Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

This was the worst.

Etho crossed his arms as he stared at the ground from where he sat on a chair in Xisuma’s office. How had it come to this? All he did was finish his alien interior, drink a potion of healing to stop a headache and fall asleep like Budub’s warned him, as he did every night.

“Etho?” Xisuma caught his attention.

“Yeah?” He whispered, trying not to get angry at his admin. It wasn’t his fault he was now 5 years old again. Barely able to see over the desk or fit in the chair. His tiny hands balled into fists as he kept his arms crossed. The tiny hands reminding him that he had shrunk.

“Please tell me you can fix this.” Etho pleaded.

The admin sighed as he put his panel away and looked at Etho, “I’m sorry, bud. You’re stuck like this for now. Your code is trying to fix it as we speak, but it’s going to be awhile.”

“How long?” Even his voice sounded small. His hands uncurled from fists.

“I don’t know for sure. At the rate its going it could be a week or so.”

“Great.” Etho mumbled. He hated being small.

“Is there anyone you want me to contact? Beef or maybe Bdubs?”
“Why? X, I don’t need a babysitter.” Etho was still an adult even if he is in this body.
“I know. You’re not a little kid, but I would like it if you had at least one person there who could watch you. Just in case.” Xisuma was always worried for his hermits, and now that one of his hermits was currently 5 years old, he took from admin to Dad really quick.
“Or maybe even Cleo?”
Etho was scratching names off the list in his head. “Doc.” He answered. He is one of his closest friends and are almost less likely to make fun of him and laugh at his current state. There might be some blackmail later, but he can deal with that when he is bigger- big again. He would have said Beef but he felt that Beef was too far away working on his TCG game and he didn’t want to bother him.

Xisuma seemed pleased with his answer and called the creeper immediately, telling him to get to his base. Even when Etho tried to let him go on his own because he knew where the creeper’s base was.
It didn’t take long for fireworks to be heard outside. “X! I got your message. Are you o..kay?” Doc’s words trailed off when he saw Etho standing beside the admin. Now half his usual height.
“I need you to take care of Etho.” Xisuma caught his attention. “I don’t know how it happened but Etho is in no state to take care of himself alone at the moment and-“ “I am too!” “and I need you to keep an eye on him for a few days. Just to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself.”
Doc looked at him and back at Etho like a deer in headlights before Doc’s eyes softened as he looked back at the admin. “Sure. No problem. I could use a break anyway.” He had so many questions but he knew he wouldn’t find them. Doc made his way over to Etho.

“Feeling okay?”

“Peachy.”

“Yeah. Had a feeling.”

“I hate this.”

“I know, but at least it’s not permanent. You’ll be back to doing redstone and causing chaos in no time.”

“I can’t do redstone?”

“No, Kit. You’ll burn your skin.”

Yep. This is the worst.

As soon as the little meeting was done, Doc and Etho waved good bye to Xisuma, promising that they will update him. The flight to Doc’s base was quiet. Doc’s base wasn’t the safest base on Hermitcraft, but he did have some spots that he and Etho could hang out in safety. Etho was held by Doc as they flew. Not trusting the kid hermit to fly on his own. Etho would think that he would be angry and fight Doc, not wanting to be seen as a baby. But for some reason, he wasn’t mad. He actually found that he liked to be held. Doc’s fur held warmth against the cool breeze and he found himself burying himself further before he could tell his kid brain to stop. Doc only held him closer, making sure not to smother him because Doc knew Etho didn’t like too much contact. He also made sure not to touch his tail as they flew.
When they landed at Doc’s base Etho was half asleep, the warmth soothing him further. Doc adjusted his hold as he walked inside. Etho’s head rolled to the side as it landed on Doc’s shoulder, his fox nose taking in the scent of tomatoes and gunpowder. He forced his eyes open as he tried to stay awake, but as soon as Doc took his robotic hand and gently rubbed his back he was out like a light.

Chapter Text

When Etho woke up again he noticed a few things, one he was not in his base, two his room did not smell like tomatoes, and three he was small. Etho panicked for a moment before remembering the events of yesterday. Right, still a kid, in Doc’s base, where is Doc? He didn’t remember falling asleep. Etho sat up, pushing the moss blanket off, and looked at his surroundings. This room was colored in copper, copper blocks used for the floor as well. A desk nearby with blueprints and drawings of different builds and redstone contraptions. A moss rug, a single window with a cactus plant, shroom lights on the ceiling and a copper door leading to the rest of the base. When he turned around he saw that the bed he was in was Doc’s creeper nest. Built in the shape of a giant birds nest, with soft moss and a few flowers growing from it, the nest safety tucked in the corner of the room near the window.

