Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jumper hadn't seen Rek all day. She knows he's online but she just couldn't find him. Sue her for being a bit concerned for her friend. This isn't the first time this has happened but 4 days is a bit much.

Just then did something catch her eye. Particles. Someone was in the base. They're probably the one griefing the place. Slowly pulling out her sword from its sheath she tries to talk with the person

"Who are you?"

The second she says it they have their armor on and swing turning their back to her falling into position. She already swung before realizing who it is by his stance.

"REKRAP!"

As he's catching fire from the swipe Jumper dumps her water bucket onto him. Sighing heavily knowing shes safe she rests her head on her teammates shoulder.

"You scared me."

...still no response. He's still tense. Why is he invis in their own base? Even in the few interactions she's had with Parrot he had mentioned Rek's paranoia causing him to often drink invis pots, but Parrot said he was better, Jumper saw he was better, she saw him. Did the tunnels cause him to relapse? He promised only to use splash pots. Did it get into his system somehow?

"Do you have milk on you? No one else in the base except Ro. We're safe."

His shoulder relax a bit before he finally responds in a scratchy strained voice faking his normal upbeat tone "No its ok, I just thought you saw someone else."

"Well, i haven't seen you for days so let's grab the milk and chat for a bit before bed." She needs to see if somethings wrong but knows Rek could be quick to scare if already invisible. Casual, just be casual.

In the kitchen she hands Rek some milk that he slowly drinks. Watching the invis fade she instantly sees the bags under his eyes - he hasn't slept for days - no wander he's jumpy. She cant stop her expression from melting when she looks at him.

He doesn't talk about whats wrong instead claiming he's been working on the tunnels and that everything's fine. She doesn't push the subject. It'll just push him away. They don't even talk that long before Rek decides it's time to turn in. Jumper walks with him to his room, saying their goodnights Rek closes the door. Left standing staring at the wood pattern Jumper takes a breath in attempt to slow her racing mind.

Eventually Ro walks by stopping when he steps past her expecting her to start up a conversation. When nothing comes he looks back to her in confusion. Seeing Jumper staring at Rek's door his eyes soften. Gently Ro pulls her away into sitting on the floor with him. Backs agenst the wall they sit together still looking at the door. Ready to talk whenever she is. With another, far easier breath, she rests her head on Roshambo's shoulder. Taking in this moment of calm before speaking.

"You think Rek's... okay?"

Pausing to think about her question Ro answers "I don't know. I haven't actually seen him in a while but I can only blame my own actions for that."

She doesn't respond. Only frowning slightly before linking her arm in his and pulling him closer. In return Ro rests his head on hers before continuing.

"Im sure we'll be fine, it will always takes time but we'll all get there"

"What would you boys do without me." Ro gives a small chuckle to the comment.

Chapter Text

Rek sits on his bed listening to his teammates conversation. It steadily comforts and comes to an end. The silence is safe until the two walking off to their respective rooms. Hearing their doors close the soft silence turns hostile leaving him with nothing. Nothing but the betrayal of his best friend. Who did make it better which Rek used in return. They both did irreparable damage. His own teammate. his best friend. He left because he was becoming the person who would do that.

There had to be something he was doing wrong, something he was doing. He never really trusted as deeply after that season. He's not only not trusting the Sticklers but pushing them away. Where the tunnels even a good idea at that point? It’s a secret to Ro and Jumper practically knows nothing except that they exist.

He's spiraling. He needs to think of anything else or the silence will kill him. With only his communicator and laptop with the film usb in it he starts going through old footage to distract himself. Only going through the unused stuff he eventually makes it back to one of his first nights on the server during season 2.

Splayed out on the grass with Jaron they are laughing at the stars. the furnaces still warming them through their swamp soaked cloths. Soon enough when there's no more jokes to be said and that strange silence comes over them.

Rek still chuckles nervously. Not from the silence but his question he can't get out of his head.

"You wouldn't judge me for asking an odd question right?"

"Rekrap, Im in a trench coat in the swamp digging for diamonds if I was judging I wouldn't have joined you in this." They chuckle some more before Rek continues

"I guess thats fair," he pauses debating his question one more time, "can we be a team every season?"

He's met with silence, the sharp kind. He knew it was a mistake. He should've just kept quiet. They didn't even agree to be teammates this season.

"We can definitely be a team this season but every season? We'll have to see. We wont be the same people at that point. You can't force people to be someone they no longer are. No one should."

"Guess you're right, sorry about that."

"No need to apologize, you're already paying me to be around you."

He pauses recording before the laughter builds to its peak. Rek's unsure why he hadn't deleted this clip he had been so embarrassed about. He had come back to it often though, even after he left. He could say its something in how Jaron put change into perspective but that explanation was never the right one.

No matter how hard he tried he couldn't sleep. So he waited for morning but it felt like that was never coming either. Opening his communicator he types into chat.

Anyone willing to hangout?

Gave up on sleep. too much thinking

im down

Eventually Rek finds himself chatting with Derap on the top of the mountain by his starter base. Originally they were expanding tunnels but eventually they had gotten bored and started talking about their activities throughout the season. Just so happened when they were getting to Reks starter the sun started coming up.

They watch the sun rise above the ocean reflecting through the water, pointing out how the ripples warp the colors or how the light hits the clouds. Their conversation never reaches an end nor does it have the stops Rek’s been avoiding. Something else does instead. The world stops.

