbo glanced at her. “I… I don’t know.”
She was watching something out of the window, intently following a movement across the beginnings of Boatem.
Mumbo suddenly realised what she meant.
“Actually yes. If that’s okay.”
Pearl nodded. “Of course,” she said, and hurried away to distract Grian.
Luckily Scar didn’t shift his gaze from Mumbo’s face, still intent.
“Is this something Pearl knows?”
Mumbo nodded. “She won’t tell you though, not without my permission.”
“I know,” Scar huffed. “I should know this though, shouldn’t I? It concerns my boyfriend.”
“Yeah. That’s the reason you should know. But also the reason you shouldn’t,” Mumbo answered.
Scar hesitated. “What do you mean by that? Will it ruin my relationship?”
“I hope not,” Mumbo replied.
Scar drew in a sharp breath. “You have to tell me. Please.”
Another butterfly breath escaped Mumbo’s lips. “Alright. But I warned you.”
He let himself take a few measured breaths, then spoke, somber.
“I loved him. We- we were in love, before he was taken.”
When he forced himself to meet Scar’s eyes, Mumbo found them wide, staring at the floor.
Eventually, he spoke. “Both of you? Definitely- it was requited?”
In answer, Mumbo reached to his collar and pulled out his necklace, letting the rings hang there, clinking gently.
Scar gazed at them, and Mumbo could almost imagine a tear in his eye.
“Oh,” he whispered, voice cracking on the single word.
“It doesn’t change anything,” Mumbo said quickly. “I’m not about to be a homewrecker, he’s clearly fallen out of love with me anyway. But you understand why I can’t tell him, now?”
Slowly, Scar nodded. “But- Mumbo, you lost your husband,” he murmured.
Mumbo swallowed. “I did. Yeah.”
“Oh, Mumbo,” Scar said softly. “I’m so sorry. Fuck.” He dragged his hands down his face.
“It’s not your fault,” Mumbo told him. “Just how life works. He fell out of love. I’m not going to grudge either of you that.”
“You really should,” Scar told him. “You deserve to be angry, you know.”
“Whether that’s true or not,” Mumbo replied, “I’m not angry. So I won’t.”
For just long enough for Mumbo to regret everything, Scar was silent.
Then he stood up, swiftly. “Are you sure you don’t want G to know?”
“Positive,” Mumbo confirmed. “It would just make him feel guilty. There’s nothing to gain, a lot to lose.”
“I can see that,” Scar sighed. “Okay. I… I won’t tell him. I assume Pearl knows?”
Mumbo nodded. “Everyone who knew Grian before. Thank you, Scar. I’m sorry.”
Scar inhaled sharply. “Mumbo. You have nothing to apologise for, absolutely nothing. Don’t you dare. Look, as- am I still your friend?”
“Of course!” Mumbo stared at him. “Scar, this would never- you and Grian are my best friends.”
“You’re too forgiving,” Scar told him. “But anyway, you’ve kinda gone through a breakup, so we’re gonna get a Disney film and some ice cream and have a sleepover. My base, six o’clock, compulsory unless you have other plans.”
Mumbo half smiled. “Alright, sounds fun. Just the two of us?”
“Just the two of us,” Scar confirmed. “And you, mister, are going to stop putting other people so far in front of you that you get picked up by an eagle like in Crossy Road.”
“You are truly so poetic,” Mumbo monotoned.
Scar bowed, then moved to the door. “I’ll get stuff ready. See you at six o’clock sharp.”
Mumbo saluted, smiling fondly as Scar disappeared across the green.
He was going to fight the dragon. Not Mumbo, he wouldn’t have the guts, but Grian.
Evo had been preparing this for a while, of course; gearing up, deciding on a battle plan. But the reality was only just sinking in to Mumbo, as he stared at the message Grian had sent him: I’ll text you again after, wish me luck! <3
Nothing he could do could keep it off his mind that day, so he gave up trying and just sat in the shade of his most recent redstone project, staring at his comm mindlessly.
Four hours after the first message, another buzz came through. Mumbo fumbled for it, fingers tripping over the surface as he found the message — but it wasn’t from Grian.
Pearlescentmoon: I need to talk to you
Pearlescentmoon: in person
Mumbo’s hands shook.