When Etho stood up and tried the door, he found that it was locked. A small whine escaped his lips under the mask. He was surprised at this sound. Usually he doesn’t make sounds like that unless he is in his full fox form, so small and squeaky. Someone heard the sound because the next sound that reaches his ears is clawed padded ones. He backs away from the door as it opens. “Hey, you’re awake.” Doc smiled. Etho would lie about being happy to see Doc, but at the moment he was trying to run past Doc to escape the room he was locked up in. Unfortunately, it did not work and Etho was scooped up off the ground before he could get out of the room and into the hallway. He whined and wiggled to get out of his grip, making it very clear he wanted to leave, but thanks to him being a child and Doc being a 7 foot creeper goat robot with super strength, he didn’t get out. Doc huffed a laugh and closed the door behind him as he walked Etho back into the room. The hermit child still fighting him with claws. He quickly locked the door again, put the key in his lab coat pocket, grabbed Etho’s wrists and lifted them above his head. Etho was not happy and growled at him. It was more intimidating when he was bigger, but at the moment he looked like an adorable house cat.

“That’s enough.” Doc said with no hint of anger. But it got Etho to stop struggling.

“Now. I’m going to put you down and you’re not going to fight me. Okay?” Etho let out one last low growl before nodding and giving up. “Good.” Doc slowly let go of his wrists and dropped Etho on the ground. The small fox hybrid landed on all fours before standing up and glaring at Doc.

“Why was the door locked?”

“Because I know you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Doc kneeled down to Etho’s level and looked him in the eyes.

“It means that if I was in your situation I would do the exact same thing.”

Etho huffed and looked away.

“I’m not a child, Doc.”

Doc put his creeper hand on Etho’s shoulder.

“I know.” Etho looked at Doc. “But right now you are. Not mentally but physically. Your body is not full grown and you can easily hurt yourself. I know you don’t like it, but it’s just for a little while. Can you at least behave and try to calm down. I promise you won’t be stuck in this room forever.”

Etho hung onto every word Doc had said. He knows Doc is just trying to protect him. His brain telling him that he can take care of himself despite his form, while his child brain seems happy to stay with Doc and stay in the one room. His two sides have their own war in his head as he slowly nods at Doc. Doc seemed to see the look in Etho’s eyes. Seeing the gears turning and the war. He brings his arms out wide, waiting for Etho to close the distance whenever he is ready. After a few moments Etho rushes into Doc’s waiting arms and hangs his own arms around his neck as he feels the arms around his back. He doesn’t know what started it but he stated shaking. He feels and hears Doc purring loudly, the sound filling his ears and the feeling rumbling in Doc’s chest. He feels his own purrs start up as Doc lifts him off the ground and into his lap. When Doc scratches the spot behind his Fox ear he purrs and then his ears flatten when he hears the sound he just made. Did that come from him? Doc seems to notice his hesitance and starts scratching the spot again. He doesn’t stop the purrs when it comes back. He just relaxes in the hold of his friend. The warmth and comfort brings a sense of peace. Etho looks up at Doc confused when Doc brings his hand to Etho’s face and wipes a tear. When had he started crying? “What’s wrong, E?” Doc looks at him worried. Etho notices the tears that begin to flow, he catches one. “I don’t know.” He wipes another one. His voice sounds a bit choppy. What is going on? He is too focused on the tears that he didn’t realize that Doc had changed his hold and started cradling him close to his chest. That’s when the dam breaks and Etho starts sobbing.

“Oh, Etho.” Doc rocks him in his arms. He hushes the crying fox and purrs loudly to calm him.

Etho buries his face in Doc’s chest fur from embarrassment. He doesn’t know why he is crying but the voices in his head are screaming.

“It’s okay. Let it out, kid.”

“Not a-a kid..” Etho’s voice trembles and mumbles through the tears and fur. Doc ignores it and stands up as he rocks Etho in his arms. “You’re right. Not a kid. You’re Etho. Decked out champion 2 seasons in a row, brilliant redstone maniac, and lovable Canadian.” Doc sits in his nest as Etho’s tears subside. “And a good friend who can’t admit when he needs help.” Etho sits up in Doc’s lap, head back on his chest as he shakes and tries to calm his choppy breaths. “Don’t n-need help.” Etho breaths. “Can t-take care of my self-f.” Doc buries his hand in Etho’s Fox fur like hair. “I know, Kumpel… I know.”

Etho doesn’t know what came over him, but he starts to whine again and lightly asks “N you purr again?” Doc’s surprise is only visible in his eyes, but he doesn’t hesitate to give Etho his wish. “Helping?” Doc asks. The only response he gets is a slight nod as Etho’s eyes flicker closed.

“You need rest.” Doc starts shuffling.

“But.. just.. woke up..” Etho slurs.