Rek first notices the water stopped moving. Then the breeze on his back paired with the rustling of the trees no longer filled his ears. He has lagged before but nothing fully stopped, more sputtered.

"Bro did my connection die again?"

Derap is still moving, still talking. Somethings wrong. Rek feels wrong. Quickly standing he rushes next to Derap splashing them with invisibility causing the man to yelp at the fast movement.

"Who knew we were here?" Rek knew it had to be a trap, the sinking in his gut about Derap didn't help. Keeping one hand on his friend's shoulder he looks everywhere he can.

"Shouldn't be anyone unless we were followed." Still slightly confused Derap responds to the clearly stressed man practically circling him looking for any hint of life or movement. What could be happening? Its impossible for two people to be lagging together and they where moving just fine.

After the scanned surroundings Rek realizes the one time he had seen this happen. The nuke, there was no escaping the thing. They were probably already dead given how long they'd been stuck in this one second. His stomach sank even more.

"Dude do you feel that?"

"Only the sinking in my stomach." He cant tell Derap what's happening, it'll only add panic to an unrecoverable situation.

"The numbness. It was faint at first but it started spreading." Rek looks at him

"What?" Just then does Derap collapses to the ground. Rek follows him to the floor to help best he can. "DERAP! What's going on?" What can he do? "I'll get help. You're teamed with Ash and Wembu right?"

"Shit, yeah, dude its like pins and needles threw my whole body"

Rek pulls out his communicator messaging the pair. The only thing that causes numbness is the wither and lots of healing or invisibility. He splashed them both. He sending the message with cords asking for help. Rek then digs through his inventory as Derap moves to sit up. shoving the milk into Deraps hands he helping steady the drink to clear the effect better.

Sitting on the grass Derap still feels the static in his arms and legs that should have stopped with the invisibility. Looking at his hands it's like someone had soaked them in blood. Rek looks and almost right as he does the world kicks back into motion with a gust of wind like the world was catching up.

Reks invisibility drops and he can feel the pit in his stomach try to come up. Removing his hand from Derap’s back he turns as fast as possible. Throwing up on the grass he can taste the acid left in his mouth while he looks down at the blood soaking into the grass.

“Dude what was that?” leaning around Rek he catches a glimpse of the blood his friend turned around to eject. “I’ve been with you this whole night what caused internal bleeding?”

“Rek?”

Staring at the substance Rek barely hears the question already hugging his very empty stomach mentally scanning for any injury. How had he forgotten to eat so long that nothing else came up? His throat burned with the acid but that’s not an injury.

“Rekrap…”

Derap hit him with a pickaxe when they where digging tunnels but that would've shown symptoms or even hurt but it didn't. It was only enough to leave a light bruise why would-

“Parker!” Getting snapped out of it Rek whips around to look at Derap. Taking stock of the man he sees the blood on his hands slowly moving up his arms. Digging through his inventory he looks for anything that can help before remembering the instant health on his hip.

Quickly splashing the health the blood only stops it momentarily, double checking his inventory he shoves golden apples into the other’s hands.

“Parker it isn’t working!”

“What can I do? There’s nothing else we can do.”

"Dude, I'm losing hearts here."

"Permanent?"

"YES!"

The silence is harsh between them. Deraps dying from something they've never seen. Seems like a glitch so they need Minute to reset the server. Or force a crash.

"We need to make the server roll back to its last save. Would be faster to crash it than reset it. Wembu knows how to, and he's fast at it, he'll be here soon and-"

"Wembu's dead." Cutting off Reks train of thought theres no way he heard him right

"What?"

"He left, gave me everything"

The quiet that follows is even harder to sit in. Someone else has to know how to crash the server fast. Rek puts it in chat but doubts anyone will. He doesn't even know if Derap will be able to be revived. The blood spreading pulls near Deraps old scars making it look real.

Rek hugs Derap mumbling apology for not doing more. His tears are caught by the soft blue sweater slowly soaking in the blood. Deraps grip slowly releases so Rek carefully lay's him down. Taking a step back he coughs up more blood unsure on what to do now. He looks back to Derap, still there, not respawning, not banned just there.

He only just starts digging a grave when he hears rockets. He goes still, waiting to hear who it is keeping his eyes down. Two people land on the mountain top, one moving straight to where Derap lays while the other at first stays still then starts moving towards Rek.

"Derapchu?! Oh my gosh DERAP!" Squiddo now kneeling by him means Ashswagg is the person approaching him. Theres no use in trying to get away no matter how much he wants to. Rek tenses as Ash grabs the collar of his shirt pulling him almost off the ground

"What did you do?" Ash practically snarling at Rek. It does scare him but it he can feel the blood back in his throat keeping him quiet. That only pisses Ash off more because next thing he does is throw Rek to the grass causing him to start choking on the blood but Ash doesn't care. "He's covered in wounds and there's not a scratch on you. What in the fuck happened?" Facing away he coughs out some blood and still can't think of a response. "You're covered in his blood and you have nothing to say?" he knows that but he can't focus on it, only trying to control the coughing.

"ASH STOP!" Rek can only be glad Squiddo's there to stop Ashswagg. "He- he clearly didn't mean for anything of this. Do you really think Rekrap would intentionally ban someone?"

The silence Ash responded with was proof enough. Ashswagg looks at Squiddo trying to stay angry but actually looking her in the eyes his face drops realizing what he's doing. Rek finally coughs up the rest of the blood and starts to take heavy breaths trying to get the air back in his lungs pulling the pairs attention back to him.