Mumbo Jumbo: come to my redstone world
Barely a minute later, she logged on.
Mumbo sprinted to spawn and arrived panting, to find her with tear tracks down her face. Mumbo froze. His heart crumbled.
“Mumbo-” she swallowed. “God. I’m so sorry.” Her palm held a lonely ring.
His heart shattered.
“Mumbo!” He and Pearl looked up to see Grian jogging over.
“Hey mate,” he greeted.
“We haven’t talked in, like, forever,” Grian told him seriously. “Or- since I got back from the dragon, I’m pretty sure, and that was three whole days ago!”
Mumbo had frozen. Pearl winced, by his side.
“Gri, uh-” she scrambled for a topic. “Didn’t you have that, um… thing? You wanted to show me?”
Grian frowned. “What are you trying to do?”
She winced. “Distract you?”
Mumbo swallowed, turning away to compose himself a few blocks from where Pearl was still trying to distract Grian. When he had recovered, he turned back.
“What’s going on?” Grian asked, hands on his hips.
“Pearl and I knew each other before she joined, we’ve been friends for a little while,” Mumbo told him. “She knows that I- I get a bit weird about stuff, and freak out.”
“You associate a traumatic and devastating experience with the ender dragon, Mumbo,” Pearl corrected quietly. “It isn’t something to be ashamed of.”
Mumbo winced. “Uh. Yeah. Anyway- sorry Grian. I just stressed out a bit.“
“Don’t apologise, wasn’t your fault,” Grian replied. “Why didn’t you tell me, though? I mean, have you and Pearl known each other for longer than you and I have?”
Mumbo had known both of them for a lot longer than Grian thought. But, “No. I just…”
“I have a similar thing,” Pearl said. “We could relate. Doesn’t make you any less friends. Anyway, I wanted to go chat to Gem, have fun with this awkward conversation, see ya.”
Mumbo winced as she ran off, but put on a brave face with Grian. “So, uh- what were you gonna say, before… yeah?”
Grian’s lips twitched into a fond, concerned smile. “I just wanted a chat, really. And I want the rules about your peace, love and plants thing, for no particular reason.”
“Right,” Mumbo smiled.
The secret seemed safe with Scar’s knowledge. And honestly, it was quite nice to have others know, although it was occasionally embarrassing when Pearl or Scar caught him looking very in love with Grian.
Then, one random morning — not even that, it was still practically night — Mumbo woke to quiet voices by his bedside.
He was gifted with being a subtle waker, so just lay there with his eyes closed and listened for a minute.
Impulse was quietly saying, “Hold on guys, we don’t even know for sure they were his. Like, he could have his parents’ rings or something.”
Ah. Whoops. They’d seen the necklace Mumbo took off to sleep, so he helpfully didn’t strangle himself. It always sat on his bedside table, but no one had actually been in his room while he slept before, expect sleepovers, when he’d hide it. Seemingly Impulse — and whoever else was with him — had been planning some sort of prank.
“I don’t know many people who carry around their parents’ wedding rings,” Zedaph replied sceptically.
“Surely we’d know if Mumbo was married?” Tango asked.
“It might be a painful memory,” Zedaph replied. “There are two rings there. I’m no expert, but usually a married couple only has one each.”
“You think he’s divorced? Or widowed?” Impulse asked, a frown in his tone.
“Probably the latter if he’s still wearing the rings,” Tango said. “Can we go? I don’t feel comfortable here, this isn’t for us to know.”
“Yeah, fair enough. We won’t mention it again, yeah?” Zed suggested.
“Agreed,” said Impulse.
If only someone had told those three they were the least subtle people ever. Even if their whispers hadn’t woken Mumbo, the multiple items they kicked over and bumped into during the exit would have done the job.
Over the next few days, Mumbo didn’t act any different, but the three of them certainly did. The fifth time Mumbo caught one of them staring at him, sympathetic puzzlement on their face, he sighed and arranged a meeting, under the guise of Boatem partnerships.
They all came through the door of his wall-less platform, as they should, and after they’d sat down, Mumbo began.
