With the other Lifers out of the way, I return focus to Cub and Scar. They're now sat against a tree, Cub running a hand through Scar's hair as he sobs, refusing to let him go. I take a deep breath. My guilt only grows as I speak.

'We need to go now, Scar.'

'I'm not going, Grian,' Scar says, somewhere between sobbing and laughing. 'You can't convince me to go.'

'5 minutes,' Cub mutters.

'We don't have 5 minutes. The Watchers are getting impatient.'

'Then distract them!'

'That's not going to work, Cub! That's not how Watchers work! We've been through this!'

'My Vex mask is in my pocket, Grian,'

I step back, a flash of panic passing through me.

'Scar, no.'

'If the Watchers want me to do another fucking Life Series torture chamber death game of lies and betrayal and everyone picking on me constantly, then I'm doing it possessed.'

'Cub, you-'

'I'm not changing his mind.' Cub replies. 'If you're forcing him into the Life Series, then you're doing it on his terms. I'm happy to get to a Safe Room.'

'The Watchers will kill him.'

'The Watchers will kill me anyway, Grian!'

'No they won't! I agreed to protect you! I promise to protect you, Scar!' I snap. 'Seriously, do you think I want this? I'm your friend. If the Watchers try anything, I. Will. Protect. You. There are ways that don't involve putting the other Lifers, Cub, and potentially yourself in danger. Seriously.'

'You promise to protect him, Grian?' Cub speaks. I manage to meet his gaze.

'Yes.'

'You promise?'

'I promise.'

For a moment Cub considers. I think I've finally got somewhere before he speaks again.

'I want to know for certain you're committed. Are you happy to do a Vex promise?'

'What's a Vex promise?'

'If you break the promise, the Vex will kill you.' A flash of pure white in Cub's eyes, a flash of sharp fangs in his smile. A Vex dagger appears in his hand. Scar glances over. He doesn't speak, just snuffling, hugging Cub tight. My heart races. Already, I know this won't be fun. But if it proves I'll protect Scar?

'Alright.'

'Then give me your hand, palm up.'

I crouch down to Cub and Scar's level before reaching out my left hand. Cub takes it. He holds the vex dagger against it. I panic, reflexively pulling away. Cub holds my hand tighter, glancing up at me.

'Are you sure you want to go through with this? This is a life-long commitment, Grian. And it will hurt. But me and Scar are right here, and it's the only way I'll be alright to accept Scar in the Life Series again.'

'I'm sure I want to do this.' I'm not. But I have to be.

'Then say the exact promise you want to make. Take all the time you need to get it right. Wording is very, very important.' I nod, thinking for a moment before speaking.

'I promise to do everything within my power that does not cause more harm to me, the Hermits, the members of the Life Series, or any other innocent player, or to any server...' As I speak, Cub slowly cuts across my palm, drawing blood. I try not to wince, or break free, or scream. '...to protect GoodTimesWithScar from any long-lasting or life threatening physical, mental or psychological harm that the Watchers attempt to cause him, particularly within the Life Series or other situations where he cannot be aided by Cubfan135.' The moment I finish speaking, Cub glances up again. He doesn't remove the knife.

'Good. Now, repeat after me: By the power of the Vex, I make this promise.'

'By the power of the Vex, I make this promise.'

'With Cubfan135 and GoodtimeswithScar present as Vexling witnesses.'

'With Cubfan135 and GoodTimeswithScar present as Vexling witnesses.'

'And accept the wrath of the Vex and any punishment they give for breaking it.'

'And accept the wrath of the Vex and any punishment they give for breaking it.' As I say their name, the cut starts glowing bright blue, stinging with magic. I fight the urge to run.

'May this scar serve as a reminder of my promise until it has been fulfilled.'

'May this scar serve as a reminder of my promise until it has been fulfilled.'

'And a warning if I threaten to break it.'

'And a warning if I threaten to break it.'

Cub says something in Vex that I clumsily echo back. The cut burns even more, I bite my tongue to stop myself screaming as Vex fire flares around the knife blade and surrounds us. Cub's eyes are closed, he's muttering something that must be his side of the promise. His Vex wings are wide behind him, glowing with magic. Tears run down my cheeks, I struggle to control my panic. I just keep reminding myself that this is for Scar, this is for Scar, this is for Scar. Until hundreds of high-pitched cold voices tear through my mind.

'The pact is sealed. Break it and the we will have revenge.'

The fire extinguishes.

The ritual ends.

The knife disappears, leaving my hand slick with blood. Exhaustion floods through me, I nearly collapse, panting for breath. Cub keeps me steady, hands on my shoulders, concern in his green eyes.

'Are you alright?'

'Y-yeah.' I nod, but I'm more focused on my palm. The pain's faded to a dull throbbing, it's tingling with the foreign magic. Cub notices.

'Your hand's fine. Here,' Cub fishes a cloth and a water bottle from his pocket, gently wiping away the blood. Where the knife cut me is now a healed, pearly blue scar. I run a finger along it.

'Oh Notch that's... wow.'

'It'll only bleed or hurt when the Vex think you're going to break the promise. So... whenever Scar's in danger from the Watchers.' I nod.

'I'll keep an eye on that.'

'Don't worry. The Vex aren't subtle with punishment,' On that warning, Cub turns to Scar. 'Now, Scar, I will be right here when the session is over. I promise.'

Scar's eyes widen. He mutters something in Vex. Cub replies, also in Vex. He's crying. So's Scar. But, as the two continue conversing, I hear acceptance in Scar's voice. Before he hugs Cub, sobbing. Cub hugs back, whispering one last thing.

I don't need to speak Vex to know he's saying goodbye.

When they finally break apart, Scar's no longer crying. He stands, stepping away. I can see his unwillingness in every slow movement. I take his hand.

'Ready?'

'Y-yeah,' he tries to smile. Cub waves goodbye. He's crying again. Scar barely manages a goodbye back before turning to the portal.

And we step through.

Wanted to do a little thing before [REDACTED] Life starts

This was supposed to be one part but then the whole Vex promise happened so 2 parts it is.

I might make the Vex promise one of my long-term headcanons. It's a fun idea. And a fun way to know Scar's in danger.