“Kid body. You’re going to rest more often than you would like.” Doc chuckles.

In a few short moments, Etho is buried in warmth. The moss beneath him is extra soft along with the blanket the Doc wraps over his shoulder. “Good night, Etho.” Etho loses consciousness before seeing Doc walk away. The creeper slowly closes the door and locks it again. He feels bad for leaving Etho in a locked room, especially after crying. He hadn’t seen Etho cry since… Doc shakes his head and immediately stops that train of thought. He had a room to work on. For Etho.

Chapter Text

When Doc sneaked into the room Etho was sleeping in, Etho was still asleep. Soft snores escaping the Artic foxes’ mask. Doc would say he was surprised that Etho could sleep with his mask on.. But he wasn’t. Etho was full of surprises. Speaking of surprises. Doc sneaked into the room and sat at his desk that was littered with blueprints. He knew that Etho was not going to be a child forever, but he wanted the kit to try and enjoy being a kid. He might not have known what Etho’s childhood was like, but he felt that he should do something nice for the hermit kid.

So as Etho slept, Doc sketched. He wanted to create a giant play room that Etho could fully run around in and have fun without feeling cramped like in the room they were in now.

As hours passed and night became day, Etho slowly woke up. Doc was so engrossed in his blueprints that he didn’t see when Etho flexed his claws, going in and out of his hands and stretching like the fox he was. Etho decided to stare at Doc until something caught his eyes.

When Doc turned around to check on Etho, no longer hearing the soft snores like earlier, Etho was gone. Doc, in the middle of his panic, looked around the room and saw that he left the bedroom door open. He quickly got up out of his chair, leaned out the doorway and called for Etho.

“Ethooo!”

“Yeah?”

Doc was shocked when he turned around and saw Etho on the floor, on the moss rug, playing with something shiny.

He sighed in relief.

“Sorry, bud. I thought you left the room.” Doc closed the door behind him. Not bothering to lock it this time.

Etho didn’t say anything. His eyes glued on the shiny object he had in his hands.

“Whatchya got there?”

Doc leaned down to see what was in Etho’s hands. When he opened them to show Doc an iron nugget he found on the ground.

Doc couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, very cool, Kumpel.”

Etho continued to play with it. Tossing it into the air and rolling it across the rug.

“Perhaps we should get you some actual toys.”

“Shopping?” Etho seemed to whisper. His voice was so quiet and small. Doc was almost worried.

“Yeah, we could do some shopping.” He stood up to his full height. “But you have to promise to behave and stay with me, okay?”

Etho stood and put the iron nugget in his coat pocket. Thankfully the clothes shrunk with him. He would have hated to remove his jacket. He immediately grabbed Doc’s metal claw and pulled towards the door.

“Shopping!” He shouted happily. His tail wagging back and forth.  

Doc paused at Etho’s reaction. He knew Etho loved to go shopping. Spending as many diamonds as he could, but this excitement was different. Doc kneeled down, making Etho turn around and face him.

“Etho..” He began. Making sure to keep his voice even. “Are you okay?”

Etho tilted his head to the side like a confused puppy.

“What you mean?” His voice sounded more like a child.

“I mean. Yesterday you hated acting like a child, but now… now you seem to act more like one.”

Etho looked him in the eyes like he had grown 3 heads.

“Etho-?”

“I don know wat u mean?”

Inside Doc was panicking. Outside he kept calm.

“Do you remember what happened yesterday?”

Etho thought for a second in silence. Doc anxiously waiting for an answer.

“no.” In that moment, Doc’s comm rang.

He picked it up, trying to keep his voice as calm as possible. “Hello?”

“Doc, thank God.”

“X?”

“I have good news and bad news. Good news, I found out what happened to Etho.”

“Bad news?”

…

“X?”

…

“It’s best that you get to my base sometime today.”

“X. What happened?”

A sigh from the other end.

“Evil X swapped Etho’s health potion with one of his Prank Potions.”

Doc felt the lightning flicker off his fur as his anger boiled. The lightning scared Etho to stepping back and letting go of his finger. Doc calmed down when he saw how scared Etho looked and quickly calmed down. Giving Etho a soft smile and beckoned him to hold his hand. Etho hesitantly did and they both calmed. The lightning dimmed.

“We are heading to your base.” Doc said with a fake smile. He knew he had to keep calm for Etho, who was acting more and more childish, but inside he was raging. No one messes with Doc’s friends, his family. He didn’t let Xisuma finish and immediately hung up.

“So, change of plans. We can go shopping after seeing X, okay?”