"Shit, Rek when you start coughing blood?" Ash question full of concern while he pulls out a regeneration potion taking a knee to hand it to him. For a moment Rek just stares at him trying to find the trap in what he's doing before Ash decides Rek isn't taking it. "At least take one of your own if not this one." Resting his hand on his knee Ash watches Rek start going through his inventory with a couple glances back at Ash

Rek for the life of him can't find any regeneration, healing, or even gaps. Realizing why they're missing his eyes drift to his friends body then back at the couple. He opens his mouth to say something but nothing comes to mind so he shuts it. When the two turn to each other whispering something Rek rights himself brushing grass off his clothes and retrieves his shovel.

"Wanna help?" His question drawing their attention Rek motions to where he started digging the grave. With a quick look back to each other they easily grab their shovels all falling into a rhythm.

Eventually they place the grave indicator behind the displaced dirt. Rek sits in front of the grave curling his knees to his chest trying to hide his watering eyes from Ash and Squiddo. Before leaving, Ash places his hand on the wooden cross saying a couple words to their friend. Listening with her head down Squiddo waits a moment longer so she can turn to Rek. Kneeling down she hugs him with a warmth and comfort he hasn't felt for a while.

Slowly pulling away she doesn't say anything only pulling out a regeneration potion placing it next to the man. Gently ruffling his hair she walks to where Ash stands before they both fly away.

Chapter Text

<Rekrap2> Anyone willing to hangout?

<Reprap2> Gave up on sleep. too much thinking

<Derapchu> im down

<Ashswagg messaged JumperWho> Yo rek says deraps in trouble is he tryin to trap me

<Ashswagg messaged JumperWho> im grabbing squiddo and going

Derapchu died trying to escape Rekrap2

Derapchu has been banned

<Spepticle> What??

<Woogiex> :o

<Baconnwaffles0> ???

<4CVIT> Rek, did you mean for that to happen?

<Ashswagg messaged JumperWho>  you better not be a part of this

Jumper stares - still in her bed - at the communicator in her hand trying to figure out if this was faked somehow. It has to be a prank. Something to get back at her for last season right? She's done big and elaborate pranks before they're just getting back at her. That has to be it. What's the prank? Why would Rek destroy his health for a prank when he was on the same side as her both then and now?

<TheRealSquiddo messaged JumperWho> He's at 2200, -4800

This is real. This is too real. Her door slams open at the realization with Ro in the doorway. Pulling his cape on, he gestures her to hurry up.

"Squiddo just sent me Rek's cords, lets go."

They're going. Jumping out of bed she grabs her sweatshirt and rushes to the door. They agree nether travel will be fastest. going through Reks starter base portal they're practically dead on the cords but not seeing him they start flying around before Ro spots him atop the mountain.

Before landing they can see Rekrap sitting at the foot of a grave bloody but seemingly unharmed. The two land heavy on the grass rushing for Rekrap who for once doesn't tense to the sound of footsteps. This is bad.

Jumper sliding into place to his left side slightly forward to see his face. she scans for injury finding none cupping his face saying something he can't quite catch and pulls him into a hug. Ro doing the same on his right side pulls them close. Melting into their arms Rek could finally feel real safety. These two would do anything to make sure he was ok.

He's unsure how long they stayed there. Long enough for his eyes to dry and arms to weaken. His team moved to his sides mourning their friend. They don’t ask questions telling him they're ready whenever he is. How could he tell them what happened when he barely knows. This being his most reoccurring feeling only makes him feel worse.  Maybe the only way to get over it is to tell them what he can.

"We lagged hard but together. I guess it broke the server and killed him to compensate. Derap said it was the static feeling and I…" man why was this so hard? People have been banned before "I had splashed us with invis cause we didn't know what happened but then he said the numbness. He drank milk but he-" his voice catches in his throat "there was blood and then I-" don’t mention coughing the blood "he started losing hearts. Real hearts and then he was… gone." He had started crying again. His throat felt scratchy knowing what would happen Rek stifles his sobs to prevent the coughs.

Ro and Jumper lean into Rek a bit more after telling them that. Jumper links her arm in his starts speaking.

"Thank you for telling us. Know its not your fault, we'll make sure people know it wasn't."

With a steadying breath Rek nods slightly. "We should go home."

Nodding in response the two stand with Ro offering a hand to Rek who easily accepts. Turning towards the cliffs edge Rek feels a wave of nausea wash over him. Bracing himself on his knees he stands there for a moment waiting for it to pass or throw up whatever's left in his stomach.

His teammates notice stopping to turn to him. Ro places his hand on Rek's shoulder asking something ending in okay which Rek shakes his head in response. Closing his eyes he waits for it to pass while Ro turns to Jumper saying something that sounds underwater. Blood ends up coming up with the regeneration Squiddo left him with but his head clears.

Wiping the blood from his mouth Rek stands straight and starts walking towards the nether portal. Looking at the blood on the ground then quickly making eye contact Ro and Jumper stumble to catch up to Rek.

Traveling back to the base is a mix of silence and awkward glances daring each other to ask Rek about the blood. They decided to wait till they're back home. They don’t to that either. They only work on restocking supplies before Jumper suggests food the two agree to. The conversation is casual but stiff. Rek cans see the two watching him push around his food but he can't bring himself to eat it until Jumper finally brings it up.

