(Doc's POV)

I growl as I clean up the wounds from Grian, and push back Grian's ears.

I have to save him.

I don't know why, I just know I have to.

For a day, I have been here, trying to fix Grian up.

I don't know if it works.

His black scar still looks awful. 

A bell sounds from outside.

Xisuma has called a meeting.

Sighing, I gently drape a blanket over Grian, and walk outside.

(X's POV)

The murmuring grows louder. I clear my throat for attention.

"As you all know," I start. "Grian has been attacked in a way. It is not yet clear exactly how."

The muttering stops, and changes to concerned,

"Is he okay?"

"When will he recover?"

"Oh no!"

"Youch!"

I motion with my hand for silence. "This is the second attack, in a way.", I say.

Everyone then looks at Scar sympathetically, who sheepishly shrinks down.

Cub straightens his Vex charm.

Everyone is silent.

"Who's responsible, then?", Scar says with false cheer.

"Unknown."

More silent.

Python's claws shyly raise into the air.

"Yes, Python?", I ask him.

The hybrid's eyes dart around nervously. "What if.. they were indeed caused by different things, but something-or someone- else is giving them the orders or will to do so?", he says slowly, which is rare.

I stay silent.

I've never thought of that.

"You could be right.", I finally say.

He sits back down.

I then decide to explain some more. "I don't know if she attacked him or not-"

"Who's "she"?", Wels asks.

I glare at him. "I was getting to that part. I think that infamous distant relative of mine, MaraMelantha is responsible for Grian's injuries. He dons a bracelet on his hand that's engraved with her name, and looks exactly like hers, if the stories are correct."

Silence, then shocked muttering.

"We'll think more on it soon.", I promise, and walk over to the bell, punch it again to ring it, and ended the meeting.

As they walk away, I start thinking in horror, "What if Yortsed was dragged to this? What if.. I caused it by gathering us together?"

(Mumbo's POV)

I walk timidly up to X.

I tap his muscular shoulders.

"Wha-", he cries out startled, but calms down when he realizes me. "Oh. Oh, sorry Mumbo.", he says.

I nod shyly. "I was wondering.. could I visit Grian? I want to see him."

Xisuma nods slightly. "Yes, you may."

So, I walk to Doc's hut, where Grian still lay on the table.

I sit next to him, and made myself comfortable.

"Hey, Grian. I just hope you're alright. We're worried about you.", I say to him, even though I know that he probably won't wake up.

But, one of his dark, deep brown eyes slightly open, and blink up at me, turning slightly away from me. "Urghh..", he groans. "How long was I out?", he inquires.

I decide to answer honestly. "A day and a half."

"WHAT?!"

I gently push Grian's skinny body back down.

"Calm down.. Just came in to check on you.", I reassure him. 

Grian sighs. "Can.. can you keep a promise, and, or a secret, Mumbo?", he asks seriously.

"Uhhh... yes?"

He faces me, and he opens his other eye.

I gasp.

The scarred eye was black, and the pupil was red.

"I know I can't hide this. This isn't the problem.", Grian starts explaining, and I realize he's shaking. He's scared out of his mind. "I need to lift a burden off my back before hell breaks loose."

I nod.

"I... I think Mara now has a way to influence me or something. I hear her jeering at me in my head as I sleep. I battle her powerful wings every sleeping hour. I don't want to worry anyone e-even more..", he explains, shivering, his eyes in a dazed horror. "I  also want you to promise me something else."

"I-um-okay?", I reply nervously.

Grian smiles for a split second.

"Can you promise me.. that you'll try really hard to protect me in any way you can? Even if I don't like it? I don't think I can do it to myself very good."

His eyes almost pierce my soul.

"I promise, Grian."

(WOOO!!! Three lines of prophecy fulfilled/being fulfilled. Could you guess them?)