The flight was short, since Doc was spamming his rockets to go faster. It didn’t seem to bother Etho so he kept getting faster until they made it to their admins home. Doc didn’t bother to knock and instead slammed the door open and yelled for the Admin. He stopped as soon as he heard footsteps arriving from upstairs. Doc put Etho on the ground of X’s living room. Etho went back to the iron nugget he had held onto prior. Doc couldn’t help but make a hissing sound at the man that followed Xisuma down the stairs. Evil X.

“Told you he’d be upset.”

“Oh we are past UPSET.”

“Please, calm down. Both of you.” Xisuma tried to calm the two before they would inevitably put each other in a death loop.

“He has 30 seconds to tell me why my friend is currently 5 years old and seemingly losing memories.”

Doc could see the surprise in his admins eyes, despite the tinted helmet, at his statement.

“Losing memories?” Xisuma copied back. Evil X took several steps back from his twin brother.

“Look, I can explain.”

“You better.” No one has seen Xisuma genuinely angry. To be honest, it scared even Doc to see the way Xisuma’s demeanor change from worried to curled fists. Doc swore he saw a small spark of green lightning.

Before Evil X could open his mouth, a small voice whispered behind Doc. “Is something wrong?” Etho seemed to sneak right behind him and hide himself from the twins. Evil X couldn’t help the snicker that slipped. Immediately backing down when Xisuma shot him a death glare.

“Etho..” Xisuma kept his voice light and calm for the small kit. The change caused a small whiplash for Evil X of just how fast his brother could change in just a few seconds. From looking like he would banish him to the void again, to talking in the sweetest tone to the small hermit. “What’s the last thing you remember, kid.”

Etho paused to think for a moment. “Bee farm.”

“Bee farm?” Doc asked. All Etho did was nod.

“And when did you build this bee farm? Season 9?” Doc finally saw what Xisuma was asking, and if he was correct then he was definitely going to put Evil X in a death loop.

“nuh uh. Season 8.”

The simple answer hit them like a ton of bricks. Etho thinks he is back in season 8.

Xisuma slowly turned back to his brother who quickly began explaining.

“The potion was meant to turn a regular Zombie into a Baby Zombie. It wasn’t meant for players.”

“Is there a way to undo the effects?”

“… I don’t know. It was experimental.”

“How did Etho get it?” Doc questioned.

“Beats me. I don’t care about the rat ninja.”

Doc growled and Etho backed up from the name.

“You better reverse it.”

“I’ll figure it out, but you need to get Etho’s memories back.” Evil X began to explain the plan. “I can make a potion to turn Etho physically adult, but his brain needs to remember that he is one. He needs to remember on his own.”

“You. Work on the potion. Doc, you need to find something that will trigger Etho’s memories… before he loses them all.” Xisuma ordered. “And Etho” The one in question looked to his admin. “Get some rest. We will fix this. I promise.” Xisuma reassured him. 

“By tomorrow, Etho will think he is back in season 7. You need to remind him that its season 9. With each passing day he will forget more and more.” Evil X explained.

“Just work on that potion, EX.” Doc growled and bared his fangs. After Evil X ran off to work on the potion Doc scooped up Etho in his arms and they both said goodbye to their admin once again. He promised them both that he would text when the potion was completed.

“Thank you, X. I’m going to head to Beef. He knew Etho longer than any of us. Maybe he has something.”

Chapter Text

Before seeing Beef, Etho had reminded Doc that he promised to go shopping. Doc would have liked to stay on track but even he couldn’t say no to Etho’s puppy eyes, especially when he was as small as he was now. Only one problem came with that.. Actually, its 22 problems. Hermits always need new materials almost every day. Spending as many diamonds as they can, even though Etho holds the record. There was no way they wouldn’t get spotted by at least one hermit. The shopping district was central and big, but Etho did as he promised and stayed with Doc. And then the inevitable happened. Of all the hermits, Doc was least expected to see the dungeon master himself out of his cave. Staring at Etho like he was dreaming. Etho hadn’t noticed, too distracted with all the giant builds.

“Hello, Tango.” Doc couldn’t help but be amused by Tango’s look. All Tango did was wave slightly as he stared star struck at his friend who was now much smaller. When Etho finally looked up and saw that the attention was on him, his ears flattened down. Etho never liked staring and it seemed kid Etho was even less keen on it. Before Doc could calm him, a camera shutter sound hit his ears. “Don’t send that.” “Too late.” The photo alerted many other hermits. Tango didn’t realize Etho was extremely shy right now, only piled on questions to the two.

“How did this happen?”

“Well..”

“Why is he so small?”

“He-“

“Did he mess with something?”

“Tango-“

“He’s smaller than Bdubs.”

“Tango..”

“Just wait until Bdubs sees you now, Etho.”

“Tango!”