"I know that today was already a lot but Rek, why where you throwing up?"

Rekrap freezes at the question trying to make a response "It was the first time I banned anyone, really banned anyone."

Looking at Rek, Ro adds to the initial question "First it wasn't your fault. Now I get throwing up but it was only blood and a potion. I get if you don’t want to talk about it but why was it?"

Eyes on his plate Rek blinks away his doubts. They care, that’s why they need to know. "After lagging it just happened. Ash and Squddo gave me regeneration thinking it was internal bleeding but it clearly wasn't." Nodding to his explanation the two accept the answer going back to a more comfortable silence.

Later in the day, even though they didn't want to, Ro and Jumper leave for their projects leaving Rek at the base. The planks in the ground being replaced by deepslate have Rek on edge long enough he leaves against his team's wishes. He messages them and heads to the tunnels with plenty of invisibility.

Digging he overhears a conversation between Mapicc and Baconwaffles about the void. He guesses the reset to this season wasn't as overhauling as it used to be. The fascination with the void is pretty normal after all but typically people stay away from what they do the previous season at least with the same people. It's not really a concern to Rek so he continues tunneling.

Later that day Rek hears running through the tunnels. Taking his armor off he's completely invisible he slowly creeps towards the person making noise. Seeing the armor floating through the halls only half confirms them being a tunnel rat. Them practically sprinting is what keeps Rek from being convinced.

Standing at an intersection ready to move out of the way, Rek shouts a hey to them. To late apparently because when Rek steps to the right path thinking they're going straight the wind easily gets knocked out of him after they turn last minute.

"Oh crap, Rek?"

Wheezing on the ground Rek squeaks out a very bad "yeah" taking a couple big breaths he asks "who is it?"

"Its Chief. Dude I'm so sorry, I was gonna jump Pentar but I need to learn the expansion really quick." Offering a hand up Rek takes it and puts his armor back on.

"Want a tour instead of wild sprinting?"

"Sure."

Showing off the extension by the end they're waiting by a new exit when Chief brings up the Derap ban asking what happened. Rek only tells him the death was unintentional leading to the idea of reviving him with Ash. But somethings off about the idea yet doesn’t know why.

Pentar getting to spawn leads to Chief leaving Rek to debate the resources needed to try a revival. There's no reason it shouldn't work but he almost knows it won't. Rek's never banned a person but he has revived some so why does it feel imposable. Standing at the exit Rek feels the sinking in his stomach again.

The redstone to get out isn't activating so Rek digs his way out as fast as possible. Scanning the surface he looks for any sign of life, movement, sound, anything. It's happening again the sinking is stronger. He shouts for Pentar and Chief hoping to help this time. Catching the glint a sword he starts sprinting towards it shouting at whoever to stop. It’s desperate and not his proudest moment but it pulls his attention.

When Pentar turns to look at the man the world kicks back into motion hitting Rek with the harsh wind knocking him over just a couple blocks away from Pentar. Getting his arms under him he keeps down the blood then tries to keep moving forward getting on his feet only to fall to shaking arms fighting for the blood not to come up. Why is it everyone Rek talks to ends up dead? Chief needs to be healed

"Pentar heal Chief."

"What? He just tried to jump me."

"Please." The sob in the word ends up convincing a confused Pentar. When he turns around though he freezes looking down at the man. Rek can only assume what happened so he stands stumbling to grab Pentar's shoulder as stability.

Realizing Rek's next to him and that this is what happened to the first guy Pentar turns grabbing Parker's shoulders pushing him away from the body. Holding him with his back to the wall of the lighthouse Rek is barely trying to get out of his hold

Pushing Pentar off Rek collapses getting rid of even more blood he definitely didn’t make back yet. Pentar previously peering around the corner refocuses on him taking a knee in front of him putting his hand back on his shoulder. The two end up staring at each other before the dark haired man speaks

"You won't run if I let go? I'm going to ask for an admin"

"No. I'll stay." So Pentar slowly lets go of Rek watching to see if he'll stick to his word. Quickly he pulls out his communicator first asking for an admin to come to spawn then messaging Jumper and Ro. Rek sits there knowing what happened but unable to put together why. No one to his knowledge has been banned under these conditions maybe the end of season 5 when it went hardcore but no one just died. Looking at his communicator he confirms the message

CHIEFXD has perished while fighting Peentar

CHIEFXD has been banned

There was something so very wrong with whatever's happening with the server. It's clear Chief had hearts if the Pentar was fighting back. If the world was in hardcore somehow Rek doubted Bacon and Mapicc would've been hanging about not helping put it back. Unless they wanted the void to be permanent. They could be playing with code to do so but they wouldn't abuse their power like that, not to mention Minute wouldn't let them either.

"Rek are you ok?" Looking up from his communicator Pentar is the one who asked but Minute stands behind him "you've just been staring into the communicator."

"Yeah, all good just zoned out. Minute, you would know if the server was being manipulated somehow right?" Pentar and Minute make eye contact before looking back at Rek.

"Yeah, the workload has been higher lately so the system is optimizing itself." While Minute responds Rek takes Pentars hand getting pulled up. That’s not that out of the ordinary for the server to be fixing itself but that means Minute isn't looking at it himself. Geez if Rek's head wasn't spinning this would be so much easier to put together. Leaning back on the lighthouse Rek can feel how heavy his body is.

"You sure you're good? How much blood did you lose?" Pentar makes a good point. He should go home, actually rest. Man does the base seem far from spawn, he could just go back to the tunnels… alone.