“Okay, I was lying about the advertising opportunity, because I just want to let you know that you’re the least subtle people in the world.” He folded his arms, surveying their anxiously guilty faces. “Not only have you been staring at me blatantly for days, but you also managed to knock over an entire armour stand of iron gear while trying to sneak out of my room. And even before that you were talking too loud.”
He pulled his necklace out from under his shirt. “Right. You have questions, ask them and I’ll choose which to answer.”
Tentatively, Tango raised his hand. Mumbo nodded.
“Are you still married to them?”
Huh. Interesting question.
“Strictly speaking, kind of. Legally, probably not, he was declared dead years ago. But he is technically alive.”
“You realise how many more questions that provokes, right?” Zedaph asked.
Impulse butted in. “Why doesn’t he have the other ring then?”
“…He doesn’t know.” Mumbo chose his words carefully. “Er, that we’re… still married, that is.”
“Haven’t you told him?” Zed questioned.
“…No.”
Tango’s turn. “Don’t you want to be back with him? Do you not love him anymore?”
“I love him,” Mumbo stated, with a force of sheer certainty. “So much. In an ideal world I’d tell him, but… there are complications.”
Very sharply, Impulse inhaled. “Is it- do we know him? Is he on the server?”
“I’m not answering that one,” Mumbo replied.
Impulse met his eyes, with steady care. “Does Scar know?”
Minutely, Mumbo winced. “Yes. He does.”
“Wait, what?” Zed asked, staring between them as Tango gasped.
“Don’t tell anyone,” Mumbo implored to the three of them. “Especially not him. Please.”
“Okay, someone dumb this down for me,” Zed sighed.
“I was married to Grian,” Mumbo admitted, glancing behind him just to check. “Then he was taken, and I thought he was dead, and when he came back he couldn’t remember me. And I never told him.”
“Oh my god.”
Mumbo rubbed his arm. “Yeah. So that’s what happened, congrats. Scar knows, I’m pretty sure he just pities me though.”
“Oh void, Mumbo,” Impulse said. “Are you alright?”
“Everyone keeps asking that,” Mumbo remarked. “Yes, I’m okay, it’s been years. I’ve had plenty of time to come to terms with it.”
“You said you’re still in love with him though,” Zed pointed out.
“Uh. Yeah, I am. Scar knows, don’t worry, and it’s not like I’ll do anything. Obviously Grian doesn’t know though, so…”
“Yeah, of course. Does X know?”
“Um. No. He doesn’t.”
Tango glanced at Impulse. “I mean- would it be a good idea to tell him, maybe?”
Impulse shrugged. “I don’t think he has to. But, Mumbo, please for the love of void go to therapy.”
Mumbo rolled his eyes. “That’s what Pearl keeps saying too. I don’t need to, I’m fine!”
“Even fine people can benefit,” Zed pointed out. “And, I really think you would. But your choice, dude.”
Mumbo honestly didn’t give the therapy idea much thought. He was alright, he didn’t need it. It was a little annoying that he now had the new trio giving him sad glances, as well as just Mumbo and Scar, but he could deal with that.
Then Grian launched Last Life.
Initially Mumbo followed Scar, but when Grian swooped in with his ridiculous promises and adorable giggle, he caved. Scar met his eyes, and gave a small, accepting smile.
For the millionth time, Mumbo marvelled at how lucky he was that Scar was so generous. A lesser person would be much more protective of their relationship — simply speaking, Grian was hanging out with his ex in full view of Scar.
But obviously it wasn’t that simple.
The Southlands emerged, and Mumbo had rarely laughed so much at the ridiculous jokes they made, the ‘aha’s and the diamond-finding.
Happy things started to melt away, after that. The boogey curse, the red names and the bloodshed: it all blurred.
Mumbo’s heart seized when Grian was shot off that stupid ghast farm.
There was one happy moment, when Grian had a life back, his eyes golden rather than ruby, but everything was still falling apart. Mumbo’s heart broke, as he stood against the wall of the Southlands, gazing at the shattered buildings, explosions and arrows weakening the foundations of their team.
No one else had been home; Jimmy had a new house, Martyn was always leaving and Impulse… Mumbo had no clue where Impulse was.
But as he stood in the shadows of the wall, where it hadn’t yet been completely destroyed, footsteps hastily approached, and whispers.