Tango stopped his rambling and looked to the creeper. Doc only sighed to calm himself down. “Etho is not himself right now.” “Yeah, I can see tha-“ “Physically and emotionally.” Doc gave him a stern look, like a scolding parent. It took another look at Etho to understand what Doc was saying. Etho was now hiding in Doc’s lab coat, behind his creeper goat leg. As if he was literally hiding from Tango’s questions. His tail was curled around his own waist, ears completely flattened, and holding his tiny fists against his chest. “Oh..” Tango felt really bad now. He lightly kneeled in the grass so he was in eye height to Etho. “Hey..” His voice was much softer than before. “I’m sorry, bud. I guess I got too excited.” Etho peaked his head out from behind Doc’s leg. “is okay..” He whispered. Tango’s eyes lit up, he looked at Doc and smiled. Mouthing the words Oh my Gosh! Doc chuckled at Tango’s unsaid words. “What are you guys doing today?” “Shopping.” “Can I join? Please?” Doc thought about it for a second. “If it’s okay with Etho.” Tango looked for an answer with the small kit. Etho seemed timid about it before lightly and slowly nodding his head. “Alright then. Where are we going?” Tango seemed thrilled about Etho’s answer.

Thankfully the shopping trip went better than Doc expected. Sure, some hermits showed up just to see Etho and shamelessly snap some pictures, but they were all understanding and kind. Whether it was so Doc would not be upset or to make sure Etho was having a good time he couldn’t say. And he would deny later that No he did not snap a few cute pictures of the hermits going crazy over tiny Etho. Absolutely not. It’s not for blackmail either. No. Never.

They did try to find something while shopping that would hopefully trigger Etho’s memories. Ladders, Redstone, Decked Out shards, anything really, but nothing seemed to work. All in all, they did have fun and Doc had to admit that it had been a while since he was having fun and not having wars with Grian. Not to say that the wars weren’t fun, but there was something about a relaxing day shopping compared to building a giant, goat, robot, TNT launcher to fight another giant, robot, flower thing. He chuckled at the memory. He wouldn't trade any of Hermitcraft for anything. 

And at the end of the day he snapped one more picture of Tango holding kid Etho in his lap, both fast asleep on one of the many benches that were prepped up around the shopping district.

Chapter Text

Beef was having the time of his life. One would think that creating an entire Hermitcraft themed card game would be difficult, but for beef it was as easy as spotting Zedaph in the water while Keralis was trying to distract him. He chuckled at the memory. Placing the blocks, making up the names for moves, plus this will be fun for everyone to play. The downside? Being on an island far, FAR, FAR away from the main island and NOT having a comm on you 24/7. Yep, big downside. But he tries to make at least a habit of checking his comm once a week. He also makes sure he always arrives on time for the meetings. What he didn’t expect was there to be a bunch of pictures sent to the main chat. “What’s this?” He asked himself. Another downside is talking to himself, but we don’t talk about that. He scrolled through a few pictures. He scrolled past the few pictures that had farms and builds, when he stopped on one picture. A picture sent by Tango. Etho was hiding behind Doc in the picture, he seemed so small compared to Doc but Beef assumed it was just the angle the shot was taken. “aww… I remember when he was that small.” He shook it off. “Wait.” He stopped his scrolling. The other 50 pictures being full of tiny Etho. How did… this isn’t right.. Beef was so confused. How was Etho a child?! Why did no one call him? He took no time grabbing his elytra and rockets. He was going to the source. Doc.

Back at the perimeter, Doc was leading Etho through the hallways. Etho’s eyes were sealed shut. Doc had promised a surprise after their shopping trip. Of course his now favorite buy, which was a small Ravenger plush, was in one arm while his other hand held Doc’s.

“Are we there yet?”

“Please, don’t start that Etho.” Doc said with a heavy sigh which caused Etho to be in a fit of giggles. “What season is it?” Its become a regular thing to remind Etho what season it was. Evil X has still yet to finish the potion. So far it turned a baby zombie into a baby skeleton, which would have been hilarious to see.

“Season….six-?”

“Nine.”

“Nine! Right.”

“What did we do yesterday?”

Etho looked down at his plush but then quickly shut them.

“Shopping.”

“Correct. And what is our goal?”

“To get memories back.”

“And who are the newest members?”

“Pearl.. Gem.. and Pesky Bird.”

“Grian. Good job.”