"Um, kinda a lot but we've all survived worse."

"With potions and Ro told me they weren't working well for you." Minute also makes a good point. "Let me help you to your base, this really doesn't look good."

"I can manage. You should be figuring out what happened with Derap and Chief. It's clear that at least Chief had hearts if Pentar was hitting back he shouldn't be banned." Pentar and Minute look at each other confused. Carefully moving towards Rek, Pentar places a hand on his shoulder.

"There's no one on the server with those names." Starting to feel for a fever Rek stares in disbelief "I called Minute for you, you threw up blood and your tolerance for potions are back so Jumperwho and Roshambo asked for people to be aware."

Rekrap can't help but stare at the man who saw Chief die how is Rek the concern right now. Also no Chief or Derap? What in the world is Pentar saying. Pushing off the wall and past Pentar he rounds the corner to where Chief was. Scanning the ground he isn't there. No one's here. He looks to his communicator

<Rekrap2> Anyone willing to hangout?

<Reprap2> Gave up on sleep. too much thinking

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̷̤̀D̸̼̈e̵͖͝r̷̗̀a̷̳͛p̵̗͆ĉ̴̻h̸̫͐ȕ̵̳ ̷̡̉ḓ̷͊i̷͇͗e̸̱̔d̵̯̚ ̷͈̔ẗ̶̲́r̷͔̒y̵̙͝ȋ̸͇n̶͉̎g̸̺̊ ̵̲̾t̸̜͠o̴͎͘ ̸̼̀e̷̱͗s̶̱̾ć̷̻a̵̤̓p̵̺͌e̴̻̓ ̸̔ͅR̷̢̉e̷̛͜k̷̰̊r̶̋ͅā̶̢p̵̗͊2̴͔͘

̴̢̓D̵̟̋e̵͕͛r̶͖͑å̴͈p̵͖̓c̵̝͐h̸͙͗ů̶̪ ̷̃ͅḥ̷͝a̵̙̓ś̷͜ ̷̥̓b̵͖́e̴̙͝e̴̩̓n̶̞̆ ̶̠̈́b̵̙͠ạ̸̚n̴̢̽n̷͚̂ḙ̴̃d̸̤͌

<Spepticle> that was 1am did you sleep yet?

<Woogiex> ^^

<Baconnwaffles0> ???

<4CVIT> I can if the offer's still open

<Yeah_Jaron messaged Rekrap2> are you ok? Jumper said potions haven't been working whats going on?

<4CVIT messaged Rekrap2> what's going on? I got a message from Ro and Squiddo seemed worried about you

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Chapter Text

Theres no death messages. There's no message from Derap even Reks private messages to him are gone. Pentar and Minute don't know who Chief or Derap are. Ignoring Minute and Pentar shouting at him to slow down Rek moves to the tunnels. Throwing the wind charge at the flower nothing happens. That’s fine it was broken anyway. Unable to find where he previously dug up he digs straight down where the entrance should be.

Theres no redstone there, no air bubble in the stone, and no tunnel in the chunk. At the correct y level there's not a trace of his work. Building back up Minute is still there trying to talk Rek out of whatever he's doing while Pentar is just following. Rek's still not listening no matter how rude it seems but somethings very wrong and they can't do anything to fix it if they don't know it is wrong. Anything above the surface is still there, the chunk wasn't reset.

Starting towards another tunnel entrance a wave of dizziness hits him leaving him to lean on a building for stability. Closing his eyes taking deep breaths he feels his heart beat in his head. It isn't ignoring the two anymore it's just they sound so far away. He needs to get away from them, but he's in no condition for a chase. If they're concerned enough they will chase him.

Easing concern would take time. He needs to leave now look into what he can without them believing he's crazy, if they do the whole server could be chasing him. The dizziness turning to nausea Rek sits down trying to keep his head on straight. The two now crouch in front of him even more concerned looking at him.

Minute has never seen Rek like this, nor heard of him like this. The man isn't telling them anything so he can't figure out what's actually wrong. Resistance to potions according to Jumper and Ro, throwing up blood according to everyone interacting with him, and schizophrenia? Looking at Pentar also in front of Rek he asks for him to get into contact with long time players who've worked with Rek. He takes a step back to do so before Rek starts coughing harshly. Rek reaching for the clasps of his chestplate but keep missing from his coughing, Minute quickly helps remove the piece.

Blood splatters the dirt and Minute looks for an injury on Rek who also pulls off his helmet. Rushing, Minute asks repeatedly what's happening with no answer. Rek has a hand on his thigh after coughing one last time. Wiping the blood off his lip on his sleeve Rek then moves suddenly about to throw something causes Minute to close his eyes hearing a potion shatter. Opening his eyes he sees the debris Rek had kicked up, boots only visible for a moment before those too are collected by the escape artist.

Sprinting invisible Rek turns down the road straight to an older tunnel entrance. Practically sliding through the door that closes before Minute turns the corner in his chase. Hearing him calling out for him rushing past, Rek lets himself take heavy breaths as he sneaks down the tunnel to look where the first entrance he tried was.

Getting there is as if he never started in that area. Normal stone in the doorway like it was before he and Derap started last night. Unable to move away he sits down staring at the stone before his communicators constant shaking draws his attention. Looking at the new messages Rek can't help but feel bad for not just talking to Minute and Pentar though he knows that would only make them believe he was crazier.