Mumbo waited, silent, as Grian crept through the broken entrance, leading Scar by the hand.
“I don’t think anyone’s here,” Grian said quietly, eyes sweeping around. They glanced past Mumbo, the shadow concealing him.
Scar pulled Grian close. “What did you want to talk about, sunshine?”
Grian shivered, and from here Mumbo could see the pink on his cheeks. “Er, yeah. I’m sorry for threatening you and stuff earlier-”
“Don’t be ridiculous, that’s the red haze, not you. We’re good, G, we promised we wouldn’t let it get to us and I think we’re doing good.”
Scar pressed a kiss to Grian’s forehead, letting him press closer into the embrace.
Mumbo had thought of this as a happy moment. And it was, it was sweet. Joy in this game of death.
But Mumbo was red. He was red and he just stood there, watching their soft embrace.
He didn’t even bother holding a weapon. There was no way he could ever do that to them, even with the haze over his mind that urged him to kill.
Only a few days later, Grian took him out of the series. And yeah, Mumbo had egged him on, but it still hurt.
On the bright side, since he was second out, he had time to calm himself and recover.
Not that long, though, since Xisuma was knocking at his door. Metaphorically. In reality he was calling out ‘knock knock’ as he climbed the ladder into the tree.
“Ack- er, hello X,” Mumbo said, rather conscious of the blood and gunpowder on his rather worse-for-wear suit.
Nervously, he ran his hand through his hair and found gunpowder in that, too.
“Hello Mumbo,” Xisuma replied easily. “I’m just checking in, since you’re the first back. How are you feeling?”
“Um, yeah, alright. It got pretty intense towards the end but I’m not particularly traumatised. Although when you check in with Grian, please let him know I will be pranking him in retaliation.” Mumbo played it as a joke, making light of the hurt caused, and Xisuma chuckled with him, visibly relieved at the lack of trauma.
“What did he do to deserve it?”
“Took my final life. To be fair though, I was trying to kill him.” Mumbo shrugged. “I’m going to fill his base with chickens. And name them egg related puns.”
Xisuma laughed.
Scar returned before Grian did. Mumbo waited in his house, so he was there when Scar spawned in, gasping for air. Mumbo rushed to him, speaking gently to get him to breathe slower, more measured.
Scar calmed after a moment, easing himself into sitting up against the wall.
“Sorry, that… wow,” Scar said. “Er, thanks. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, I should be asking you that,” Mumbo replied, raising an eyebrow.
Scar shrugged. “I was fine most of the time, the ending just shook me a little. You seem very put-together, especially because that was your first one.”
“I enjoyed it, mostly,” Mumbo said. “It’s a good way to de-stress.”
“What, stabbing people?”
“Well, blowing them up. I’m not doing that here, remember? This was like a little…”
“Relapse?”
“Not the word I would use, but for want of a better one, I suppose so.”
“You’re sure you’re alright, though?” Scar checked. “Didn’t Grian kill you?”
“I inadvertently caused at least one of his deaths,” Mumbo pointed out. “I’ll prank him as retribution, but I’m not mad.”
Scar peered at him. “Huh.”
Well that was concerning. “Am I… meant to be upset over it?” Mumbo asked, frowning anxiously.
“No, of course not, but people usually are. I’m going to check in with Gri when he comes back, too.”
“Alright.” Mumbo gave a nervous laugh. “I was gonna say, it isn’t much of a fun game if everyone’s traumatised after.”
Scar hummed. “We enjoy the start, at least. Anyway, thanks for being here but I’m gonna go see if Grian’s back yet.”
Mumbo stayed behind, frowning in deep thought. Something definitely seemed off about this whole thing. No one had actually expected Grian to make the third life sequel, after what he went through the first time. And Grian didn’t seem to enjoy them much in the thick of it either.
Mumbo was probably overthinking.
Grian was the last to return. When Ren arrived, he commented that Scott won, and Grian was definitely dead by that point, so they were worried until Grian got back and laughed it off, saying he’d forgotten to let them know he’d made a winners’ club. Apparently the winners would meet at the end of each game, which seemed fair enough.
Still, Mumbo had a few concerns.