TW: Slight Claustrophobia?

Pine didn't like leaving the hermits but she didn't want any else to get hurt.

The hermits had been so good to them but she knew Ember better than any of them.

This would either end in sacrifice, betrayal, or something much worse.

Technically, Scar and Cub had been lost before but Ember and Pine both made a promise to never tell the hermits that.

'But what if it could help?'

Watchers...skulk... what's next?

Pine sighed midair and found a nearby hill to land. They brought out Ember's newly-made sword and how it gleamed in the sun. 'I'm doing this for Ember.'

The hermits stood still as a figure came into view. Xisuma was the first to speak. "Pine? I thought they had..." his voice trailed off as Pine grew closer.

She had a panicked look in their eyes and when they landed her hands shook.

"There's something I need to tell you...it's about where we came from."

The hermits were curious now and got closer as Pine spoke.

"It was called the School of the ConVex... in honor of the Convex from season six. We broke it into two schools. The school of Con that focused on pranks and redstone chaos, and Vex that focused on magic and building. But then he came. He brought destruction and malice to the schools and was eventually driven out. But not before the skulk came."

Pine took a breath and felt the suspicious eyes on her.

"It corrupted the schools and us. It took over our minds like it did some of you and...when we were finally able to defeat it somewhat it receded. It said it would find a new home...we never thought here."

The hermits stood still. Until one voice started yelling.

Pine's eyes grew wide as the hermits came closer.

'This was a mistake. I'm so sorry Ember...I'm so sorry!"