If it was just people he was talking to the gaps in interaction times don't make sense. He spent hours with Derap and maybe 5 minutes with Chief. The whole morning was with his team and they're trying to find him now. It was Derap and Chiefs first season, check in with the other newcomers maybe? JustKaboodle, Manepear, ECorridor, and SB737.

Kab is teamed with Clown. Corridor is at least good friends with Pentar. SB has a base with Pangi, he is a tunnel rat so maybe getting him to come to them with him is the best choice. Maybe it would kill him too. Mane is teamed with another newcomer… FLAME, Flamefrags. If Rek forgot Flame who else could be missing?

Repeating the names to himself Rek digs a room - where the tunnel used to be - placing signs for each person. He ends up placing an 8th sign but doesn't know who's supposed to be on it. For now he leaves it blank. Trying to find a name for them he stares slightly at the empty sign. Shaking it off he starts messaging Pentar and Clown asking them to keep an eye on their friends and give him updates. Both Mane and SB are a part of the tunnel rats so he might as well ask for them to come.

SB agrees out of concern for the man of the hour but is asked to come alone and to make sure he isn't followed. When Rek tries to message Mane the message corrupts not finding a communicator registered under the name. Rek updates the board in front of him. At least three of eight gone, probably five, maybe seven with no way to stop it. Whatever It is isn't even known.

It's the thing causing all his blood but there's no way to fix that. His paranoia has been getting bigger and bigger for so long that he hasn't even noticed them missing. He stares at the board running everything through his head when SB comes in.

"Whats up? looking at me like a ghost."

Rek smiles at the remark "With my luck might as well be."

"Hey, I'm not the most wanted person on the server right now. The tunnels are the only thing convincing me not to tell anyone." He sits next to Rek and looks at the signs with names. Rek watches SB tilt his head at the names squinting a tad at a couple before continuing. "You're missing Hannah."

Hannahxxrose is quickly put on the board and he sits back down pulling his knees to his chest. Rek almost feels like throwing up again knowing he forgot one of his friends. He really hasn't been getting enough sleep lately, his eyes are watering. From both his ignorance to what happened and only barely finding a pattern still not knowing what caused it.

"Woah, hey, everything's ok take a breath. No one's dead yet."

Disbelieving of what SB just said he looks to the man with a shocked expression. Watching SB not realize what he said Rek responds "Yes, they did."

Squinting slightly SB looks at Parker before his face slackens "I forgot… I'm sorry, I just- I don't know why I said that, Im sorry."

"Yeah, Minute and Pentar forgot fully about Derap and Chief right after Chief's death. You're not the only one."

SB nods trying to process the information. Parker takes a breath knowing someone else sees what's happening. "Do we know about the other two who supposedly aren't missing? They could know what else is going on."

Looking at his communicator not to far back Pentar messaged him saying Ecorridor was with him and that Rek should tell them what's happening. ClownPierce questioned why he needed an update on Kab.

"I'll message Kaboodle to meet up, Clown didn't say anything." SB nods standing from his spot of the ground dusting himself off before pulling Rekrap up after him.

"Then let's start moving."

It takes a bit of convincing to get Kab to meet up at any cords she picked but eventually Rek and SB are standing on grass thousands of blocks out. Avoiding people at spawn is practically second hand nature to the pair. Their moods more lightened from the fooling about they initially did before getting the cords. In the middle of their laughing they cut themselves off hearing something move in the forest beside them. Something's wrong.

Rek grips the invisibility at his side scanning the forest line. He feels the sinking in his stomach again but the world doesn't stop. SB holds his axe ready for whatever comes. When they hear a distinct voice anyone on the server could recognize.

"Rek, we want to help there's no need to bring SB or Kaboodle into this." ClownPierce leading with diplomacy walking into view.

"Clown, where's Kaboodle?" Rek asks as he starts stepping back.

SB glancing between the two add on "No need for drastic action. We're just concerned for her, we're trying to help."

"By finding people and banning them? Don’t think I haven't realized you're connection to them." That means he remembers them.

"Clown, please I wouldn't do that, you know that. Please we're trying to find out what's happening, where's Kaboodle?"

"Spawn, she was looking for you till you messaged her." At Clowns response SB taps Rek looking at him instead of Clown. Nodding he splashes the invis and the two start running away pulling elytra on and flying to spawn.

With Clown on their tails they split up to give at least one person the opportunity to get to Kaboodle to explain. Wind rushing past, Rek feels light headed with lack of air and just his luck he's the one Clown followed. If Clown had intended to fight Rek could get in lots of trouble for flying away.

His lead slowly closing Rek quickly turns around flying under Clown who knicks him with his sword before following, moving away from spawn. Looking back to double check he's following Clown swings at Rek who collapses his wings rolling through the air before opening them narrowly avoiding the sword.

Watching Clown turn around again he realizes needs a better plan. Even with the adrenaline flowing through him Rek can't shake his dizziness. So he settles on the only thing he can think of and starts moving straight up, and Clown willingly follows. Eventually when he can't see the ground the air stops ripping past and his vision slowly darkens. Definitely not the best plan

Clown watches Rek fly far past the safe level of flight and hesitates to follow him up. Rek doesn't train low oxygen conditions he's just disregarding his safety to get away from him, he should've just followed SB. Clown flys after Rek anyway trying to tell him he'll pass out at these heights. Rek does slow down letting Clown sigh in relief before Reks body starts plummeting.