Etho smiled at the praise. Of course the only hint of Etho’s smile was his cheeks rising up a hair, but Doc could tell. “Alright, we’re here.” Doc stopped in front of the door. He couldn’t lie that he was excited to show Etho his little project. Doc opened the door and said “Okay, you can open them now.” Etho’s reaction was priceless. Doc could feel the happiness bubble inside him when Etho's eyes widened at his surroundings. A much bigger room with walls decorated like the sky, soft spruce tile, with patches of moss carpet, and the biggest playground he had ever seen. Included were slides, cubbies to hide in, and climbing walls. As Etho walked around he saw a small room under one of the play towers where the only traces of light were glow in the dark star stickers, with a small nest shaped bed, one a little like Doc’s, was tucked inside and filled with soft pillows and blankets. Etho looked at Doc once he was done looking. Doc chuckled at his small tail wagging, a sign that he loved his new space. “Go on.” Doc ushered. Etho took no time and immediately bolted towards the playground. Running up and down stairs and slides as Doc found his spot, a nice soft green couch, and sat down watching Etho play. He felt like a Dad. He couldn’t ignore the protection and the parenting instincts that was growing in him. Watching Etho play and forget about the worries and stress of the last few days. He felt accomplished. He also felt very tired. It was nice to take a break. The nicely lit room, Etho playing and making chirping sounds as he ran to the next slide, and the sound of rockets… Wait. Rockets?

He knew there was no danger on hermitcraft, but there was a pesky bird who liked to blow things up. He just hoped it wasn’t Grian. He walked towards the door but stopped in his tracks when he heard a small whine behind him. “It’s okay, Etho. I’m not leaving. Just checking the door.” Right on time a knock was sounded on the other side of the door. “Come in.”

To his and Etho’s surprise, Beef came through the door, eyes looking around until locking in on Doc. “Doc, I saw a lot of messages in chat and-“

“BEEFERS!” Etho yelled. Which sounded absolutely adorable, and looked even more adorable when he ran up to Beef, ravenger plush dragging on the floor behind him. His headband looked slightly crooked as if he was hanging upside down a moment ago. He latched onto Beef’s legs only his ears reached knees.

Beef was in shock at Etho’s small form. He had seen the pictures sure but he didn’t know if it was photoshopped or something. He looked to Doc for answers. “Evil X and his pranking potions. Also he might be losing memories.” The simple statement hit Beef like a ton of bricks. When he looked back down at Etho he was met with the happiest expression he had ever seen, tail wagging, ears twitching, Etho was filled with excitement just by seeing Beef. Which made sense since Beef and Etho were friends even before Mindcrack SMP. Beef immediately softened and kneeled on the ground to hug Etho better.

“How ya doing, bud?” He spoke softly.

“Better… still loosing memories.” Etho saddened at the last part, his ears flattening to show his emotions better. “Don’t worry, kit. We’ll get them back.” Beef looked at Doc over Etho’s shoulder and mouthed the words I’m going to kill Evil X. Doc covered his chuckle with his metal claw and mouthed back Get in line. They let go of the hug, but Etho never let go of Beef’s hands. “How about we talk.” Doc motioned towards the couch he was previously sitting on.

After a few hours of talking, and catching Beef up on what he missed, Beef tried to help Etho trigger his memories by telling him about Hermitcraft. As Beef talked, Doc’s Hivemind had triggered a terrifying thought. If Etho thought it was season six, by tomorrow he will think its season 5….

The Jungle was the last thing he wanted to face again..

Chapter Text

And then it happened. Etho started remembering the jungle. It started early in the morning when Doc had woken up in a jolt, having been on the couch in Etho’s new play room, and ran to Etho’s new hiding space under the tower slide. The little kit was curled up, shaking and crying. Doc knew it would only last the day, but it did nothing to calm him or Etho. Doc also had bad memories of the Jungle, of course he did, it took away his friends so long ago, now having to help one of his friends get through it again was nerve racking, he didn’t know what to do.

When Etho had randomly appeared after being one of the last of the NHO to escape the Jungle, Etho shrugged it off and had insisted that he saw nothing, that he had hid alone in his world before the Jungle could get to him, but seeing Etho so scared like this broke Doc’s heart. He never wants to see his friends this sad.

“Etho..” He reached for the small hermits head, resulting in Etho turning to face him in fear and back away. “Hey.. Hey.. its okay..” Doc shushed Etho and tried to beckon him out. When Etho hissed at him he flinched away, not expecting that type of reaction. “Etho?” He got no response. “Etho. We are not in the Jungle anymore, Liebling.” Etho paused at his words. “It’s okay. The Jungle can’t hurt you here. We are safe in Season 10. Remember?” He took a sigh of discomfort, having been hunched down to the hiding spot’s doorway for what feels like forever. He sat straight up, ignoring the way his back popped like bubble wrap. He had to think of something else.

A few moments later and Beef had walked through the front door.

“I’m here. What happened?” Doc quickly gestured to Etho’s newest hiding spot. When Beef peered through he saw one eye glowing honey, yellow and the other red from redstone, in the darkness inside.

“He won’t come out. I’ve tried everything. Even bribing.”

