Scar treats my injuries in silence as we sit in Xisuma’s base, waiting for him to talk with us. Tears run down my face. I don't cry any more than that. But Scar still shuffles closer.

‘Don’t blame yourself, Cub. We had no clue he was there,’ he whispers.

‘I hit him with vex magic. I hurt him,’ I glance over at the door through which, as far as I know, Skizz is still lying in agony. Scar forces me to look away, towards him.

‘We didn't know.’

‘I should’ve known.’

‘You didn't. And we’ve told the hermits before to stay out of our business if it looks dangerous.’

‘Skizz is new.’

‘He’s been here over a year. We said it at the start of the season, we’ve said it since… come on, Cub. He’d already shoved you. He didn't have to get aggressive with us.’

I don't speak. Scar dabs healing potion over a scratch on my shoulder. There’s voices outside Xisuma's base, getting louder.

Impulse.

‘...with vex magic for trying to help them?! That’s bullshit, Tango! Why the fuck are you taking their side!’

‘I’m not taking their side! But Skizz was as much of an idiot as they were… we all know if there’s vex shit going down, we find someone who can handle it instead of running in face-’

They enter the room.

‘...first…’ Tango stops, an arm out in front of Impulse. ‘Hey guys.’

‘Cub.’ Impulse’s glare cuts straight through me.

‘It wasn't his fault,’ Scar shoots back, before Impulse can say any more. ‘Cub had no way of knowing it was Skizz.’

‘You hurt him.’ Impulse says. There is ice in every syllable. ‘You hurt Skizz.’

‘I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.’

‘When all he was doing was trying to keep you safe.’

‘We were safe,’ Scar spits back.

‘How the fuck would Skizz know that when you’re covered in blood and screaming at each other?! Any hermit would think there was something wrong, that- that you were possessed, and right in the middle of Tango’s game?! Seriously?!’

‘If Skizz was worried, he should’ve told someone. He chose to put himself in danger.’

‘And how did you repay him?’

‘Impulse, come on. You’re here to see Skizz.’

‘Fuck off, Tango,’ Impulse snaps. Scar continues glaring back at him.

‘It’s fine, Scar,’ I mutter.

‘If you want to argue with them later, sure, but Skizz wants to talk to you.’

‘Fine.’ Impulse obeys. His accusing stare doesn't shift from me and Scar as he stalks further into the room. I hug closer to Scar, unable to meet it.

And then Impulse attacks.

He kicks Scar, right in the side. Scar lets out a yelp, curling up. I’m on my feet. Impulse just continues on faster, into the next room, slamming the door behind.

‘HEY- HEY! IMPY WHAT THE CRAP?!’ Tango shouts as he runs after. I fall back next to Scar.

‘I’m fine,’ Scar lies, wincing with pain. There are tears in his eyes. ‘I’m fine… that- ow…’

There's arguing inside. I hug Scar, on the verge of crying, closing my eyes.

‘I’m sorry.’

‘What the fuck are you sorry for?!’ Scar snaps. I fall silent. ‘Notch- sorry… I’m just pissed off at people blaming you…’

‘It’s cool, man.’ Scar hugs closer to me. I note the gashes across his arm. ‘Pass the bandages?’

He does, not speaking. I start handling his injuries as he lies there in silence. It’s not long later that Xisuma appears.

‘Ah, you’re still here… Cubfan, I need to ask you some questions about what happened.’

We both stand up.

‘Just Cub.’ Xisuma continues. I glance at Scar. ‘Scar, I’ll talk to you after.’

Scar squeezes my hand, not wanting to let go.

‘Good luck,’ he mutters. I give a small nod and I follow Xisuma into some smaller room in his base. Tango and Impulse’s shouting has died down. I hear what might be Skizz talking.

‘How’s he doing?’ I dare to ask. A sigh back.

‘No permanent damage, unless the Vex take interest. But a lot of painkillers and potions will be needed, and a good few weeks in bed.’

‘Can I help? Making potions?’

‘That would be much appreciated, thank you.’

Xisuma sits down, signaling to the other seat. The need for Scar here with me only grows. I sit down,

‘So, Cubfan. What happened?’

‘Me and Scar were playing Hungry Hermits… Skizz and Tango were there, but went off to fix something… So me and Scar were alone, and we’d been playing for a while, we were in pretty good shape for maybe winning the game. But we made a couple silly mistakes and lost. And I’ve been working on my base a lot recently, Scar has too, so the Vex were getting antsy and demanding for chaos. And I could tell we were both annoyed by the failure. So I offered a little play fight to calm down, Scar accepted, we started fighting.’ I hesitate, trying to judge Xisuma’s reaction beneath his mask. Nothing.

‘Go on.’

‘So we were just playfighting, and then someone dragged me to my feet. I didn't think Tango or Skizz had returned, they hadn't told us they had, we didn't see them in the lobby after the previous day. And, in the heat of the moment, with the Vex, I thought it was Scar. So I fought back. And he pushed me, harder than I was happy with, so I tried to end the fight. Except our signal to stop is a blast of vex magic.’ another pause. ‘And it wasn't Scar, it was Skizz. Tango came in to see what was going on. He called you over.’

‘I see. Had Tango and Skizz told you they were coming back?’

‘I think so.’

Silence. I fight to urge to continue and justify myself.

‘Did they come back particularly early?’

‘I don't know how long they took to come back. But we’d seen they still hadn’t returned not long before the fight.’

‘How long do your fights normally last?’

‘It varies. That one would’ve been pretty short, Scar was already flagging when Skizz intervened.’

‘I see.’ Another pause. I can’t see what Xisuma is writing. I scratch at my palm, nervous, until he looks up. ‘So, as what happened with Skizz was accidental, and you clearly regret what you did, I won't punish you. But any further intentional fights in public where other hermits can see or get hurt, and there will be punishment for you and Scar. Ok?’

‘Ok. Thank you.’

‘Now, I hear there was also an incident with Impulse just now?’

‘Impulse was upset at us for getting Skizz hurt. He and Scar were arguing a little, and he kicked Scar on the way out. Pretty hard,’ I explain briefly

‘I see… I’ll make sure to tell him off for that. Is Scar ok?’

‘Hurting a bit, and upset at Impulse. But nothing too serious.’

‘And how are you doing? Physically and mentally?’

‘Nothing me and Scar can't fix,’ is the simplest answer. Xisuma’s eyes narrow.

‘Are you sure?’

I nod.

‘Do you have any questions, or worries?’

‘Can I see Skizz?’

‘Once Tango, Zed and Impulse have left, I don't see why not. He wanted to talk with you too.’

‘Oh?’ I try to keep my tone even. Xisuma continues.

‘Just to chat. He’s not mad at you. He’s been handling this incredibly well.’

‘Ok. Yeah. Chatting sounds good.’ My worry disappears.

‘And what do you want me to tell the other hermits?’

‘The truth. If… Skizz and Scar are happy with that.’

‘Alright, thank you, Cubfan. That’s everything I wanted to know… just make sure to call Scar in as you leave.’

‘I will, yeah. See you, X. And thanks again.’

‘Bye, Cubfan.’

And I leave the room.