Parker falls past unconscious making Clown dive after the man. Slightly panicking he screams for the man to wake up, finally grabbing Rek by the leg Clown pulls him closer in order to wrap his arms around Rekrap's chest to make it an easier landing. He feels the other stir but focuses on slowing their descent when he feels Rek starts squirming. unable to brake Clowns hold Rek decides to kick off him putting plenty of air between them as they both go into a freefall.

Rek orients himself quickly deploying his elytra and rocketing off. Clown deploys his elytra before facing the ground causing him to spiral into the birch forest below. Crashing through the tree branches he's like a comet when he crashes into the ground. He initially tries getting up but barely sitting on half a heart he can feel the pain take hold. Back on the ground he settles on eating a gap before he follows the man that’s evidently a danger to others and himself.

Rek's flying isn't clean nor clear to where he's going but he somehow gets near spawn before gravity catches up causing him fall damage before putting him flat on his back. When the wind stops it's so quiet he can hear the blood in his head and his heart beating out of his chest. He slightly wonders why Clown isn't here yet but unable to pick himself up there's no use in thinking about it, just get moving before Clown is here you're just loosing distance.

When all internal noises quiet down Rek realizes how little is happening on the outside too. Flipping over onto his arms Rek scans the area for movement. Unable to tell he just looks down at the grass for the bugs or wind to rustle it, only to be met with stillness. If he's right its SB, Kab, or Corrridor.

This time he doesn't run but sits back on his knees, he knows he won't be able to do anything to change the outcome just like the last two times. Clown thinks it's his fault anyway, if it's Kab, Clown will stop at nothing to ban Rek. Still doesn't stop the tears from falling. Something he can do is start moving. So he stands, one leg that took the brunt of his fall hurting like hell with blood dripping down it, Clowns swing must have gotten him better than he thought. With nothing better stopping him, Rek starts limping towards spawn failing to hide it.

He barely makes it anywhere before Clown lands a couple bocks in-front of him. Stopping in place Rek doesn't look up from the ground when Clown commands him to explain what he's doing, how the world's stopped, what his plan is. Rek just snivels in response, wishing the pain away waiting for Clown to attack him. Everything in him is telling him to run, to hide, to get away but he just can't bring himself to do it, he wouldn't make it far with his leg anyway. His strength can only hold for so long and the emptiness in his stomach only makes it harder. When has that stopped him from trying? Why is this different from every other time he's been at a disadvantage?

"You remember Derap and Chief? Hannah, Flame, Mane?" He doesn't get a response just a cold stare but who cares anymore. "Tell Minute, he doesn't believe me. If I'm banning people you have all right to do the same but they didn't deserve it." Clown's eyebrows twitch with a doubt causing Rek to be even more desperate limping towards the man holding the sword. The tears keep flowing as he practically begs for someone to understand "I'm banning people right? Who did I ban? Who's gone? WHO'S DEATH AM I-"

Clown stabs him. It's not unexpected, in fact it's what he was banking on. He coughs up blood, far more painfully this time but his body's responding as expected. He can't help but smile slightly at that fact, it might not be taking potions but it will reset, one heart less but it's working. Looking at Clown who for the first time looks horrified at the dying man clearly shocked at what Rek said as he smiles at his own death. This was his plan, it has to be. Why didn't he dodge, fight back, run, anything except accept his death. Rek never dies to another without a fight unless doing it on purpose. He's dead before Clown thinks to heal him.

Chapter Text

Clown's left staring at Rek's pile of items. He fucked up. Placing down a chest he slowly dumps the items inside debating what to do next. He said to talk to Minute about the bans. Who did Rek ban? He was talking with SB and Kaboodle so they could be next. How is he banning people without multiple deaths? He can't think to of a solution to the question so he'd been ignoring it. Soon enough he starts walking to spawn to try to find Minute to ask his questions.

At spawn Clown finds Minute talking to SB about hiding information and how stupid what he did was. Looking in the area for context he sees Kab calmly talking with Jumper and Ro. Jumper leaves before seeing Clown, if a fight starts It would probably be a 3 v 1 if she stayed. Ro still spots the man though. With a defensive demeanor he asks about Rek. Clown gives a shitty summary on what happened but a summary non the less.

"I knew something was off but he really hasn't had that level of self endangerment since a long time ago, probably even before he left lifesteal." That is rather concerning, he's glad Ro had made that connection but it does make his suspicion sound stupid. It's Rekrap he wouldn't be banning people.

"I thought he was trying to ban others but I'm not so sure anymore."

"Are you guys talking about the same Rekrap I'm thinking of? He's one of the most trustworthy, joyful people on the server how would Jumper or someone else not notice that behavior?" Kaboodle jumping in the conversation only makes Clown realize that only the people who've played with Rek have seen the comparison.

"Jumper saw it before I did but I hadn't seen his behavior myself. I'll go join her, Kaboodle you're feeling alright?"

"Yeah, not sure what happened but I don't feel it anymore, you're good to go check on him." At the confirmation Roshambo flies off after Jumper letting Clown look disappointed at Kaboodle hearing about something going wrong. "It's just a bit of blood SB was trying to tell me something when we started coughing blood. We were given regen and we're fine now."

That’s a symptom of whatever Rek has. This is wrong, it has to be.