 “I promise, kit. No more Jungle.” Doc tried again. Nothing seemed to coax him out. Beef kneeled down next to Doc and used the softest tone Doc had ever heard. “Hey… Ladders..” Etho shifted for a moment. “Hey. Why don’t you come out for a second..” Etho quickly shook his head. “Hmm..” He looked to Doc. “He thinks its season 5, right?”

“Yes. He forgets one season at a time.” Beef turned back to Etho, as Doc let out a confusing hum. He knows that Beef knew that Etho was forgetting one season at a time. Why would he ask now?

“E? What are you remembering?”

…

Doc and Beef waited silently for Etho to respond.

“Do you remember what I said when we left the Jungle?”

We? Beef and Etho left together after the Jungle? I thought Etho said he left alone to his world..

“run?” Etho’s voice shocked The two older hermits for a second. His voice sounded much smaller than yesterday.

“N-no.” Beef tried to stop his shaking voice. “No.. that we were going to be okay..” Beef calmed himself. “And look.” Beef spreaded his arms wide in a grand gesture, his own voice lifting with a bit more courage. “We made it. We’re fine.”

That was enough for Etho to emerge from the hiding spot. That’s when Doc spotted something, Etho was holding a lone Lilly of the Valley in his hand. “Where did you get that?” He made sure his voice was light and calm as he reached for Etho. When Etho didn’t seem scared anymore and let Doc pick him up, he held out the flower for him to see well. “Made it.” Etho answered. “You made it?” Doc was very confused on what Etho was trying to tell him. He looked to Beef who only smiled at the flower and his now smaller friend. “Pretty.” When Doc held Etho to his chest his breath was caught for a moment. Doc took no time in holding Etho in his mossed Creeper arm and using his robotic on to grab his comm.

“Doc?” Beef asked in a bit of shock at Doc’s quick movement.

“Hello?” Their admin’s voice was heard on the otherside.

“X. We have a problem.”

“Doc? What’s wrong?”

“Doc, what is it?” Beef felt like he should demand answers.

“I think the potion is speeding up. Etho’s smaller than yesterday.”

Chapter Text

They had tried for hours now. Etho was remembering nothing and the potion was rapidly shrinking him. Etho had started out at five years old, but now in the course of a day he is not only forgetting 2 seasons at a time, but he is now 4 years old.

“How is this possible?”

“I’m not sure, I haven’t figured it out yet!”

“Well hurry up.”

“Doc…”

It was so loud. Etho used his hands to flatten his fox ears against his skull. The little Hermit was trying desperately to remember.. but he couldn’t, no matter how hard he tried. His eyes opened when someone grabbed him and cradled him close, the smell of the ocean filling his lungs. “We all just need to calm down.” Beef exclaimed, holding Etho close to comfort him. “Arguing and yelling is not helping anyone, especially Etho.” The other three adults looked away in shame, Beef sighed in relief “EX. What do you need for the antidote? If we help then maybe it will hurry it along.”

“That’s just it. I have all the ingredients, but if Etho can’t remember then who knows what the side effect could be. He could look like an adult but have the mindset of a child, or he could forget everything about everyone, the possibilities are endless.”

“Well maybe if your weren’t messing with potions-“

“Again! I didn’t know-“

“ENOUGH.” Everyone looked to Xisuma. “We have try. Just because Etho is a child now, his code shows that there is still a hint of his old self inside him. We need to figure out how to get Etho to remember. So, Doc, Beef, you two take Etho and go anywhere. Anything could trigger his memories.” Ex comes over with the bottled potion. The contents inside swirling a bright white. “Since the potion is done, you should take it with you, and take any other Hermits who you think could help. For now, I will call a server meeting. The Hermits deserve the right to know what is happening.”

Doc quickly snatches the potion from Ex, the two having one last death Stare Contest before Doc follows Beef and Etho out the door.

They tried for days, but nothing seemed to trigger any memories. Etho felt bad for Beef and… uh..DOC. Right, Doc. He felt like he was letting them down. He notices each time they bring up a name or an object that Etho doesn’t get memories from, they frown at him at their progress. Which is none.

They’ve never taken a break. They never stopped looking. Until, they couldn’t look anymore. They were running out of ideas. Once they ran out of ideas, all they could do was take a break and think of what to do next. They set up camp in the middle of the snowy tundra, another idea to spark memories. The snow was Etho’s favorite, not just because he was an Artic fox hybrid, but because it reminded him of home. Once night settled, Doc stayed up while Beef and Etho slept near the campfire. Beef was bundled in his sleeping bag, while Etho preferred to sleep in a pile of snow shaped just like a nest. Doc couldn’t help the sting in his heart when he saw how small his friend was now. He wondered what would happen if Etho never got his memories back. Would he disappear and return to the void? Would the shrinking stop one day? What if they can’t use the potion on him? What if-?

