"Why. Why him?" Ren croaked, glaring at Taurtis. "What did he do to deserve this?"

Taurtis met his gaze without faltering. "That doesn't concern you. All you must know, is that this isn't the last you'll see of me. My work isn't finished quite yet. You could say... My purpose has changed. And one more thing." He turned away, tossing the last few words over his shoulder. "I wouldn't channel Renbob anymore, if I were you."

T̓͌͟Ᏼ̟᷁ᚨỤ̥̃̌r̩̄͢tަ͏᷉i̧̥̍s̩ͫ͡ left the world

Samgladiator left the world

___________________________

Six Hermits sit at the edge of a cliff, still in shock of what had just happened.

Scar was the first to break, hugging himself as sobs racked his body.

Mumbo was next, hiding his head in his hands as he wept.

Xisuma was third, saying nothing as silent tears streamed down his face.

False stared into the void in silence, as if she was hoping Grian would zoom out of there with his signature grin.

Ren buried his face in his knees, shaking.

Stress handled it the best, choking back her own tears as she checked Xisuma for injuries. When she finished, she stood up and broke the silence.

"Let's go home."

___________________________

Joe Hills: The Infinity Portal's on! They're back!

Docm77: OMW

Within minutes, the rest of the Hermits had gathered around the infinity portal as Doc let the rescue party back into the server.

Stress was the first to step out, followed by Xisuma whose face was hidden by his helmet.

It wasn't until Scar stepped out that everyone realized the air of grief around the rescue party. Scar, usually happy-go-lucky Scar, had bloodshot eyes and a depressed expression.

A hush fell over the crowd as almost the rest of the team stepped out.

It was Iskall who broke the silence, asking the question no-one dared to ask.

"Wheres Grian?"

Mumbo broke the news. "He... He Perma-died."

Mumbo quickly explained what was happening, and after a few moments of silence for the Fae, the Hermits began to disband to head back to their bases, dejection rippling across the server like wildfire. Soon, the only Hermits left at the portal were Xisuma, Joe, and Mumbo.

"So this is it, huh?" Mumbo said, resting his head on his knees. "What happens now?"

"We move on to Season 7." Xisuma answered quietly. "Well build a grave for Grian there."

"It's about time anyways." Joe sighed. "With everything that's happened in the last six months, the season change was long overdue."

"When do you want to switch Xisuma?" Mumbo asked.

Xisuma glanced at the infinity portal. "In a few days. I'll make the announcement tomorrow, after everyone has had some time to mourn. The day after will be for wrapping up unfinished projects and whatnot, and we'll switch the next morning."

Another bout of silence settled over the three.

"He was only with us for one season." Mumbo whispered. "And yet he had such an influence. He was a part of almost every major event, not to mention the ones he caused."

"The Grian Head Hunt, Civil War, Build Off in Hermitville, and the whole Area 77 shenanigans." Joe added.

"And his ambitious builds. He always went above and beyond." Xisuma added.

Mumbo smiled a little. "Remember when he'd dress up as Poultry Man and throw eggs at everyone?"

"A little birdy told me he was also the salmon ghost." Joe smiled as well."

Xisuma chuckled. "We can't forget the whole Sahara business."

"Or Sherlock Grian."

"Don't tell me y'all forgot about the Elytra Course."

"There was that one time he 'stole' the stock exchange's diamonds."

The three shared memories of the builder until the sun set over the horizon. It certainly helped dull the pain of the loss, although not taking it away completely. They still had to heal.

And if when Mumbo climbed into bed that night, and he wished he'd wake up to Grian messing with his redstone or doing loop-de-loops in the air, that was okay.

_______________________

It's midnight rn, so I'm going to bed. I'll cringe at my mistakes in the morning.

I have a name for the sequel, but I want a last minute opinion. I'm thinking of calling it "Freeze." What do y'all think? 

Also, two chapters left! And then an awkward space of time where I do chapter titles and fix up the chapters (I'm halfway through that task :P) before I write the prologue for the sequel!

And one more thing, there will be a lot of hope next chapter for you guys, since y'all have *jazz hands* context!!!!! You'll have to search the various hints and subtle clues I've dropped in the past ten or so chapters as to what really happened. It will of course be revealed in the sequel, but if you wanna try and find out beforehand, be my guest! :D