He rips out of bed with a gasp before throwing up what feels like all of his blood. The burning in his throat and the sour taste of acid doesn't bring him comfort either. He checks his health, nine hearts. Clown did kill him. He could've sworn the coughing and vomit would've stopped with a death.

Rek's head is swimming with the blood loss. Nothing in the plans he made was safe or even good jumps to make. Checking his communicator theres no deaths except his and he couldn't be happier to take a death to keep others from a ban. Probably the only thing he tried that went to plan. Laying back down he takes a breath, relief flooding him ignoring the pain in his throat.

Waking up again he hears movement in the base. He didn't grab a back up set of armor and tools before he fell back asleep. Rushing to the chest in his room the only thing left is an invis that he quickly drinks. Its thick having the taste of something rotten with a sickeningly sweet coating. Rek ducks behind his chest silently gaging at the taste that means safety. He can't think like that, splashing has the same safety. he has to go, he's dead if he's spotted. He hears the persons footsteps pass twice, they're not by the door.

Get out. Run. Go away. Get out of my head. Why is that in his head. His eyes closed, hands on his head he only wishes for everything to stop just for a moment. The death, the bans, the words he swore were gone months ago, the people, the stress, the life, this, Everything. Everything needs to stop. For a moment it feels like it does. Like someone put him back to normal, the step back that makes the panic an old scar only agitated. It feels like peace, like the quiet finally set in. It's quite. It's wrong. Someone was in the base he can't stop. Stopping was a death sentence. This is wrong.

Barreling through his door he glances his surroundings. Its wrong, the sugercane's gone cause the whole ground turned to deepslate. He needs stuff. He turns for the auto brewers accidentally shouldered someone at the entrance but keeps going grabbing invisibility potions. The man confusingly says Rek's name so he grabs two turtle masters to try to rush past.

Half turned Roshambo watches the Invisibility chest open the potions get pulled out fast and tucked away faster. Standing in the middle of the doorway he realizes it is Rek but when said his name he just gets ignored. The chest closes and only for a split second does another chest opens before Rek throws one of the potions at Ro. Stumbling back to avoid the effect Rek takes the opportunity to run past. Ro reaches for the invisible man practically shouldering him managing to get ahold of his jacket.

Getting yanked, Rek spins slightly from the moment but Ro keeps hold. Now facing each other Ro pulls the man closer to fight against his attempts to run grabbing his other shoulders for a better grip. Looking at his teammate Rek stills as does his anxiety before seconds later the voice hounds him for trusting a fighter and a lier. They both betrayed you, Clown was right about him, A ban would be better than betrayal. He cant help but tear up before Ro even starts talking.

"You're not ok. After your death Clown was worried. You're invis in our own base, only grabbing more instead of speed, fire resistance, or more turtle masters after knowing someone else was here. I'm worried, Minute and Jumper are worried, everyone's worried" the silence kills Ro knowing Rek had nothing to say. Rek wouldn't ever meet anyone with anger but he would've responded with something so Ro continues more somber "You aren't yourself, it's almost like we're back to season 3. You were so hunted that you couldn't trust and I'm sorry that was left to fester. That isn't happening anymore I promise."

He's really messed up isn't he. Ro's right, about all of it but it isn't just Rek's issue, there's so much more going on he just can't figure out what. He hugs the man, his tears soaking the cape. For a split second the white is blue and he can't help but hold Ro a little tighter mumbling an apology.

Returning the potions the two sit on the floor of the entrance before Jumper comes back with Rek's stuff. They watch him while he organizes his inventory. Trying to shake off the harder feelings he looks down the halls of the base scanning the changes.

"Do we want to redo the floor? Unless you guys were the ones to change it." He question was clearly wasn't a good one as the two look at each other before Jumper speaks.

"This was always the floor. Maybe you should get some rest, it's been a long day." She's making a video right? She's so known for this but why wouldn't she have dropped the bit after everything happening, just a break.

"Rek, its been like this for as long as we had it. We can change it if you'd like." There's no way. Rek starts pacing trying to wrap his head around why they'd do this. When he showed the two the upgrades they where floored by just the floor, Ro has to be apart of the prank pretending nothings wrong. Why'd he trust a lier and a fighter.

"Haha, yeah, yeah, yeah. You didn't change the floor, it hasn't changed in-fact. Just a good prank to put Rek more on edge for a trap that doesn't come." Take a hidden breath, Ro said that it wouldn't happen again. No traps, no betrayal, but if not them why aren't they put off by it? Pretending it wasn't ever different.

Jumper hesitantly looks to Ro for an answer, maybe confirm they're seeing the same thing. She'll have to talk to Minute about everything with Rek maybe it's his code. He's always been a bit anxious but this is a lot, according to Ro this is more how he acted when playing previous seasons.

"I'm sorry, It's just... You remember Derapchu right?"

Jumper shakes her head, maybe it was an older player? So she looks at Ro to see him shaking his head as well. Looking back to Rek he's avoiding eye contact slightly nodding his head before he speaks again.

"I'm gonna go to bed, I'll talk to you guys tomorrow." They walk with him. When he closes his door Jumper puts her back to the wall across from it. Slowly sinking to the floor where Ro joins her linking their arms. She rests her head on his shoulder and says the only thing she can think about

"Rek isn't okay is he"

Ro hadn't wanted to admit it but he knows it's true "He's not, but he's been here before. He can make it out."

She frowns slightly responding in a whisper "how?"

"It'll take time but we'll get there"

"What would I do without you boys" Ro gives a small smile to the comment.