A weight on his leg sparked him out of the trance. He looked down and saw Etho, laid across his leg and looking up at him with big eyes.

“Etho. You should be asleep, kit.” He cringed at how sore his throat was.

“Yu shoul ‘e too.” Etho’s words slurred together. Whether it was because he was a child or he had just woken up, Doc didn’t know.

“You don’t have to worry about me, Etho. I’m fine.” Doc gave him the biggest smile he could muster, but even he could have admitted to being a little tired.

“Yor not a good liar.”

Doc’s smile fell when he looked at Etho’s eyes and saw that his lie was not fooling the small hermit.

“I’m not. Huh?”

Etho nodded. “Not when you sleepy.”

Doc laughed. “I guess your right.”

“If you ask me, you need sleep.”

Doc hummed. Maybe a small nap couldn’t hur- wait.

“We never asked you…” Doc mumbled. “hm?” Etho tilted his head like a confused puppy, waiting for Doc to elaborate. “It’s the one thing we haven’t done.” Doc said, his excitement making him raise his voice a little more each time he spoke. “We never asked you what would spark your memory. We’ve been doing this all wrong. We’ve been trying to spark your memories, but they are not our memories, their YOURS.”

Doc turned fully to Etho when he finished his elaboration. “Etho, how can we spark your memories? Whats one thing that stands out to you more than anything?”

Etho understood what Doc meant. He never thought about finding the memories himself, he just followed what everyone was telling him. HE needs to find the spark. He thought long and hard when something clicked. There was one thing that stood out, that he could always remember and never forget.

“Beef!” Etho jolted out of his spot and pounced at Beef’s sleeping form. “Beef! Beef! Wake up! Wake up BEEFERS!”

“wha- What? What happened?” Beef jolted awake.

“We gotta go!”

“Etho?” Etho never answered Doc’s question.

“CMON!” Etho was running into the woods, the sun slowly rising.

“Etho!”

“Etho, WAIT!”

Doc and Beef followed Etho through the woods until they were back at Spawn.

“Etho… wait…” Both players were out of breath.

“That’s what I remember.” Doc and Beef eagerly looked to what Etho was pointing at. It was a small starter shake, made of dirt and cobblestone. “That’s what you remember? A started base?”

“Man, we were really off, dude.” Doc said rubing the back of his neck. The sun fully rose and Etho was beginning to shrink once more. “Quick the potion!” Doc reached into his bag and grabbed out the potion. “Etho, are you sure this is it?”

Etho looked back at the Starter Base and then back to Doc. “I’m sure.” Etho took the potion, pulled down his mask and drank it. At first nothing happened, until Etho disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Beef and Doc looked at the spot where Etho disappeared, but before they could panic a message in chat made them sprint.

(Etho) Honey Im home! :D

Etho needed a few days to recover from being a literal child. Evil X was grounded to never use Prank Potions ever again. Everything on Hermitcraft went back to normal. Everyone visited Etho in Doc’s base. It was the safest place because Etho’s was far from finished. Once everyone visited, Etho was to stay in bed, because he was getting used to being a full grown player once again, and Doc wanted to moitor his code progress. Watching as it fixes itself. Well, as fixed as it was before.

“How’s it, Doc?”

“All good, Etho. Your code should be good in about 3 days.”

“Thanks, Doc.”

“Anytime, Etho.”

“No I mean it.”

Doc looked at Etho. The Book he was reading placed on his lap. “You didn’t have to take care of me, and you didn’t have to go across servers just to find something to spark my memories. You didn’t have to-“ Etho’s voice was cut off when he realized Doc had moved to give him a hug. It’s a well-known fact that neither Doc nor Etho were the touchy type, but Etho was quick to wrap his arms around Doc’s neck as he hugged back. “If it ever happened again, or anything like this happened again… I’d put Ex in a death loop.” The fact made them both chuckle in each other’s arms before they pulled away. “But seriously, Dude. You’re family. I would do anything to help you, or anyone for that matter.” “And so would I.” Etho replied. Doc chuckled and patted his head “I know you would, Kit.” He shook Etho’s hair, making the Hermit bat the hand away, laughing all the same.

“I just have one question.” Doc began. “Why a Starter Base?”

Etho smirked under the mask. “What Starter Base?” Etho asked innocently.

Doc crossed his arms “Fine, Mr. I’m-A-Ninja-and-have-so-many-secrets. Don’t tell me.”

“I won’t.” Etho laughed.

“You wound your father.”

“Sorry, Old Man.”

Doc sighed. “I’m going to see if I can recreate that potion. You were so much easier to handle as a kid.” Doc walked away, opening the door.

“Don’t. Doc!”

Doc closed the door and laughed at himself. He’s glad to have his friend back.